Elaine:
Opinion seems to vary on how effective CT Scan is as a diagnostic tool for acoustic neuroma. Some sources indicate high "false negative" rates, particularly for smaller neuromas. Other sources voice approval for the use of the technique, aided by contrast agents. Not being a medical doctor, I am uncertain of the precise "bottom line" on this issue. Perhaps Donna M can offer an insight based on her greater exposure as a medical professional.
See: http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/tumors/acoustic_neur...
or
See: http://www.acousticneuroma.org/diagnosis_of_acoustic_neuroma_acoust...
Regards, Red
Donna, let's not go off half-cocked here, please.
I have yet to delete a posting here in the six months or so that I've supported the place. The moderators quite rarely do that, and in the few instances where they do, it is generally because they are seeing SPAM or over-generalizations of wild claims unsupported by medical evidence.
Contention for its own sake has no useful purpose, and I'll personally discourage that. I've been around the Net for long enough to see a lot of discussions of patient rights -- and for long enough to recognize that medicine is as much art as science. So perhaps I have a bit more empathy for doctors who deal with pain day in and day out, knowing that their tools are imperfect and their results often inadequate. We're all in this together, Donna. It doesn't have to be "us against them."
Regards, Red
Hi Donna,
I found you on FB but am unable to add you as a friend. I would love to converse with you more. Do you have any idea how I can add you?
I am Laura Lynn (on the living with TN page) with a cute foxhound orange/white dog as my picture. :)
Donna,
I have to correct you on several issues. Red has much more than head knowledge. His wife has Atypical TN, so he has much more understanding than you know. He has been a partner on her journey through this condition and can see issues from many sides that we don't have experience with.
Red is not the only one who censors or deletes comments that violate group policy. There are 12 moderators who have that ability. Some people believe that since this group is on the internet they have the right to say whatever they want, but this is a private support group and we have policies to maintain for a variety of reasons. Some may not be clear to the members, but the policies are well thought out and are for the greater good of the group as a whole.
All the best,
Gloria
Donna,
P.S.
I have extensive legal experience and I agree with Red. It would be very difficult to prove that the person you feel is responsible for your condition is legally liable. Medical malpractice attorneys are very reluctant to take on a case that they will be paying for motions, subpoenas and other court paperwork, when, in the end, they may not win and will be out their money. In a condition like ours there are many possible causes and possible coincidences that may make it impossible to prove a case of malpractice. It is also a common practice for attorneys representing doctors to drag out the case and continue it, which could turn into years of litigation.
Hang in there! Mine has changed dramatically this year.