So, remember that hearing problem I wrote about? Turns out it’s slightly more serious than I thought. An MRI discovered that I have an acoustic neuroma, which is a benign tumor that can be removed by surgery. At this stage it’s relatively small, but left unchecked it could grow to the point that it presses against my brainsteam – a life-threatening situation. Needless to say, I’m getting the damn thing removed soon.
The procedure is scheduled for September 6, and should last 4-5 hours. I’ll be in the hospital for 3-5 days following the operation, and recovery may take a few weeks due to dizziness caused by a loss of balance that often results from the procedure (I’m not looking forward to that). The good news is that I’ve been instructed to return to my computer as soon as possible, since reading will actually help me recover my balance more quickly. The bad news is that I’ve been told that the hearing loss I’ve been experiencing in my left ear will likely be permanent. While the hearing loss itself isn’t too bad, the tinnitus is getting annoying – it’s like a high-pitched buzzer I can’t turn off.
This isn’t the first operation I’ve had, but I have to admit it’s the first one that has me a little scared (it’s near my brain – that’s scary). Some of the possible side effects – such as facial paralysis and eye problems – are common enough that I can’t simply shrug them off, but I have spoken with a few people who know others who have had the operation, and they’ve all done well in the long term.
Regardless, I look forward to putting this behind me and getting on with my life.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Good Luck, and take care.
All the very best for the op Nick. I am sure it will go well and that you will talk about it like going to the cinema after a while.
First Pat “Slackware” Volkerding, then you. Geek lifestyle is dangerous!!!
Best wishes, take care
My prayers are with you.
All the best, Nick and here’s to a speedy recovery.
Sorry to hear about the impending surgery, Nick. Here’s to a speedy recovery and as for the tinitus – too bad I’m not there… I was often referred to as a “buzz-killer” ;)
Take care!
Daf
Nick
Man get that thing the heck out of their, good luck on the surgery! These types of things really throw you a curve ball. We will be praying for ya..
Todd..
Good luck, but you won’t need it.
Take it easy and you’ll recover fully and quickly, I’m certain.
Best regards, Alan.
Well at least now you know what the problem is – small comfort that may be.
But all the best for a full recovery. God bless!
My friend had tinnitus so bad she couldn’t sleep well. They thought it was related to lupus. She went to an accupucturist. After a few, visits…gone. Another friend, same results. Dunno…probably getting tons of advice, but it did work in this case.
Best of luck!
Nick – best of luck to you.
If you are going anywhere near the Mayo Clinic, let me know. I am right in Rochester, MN and would be happy to help in any way.
God Bless!
Wow. Sounds like fun :(
Best of luck with it all.