Thursday, October 27, 2011

Fever Gone, but Ringing Ear

I am getting better fast, no fever and my throat is a lot better. I had my third major ear ringing episode today. It sounded like someone was using a vacuum cleaner next to me for a few hours. It bothered me enough to comment to my wife, who promptly called the implant doctor. He asked me to go see him tomorrow morning. He also asked me to double a certain medicine and my Ginko Biloba. I am feeling better now, just before bed. Hopefully fine in the  morning.

Activation a week from tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sick

One of the things the doctor warned me about was getting sick during the recovery phase of surgery. I’ve got a severely inflamed throat, fever and some sinus stuff happening. Dr Evandro prescribed some medicines and told me to gargle with warm water mixed with baking soda at least 5 times a day. (this tastes terrible, by the way)

Nilson, my son had this last week, now I’ve got it, and I won’t be surprised if Loaise is coming down with it too.

Activation will be not this Friday, but next. I am looking forward to it.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Activation on November 4th

On Tuesday, I met with Dr. Evandro, who did my CI surgery. Everything is healing well. I have had problems opening my mouth wide. I can’t and it hurts to try. He told me that there is a plug in my left ear that can’t come out for at least 30 days after the surgery. He will remove it  and clean out my left ear on activation day, November 4th.

I had two days with serious ear ringing and dizziness, but it passed both times. He prescribed some medicine and supplements, including Gingko Biloba, and some nose spray.

At first, I was dreaming almost every night that I was getting the implant activated and was hearing in my left ear. Now, not so much. With such a long wait, some of the excitement has worn off. I am sure it will perk up again in November.

I will get a haircut this coming week, so all of my hair will be even again. I’ll post a picture.

God has been very gracious to me.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

This is my Implant, a MED-EL Sonata

SONATA

The World's Most Sophisticated Implant
with Titanium Housing

SONATA Cochlear Implant

The thin, small-volume SONATA is the most advanced titanium implant available. The I100 electronics platform supports both FineHearing and Complete Cochlear Coverage, two technologies which help users to enjoy greater sound clarity and detail. These technologies are especially important for music enjoyment and listening in difficult situations.


The energy-efficient SONATA is also extremely durable. With an over 99% reliability rating, the SONATA delivers peace of mind along with future readiness. SONATA is embedded with additional capabilities that are currently untapped. The capabilities are designed to be utilized in conjunction with future software or audio processor upgrades. This makes SONATA the ideal implant choice for both today and the future.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

CI Surgery - My Experience

I am sure my wife stressed out and suffered more than anyone in this whole ordeal. My surgery date had been moved up, unexpectedly, so she had to go through a whirlwind of paperwork and meetings to make it happen. She is a special woman.

 

The day before the surgery, I was told to suspend my medicine, it wasn’t going to happen. There was another problem and my name “wasn’t on the list.” We fretted about that and then just decided, after doing everything we could, just to take off work and go to the mall. Just forget about it and let it go. A few hours later they called us and my name was back on the list, and the surgery was on.

 

When I arrived at the hospital, I was given hospital clothes. Not long after that a list of questions. Then I was taken to the operating room. I was given an IV and my hair was shaved a little more. Then they put some white stuff in my IV and I lasted about 10 more seconds. The next thing I remember, I was in the recovery room. I still had my hearing aid on in my right ear. It made me happy to hear something. That might be what the smiling is about in that second picture. About every two hours they came and gave me medicine for pain, nausea and swelling. That also might account for the smile in the second picture. Who knows?

 

I experienced no head pain or headaches. I’ve had no nausea. I have had some dizziness and lack of energy. The stitches are well done and there is no sign of inflammation or infection. I am still having some fluid drain (blood and water) from my left ear. I guess this is normal.

 

About half of my tongue feels like it was burned by hot coffee or soup. No flavor there. I hope it comes back.

 

My wife proved once again that she is God’s perfect person for me. She is special. What a wonderful helper she is.

The Implant Surgery in Pictures

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