Anyone else diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumor?

Posted by Tracy Lynne Daley @tracylynnedaley72, Jul 23, 2015

My name is Tracy Daley. I live in Omaha, Nebraska. My diagnosis is a jumbled mess that I am sorting out right now. Can anyone tell me if anyone in this support group has been diagnosed and/or treated for acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor affecting the acoustic nerve, which is the eighth cranial nerve in your brain? This nerve is connected to your ear. These tumors initially affect a person's balance and hearing and then other symptoms may appear. This is a very rare tumor and one out of 100,000 people and 8-9% of the intracranial tumors. If no one has heard of this tumor, I understand.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain Tumor Support Group.

@rose4622

My surgeon and my neurologist both want me to go to physical therapy for my balance problem. Medicare doesn't cover a lot of it. My neurologist also said since its been 3 months post surgery this is my new normal so what's the point I'm wondering?

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I can certainly understand your wondering, "so what's the point." I have a Parkinson's disorder and I go to PT at least twice a year (sometimes three times) to deal with balance issues and gait problems (I walk with a stagger at times). If you don't feel you can afford PT at least twice a year you might ask your PT for exercises you can practice at home.

Another suggestion (that may seem a bit odd at first glance) is to go on YouTube and search for "seated exercises for Parkinson's." Most PD exercises include lots of balance type exercises, because that is the biggest problem with PD and we all try to avoid falls which will result in broken bones, etc. and put us in a bad place physically.

Also, while on YouTube you might look specifically for videos on seated exercises for seniors, balance exercises, etc.

Please check with your doctor and/or PT specialist before trying any of these suggestions.

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I went for my PT evaluation. My Medicare pays for it. No problem there. The eye exercises caused me to have more severe balance problems and vertigo is back. I saw my Dr yesterday. She said i had plateaued in my recovery now I am pushing the brain for more control. It will get better. I will be going to PT once a week to work on building strength in my legs and core and doing eye exercises at home 2x a day.

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@rose4622

I went for my PT evaluation. My Medicare pays for it. No problem there. The eye exercises caused me to have more severe balance problems and vertigo is back. I saw my Dr yesterday. She said i had plateaued in my recovery now I am pushing the brain for more control. It will get better. I will be going to PT once a week to work on building strength in my legs and core and doing eye exercises at home 2x a day.

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That all sounds good, @rose4622, I'm glad that your Medicare is covering your PT.
I had vestibular therapy for my balance/vertigo and I remember that the eye exercises made things worse before they got better. At that time I was still working full time and would always have to schedule the eye exercises at the end of the day, so I wouldn't be sick/dizzy during the work day.
After a while, though, everything got much better.

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@hopeful33250

That all sounds good, @rose4622, I'm glad that your Medicare is covering your PT.
I had vestibular therapy for my balance/vertigo and I remember that the eye exercises made things worse before they got better. At that time I was still working full time and would always have to schedule the eye exercises at the end of the day, so I wouldn't be sick/dizzy during the work day.
After a while, though, everything got much better.

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That sounds hopeful!

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@rose4622

That sounds hopeful!

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You've made tremendous progress, @rose4622, given the seriousness/length of your surgery. You deserve a pat on the back, you've done well. How many days last week did you work?

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@hopeful33250

You've made tremendous progress, @rose4622, given the seriousness/length of your surgery. You deserve a pat on the back, you've done well. How many days last week did you work?

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Three 1 hour sessions on different days.

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@rose4622

Three 1 hour sessions on different days.

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That sounds reasonable, @rose4622. I hope you have a good week.

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@hopeful33250

That sounds reasonable, @rose4622. I hope you have a good week.

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Thanks Teresa

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@rose4622

Just thinking about you and hoping that your second week back to work is going well.

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@hopeful33250

@rose4622

Just thinking about you and hoping that your second week back to work is going well.

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Hi Teresa
Only got to work with one client because the office parking lot was replaced. That was good for me because my physical therapy made my balance problems worse. It's normal they said as we are challenging the brain . I am tempted stop going but if helps eventually I want to keep going.

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