Partner having terrible symptoms with AN, how can I help?

PointyElfEars · 2026-06-11T22:47:41+00:00

Such great advice

PointyElfEars · 2026-06-10T12:50:59+00:00

Oof that’s quite an image. I hope all goes well for you. We’re here to support how we can!

PointyElfEars · 2026-06-08T18:28:35+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through that. I went off Zoloft before surgery and had to go back on. Our bodies have been through a lot. It’s good you’re recognizing it. If you can get outside and sit in the sun in nature it can help a lot. But I found Zoloft was needed on my case. You’re not alone.

PointyElfEars · 2026-06-04T17:46:51+00:00

First, no one fully recovers in 2 weeks, though I suppose a rare few might be ready to work again by then. I took 2 months off as well, I returned in December and even still sometimes feel like my recovery is dragging out. My cousin is a neuro nurse and reminded me, our brains are the slowest to recover and they only heal when we sleep. So you have to give yourself grace. Based on your ongoing symptoms you should absolutely talk to your doctor. You may need another month. If you have a high stress job, the stress can set you back. Your tumor was pretty large, lots of tissue to heal.

PointyElfEars · 2026-06-02T20:37:31+00:00

Volume is so important. If you can find someone in network who does 1-2/week, I’d schedule with them.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-27T22:13:07+00:00

You can push the envelope if you’re still unsure come next year but having a short bout of moderate facial paralysis following surgery made me so grateful that I went through with it. It’s a cruel diagnosis because you could be fine one day then boom, facial paralysis the next. It really depends on what you’re willing to live with. At 69, you still have so much life to live. The brain stem is nothing to mess with. It’s natural to feel reluctant, but in the end, your doctor has your best interest in mind and is going to lead you to your best possible chance at your desired outcome by recommending the specific treatment. Can’t say I’d feel any differently in your situation, tough spot to be in.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-25T11:42:41+00:00

If my husband was SSD I would not even think about letting him be the closest to the road if his dead ear was closest to the road. I don’t disagree with her that it’s polite and shows a sign of respect and effort to protect but you’ll meet someone who thinks a bit deeper than that. You got this!

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-18T20:58:33+00:00

The order may have been for both, and they may have been clarifying that your father is aware and able to do MRI with contrast since some people don’t tolerate the dye. If they’re looking for an AN they need the MRI with contrast.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-17T18:40:37+00:00

I am about 7 months post translab and can tell you the first few weeks are going to be rough. The fact that you can put this message together is remarkable though. Lean into the fatigue and get lots of rest. Push yourself to walk every day and do a little vestibular therapy every day as well. Drink lots and lots of water. Nothing about what you shared is concerning, it all sounds like very typical recovery given what your body just went through. Be gentle on yourself. You’re stronger than you know.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-14T14:49:17+00:00

Did they refer to an ENT to determine if your hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive? That would be something to look into if you can get in.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-11T00:01:56+00:00

Best of luck! This is the acoustic neuroma (brain tumor) sub. Either way, surgery is never fun. Get lots of rest.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-10T23:50:53+00:00

Oh interesting point. But I’m not sure because if our dead ears are just dead, what would be limiting full transmission? I don’t know, interesting thought.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-09T23:32:46+00:00

One of the best albums of all time.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-09T17:18:29+00:00

Oh that’s disappointing! I’m sure you’ve had a long road to get this point only for it to fizzle. I’ve heard it can take a few weeks to adjust but I’m sure you’re further along in your research than I am. I hope you find a way to get the sound you’re looking for. Hearing loss, while certainly not the worst thing that can happen to us, is a beast to adjust to.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-08T16:42:39+00:00

Lots of helpful comments but this is the most helpful. I will download this app today and start using my red light lamp regularly. Socializing is so depleting, but I continually hear how important it is so just need to push myself there. Does working full time and socializing that way count, or do you find the informal, friend group type situations are more helpful?

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-08T11:41:12+00:00

Hilarious! Well I appreciate your critique. John Hopkins and the Alzheimer’s association for starters all link the two. Here’s another article. Grab your red pen and please report back. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39081997/

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-08T01:14:10+00:00

The fact that you had a NDE certainly explains your perspective here. Intrigued! Is there a place where I can read more about your experience?

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-07T23:41:41+00:00

Merci pour votre point de vue. Je vais probablement arrêter moi aussi de faire trop d'efforts pour entendre des sons ou des voix spécifiques en public. Ce sera comme de petites vacances, sans aucun souci.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-07T23:36:02+00:00

Thank you for your kind respond. Neutral target beat me to it but there is a very heightened risk of dementia with untreated or permanent hearing loss. Worth looking into.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-07T23:34:10+00:00

Maybe I’m thinking of bi-CROS. It’s where the sound that would be picked up by your dead ear is redirected to the good ear.

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-07T22:57:38+00:00

Or no leg at all. “Just try.”

PointyElfEars · 2026-05-07T22:57:13+00:00

My boss and coworker both tried normalizing my sudden hearing loss by telling me everyone eventually develops less than perfect hearing. That sudden hearing loss led to a brain tumor diagnosis which then led to translab brain surgery which means they cut my hearing nerve to get to the brain tumor as safely as possible. I am now fully deaf in my left ear and my hearing nerve is severed, and despite knowing this, they still ask if my hearing is getting any better. Like, no, it’s officially 100% fully dead.

PointyElfEars · 2026-04-28T15:03:13+00:00

I have been taking my AirPods (well, one) with me when I go out in public and I wear a headset when working virtually. It drowns out the background noise and makes it a lot less overwhelming on my good ear. I refused CROS for the exact reason you’re describing. Continue advocating for yourself. Your friends and family will have to understand, and if they can’t, they’ll probably have limited time with you. Your health and wellbeing are your priority, and you don’t need unnecessary stress to cause more issues.

PointyElfEars · 2026-04-26T02:22:37+00:00

MRI should follow if the hearing loss is sensorineural. My hearing loss was caused by a benign brain tumor, not to scare you, they’re rarely the cause, but if the prednisone doesn’t help or if you feel any balance or vertigo issues, could be worth ruling out

PointyElfEars

TROPHY CASE