How acoustic neuroma turned my life upside down
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I had a mortgage,a car, a well paid job and a full life. After months of going to my G.P. with strange symptoms - a noise like an extractor fan going off in my head for about 5-10mins, then a bolt of pain through my temples, my legs buckling and being unable to see for up to 20mins. I was finally referred to ENT who sent me for an MRI (a shadow was picked up behind my left eye)The day after my MRI I received a phone call saying I had to go to hospital -urgent- MRI showed a large tumour pressing on ventricular causing fluid to build up on brain.Initially I had a shunt fitted to keep me going until the consultant surgeon I needed returned from annual leave. On his return I was told more about my condition and that my option was "risk surgery or you have 5 months at best..." The main surgery to try and removed the schwannoma was brought forward as the shunt started to fail. 15 hour surgery followed by 5 day induced coma. Aprox 10% was left to save facial nerves. I have been on watch and wait since then (12yrs now)
I have not been able to return to work due to balance problems (need two sticks to walk without falls) dizzy spells, headaches, 24/7 tinnitus in left ear which is deaf since surgery. Debilitating fatigue - made worse because I needed surgery 11mths ago for a Pituitary macroadenoma leaving me now also dependent on Hydrocorsitone. I was forced to sell my home because of not being able to work. Can no longer drive because of dizzy spells, where I once was very active socially I avoid social gatherings as they are too difficult to cope with. Some times I think I chose the wrong option I no longer have a life - I am just alive. BUT we aren't aloud to be quite so honest and so I make jokes about my ridiculous life now instead x
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