Just been diagnosed.

[robert77]

My story is that in February this year, 2013 I experienced a full feeling in my ear and some loss of hearing. After suffering from excesive ear wax in previous years I thought that may have been the problem. It wasn't. Soon after the hearing loss I noticed a lack of balance, generally feeling 'tipsy' - with no alcahol involved. Later I became aware of tinnitus. All this occurred over a period of about 3 weeks. During this time I visited the doctor several times and was prescribed various antibiotics in the form of sprays, drops, tablets etc. but with no change to the symptoms. Eventually I was referred to an ENT specialist and fillowing a hearing test then an MIR scan I was finally diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. The idea now to to wait and see how it developes before taking any action.

[Hidden]

Hi Robert - sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with one of the little blighters. The Wait and Watch programme is "usual" for most newly-diagnosed patients. If you do find you need treatment there are several options to consider but hopefully yours will stop growing and not cause you any more problems. Keep us informed of progress.

All the best

Jackey

[Kristyll]

Hi Robert, at least now you know what you are dealing with. There are lots of us all recovered and here to tell the tale. Keep going. Kristyll

[bypass]

Sorry to hear about your news. Take a look at anworld.com/ for information prepared by patients for patients. This may also be useful as it tells my story which is quite similar to yours anarchive.org/chris.htm

There are also a number of AN support groups on Facebook

Good luck

Chris

[kinsale123]

Hello¬ My experience is similar, but I had surgery then. Balance symptoms are no much better, but I get used to it. - [e-mail].

[robert77]

Thanks for all your comments. The ENT specialist painted a more bleak future than I am reading out on this website. Then again it may have been my interpretation. Your comments are helping me be more possitive.

[robert77 in reply to robert77]

But it hasn't taught me to spell or type!

[lupie-Cathy]

sorry to hear you have just been diagnosed Robert, you'll see all sorts of stories from AN people on here, we all have different experiences but mostly positive. Where are you being treated? I expect there are other's on here that are being treated at the same hospital.

I started with the sudden hearing loss and balance problems. I dropped into the Audiology dept of my local hospital and on hearing my story I was immediately sent up to the ENT ward to see a Dr had a hearing test and an MRI scan was ordered left the hospital with 5 days high dose steroids too. Had the scan and within 2 weeks saw the Consultant who told me it was an AN, I was referred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth they told me my AN is 18mm x13mm I have recently had another scan and am waiting to hear the results of that, am also waiting for an appointment at the Sheffield Gamma Knife centre. Good luck with your AN and getting it treated.

[robert77 in reply to lupie-Cathy]

Hi Cathy , I am being treated at Saxon Clinic Milton Keynes, my ENT consultant has said should I require treatment he would propose the GK at Sheffield. I dont know how big mine is. It didn't occurr to me to ask. My next scan is in November, I will ask then.