Hi

[Y07k]

Received letter from NHS stating that I have VS in my left ear.

Don’t rally understand all this but am worried as I have a needle fobiya ..... I have heard a lot about surgery and gamma ray treatment ..... scared as is this the only route off treatment....? I have an MRI scan tomorrow fingers cross it will be ok.....

[Emmasnog]

Hi there did they mention the size and location, in the uk they tend to watch and wait, I had one MRI which picked it up and I have to wait a year to see the growth rate, unless it's growing or large or in a dangerous place they generally just monitor it x

[Y07k in reply to Emmasnog]

Hi thank you for your reply just went to nhs they did not even have me on system and said I have to wait for a new appointment.

In my letter they advise it is about 8 to 10mm and is located at the back.....

I think it is behind the inner ear not sure though

[Kristyll]

It would be good to find your nearest BANA group and ta face to face with others in your area who probably have the same consultants as you.

[Y07k in reply to Kristyll]

Hi Thank you for your reply, I will search here and see if their is BANA group....

[dcfcram]

Depending on size and if it's growing will decide the course of treatment. If it's not growing they will scan you yearly to monitor it on a watch and wait programme, if it's growing you may be given the gamma knife route , which is what I had back in July, to be honest the GK surgery wasn't half as bad as I had expected. I will now be monitored yearly to make sure it doesn't grow any more, it's currently 21mm . If it does start to grow again I will have to have invasive surgery, which is the last resort. Try not to worry too much because you may never need any form of surgery and if you do you will be in good hands, all the people I have seen and met from the nhs have been brilliant. Good luck for the future and try to remain positive.

[Y07k in reply to dcfcram]

Hi thank you for advice. I read up on GK last night. The issue I have a fobiya of needles since I was a child even a blood test sends me in a freeze. I don’t mind a treatment but it has to be under anesthetic......

Thank you for the advice will try n stay positive as best as I can.

[Y07k]

Hi all hope all is well and good. I had my meeting with the surgeon yesterday with an update following my MRI scan. Basically they discuss all avenues and decided that best course off action is not to do anything. They confirmed it is AN Tumar behind my left middle ear.

It is approx 11mm long (1.1cm). As a result that have opted to watch it and not do anything for up to 5years with 6monthly check up via MRI scans.

I guess I can t ask for anything further know and hope it does not grow any further. Mind you they have advised that I watch my diet in that not to eat to much cheese, chocolate or drink Alcohol much only sparsely their by minimizing the risk off not growing.

I hope this helps everyone and be strong I know it is not nice hearing one is diagnosed with AN but it is not the end. Think positive.

Will keep all updated.