I meant to get on and wish everyone a Merry Christmas...sorry I missed it. Hope all went well and with the icky icy weather we had here (in MI for sure) everyone was safe.
Ours was well. Christmas eve was my 1st negative hard hit with the SSD (single sided deafness)....I'm figuring that is what it is for sure, even though I still feel swollen and fullness on that side. I sat at a table and conversation was going on amongst about 8 people, and I don't think I got any of it......THAT stunk. Don't help that I'm still off in areas, but wow....that was weird.
Tinnitus has gone down a lot too, just don't understand the swelling felling and fullness. If mastoiditis infection, my antibiotic of 30 days is about up...hmmm
Well, I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!!! A lot of people from our church usually get together play games, puzzles, cards, eat, etc., the kids always love it. Not sure I'm into all that noise this year. Neil is on call that night and works both days but might take the boys for awhile. It will be at one of his cousins houses this year and should be a good time.
So, here's to wishing us all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Been Awhile
Yeah, I know it's been awhile since I've been on. Not actually feeling the greatest. I've been going through a lot and just want to feel better.
Anyways, GOOD news is: I'm pretty sure the facial paralysis is ALL gone. I can even close my eye lid fine. The tinnitus in my ear is still coming and going, and sometimes way worse (enough to make me sick). I'm still trying to be really good and stay very limited. It's too hard to walk around here due to our snow, but I do most of my home exercises I was given. I can't do anything that makes me bend at all....makes me want to pass out. Plus I still walk funny and tire out extremely quick.
I did get into a spinal/physical pain doctor tomorrow due to the fact 3 doctors still think my issues are coming from my neck and all down my spin. Can't wait....she will be the one to check over everything and then refer me to some kind of therapy or something. I'm even now been having numbness pains going all the way from my neck and back to my finger tips...its weird, sometimes like someone is poking me with pins.
Well, like I said, better news, and still working on things. Keep me in the prayers, and for emotional reasons for myself and my family......I DEFINATELY need that! I feel like I've missed out on too much. For those of you who know me, I love to be at anything at school. Well, no awards assembly this year (due to all issues, same with no conferences....luckily Neil had both days off and went), but now the kid Christmas parties are tomorrow. I can't even drive yet, and scared to ask someone to take me incase I start not feeling well....then what? Also, still got a few Christmas things to get/due....ugh! Crude, I just realized stocking stuffers too.....oh man, I just need to feel energized.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING....
With Love, Denise
Anyways, GOOD news is: I'm pretty sure the facial paralysis is ALL gone. I can even close my eye lid fine. The tinnitus in my ear is still coming and going, and sometimes way worse (enough to make me sick). I'm still trying to be really good and stay very limited. It's too hard to walk around here due to our snow, but I do most of my home exercises I was given. I can't do anything that makes me bend at all....makes me want to pass out. Plus I still walk funny and tire out extremely quick.
I did get into a spinal/physical pain doctor tomorrow due to the fact 3 doctors still think my issues are coming from my neck and all down my spin. Can't wait....she will be the one to check over everything and then refer me to some kind of therapy or something. I'm even now been having numbness pains going all the way from my neck and back to my finger tips...its weird, sometimes like someone is poking me with pins.
Well, like I said, better news, and still working on things. Keep me in the prayers, and for emotional reasons for myself and my family......I DEFINATELY need that! I feel like I've missed out on too much. For those of you who know me, I love to be at anything at school. Well, no awards assembly this year (due to all issues, same with no conferences....luckily Neil had both days off and went), but now the kid Christmas parties are tomorrow. I can't even drive yet, and scared to ask someone to take me incase I start not feeling well....then what? Also, still got a few Christmas things to get/due....ugh! Crude, I just realized stocking stuffers too.....oh man, I just need to feel energized.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING....
With Love, Denise
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
More updates 1 MONTH Post Op!!!
Well, I have been being very good. It have been doing VERY good, just like the doctor told us. Pretty much I feel as if I have been doing nothing. Not talking as much either and my jaw muscle is for sure feeling the healing!! ALSO, the facial paralysis is getting a bit better every day....I'll have to post more pictures.
I still have the back and neck pains, but got antoher call yesterday from doctor in Detroit. He said to get started right away to get into someone who does treatment in multiple ways. Well, I was working on it today, then our power went out, and I felt tired. TOMORROW....that 's my job. Of course my kids will be off school or 5 days (today and tomorrow due to blizzardy snow storm and Friday for Teacher Professional Development day....then the weekend). Luckily the noises are a bit better too, otherwise I wear ear plugs :-)
MARCIE, click on my spot that says view complete profile, then under my picture says email. I am doing MUCH better I can talk some, or visit....if call 1st!! :-)
CECILE, thank you sooooo much from a fellow ANer who understands a lot. It helps keep my spirits up and know things can get better!! I too have been having some of the ?vertigo/balance stuff. I have been doing all the exercises they told me, but said NOTHING with bending my head. There is still more than usual pressure in there. I get some headaches, but the come from my neck up and the neurosurgeon said I need to get them looked at a.s.a.p. (probably a lot of my problem)....thanks again, see you on the ana forum soon!
Thank you again and again & BLESS YOU ALL!!
Love, Denise
I still have the back and neck pains, but got antoher call yesterday from doctor in Detroit. He said to get started right away to get into someone who does treatment in multiple ways. Well, I was working on it today, then our power went out, and I felt tired. TOMORROW....that 's my job. Of course my kids will be off school or 5 days (today and tomorrow due to blizzardy snow storm and Friday for Teacher Professional Development day....then the weekend). Luckily the noises are a bit better too, otherwise I wear ear plugs :-)
MARCIE, click on my spot that says view complete profile, then under my picture says email. I am doing MUCH better I can talk some, or visit....if call 1st!! :-)
CECILE, thank you sooooo much from a fellow ANer who understands a lot. It helps keep my spirits up and know things can get better!! I too have been having some of the ?vertigo/balance stuff. I have been doing all the exercises they told me, but said NOTHING with bending my head. There is still more than usual pressure in there. I get some headaches, but the come from my neck up and the neurosurgeon said I need to get them looked at a.s.a.p. (probably a lot of my problem)....thanks again, see you on the ana forum soon!
Thank you again and again & BLESS YOU ALL!!
Love, Denise
Saturday, December 5, 2009
One Month Follow Up Friday!!!
Well, we made our trip back to Novi yesterday. Hit some NASTY winter snow around Grand Rapids, cars in the ditches everwhere. Glad we made it fine!
Seen the neurotologist and he said that the swelling in my brain is a bit more that usual, but not looking as a concern because it has started to come down. Problem is that my healing time is going to go way slower and I NEED to be VERY careful. Basically, need to keep my head up as much as possible, be doing nothing near strenuos at all, and to be getting plenty of rest/relax time. If I don't, it will get worse and I could have more complications.
The paralysis situation is very slowly coming down too, but just need the patience with that. Since I had totally fine facial issues for a week after surgery, that means I will improve (unless I don't rest and take care of myself) ((TRUST ME, I WILL)).
I basically got almost every symptom that could come along after (for me it was one week after for some things) this surgey. Delayed facial paralysis, which includes the eyelid not closing & double vision, that side of nose internal swelling feeling, tinnitus (ringing and noises in the ear), metallic taste (or taste disturbance and mouth dryness), dizzy and balance issues, hearing loss. Well, since most of these things have shown a hair bit of progress that is a good thing (also the fact they were fine in the beginning).
The doctor said it is hard to undertstand why everyones bodies react in such a differnet way. ALSO as many of you know I was having (and still am) pain throughout my lower spine and neck. This cold very well be part of what is going on with my body and not letting it heal properly. Someone asked if I had even been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease becasue they tend to flair bad after major surgeries. Well, after Trenton was born I had been being tested for something, but as time went on I wa better and lab tests started coming back normal (Odd??)
I told Dr. Zappia (the neurotologist) that my family doctor's nurse called after the MRI's and said the radiologist thought I may have a mastoid infection and to get on a specific antibiotic. So, I did get on it and the next day asked Zappia what he thought. He said due to the surgical stuff, the radiologist may not have been knowledgeable about it, BUT to go ahead and stay on it, just in case, plus this time of year is so bad for illnessess. With the major dose of steroids I was on my immune system is down big time anyways. (yesterday was my last day of steroid unless things get worse...yipee!!)
Also Dr. Zappia kept all my MRI CDs and reports that did my entire spine and is gonna run them by the neurosurgeon who worked on me. Basically because my family doctor didn't think there was much to worry about. Even Dr. Zappia said there were notes and impressions on every scan......need to find out more. Neil & I were so excited at how kind they are there and how they take their time, etc. Even after the hearing test came back negative he said I need to go back in 2 months and try again. Due to the swelling so bad, it may come back. But if not they took the time to explain other options. They put a little sample of the BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) on me and explained how the bones inside your skull work with noises, etc. It was AWESOME....I could actually hear. I said right away....give me more info in case my hearing don't come back. WELL, it is another small surgery where they put a titanium small rod into a bone behind your ear. Then there is a little device that snaps onto it (mine would be the smaller one and it's size looked about like a starburst candy size). With my lovely thick hair and style, you'd never see it. You can't get it wet, etc., but wow...it was neat. Of course, then comes the price $18,000 YIKES. Some insurances will pay for it though. Basically Neil said even if ours won't, we'll be figuring out how to get it. Being young, I'd have a long time, plus between him & the boys I think they are already tired of me not hearing on that side. Like Neil kept saying things on the way down to the doctors, but I didn't hear him (because he was on my left side).
Oh well, now I have some thoughts, and happy to know that there is progress, even though it is really going slow. No driving, no nothing really for awhile. It''s all later because of the excessive brain swelling.
So, we need to keep praying that swelling goes down, and when it does, the hearing progresses too. Also that there is nothing else seriously going on with my body. I can't stand taking these pain meds, but I also can't stand being in the pain.
I still have to limit my talking :-( because my jaw muscle that was cut is also swollen a bit and it is affecting nerves too! Nerves and the brain are the longest and hardest things got heal. SO, I AM going to be very good!! I want to be able to enjoy Christmas and start off the New Year feeling somewhat normal.
I am so thankful that God has given me such a wonderful family, friends, my good ole facebook friends, my Acoustic Neuroma forum friends, and of course, that Doctor who is so patient, caring and thoughtful (along with his caring staff, and other doctors, etc. who have dealt with me)! Now, just need help with this interior of my body stuff ;-)
The doctor reminded us once again that just because one day may be great, DON'T over do it, and the next day may not be as good.....it can take months to heal up.
Well, hope you're enjoying my informative book (not blog) I have been writing!!! Never ever, ever thought it was gonna be this difficult for me. But thanks again for all the comments, emails, facebookd messages, cards and calls!
Love, Denise
Seen the neurotologist and he said that the swelling in my brain is a bit more that usual, but not looking as a concern because it has started to come down. Problem is that my healing time is going to go way slower and I NEED to be VERY careful. Basically, need to keep my head up as much as possible, be doing nothing near strenuos at all, and to be getting plenty of rest/relax time. If I don't, it will get worse and I could have more complications.
The paralysis situation is very slowly coming down too, but just need the patience with that. Since I had totally fine facial issues for a week after surgery, that means I will improve (unless I don't rest and take care of myself) ((TRUST ME, I WILL)).
I basically got almost every symptom that could come along after (for me it was one week after for some things) this surgey. Delayed facial paralysis, which includes the eyelid not closing & double vision, that side of nose internal swelling feeling, tinnitus (ringing and noises in the ear), metallic taste (or taste disturbance and mouth dryness), dizzy and balance issues, hearing loss. Well, since most of these things have shown a hair bit of progress that is a good thing (also the fact they were fine in the beginning).
The doctor said it is hard to undertstand why everyones bodies react in such a differnet way. ALSO as many of you know I was having (and still am) pain throughout my lower spine and neck. This cold very well be part of what is going on with my body and not letting it heal properly. Someone asked if I had even been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease becasue they tend to flair bad after major surgeries. Well, after Trenton was born I had been being tested for something, but as time went on I wa better and lab tests started coming back normal (Odd??)
I told Dr. Zappia (the neurotologist) that my family doctor's nurse called after the MRI's and said the radiologist thought I may have a mastoid infection and to get on a specific antibiotic. So, I did get on it and the next day asked Zappia what he thought. He said due to the surgical stuff, the radiologist may not have been knowledgeable about it, BUT to go ahead and stay on it, just in case, plus this time of year is so bad for illnessess. With the major dose of steroids I was on my immune system is down big time anyways. (yesterday was my last day of steroid unless things get worse...yipee!!)
Also Dr. Zappia kept all my MRI CDs and reports that did my entire spine and is gonna run them by the neurosurgeon who worked on me. Basically because my family doctor didn't think there was much to worry about. Even Dr. Zappia said there were notes and impressions on every scan......need to find out more. Neil & I were so excited at how kind they are there and how they take their time, etc. Even after the hearing test came back negative he said I need to go back in 2 months and try again. Due to the swelling so bad, it may come back. But if not they took the time to explain other options. They put a little sample of the BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) on me and explained how the bones inside your skull work with noises, etc. It was AWESOME....I could actually hear. I said right away....give me more info in case my hearing don't come back. WELL, it is another small surgery where they put a titanium small rod into a bone behind your ear. Then there is a little device that snaps onto it (mine would be the smaller one and it's size looked about like a starburst candy size). With my lovely thick hair and style, you'd never see it. You can't get it wet, etc., but wow...it was neat. Of course, then comes the price $18,000 YIKES. Some insurances will pay for it though. Basically Neil said even if ours won't, we'll be figuring out how to get it. Being young, I'd have a long time, plus between him & the boys I think they are already tired of me not hearing on that side. Like Neil kept saying things on the way down to the doctors, but I didn't hear him (because he was on my left side).
Oh well, now I have some thoughts, and happy to know that there is progress, even though it is really going slow. No driving, no nothing really for awhile. It''s all later because of the excessive brain swelling.
So, we need to keep praying that swelling goes down, and when it does, the hearing progresses too. Also that there is nothing else seriously going on with my body. I can't stand taking these pain meds, but I also can't stand being in the pain.
I still have to limit my talking :-( because my jaw muscle that was cut is also swollen a bit and it is affecting nerves too! Nerves and the brain are the longest and hardest things got heal. SO, I AM going to be very good!! I want to be able to enjoy Christmas and start off the New Year feeling somewhat normal.
I am so thankful that God has given me such a wonderful family, friends, my good ole facebook friends, my Acoustic Neuroma forum friends, and of course, that Doctor who is so patient, caring and thoughtful (along with his caring staff, and other doctors, etc. who have dealt with me)! Now, just need help with this interior of my body stuff ;-)
The doctor reminded us once again that just because one day may be great, DON'T over do it, and the next day may not be as good.....it can take months to heal up.
Well, hope you're enjoying my informative book (not blog) I have been writing!!! Never ever, ever thought it was gonna be this difficult for me. But thanks again for all the comments, emails, facebookd messages, cards and calls!
Love, Denise
Thursday, December 3, 2009
ONE MONTH CHECK UP TOMORROW
Well, tomorrow is basically my 1 month (a few days sigh) post op of my Middle Cranial approach for the acoustic neuroma removal..
I'v bee having almost every side effec that can go along with it, plus some additional spinal pains. I went for MRI's of every thing Monday, so hope to get some easy news.
I thing I've read in other ANers blogs or caringbridge or forums is patience. BOY are the right! It isn't easy.
Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts and I will try to update tomorrow!
Thank you all, with my heart full of love,
Denise Sanford
I'v bee having almost every side effec that can go along with it, plus some additional spinal pains. I went for MRI's of every thing Monday, so hope to get some easy news.
I thing I've read in other ANers blogs or caringbridge or forums is patience. BOY are the right! It isn't easy.
Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts and I will try to update tomorrow!
Thank you all, with my heart full of love,
Denise Sanford
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What is AN??
Well, I've had a couple people actually e-mail me to ask what an AN or ANer meant.
AN stands for the Acoustic Neuroma tumor. So, when we mention our fellow ANers, it is referring to the others that we have gotten to know via a forum or something.
Hope that clarifies it :-)
I had also joined a groupon Facebook and she started askinng questions where to go, etc., etc. Well I told her I ended up at Micigan Ear Insitite and Michigan Brain and Skull and loved them.....................well, she lives near Detroit. How lucky!
Seems like I have made a LOT of addtional friends with this blog and using the ANAUSA discussion forum. It is so helpful, and hopefully listing all my truth and experiences will help someone in the future (of course they better not go through the spinal pain.....ugh! that must just be my body....findng out soon though)
Thanks again everyone for the nice comments, emails, prayers, cards, calls, gifts, meals, visits and everything else, YOU'RE ALL AWESOM!!!!
hugs Denise
AN stands for the Acoustic Neuroma tumor. So, when we mention our fellow ANers, it is referring to the others that we have gotten to know via a forum or something.
Hope that clarifies it :-)
I had also joined a groupon Facebook and she started askinng questions where to go, etc., etc. Well I told her I ended up at Micigan Ear Insitite and Michigan Brain and Skull and loved them.....................well, she lives near Detroit. How lucky!
Seems like I have made a LOT of addtional friends with this blog and using the ANAUSA discussion forum. It is so helpful, and hopefully listing all my truth and experiences will help someone in the future (of course they better not go through the spinal pain.....ugh! that must just be my body....findng out soon though)
Thanks again everyone for the nice comments, emails, prayers, cards, calls, gifts, meals, visits and everything else, YOU'RE ALL AWESOM!!!!
hugs Denise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
