What do you know now that you wish you had been told when you were first diagnosed with a AN?

[Shannon_TBTC]

What general advice would you give a person who has been newly diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma?

[Jerrycat13]

I'd wish my husband came in with me. I was on my own and I was terrified.

[bypass]

1 Don't panic

2 Do your research and make sure you get an opinion from at least one conventional surgeon and one radio surgeon

3 Do not let either of them tell you that you are not suitable for the other one's treatment!

4 Talk to (either directly or on the Internet) with as many patients as you can - WE know much more about this condition than most Doctors who only know how to treat it.

5 Whatever treatment (if any) you eventually select, look for an expert team to delivery it

6 Do not be afraid to ask Doctors offering treatment how many patients they have treated and what their results are INCLUDING the percentage of each of the common side effects.

7 And remember not to panic, but ask here!

Good luck

[Sarah_TBTC Partner in reply to bypass]

Such good advice! So many really important points, getting a second opinions is so important yet many people are reluctant to do this even when they know the care they're getting is not good, the same is said for making a complaint if you're not happy with all or part of the care you are receiving.