Hi,
I'm awaiting tests for a suspected accoustic neuroma, I feel like I'm on a very short fuse, and getting agitated and upset more than normal. I wondered if this was something anyone else had experienced or whether it is just the stress of waiting..
Hi.
I remember being very stressed at diagnosis. In fact, I’ve spent most of this process on a high level of stress. I think it’s quite normal in this situation to go through quite a high level of anxiety, and learning to cope with that is so important because stress can make other symptoms worse. I don’t actually think stress and anxiety is a symptom of an AN unless it’s reaching the size where it’s impacting the brain stem. Then you can get heightened cortisol levels - responsibly for fight/flight.
But it is something that we all experience. I hope the tests happen quickly. If it is an AN then you are likely to be facing a long slow journey with lots of waiting. Try and relax and trust the specialists.
Hope all goes well
Thank you all so much for your replies. I'm not worrying all the time, but I just feel less tolerance for certain situations at the moment, which is not really like me. So, i guess its because I have this on my mind, and not been talking about to anyone really..I'll let you know how I get on.
Xxx
Hi I think what you are describing is just part of being in a stressful situation. See reply below by Daisymeadow who has described it better. I was in a similar situation with an A&E Dr stating it’s an AN. Being a single mom, I was trying to work out all practical solutions for my child/ren in case of the various scenarios. For the diagnosis I thought will worry about stuff later. If it’s not in our hands there’s no point worrying about it. So a deep breath & let me carry on in best way possible. And for me knowing everything about it was what helped. I know many find it causes worse issues. So we can’t really change the waiting, unless you can send reminders etc in regular intervals depending on which part of process you are in. So during my waiting I learnt new ways to destress, ways to take rest. Joined this website to know more, to hear how others cope, to find ways to deal with symptoms. If dizzy & walking odd in these threads there’s a brill method to fix it. When consultant saw me, on hearing it wasn’t backed up by prev. MRI refused to do anything & told me to wait for 6m & then would give me a mri! Thankfully (?) due to other illness I got a mri that ruled it out & Drs there gave me v strong steroids to control it . On lifelong? Infusions now every month that made me so much better. So main point from all this is, we don’t really know what is there so try not to worry about it. That’s like saying don’t think of the elephant in pink ...so I read up, spoke to Drs, sorted my stuff, learnt relaxation, balance etc to take out the uncertainty, to make me better equipped to deal with it. One big thing - speak to a friend/ spouse / loved one to talk out your emotions, your worries that helps. Wish you all the best & this website is great there are trained people on it too who can help you. Wish you all the best.
Exactly as Daisymeadow says…agitation is not a symptom of having an AN, that’s more single sided hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, which can be caused by other stuff too . However, waiting for results from scans ( the only way to know if you have one) is very stressful… we call it scanxiety! Find ways of nurturing yourself and try not to Google everything, if in the unlikely event you do have an AN, you’ll get great comfort and support through joining British Acoustic Neuroma Association and being in contact with others who are living very well indeed with these little buggers. But somehow getting used to waiting and watching and being patient with yourself and others is crucial, as unless it’s absolutely huge, watch and wait is usually the recommended first steps as many many of them don’t grow or need treatment. Good luck!
Hi flappers! Was thinking of you as remember you helped when I was awaiting diagnosis. How have you been? For me - AN was ruled out around Dec’20 after mri. Getting monthly infusions for my preexisting health stuff which basically flared up with Covid! But thanks for all our chats & hope you are well.
Hi! I’m so glad you don’t have an AN, you already have enough to be dealing with!! I am doing pretty well, symptom wise, but latest scan has shown it has had a big growth spurt ( over doubled since first diagnosed in Sept 2020) so time for action! I’ve got apt with Kings on 4th April to identify what treatment options…. Hoping for a single zap radiotherapy but have a feeling it’ll be surgery…. Hey Ho! Obviously I’m overthinking it all on the inside whilst appearing totally calm and fine on the outside… I think most people around me forget what’s going on. Luckily I have our great private support network groups via BANA/Facebook , so I do all my freaking out to them!😂 In the meantime, sun is shining and I’m off to have my nails done and go off partying for the weekend, after seeing my new baby granddaughter, so all is okay for now!! Hope you’re coping with all life through your way. So glad it’s not also an AN!!
All the v best Lyn (right?) I’m sure it’s ok! Yes we are strong & will bolster on ... even though others forget & we let off steam here & with friends. TC all
Waiting results 😞
Illness for nearly 3 months.
New to this
Head tingling face, legs, and arms 
Just Diagnosed
