Recovery following AN removal

[Tikaneko]

A bit ago I wrote saying that my granddaughter has been diagnosed with a AN. Since then questions are going around our heads. The AN is quite large, just under 4cms, and wrapped around facial nerves as well as the ear nerves. They told her that following her operation she will be totally deaf and could have facial paralysis. They said they may have to leave some of it around the facial nerves. The AN is also pretty near her brain stem. They have said that her cognitive strengths will be affected. Has anyone any idea as to how these could be affected? And how longish it could take to get better. The AN that will be left there could it grow again? She is being amazingly positive.

[Minniemeow]

I had an AN of 5cm that was attached to both the acoustic and facial nerves and near to the brain stem, after surgery two years ago I am deaf in one ear and have tinnitus and a slight numbness one side of my face. I had major balance issues after surgery but this was sorted in a few weeks with phsyio and only affects me at times like if I am very tired or in the dark, I was back to work after 12 weeks and live a normal life. I know it is a big operation but please try to stay positive she will get through it. I have regular scans now and it has shown no sign of regrowth.

[Silversmith2000]

Hello, 4 months ago I had a 3mm AN removed from a similar position, they left a little bit around the facial nerve to try to preserve it, I am now deaf in that ear and I really don’t find it a problem particularly and I sleep really well now, bonus!, as I sleep with my good ear on the pillow 😀

I do not have any tinnitus.

My balance is almost perfect again, after a few days from the operation this was better than before the op, I have a slight imbalance in the dark but as we generally all have torches on our phones this is no problem.

I am cycling, driving, fully back at work. I haven’t noticed any cognitive impairment.

The operation can be long, they thought it would be 8 hours but it was 13... it took more energy to recover from that than the AN removal!!

Half my face was fully frozen after the op and now this has recovered so much it is barely noticeable and I still have months of possible nerve recovery to go 👍, which can be up to a year or more...

My right eye is not producing any tears yet and I am hopeful that this will get better as the nerve heals but only time will tell with this one, that nerve apparently runs along the side of the facial nerve. However this does not stop me doing anything, I just make sure I have my eye drops and gel with me at all times.

I am taking fish oil supplements and Q-10 to help nerve regrowth.

I have a follow up MRI in October, they told me it was highly unlikely it would ever grow back.

Basically I am in way better shape than before the op apart from the dry eye, but I am super pleased with how it has all gone.

I have decided it is all behind me now and am only looking forward.

Also I did pre-op guided meditation for about 2 weeks before the op and I am convinced this helped me go into the op relaxed and confident.

I also did loads of investigation and fully informed myself of what would happen, I found the mayfieldclinic.com website had extensive information.

I’m glad your granddaughter is positive, that will help 😀

I am 47 if it’s of any interest.

Good luck and if you or she has any questions please don’t hesitate to ask on here, so many people in a similar situation who are very knowledgable, friendly and helpful!

Best wishes.

Abi

[Ellafen]

Hi, your granddaughter has the same as my husband had. He had it removed in February last year. They left 5% due to his facial nerves and you would not know he had an operation to look at. He's 51 and they left some in so he wasnt left with any issues. He was told there were no guarantee his face wouldn't drop and the same will be the same for her. He did loose his hearing but hes alive that's how he looks at it. However he returned to work may time last year and the gym. I think you have two choices and Jason chose to get back up and hasn't looked back. He does suffer from headaches and dark days. He has scans every six months, it can grow back and we both worry. She will get through it, shes doing well to be positive like he was. I take my hat off to them both coz I wouldn't. Good luck.