I saw my Neurotologist today and je says I have no bone on my superior semicircular canal - which explains why my symptoms are so sever. my surgery is scheduled for August 31st. I will be in the hospital for atleast 5 days.

I have so much damage to my inner ear already that there is a chance the surgery won't help at all and could make things worse. But I'm hoping it makes things better:cool: .

Pip,

I'm sorry to hear this. Try and stay positive as it has helped the two others who posted to you. There has been people told they will die in such and such time because their cancer cannot be cured and they end up living a long enjoyable life. Never give up hope.

You sound as if you are at it's worst now, so how much worse can the surgery be? It could possibly only make things better. Try to look at it on the positive side because that is what will get you through it. I know how awful this stuff is and I don't know why people end up with the things they do and why people who are well take their health for granted, but we were given this path and what breaks us down only makes us stronger in the end.

You'll be in my thoughts on the 31st. When you are well enough (and you will be) post and let us know.

Best of luck and a big hug to get you through the days.

Gloria

P.S. - I was never actually diagnosed but believe it is inner ear because I was perfectly fine before an ear infection and nasty virus. I've just had things ruled out through MRI, 2 CT scans, bloodwork, EEOG (for meniere's), pressure tests, hearing tests, etc. I'm improving and trying to stay hopeful that even after a year and a half, I will one day prevail again.

Hi Gloria,

Thanks for the positive words:angel: I am nervous about it, but I'm thinking the best. I can't wait to hear music again (even though it doesn't sound "natural" with a hearing aid) and not have to struggle so much to read lips! Oh, and the past few weeks I've woken up spinning so bad that I could not get out of bed till between noon and 6PM of every other day, on average - so I'm looking forward to that NOT happenning anymore! *LOL*

Good Luck to you, too:D

:) I saw my Neurotologist today and je says I have no bone on my superior semicircular canal - which explains why my symptoms are so sever. my surgery is scheduled for August 31st. I will be in the hospital for atleast 5 days.

I have so much damage to my inner ear already that there is a chance the surgery won't help at all and could make things worse. But I'm hoping it makes things better:cool: .

I have recently had this surgery. It has been 8 months. I regained a little of my hearing back after the surgery. I suffered a severe vertigo attack in May 2005, which left me with ongoing imbalance. I seemed to 'list' to the left. My physician found the dehiscence in my superior canal - a large hole. I've also a dehiscence in my right ear, as well. But this one is not as large. He felt because the dehiscence was so large on my left side, this was the reason for my symptoms. He felt that during my vertigo attack, my brain pulsated and broke the superior canal bone. I had lost some of my hearing after the attack, but actually regained some back after having the surgery:) . I am still recovering from the surgery with minimal side effects. The surgery itself, was not bad. Pain was minimal. Steroids the most difficult.
You'll get through it.

Thanks for the reply, Koney. It helps to hear of others that have had the surgery and have gotten relief. did you have any temp or perm damage to the facial nerve? How much hair did they shave? I'm still waiting on my appt. to talk to the Neurosurgeon, I've talked to the Neurotologist, though. I take it you had IV streiods in the hospital, then oral at home? Whay kind of side effects did you have? I've taken several courses of oral steriods for my MM but I've never had Iv steriods, that I know of. thanks :)