Four weeks and counting

I took a little time away from all things related to acoustic neuromas for the last few weeks.  It felt good to just drop it for a little while.  But I think it is important to update my recovery, especially for those of you who might be dealing with an acoustic neuroma or know someone who is going through the process.


I am completely blown away by the speed of my recovery.  Things are back to probably 80-90% "normal" (not a phrase normally associated with me, but cut me some slack) of where I was pre-op.  I am driving during daylight hours and have returned to work, albeit for 4-5 hours a day.  (Note - today I did not go to work. I had insomnia last night and did not fall asleep until after 3:00am.)


The list worked last time, so I decided to do that again:


Balance - my balance is very good, but still only with my eyes open and well rested.  In fact I was on a ladder over the holiday weekend putting lights up outside.  At no time did I feel dizzy or disoriented, even when my wife was violently shaking the ladder screaming "EARTHQUAKE!!!"  (Don't worry, she stopped after I told her I forgot to send in the last life insurance premium.)


On a related note - My kids gave me a Wii Fit Plus as a "Welcome home" gift.  I was able to finally use it over the holiday weekend.  When you log-in for the first time you go through a few balance tests.  After the tests are complete it calculates your "Wii Fit Age".  Imagine how surprised I was, three weeks after surgery, to have my age calculated at four years younger than actual.


Dizziness - the dizziness is greatly diminished.  There are two movements that can cause it without fail.  One is quickly rolling over in bed.  The other is to look straight up and then turn my head (think of following a fast moving bird as it flies overhead.)


Hearing - the hearing in my right ear is still noticeably less than the left, but the "fullness" is better than two weeks ago.


Tinnitus - I don't want to jinx myself, but there is a small improvement in the ringing.  Its still pretty loud, but not as distracting as it was, especially when I am tired.


Leg pain - GONE!  Woohoo!!!


Fatigue - still an issue, but gradually improving.  The good news is that I no longer feel a need to take a break before noon on most days.  I still get very tired mid-afternoon and if I don't lay down I'm usually ready to go to bed around 6:00PM or 7:00PM.


Healing - major improvement in the look of the incision.  It is healing quickly and gradually disappearing under my hair.  The surgeons did a nice job suturing and, other than a few small places, it is very smooth.  One more haircut to even things out...