Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada

[Joann]

Hi all...I'm glad I've found this site as well as the US one...I have a small AN that I've named Booger!!! Booger by Dr. Schramm measurement is .6cmX1.4cm...the MRI report has it down as 14mmX11mmX11mm with 9mm in the intracanalar...I have yet to read any reviews on Schramm or Benoit in regards to their surgeries...I do have coverage in the States..My late husband was a Vietnam war vet so I get coverage. But they require my primary plan to cover 25% and they will cover the rest. If ohip doesnt pay, then I have to cover the 25%. So I am looking for the best doctor for the job...first I have to determine the right procedure..First and foremost, my ultimate goal because of my job (I teach teens how to drive), would be facial preservation. Second goal would be to preserve hearing, but would give it up in a heart beat to keep facial preservation...I would like any stories as to how you choose your precedure. And yes I do understand that each and everyone of us is different.

[Lisa]

Joann,
I had posted you some local info but I see it has been removed. I am not sure why...but...check out the support group section of this website and there is information about who to contact in Ottawa. The support group hasn't met in a while (I don't think) but they were very helpful for my pre-op questions. I consulted with Dr. Shram and Dr. Benoit before I ultimately went to Montreal for my surgery.
_________________
Diagnosed with a 3.9cm AN December 2006, while pregnant.
Translab surgery February 2007 for then 5 cm AN, in Montreal, QC, by the VERY gifted hands of Dr. Saliba and Dr. Bojanowski at Notre Dame Hospital.
What a difference a couple of years make!!!

[Lisa]

Just wanted to add that everyone here encouraged me to seek out a surgeon who performs the surgery often. It is very specialized and you want someone who has not only performed lots of surgeries, but also someone who does it OFTEN. Their total number might be less important than how frequently they perform the specific surgery you are considering. I had translab but really had no choice based on the size of my tumour. Hearing is gone but you are right...facial nerve preservation is essential..... I never truly understood that till I had surgery.
_________________
Diagnosed with a 3.9cm AN December 2006, while pregnant.
Translab surgery February 2007 for then 5 cm AN, in Montreal, QC, by the VERY gifted hands of Dr. Saliba and Dr. Bojanowski at Notre Dame Hospital.
What a difference a couple of years make!!!

[B Coe]

Hello, I just joined today. Is any one in the Vancouver, B.C. area? I have been in the watch and wait mode since Sept./07 I have an AN on the right side. First MRI size was 12mm., second MRI a year later was 17mm. Will see Dr. on Monday Feb.16/09 (soon) and I guess find out if surgery is in the near future. I can't believe how much stuff (complications) I have learned about on the message boards that are not covered when you look AN up on the web. Has any one had problems with your eyes before surgery? My sight has blured a little at times(have a problem with the nerve)and some blood vessels broken.
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First MRI Sept./07 12mm. watch & wait for year. Next MRI 17mm. See Dr. Feb.16/09

[Lisa]

Hi,
I am from the Ottawa/ Gatineau area, so I can't help you there... but I did have issues with my eyes before surgery. I wore contacts and noticed my eyes were sore and becoming more and more red. I was told to wear glasses from that point on. When I did consult with my orl surgeon he checked my cornea, noticed I didn't have any reflex (if that is what you call it...ie. I blinked when my good eye was touched gently with a tissue and the other didn't blink or anything). I also had reduced tear production in that eye which meant the facial nerve was already being affected by the tumour. The tear production continued to reduce right up until surgery, so I used drops to help. Since surgery I have very little tear production on the left side (if at all), so Refresh Liquigel (it is thicker than regular drops) is used daily. Immediately after surgery I used Lacrilube which is an ointment. It was a lot more messy but I learned quickly that mess and cloudy vision on one side was much better than pain from excessive dryness. The reason I do not need the ointment any more is because I have much better eye closure now so that protects the moisture.
Mention the eye issues to your doctor because I would assume that means that the facial nerve is being affected by the growth of the tumour.
Take care,
Lisa
_________________
Diagnosed with a 3.9cm AN December 2006, while pregnant.
Translab surgery February 2007 for then 5 cm AN, in Montreal, QC, by the VERY gifted hands of Dr. Saliba and Dr. Bojanowski at Notre Dame Hospital.
What a difference a couple of years make!!!