Finding Normal

Time waits for no one thats a well known fact. My bout with acoustic neuroma has come and gone and I've paid a price for it that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.

But, time and life go on and I don't want to get left behind.

Going on after surgery is proving to be quite a challenge. It seems that a lot of people forget that five months ago I had metal instruments moving around in my brain. I know everyone is busy with thier life, I am too, it's just one of those humbling experiences.

I've included some photo's in this update to show that I'm alright and back to living life to the fullest extent I can. My two year old granddaughter doesn't even know grandpa was down for a while and I give her credit for getting me up and moving around soon after surgery. She never lets me rest.

My wife and I recently went exploring in Anza Borrego. We hiked many miles during our two day adventure. This is the Carrizo overlook a beautiful place.
Here's another place in Anza Borrego, the wind caves.
Another overlook in AB.
My first tagged trout at the Lake Isabella fishing derby.
Physically

Balance-- I still feel a little wobbly, I don't think it will get much better but I do believe I will get used to things as time goes on. Hiking really helps.

Hearing-- This is a very tough one to get used to. I have always loved my music and have played guitar since I was a kid. Because sound is now one dimensional music does not sound as good and I just don't have the motivation to play as much. I also have a very sore elbow that makes it hard to play so I'm sure that is a contributing factor also. I still have difficulty sensing which direction sound is coming from. Another thing thats kind of related to hearing loss is my tinnitus, not just a constant ringing but there's popping and crickets that I occasionally hear.

Stamina is not quite what it used to be but from what I've read having to concentrate on your balance does work against your stamina. I just have to try a little harder.

Finding my new normal is something that I may do but I'm never going to give up trying, and it's just one more challenge in life that must be dealt with. I don't want to get left behind life is too short.