[Ryan_Reid]

My name is Ryan. I'm 25, and I'm pleased to say I had a successful skull base tumor resection last week and am recovering nicely.

Specifically: Chondrosarcoma growing from the clivus and impacting the brain near the brain stem. My operation was a craniotomy behind my right ear. The tumor was 'thankfully' completely removed. I had a severe csf leak following surgery (the most painful thing I have ever experienced, but I'm kind of a wimp) which led to a subsequent surgery to repair 2 csf leaks. One was repaired with a muscle graft, the other with wax.

The operation was done by Dr. Robert Spetzler and his team at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Dr. Spetzler was the only surgeon of many I spoke with who was confident he could address the issue. I couldn't recommend him, or his staff at Barrow, more.

I'm dealing with some minor issues, mainly psychological. I have nightmares about the csf leak recurring every night. It interrupts sleep and is overall a terrifying pain in the butt. Any advice or experience with that would be very welcome.

Other than the psychological recovery, I'm aiming to be active in a community that has been there; that maybe I can help support in some small way.

Thanks!!!

[Darlene]

Ryan,

Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

It is great to hear you had good results with your surgery.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Lightrail11]

Originally Posted by Ryan_Reid

The operation was done by Dr. Robert Spetzler and his team at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. Dr. Spetzler was the only surgeon of many I spoke with who was confident he could address the issue. I couldn't recommend him, or his staff at Barrow, more.

Hi Ryan, welcome.

Another Barrow's Neurological Institute surgical alumnus here! Dr. Steve Chang performed a lifesaving craniotomy after my accident on 11-29-2010. I can’t say enough good things about them and all the folks at Barrow’s neuro-rehab center.

Pleased your outcome was also a good one. I too still deal with psychological issues, but being alive to deal with those challenges is a whole lot better than the other possible outcome