Afternoon all ...

I tried to post a reply to Jaime earlier but being a new user I do not think it worked so I thought I would post a new thread. My story is as follows ...

In December 2006, when I was 20 years old I started to feel off balance. I seen my doctor who assured me I only had an ear infection and this would go away in time, predictably it didn't. I was then sent to see an ENT specialist who was puzzled and of no help. Finally my DR sent me for an MRI scan which showed I have a large arachnoid cyst on the front left of my brain. Because I was young and these were my only symptoms they wanted to wait and see if they settled. However my symptoms deteoriated and I began vomiting now and again until now it is a daily occurrence. I also experience headaches. Nothing seemed to ever be getting done and I just turned up to see my neurologist who had a chat with me and asked me to come back in a few months time which was incredibly frustrating. Finally after starting to become very poorly I decided to research this myself and found out about a neuro surgeon and I paid to go private. He was a god send. Listened to my case and took interest in what I am going through. He asked me to have another MRI scan done and he said that the pressure the cyst is putting on my brain is cuasing my symptoms. I have flown on holiday twice during my illness and each time my symptoms have with regards to balance deteoriated and he said this is a result of the cabin pressure adding to the pressure of the cyst. He said my best option is to have a shunt placed inside the cyst and a tube running from my brain under the skin down my neck and into my stomach which will constantly drain the fluid and relieve the pressure off my brain ... hopefully either eradicating my symptoms or significantly improving them. I am now just waiting for my letter to come to let me know when I am going in to hospital to have the operation done. I thought I would post this on here to share my story but also after reading some of the blogs to say to soe of you who seem to be having no luck with your GP or neurologist to see a neurosurgeon as soon as possible. These guys know whats what and give you straight answers about what needs or can be done. I hope you respond to this post as I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and input on my story and best of luck to you all.

Mick,

Going to a neurosurgeon was a brilliant move!

Good for you!

I hope that the shunt works well.

Keep us posted.

-Vic

Hello Mick and welcome to NeuroTalk. I tend to agree with you on the neurosurgeon option, and I do think that people sometimes forget what a great job they do.

I'm sorry to hear of your problems. We have several members on the site who also have Arachnoid Cysts, and I think the best place for you to get in contact with them would be through our General Health Conditions & Rare Disorders Forum. Here's the direct link : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum2.html

Welcome again.; I hope you get quick relief from the shunt.

Hi, Mick! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

It looks like you are not being passive in your treatment, that is excellent. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi Mick! Welcome to NeuroTalk!! So glad you decided to join us!

Hello Mick and Welcome to NeuroTalk. I am glad you are here and told your story. I think it's a lesson for alot of us, to become more proactive and to seek other opinions when you feel your'e not getting satisfaction from the medical personnel treating you. Bravo!! Your diligence paid off.

Please keep us informed on how things are going.