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 | @rose4622 | Nov 22, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "I have no doubt that are very good at what you do, @rose4622. Wishing you well!" + (show)

Thanks Teresa.

rose4622 | @rose4622 | Nov 24, 2018

In reply to @rose4622 "Thanks Teresa." + (show)

We will see if I can still be good. My memory is worse and it takes longer to process and respond while talking to people. I really need to try. At least have some closure with clients and staff.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 24, 2018

Yes, it is certainly worth a try, @rose4622.

When I was still working I had two surgeries that required a 7-day hospital stay and a total of 4-5 weeks off from work. While the surgery did not involve my brain, it was still difficult to anticipate returning and working all day. I know that the anticipation is always the hardest part to overcome.

I hope that once you get back in the work environment you will feel more comfortable and those tasks that you need to do will begin "click into place" for you.

rose4622 | @rose4622 | Nov 25, 2018

In reply to @rose4622 "Thanks Teresa I will take your advice and use my walker. Better to be safe than..." + (show)

Did a trial run to my office today with hubby. Did Good! I feel more confident about getting there. Now need to work on my confidence about short term memory. I will be working with a couple which takes more concentration so I can mirror back what one said to the other. I have to give it a try. Otherwise I wont know.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 25, 2018

In reply to @rose4622 "Did a trial run to my office today with hubby. Did Good! I feel more confident..." + (show)

Sounds good, @rose4622. I'm looking forward to hearing from you after your first day back.

rose4622 | @rose4622 | Nov 26, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Sounds good, @rose4622. I'm looking forward to hearing from you after your first day back." + (show)

Hi Teresa. I did fine at my work tonight.I actually remembered how to do it. I'm glad I went back! ☺️

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 27, 2018

In reply to @rose4622 "Hi Teresa. I did fine at my work tonight.I actually remembered how to do it. I'm..." + (show)

What wonderful news! Thanks for sharing about your good day, @rose4622

rose4622 | @rose4622 | Nov 28, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "What wonderful news! Thanks for sharing about your good day, @rose4622" + (show)

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?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @rose4622 "My surgeon and my neurologist both want me to go to physical therapy for my balance..." + (show)

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.

rose4622 | @rose4622 | Dec 1, 2018

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.