My cerebellar recovery: Keys to success
 

11 months ago I had a benign cerebellar tumor removed. Prior to the diagnosis I was experiencing dizziness, nausea, headaches, and vertigo for approximately three months. Looking back I was also experiencing some issues relating to hearing, attention and eye tracking for up to a year and a half.

My recovery has been slow. I have been dealing with several hurdles, namely: eye tracking (nystagmus), vertigo, hearing, attention, and short-term memory (thankfully no headaches). I think these symptoms are all quite similar to PCS.

However, I have also made lots of progress. I made my most significant gains 6 months and 10 months out, respectively. I am convinced these gains can be attributed to a combination of a few things: vestibular rehab, moderate exercise (start w/ walking), rest/relaxation and awareness of my limitations (i.e. don't over do it). Also if you are able to move back in with your parents and take time off work, I also think that can be very beneficial (unfortunately, this is impossible for many). I would highly recommend that people with a similar diagnosis pursue what I did.

Today I continue to face many challenges, and I reckon that I am only about 80% of the way there recovery wise. However, my quality of life has also improved dramatically in the past 6 months, and I believe I owe that in part to the things I talked about. It's very frustrating time for me, but I recognize and appreciate how far I have come.

It's been amazing to me to learn how long recovery actually takes.

I learned as a child that recovery from a cold is pretty quick. Unfortunately, it's not so for anything more serious.

I appreciate your good attitude and tenacity about your situation. :)