Post operation-9 years ago

[MonicaL83]

I had a 3.3cm AN removed 9 years ago. I had gamma knife as well since they left a small part. Just within the last week I've started having a bit of pain where my scar is. It stings at times, is very itchy, and at times almost feels like a pinching feeling. The outside of my ear hurts at times as well. I have gone for repeat MRIs every year-and every year they say I am fine. I am due for another one in December. Has anyone experienced this? Do you think I should ask for an early MRI?

[anan88]

I had, and still occasionally have, exactly the same feelings from a 3cm AN surgery and Gamma 7 years ago, and now on 2 year MRIs and the AN is tiny and stable. The skull/scalp/inner ear/scar stuff is, I think, just reactions to and in the normal healing process. When I reported it all to the consultant, there was no reaction, so I'd say (for what it's worth and I'm absolutely no expert!) it's just your head doing its stuff. As ever, try not to worry (!) and maybe send an email to your consultant just so you can be reassured?

[MonicaL83 in reply to anan88]

Thank you for replying! It reassured me to know that others with a very similar situation (and time when it happened as well) have gone through the same thing. These past couple days I realize it as well when I bend down to pick something up. Not painful, just odd feeling. Do you feel like this on and off? This is the first time this has happened so it rattled me a bit.

[anan88 in reply to MonicaL83]

Sorry I didn't see your reply earlier Monica. Yes, the sensations when bending down, and therefore altering the pressure, is another weird thing isn't it? But I honestly, now, think it's all the head doing it's healing stuff. I stopped panicking every time something changed, and just the not worrying makes it all much more bearable and "normal" feeling!

[Buffy14]

I have experienced this my scar has become infected and I've had to have IV antibiotics several times , my AN surgery was ten years ago , the infections around the mastoid area shouldn't be ignored as mastoiditis can quickly turn to meningitis , I had meningitis 3 years after surgery , my scar opened up 5 years after surgery and so I had to have a blind sac closure and eustachian tube obliteration , I'm not sure if these infections would show on an MRI , go and see your gp to check if the scar has become infected you will need antibiotics if it has .