Regaining Balance

I have VHL and have undergone nine craniotomies, all in the cerebellum. I mention the location because this area is a balance center.

Not once did anyone suggest physical therapy because I was doing well, but, I went to see a physical therapist for a knee problem and mentioned in passing that I had had all of that neurosurgery. He offered me a set of simple "exercises" to work my balance. What a great idea!! I  was faithful with them and noticed an improvement, even though I had not been at all aware of any deficit.

I have now learned to include in my exercise regime some aspect of balance, be it yoga, or the big inflated balls, called "balance balls."  There a wide range of video tapes available on either subject, and the difference is astounding.  I was very pleased when a neuro-audiologist (balance specialist) was clearly astounded at my "rock-steady" balance! All that and I currently have 10 tumors still in that area, yet no one can tell that I have had any run-in with neurological issues at all, least of all me.

I believe that there are many folk, who, unaware of these options, have resigned themselves to a life that is less that they can have. Brain elasticity is astounding! My tip for people would be,"Go for it! and Stretch your limits!"