Happy New Year!
I hope the holiday season has been treating everyone well. Mine has been filled with family get togethers - for Christmas and birthdays, and the new year will be filled with the same.
I wanted to add one more blog for 2008: I have been enjoying my ipod like never before. I was able to use one before I got the implant, but I had to take my hearing aid out and then turn it all the way up, which of course everyone around me could then hear too, so i did not use it that much. My daughter got a new ipod for Christmas so she gave me back mine (she had lost hers). I plugged it in to my processor and the music came in loud and clear - and no one could hear what i was listening too, even turned all the way up! I think I listened to it for the next hour, and then again in the car on the way back from my brothers house an hour away a few days later. I have to update the music now and i will carry it with me everywhere.
On the national level the news this year has not been that great to put it mildly. But on a personal level, I am almost sad to say goodbye to 2008, especially the last couple of months. The highs and lows have given me a real appreciation for my life and family. As 2009 quickly approaches I expect to settle into the everyday routines with much fewer highs and lows, which is a good thing. My blogs will probably be fewer and farther between as well. Feel free to add comments or ask me any questions.
Take care and happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hello and Merry Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa!
I hope you enjoyed the Christmas letter. This is the one we sent to all our friends and family. It truly has been an amazing and eventful year and we are grateful for God's continued presence in our lives,as well as our many family members and friends.
I had my one month (or closer to five weeks) check up with my audi Jennnifer today and I feel like doing some bragging. I took another hearing test in the sound booth and scored in the 30 decibel range - meaning I could hear sounds in that range. . Rememeber, with the hearing aid I was around the 50-60 range, and without it I was in the jet engine range - over 1oo! Then I did some word testing in her office and got 84% percent correct, followed by sentence recognition in which I got 100% correct! Jennifer was pretty happy. Me? I was playing it cool while trying not to burst out laughing with pride and joy. I can't emphasize enough now how glad I am for getting the implant. And I get kinda giggly thinking it still might or should get even better in the months to come. It is simply amazing if I can say so myself.
Jennifer also "mapped" the processor again, and things sound ever so slightly better. My everyday program is working well with most of the environments I am in so we did not add any new programs. I probably will at my next session in a couple of months just so I have options if I want to try them - if they are there I may as well take advantage of them and see if I like them or not. For example I could have a t-coil mix which would allow me to use the t-coil (telephone or microphone switch) but still hear sounds around me.
In the meantime - Merry Christmas! If God blesses you half as much as He has blessed me, you are sure to receive a huge bounty of blessings!
Take care,
I hope you enjoyed the Christmas letter. This is the one we sent to all our friends and family. It truly has been an amazing and eventful year and we are grateful for God's continued presence in our lives,as well as our many family members and friends.
I had my one month (or closer to five weeks) check up with my audi Jennnifer today and I feel like doing some bragging. I took another hearing test in the sound booth and scored in the 30 decibel range - meaning I could hear sounds in that range. . Rememeber, with the hearing aid I was around the 50-60 range, and without it I was in the jet engine range - over 1oo! Then I did some word testing in her office and got 84% percent correct, followed by sentence recognition in which I got 100% correct! Jennifer was pretty happy. Me? I was playing it cool while trying not to burst out laughing with pride and joy. I can't emphasize enough now how glad I am for getting the implant. And I get kinda giggly thinking it still might or should get even better in the months to come. It is simply amazing if I can say so myself.
Jennifer also "mapped" the processor again, and things sound ever so slightly better. My everyday program is working well with most of the environments I am in so we did not add any new programs. I probably will at my next session in a couple of months just so I have options if I want to try them - if they are there I may as well take advantage of them and see if I like them or not. For example I could have a t-coil mix which would allow me to use the t-coil (telephone or microphone switch) but still hear sounds around me.
In the meantime - Merry Christmas! If God blesses you half as much as He has blessed me, you are sure to receive a huge bounty of blessings!
Take care,
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Our 2008 Holiday Letter
What an amazing journey our family has been on this year! It has been a real blessing to know that we have family and friends that are always there for each other when you need them, and that God is ALWAYS in control if you just place your life in his caring hands.From the beginning 2008 proved to be challenging and at times a little overwhelming. Dan was faced in March with learning that the remaining hearing he had was beginning to fail and that he could lose all of it suddenly or gradually over a period of a few years. Luckily, living in this area, we were referred to John’s Hopkins and were able to meet with some of the best doctors for cochlear implant surgery. A cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. The cochlear implant is often referred to as a bionic ear. Unlike hearing aids, the cochlear implant does not amplify sound, but works by directly stimulating any functioning auditory nerves inside the cochlea with electric impulses. Needless to say this has been a journey for all our family and friends. Dan completed the surgical part in early October and for the next 5 weeks was completely deaf while healing. On November 12 he was activated. We now live with “RoboDan”! Everyday is an exciting adventure as he adjusts to his new way of hearing. But he is doing wonderfully and is glad her has it. (Check out his blog: http://danscochlear.blogspot.com/ ).After many nervous weeks we were able to finally move into our newly built home in July, which has allowed for much more space for everyone, and a great place for all of our family and friends to enjoy time together. For awhile we thought we might not actually get to move when the townhouse sale fell through at the last minute and pushed the closing date on the new house back over a month. But by Gods grace it all worked out. Logan (Tammie’s nephew) and TJ (Niece's boyfriend) as well as many others helped with the moving process. Robyn (Tammie’s sister from California) was also able to help organizing the whole kitchen as well as other rooms. Tammie’s parents, although not here on moving day were extremely helpful in the decorating process as well as the walk through before closing. We are now settled and enjoying all the visitors that have been over.
Danielle has now entered her last year of Middle School and became a teenager. At the end of her 7th grade year, after 10 years of waiting and watching others, she built a card board boat (one of her Science projects at school) for the annual boat races in the campus pool. She did well and finished the race– we were all thankful she didn’t sink like many others did! She has one more chance to perfect it this year before moving on to high school. Danielle also enjoyed her Baptism with Megan (cousin) at Sligo SDA church in September. Although she had been baptized years before at New Hope SDA Church, she decided to re-affirm her relationship with God. It proved to be a wonderful experience for both girls, and it was a very exciting day for the whole family, as Uncle Rob and Aunt Aimee welcomed their new baby Caleb that very same morning!As always, Danielle has been very active with sports and activities this year through school. She played Lacrosse goalie in the spring, Volleyball in the fall and as we enter the winter season she is on the basketball team. She also enjoys her school service learning group whose focus is breast cancer awareness. Now we are looking forward to the remainder of her year and holding on to each experience as she wraps up this phase of her life.There were many other wonderful things to celebrate during the course of 2008. Tammie’s niece, Kelsey Trifone, graduated from High School and began college at West Virginia University. Charlotte and Bob (Dan’s parents) celebrated their 50th Anniversary in August . As mentioned above, we welcomed baby Caleb Conway in September. Friends Ron & Gina Turner also welcomed a new baby Isabelle Turner. We are looking forward to Christmas with family and friends, and a year end celebration for Tammie as she turns the big “40” on New Year’s Eve.As you can see this year has been especially eventful. We enter this Holiday season grateful for all that God has done for us we continue to live knowing that each day will draw us closer to our wonderful Father in Heaven where we will be reunited and rejoice in his goodness.
Danielle has now entered her last year of Middle School and became a teenager. At the end of her 7th grade year, after 10 years of waiting and watching others, she built a card board boat (one of her Science projects at school) for the annual boat races in the campus pool. She did well and finished the race– we were all thankful she didn’t sink like many others did! She has one more chance to perfect it this year before moving on to high school. Danielle also enjoyed her Baptism with Megan (cousin) at Sligo SDA church in September. Although she had been baptized years before at New Hope SDA Church, she decided to re-affirm her relationship with God. It proved to be a wonderful experience for both girls, and it was a very exciting day for the whole family, as Uncle Rob and Aunt Aimee welcomed their new baby Caleb that very same morning!As always, Danielle has been very active with sports and activities this year through school. She played Lacrosse goalie in the spring, Volleyball in the fall and as we enter the winter season she is on the basketball team. She also enjoys her school service learning group whose focus is breast cancer awareness. Now we are looking forward to the remainder of her year and holding on to each experience as she wraps up this phase of her life.There were many other wonderful things to celebrate during the course of 2008. Tammie’s niece, Kelsey Trifone, graduated from High School and began college at West Virginia University. Charlotte and Bob (Dan’s parents) celebrated their 50th Anniversary in August . As mentioned above, we welcomed baby Caleb Conway in September. Friends Ron & Gina Turner also welcomed a new baby Isabelle Turner. We are looking forward to Christmas with family and friends, and a year end celebration for Tammie as she turns the big “40” on New Year’s Eve.As you can see this year has been especially eventful. We enter this Holiday season grateful for all that God has done for us we continue to live knowing that each day will draw us closer to our wonderful Father in Heaven where we will be reunited and rejoice in his goodness.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Things are still going well. I am slowly starting to experiment with some of the different settings on the processor after just being happy to hear and keeping everything pretty much the same every day. I have adjusted the volume and sensitivity but am not sure exactly when to do either yet. At church on Saturday, I used an assistive listening devise and turned the processor onto t-coil. That worked well - anyone who spoke into the microphone came in nice and clear, although the singing still wasn't the best.
I got more than 24 hours on my rechargeable battery the other day. I wore it all day Saturday, then took it off in another room I was sleeping in (My neice and nephew spent the night and kicked me out of my own bed!) without recharging it. I put it back on Sunday morning and it lasted until 11:00pm that night. Pretty cool. I haven't used batteries since the first week.
I will be going back for my third mapping in three weeks.
Later,
Dan
I got more than 24 hours on my rechargeable battery the other day. I wore it all day Saturday, then took it off in another room I was sleeping in (My neice and nephew spent the night and kicked me out of my own bed!) without recharging it. I put it back on Sunday morning and it lasted until 11:00pm that night. Pretty cool. I haven't used batteries since the first week.
I will be going back for my third mapping in three weeks.
Later,
Dan
Monday, December 1, 2008
Wizards Game
Our school played a game at the Verizon Center, and I got to announce the players. Very Cool! Also got to take a picture with a few of the cheerleaders.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
12 days post activation and I had my third meeting with Jennifer the Audi today. First thing was to step into the hearing booth and take my first hearing test since getting the implant. I thought I would not do that well since it has been less than two weeks and from what I had heard from others was that it can take weeks or months for the test scores to improve to a level beyond what they were before surgery. I'll tell you what, I haven't felt this good since I aced my last college test over twenty years ago - my score was above what it was with my hearing aid at the last test! (I'll try to get my wife to post a picture of it to prove it!) I am so excited. The hearing is not perfect yet (and of course will never be 'perfect') but it is improving every day.
Jennifer then mapped the processor a little and things are sounding a little fuller and normal. I still get some bells and whistles with certain voices, and the tv for some reason is the worst, and also voices further away or in the room next to my office for example still sound mechanical but based on how things are going now I am optimistic that that will all come around. Talking on the phone has improved too - a good buddy called tonight and I talked for over 5 minutes without a problem.
So as Thanksgiving approaches I definetely have a lot to be thankful for. I want to thank my wife publicly here, for she has been my rock and driving force behind me doing this, and I have been waiting to see how things went before I said this but I can say it now - I am glad I have the cochlear implant!
Until later....
Jennifer then mapped the processor a little and things are sounding a little fuller and normal. I still get some bells and whistles with certain voices, and the tv for some reason is the worst, and also voices further away or in the room next to my office for example still sound mechanical but based on how things are going now I am optimistic that that will all come around. Talking on the phone has improved too - a good buddy called tonight and I talked for over 5 minutes without a problem.
So as Thanksgiving approaches I definetely have a lot to be thankful for. I want to thank my wife publicly here, for she has been my rock and driving force behind me doing this, and I have been waiting to see how things went before I said this but I can say it now - I am glad I have the cochlear implant!
Until later....
Friday, November 14, 2008
It's been over 48 hours now and quiet a whirlwind. The people in the pictures are only a fraction of those who wore "can you hear me now" donald duck shirts on Thursday. It has been fun and humbling at the same time to see all the support.
I went to see Jennifer again today with my wife for some more fine tuning of the CI. It is a little clearer now. She actually turned the volume down slightly. Voices are sounding a little more normal (not so much donald duck!). I still have trouble when not facing someone who is talking. I enjoyed listening to the radio in the car with my daughter on the way home from school. Couldn't hear the words that well but the beat and music was clear.
The one constant is the terrible racket of noises in my head, like a vacuum cleaner with bells and whistles all at the same time. Jennifer said this would gradually go away as my brain continues to adjust to all the sounds. I sure hope so because it really is annoying.
I will be going to church tomorrow. I look forward to hearing the singing and organ again and listening to whoever is preaching. I hope all goes well.
I went to see Jennifer again today with my wife for some more fine tuning of the CI. It is a little clearer now. She actually turned the volume down slightly. Voices are sounding a little more normal (not so much donald duck!). I still have trouble when not facing someone who is talking. I enjoyed listening to the radio in the car with my daughter on the way home from school. Couldn't hear the words that well but the beat and music was clear.
The one constant is the terrible racket of noises in my head, like a vacuum cleaner with bells and whistles all at the same time. Jennifer said this would gradually go away as my brain continues to adjust to all the sounds. I sure hope so because it really is annoying.
I will be going to church tomorrow. I look forward to hearing the singing and organ again and listening to whoever is preaching. I hope all goes well.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
"Can you hear me now"
Staff and students wore shirts with an iron on that had Donald Duck and said "Can you hear me now?" What a wonderful experience to know I have so much support at work.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
PATIENCE! Oh God, I'm going to need a lot of it.
My implant was activated today after five long weeks of silence after the surgery, and while it's been pretty exciting overall being able to hear things again, I'll be honest, it has not been as good as I had hoped. I had been trying to keeps my expectations low anyway, but this is going to take some work getting used too.
After Jennifer (the audiologist) hooked me up, she went through the series of initial beeps that they start off with. Then she "turned me on". While expecting things to sound different, I really couldn't hear anything at all at first, just a bunch of loud sounds with voices sounding very high pitched and mechanical, and yes, very much like Donald Duck as I had heard. In anticipation of this (and without telling me) my wife made some t-shirts with Donald Duck on the front saying "can you hear me now?"My daughter and her took their coats off to reveal them as I was listening to Jennifer talk. It was pretty funny.
Anyway, we then got to go throught the suitcase size box that contains all the extra stuff that I get to keep - all the back-up accessories, batteries, and assistive listening devices.
By the way, the processor and magnet has been pretty comfortable. I had worried that because it was bigger then the hearing aid plus the magnet attached to my head that it would be uncomfortable and take some getting used to, but it hasn't been a problem at all. The magnet slips on nice and easy and fits partially under a hat if I wear one.
After leaving Jennifer's office, I actually felt like crying - things sounded so strange, but I quickly gathered myself and repeated my patience mantra. When listening to someone face to face I can understand what they are saying, even though it sounds strange, but if I look away, I have trouble picking up what is being said. That's why it was kinda of neat for what happened in the car on the way home: I was listening to my daughter Danielle talk in the back seat and trying to repeat what she was saying. My mom was behind me and out of sight when she suddenly said, Dan, can you hear me? I repeated to her, yes, I can hear you. Everyone looked at me in amazement and then I suddenly realized, how did I do that? I guess it was my first CI moment!
It's now Wednesday evening as I write this. It's only been a few hours since I was activated, but I can tell a very slight improvement in the quality of peoples voices, not quiet so much like Donald Duck. Simple everyday environmental sounds are pretty normal, doors shutting, forks on a plate etc. Ironically, music, which I had heard was the hardest to pick up hasn't been that bad. I was able to follow along as Danielle played the piano. Maybe more complex music like at church or on the radio will be different.
So the journey has begun. Not quiet the flying start I secretly was hoping for, but as usual, with the fantastic support of my family and the patience and determination I have asked God to give me, things will improve. I am confidant my next blog will have better news on the speech comprehension front.
My implant was activated today after five long weeks of silence after the surgery, and while it's been pretty exciting overall being able to hear things again, I'll be honest, it has not been as good as I had hoped. I had been trying to keeps my expectations low anyway, but this is going to take some work getting used too.
After Jennifer (the audiologist) hooked me up, she went through the series of initial beeps that they start off with. Then she "turned me on". While expecting things to sound different, I really couldn't hear anything at all at first, just a bunch of loud sounds with voices sounding very high pitched and mechanical, and yes, very much like Donald Duck as I had heard. In anticipation of this (and without telling me) my wife made some t-shirts with Donald Duck on the front saying "can you hear me now?"My daughter and her took their coats off to reveal them as I was listening to Jennifer talk. It was pretty funny.
Anyway, we then got to go throught the suitcase size box that contains all the extra stuff that I get to keep - all the back-up accessories, batteries, and assistive listening devices.
By the way, the processor and magnet has been pretty comfortable. I had worried that because it was bigger then the hearing aid plus the magnet attached to my head that it would be uncomfortable and take some getting used to, but it hasn't been a problem at all. The magnet slips on nice and easy and fits partially under a hat if I wear one.
After leaving Jennifer's office, I actually felt like crying - things sounded so strange, but I quickly gathered myself and repeated my patience mantra. When listening to someone face to face I can understand what they are saying, even though it sounds strange, but if I look away, I have trouble picking up what is being said. That's why it was kinda of neat for what happened in the car on the way home: I was listening to my daughter Danielle talk in the back seat and trying to repeat what she was saying. My mom was behind me and out of sight when she suddenly said, Dan, can you hear me? I repeated to her, yes, I can hear you. Everyone looked at me in amazement and then I suddenly realized, how did I do that? I guess it was my first CI moment!
It's now Wednesday evening as I write this. It's only been a few hours since I was activated, but I can tell a very slight improvement in the quality of peoples voices, not quiet so much like Donald Duck. Simple everyday environmental sounds are pretty normal, doors shutting, forks on a plate etc. Ironically, music, which I had heard was the hardest to pick up hasn't been that bad. I was able to follow along as Danielle played the piano. Maybe more complex music like at church or on the radio will be different.
So the journey has begun. Not quiet the flying start I secretly was hoping for, but as usual, with the fantastic support of my family and the patience and determination I have asked God to give me, things will improve. I am confidant my next blog will have better news on the speech comprehension front.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday night, my last deaf weekend almost over. On Wednesday, I go back to Johns Hopkins to see my audiologist Jennifer Yeagle for the first time since my last audiology exam when I decided to have the cochlear implant. The five weeks since surgery and being deaf have gone by pretty fast. I am looking forward to hearing again, although I am trying not to get to excited because I know it will be different and I don't want to walk away from the first appointment disappointed. It will be a process and I will have to work at it I'm sure.
I will post my thoughts when I return on Wednesday, and hopefully some pictures too of my "new' bionic ear.
Until then, here is a top ten list of the things I am most looking forward too hearing again:
10. My own voice
9. Nature/environment - birds, rain, outside noise (cars, etc.)
8. Good music - singing at church, organ, my daughters music and her singing it
7. Going to church
6. Hearing at work again - my colleagues and students (especially the senior boys who have been rooting for me).
5. Talking on the phone again
4. Babies crying - my newest nephew Caleb, and friend Ron's baby Isabelle
3. Sports noice - games on tv, and at work - basketballs bouncing, shoes squeaking, coaches talking.
2. My family talking at family get-togethers, especially nephews Megan, Ryan, and Ben
1. My wife and daughter talking - especially when they are talking and laughing together.
(And the #1 thing I will not miss: all this racquet in my head - the wooshing, ringing, bells, etc.!)
I will post my thoughts when I return on Wednesday, and hopefully some pictures too of my "new' bionic ear.
Until then, here is a top ten list of the things I am most looking forward too hearing again:
10. My own voice
9. Nature/environment - birds, rain, outside noise (cars, etc.)
8. Good music - singing at church, organ, my daughters music and her singing it
7. Going to church
6. Hearing at work again - my colleagues and students (especially the senior boys who have been rooting for me).
5. Talking on the phone again
4. Babies crying - my newest nephew Caleb, and friend Ron's baby Isabelle
3. Sports noice - games on tv, and at work - basketballs bouncing, shoes squeaking, coaches talking.
2. My family talking at family get-togethers, especially nephews Megan, Ryan, and Ben
1. My wife and daughter talking - especially when they are talking and laughing together.
(And the #1 thing I will not miss: all this racquet in my head - the wooshing, ringing, bells, etc.!)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Hey, I just realized (looking in the mirror the other day), that my left ear isn't crooked anymore. After wearing a hearing aid for 32 years and of course after the surgery which really bent my ear back , my left ear was kinda, uh, off. But after just 3 and a half weeks post surgery and not wearing anything behind my ear, it's already straightened out. Oh well, in another week and a half, it's back to pushing the ol ear around as I put my new processor on. Small price to pay to be able to hear.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday night - another weekend done.
I've been doing a lot of visiting lately - friends with a new baby, friend in the hospital, wife's nephew with broken hip, etc. A lot harder than just being around the house or at work, trying to keep up with the conversations.
I've had a few "phantom ear" moments, where out of habit I reach for my ear or where my hearing aid used to be. I know I have bragged in previous posts about how well things were going, and they still are, but I'm definetly getting tired of being deaf. It has been interesting experiencing what it is like to be deaf and I appreciated what others have to live with permanently, but I am so ready to get my cochlear processor and start to learn to hear with it. I remind myself that it will be a challenge and probably a little frustrating, and thus harder than just being deaf in a way, but long term it will all be for the best.
Go Redskins!
I've been doing a lot of visiting lately - friends with a new baby, friend in the hospital, wife's nephew with broken hip, etc. A lot harder than just being around the house or at work, trying to keep up with the conversations.
I've had a few "phantom ear" moments, where out of habit I reach for my ear or where my hearing aid used to be. I know I have bragged in previous posts about how well things were going, and they still are, but I'm definetly getting tired of being deaf. It has been interesting experiencing what it is like to be deaf and I appreciated what others have to live with permanently, but I am so ready to get my cochlear processor and start to learn to hear with it. I remind myself that it will be a challenge and probably a little frustrating, and thus harder than just being deaf in a way, but long term it will all be for the best.
Go Redskins!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
"Snake" hunting....
My family, knowing my fear of snakes thought it would be funny to tell me they saw one on our walk-At least they keep me laughing.
Fall walk
Went on a walk with our family on Saturday, Oct. 18 on the school campus. What a wonderful day. It's been great to be surrounded by somany friends and family through this process. It defintely makes it alot easier.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Two weekends down, three to go, before activation. Sounds like a long time but the days have been going by fast. The key for me has been to keep busy, at work, at home doing stuff around the house or getting out of the house with the family.
The silence is getting a little boring but I'm still pretty upbeat. My wife thought I would be real depressed by now, but knowing it's not permanent keeps me going.
Had a nice moment on Saturday. I went to church even though I can't hear anything. I was expecting to just try to stay awake during the sermon and even posted those thoughts on my facebook wall. Well, just as the service started, the pastor left the platform, went to her office and printed out a copy of her sermon notes and gave them to a deacon to deliver to me, then walked back up to the platform! (I didn't know what she was doing at the time of course). How incredibly thoughtful of her though, when she could have been lost in her own thoughts before her sermon. Between her notes and lipreading I was able to follow along and get the gist of the sermon, which was a lot better than just daydreaming about the Terps or something!
Just one quick note about my ear before I log off. I have finished my anitbiotic meds the doctor gave me. No infection, no pain. Just waiting for activation now. Just me and my ringing, although that has gone down. I still hear a little motor type sound though every now and then. Can't figure out if it is the implant, or if I'm actually hearing my brain work!
The silence is getting a little boring but I'm still pretty upbeat. My wife thought I would be real depressed by now, but knowing it's not permanent keeps me going.
Had a nice moment on Saturday. I went to church even though I can't hear anything. I was expecting to just try to stay awake during the sermon and even posted those thoughts on my facebook wall. Well, just as the service started, the pastor left the platform, went to her office and printed out a copy of her sermon notes and gave them to a deacon to deliver to me, then walked back up to the platform! (I didn't know what she was doing at the time of course). How incredibly thoughtful of her though, when she could have been lost in her own thoughts before her sermon. Between her notes and lipreading I was able to follow along and get the gist of the sermon, which was a lot better than just daydreaming about the Terps or something!
Just one quick note about my ear before I log off. I have finished my anitbiotic meds the doctor gave me. No infection, no pain. Just waiting for activation now. Just me and my ringing, although that has gone down. I still hear a little motor type sound though every now and then. Can't figure out if it is the implant, or if I'm actually hearing my brain work!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
post-op doc appointment
Hi all,
Went to see the surgeon today, 10 days after the surgery. We were at the hospital for 90 minutes for a 5 minute visit from th doc. That's a good thing though - means everything is going well, scar is healing real nice, no balance problems (ask Tammie about the violent looking head-twisting test for this). Next trip to Hopkins now is to see Jennifer Yeagle, the audiologist who will "turn me on" in three weeks. Can't wait for that!
In the meatime, everything is going really well. I went for an 11 mile bike ride around BWI airport last Saturday, just 5 days after surgery. I was a little winded and tired but it felt good to do something vigorous. Had to keep pushing to keep up with my daughter Danielle, my brother John, his wife Carla and their son 10 year old Ryan.
I've been at work now for four days and even surprised myself with how smoothly things have gone. I guess I expected a little more difficulty communicating but haven't had any problems yet. In fact, today the admissions director was leading a family through the gym and as is normal stopped at my office so I could give a little spiel about the athletic program. I was able to do my thing without any embarrasing mishaps or miscommunication. Students and colleagues alike have been amazed at how well I still talk even though I can't hear a single syllable I say. And I can carry on a conversation using my lip reading skills. Sorry for the bragging, but I do feel pretty good about it and it is helping me get through this pre-activation silent period in good spirits. An interesting question though, to keep rambling, is how long could I keep doing this (talking normally without being able to hear)? It's only been 10 days, so might I start to regress in another 10 days, or 5 weeks, or 5 months, or say 1 year? I'm speaking from memory from being in the hearing world for 42 years, but how long would my brain be able to keep it up? I'm not about to try to find out - I've never been the type to want to be a guinea pig for anything although I have tremendous respect for all the pioneers who started this cochlear implant thing almost 30 years ago with inferior equipment, resources and knowledge.
Wow, hope I haven't lost anyone reading this!
Went to see the surgeon today, 10 days after the surgery. We were at the hospital for 90 minutes for a 5 minute visit from th doc. That's a good thing though - means everything is going well, scar is healing real nice, no balance problems (ask Tammie about the violent looking head-twisting test for this). Next trip to Hopkins now is to see Jennifer Yeagle, the audiologist who will "turn me on" in three weeks. Can't wait for that!
In the meatime, everything is going really well. I went for an 11 mile bike ride around BWI airport last Saturday, just 5 days after surgery. I was a little winded and tired but it felt good to do something vigorous. Had to keep pushing to keep up with my daughter Danielle, my brother John, his wife Carla and their son 10 year old Ryan.
I've been at work now for four days and even surprised myself with how smoothly things have gone. I guess I expected a little more difficulty communicating but haven't had any problems yet. In fact, today the admissions director was leading a family through the gym and as is normal stopped at my office so I could give a little spiel about the athletic program. I was able to do my thing without any embarrasing mishaps or miscommunication. Students and colleagues alike have been amazed at how well I still talk even though I can't hear a single syllable I say. And I can carry on a conversation using my lip reading skills. Sorry for the bragging, but I do feel pretty good about it and it is helping me get through this pre-activation silent period in good spirits. An interesting question though, to keep rambling, is how long could I keep doing this (talking normally without being able to hear)? It's only been 10 days, so might I start to regress in another 10 days, or 5 weeks, or 5 months, or say 1 year? I'm speaking from memory from being in the hearing world for 42 years, but how long would my brain be able to keep it up? I'm not about to try to find out - I've never been the type to want to be a guinea pig for anything although I have tremendous respect for all the pioneers who started this cochlear implant thing almost 30 years ago with inferior equipment, resources and knowledge.
Wow, hope I haven't lost anyone reading this!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Daughters Volleyball Game-1st outing since surgery
Enjoyed getting out of the house on Friday and watching our daughter play volleyball- Barrie Won!
Friday, October 10, 2008
TGIF
The days are moving - slowly. When I get back to work I'm sure they will go by faster. But it is Friday at last.
The swelling around my ear has gone down. Now you can see the incision more and also a little bump where the chip is implanted. When I sneeze or cough this is where I feel some pressure. Not to worry though, it's not like it is going to come flying out my ear with the next big sneeze!
Left the house for only the second time this week. Went to see my daughter play volleyball against the Maret School in DC. They (and she) played well and won.
Unless something major happens I may not post again until my first doctors appointment next week.
Take care
Dan
The swelling around my ear has gone down. Now you can see the incision more and also a little bump where the chip is implanted. When I sneeze or cough this is where I feel some pressure. Not to worry though, it's not like it is going to come flying out my ear with the next big sneeze!
Left the house for only the second time this week. Went to see my daughter play volleyball against the Maret School in DC. They (and she) played well and won.
Unless something major happens I may not post again until my first doctors appointment next week.
Take care
Dan
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Is it Friday yet?
Day Four - Thursday, October 9
Just a regular sore throat today, probably took it to fast with the sodas and other drinks.
Otherwise a normal day. School was out for Yom Kippur.
Two students from school came by and spent the afternoon here hanging out.
No pain meds today. My daughter cleaned the incision and applied the antibiotic. The ringing (tinnitus) is still there. I guess I will be in that percentage of people who keep the tinnitus afer surgery. Bummer. I'll have to wait till ater activation to see if it goes away.
I'm starting to settle into the "silent world". Although I still talk and respond to questions so I don't forget how to, I've never gone this long without being able to hear anything. I'm going to have to stay positive and keep counting the days down to activation.
Later
Just a regular sore throat today, probably took it to fast with the sodas and other drinks.
Otherwise a normal day. School was out for Yom Kippur.
Two students from school came by and spent the afternoon here hanging out.
No pain meds today. My daughter cleaned the incision and applied the antibiotic. The ringing (tinnitus) is still there. I guess I will be in that percentage of people who keep the tinnitus afer surgery. Bummer. I'll have to wait till ater activation to see if it goes away.
I'm starting to settle into the "silent world". Although I still talk and respond to questions so I don't forget how to, I've never gone this long without being able to hear anything. I'm going to have to stay positive and keep counting the days down to activation.
Later
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Day After - Day 2
Woke up early today - out of habit i guess. Not feeling to bad. I did a double take looking in the mirror this morning and seeing my "cup" over my ear.
The biggest thing today is the ringing - tinnitus. It is pretty loud and sometimes it comes on really loud like a frieght train passing by with it's whistle on. Hopefully this is temporary and will go away or at least the level will reduce. By the time I am activated I am hoping the whole device will drown out any ringing I may still have.
I felt good enough to go out and get McDonalds with my wife, sit outside, set the sprinklers on the lawn. My younger brother stopped by. He works at a radio station (WGTS, 91.9). He said he mentioned me on the air. It is pretty humbling to think of all the people out there who might be praying for me.
Tomorrow: the cup comes off! I'll try to put some pictures up of "the cup" today, then more pics tomorrow of the surgery. I've seen other pics online so I can't wait to see what my incision looks like.
Later,
Robo Dan
The biggest thing today is the ringing - tinnitus. It is pretty loud and sometimes it comes on really loud like a frieght train passing by with it's whistle on. Hopefully this is temporary and will go away or at least the level will reduce. By the time I am activated I am hoping the whole device will drown out any ringing I may still have.
I felt good enough to go out and get McDonalds with my wife, sit outside, set the sprinklers on the lawn. My younger brother stopped by. He works at a radio station (WGTS, 91.9). He said he mentioned me on the air. It is pretty humbling to think of all the people out there who might be praying for me.
Tomorrow: the cup comes off! I'll try to put some pictures up of "the cup" today, then more pics tomorrow of the surgery. I've seen other pics online so I can't wait to see what my incision looks like.
Later,
Robo Dan
Monday, October 6, 2008
Hello,
What a relief! Surgery and post surgery has not been that bad.
Welcome to my first blog post ever. I have created this hoping I can help someone else in the cochelar community much as I was helped during the summer when I read many blogs as I tried to learn as much as possible, preferably from others who had been through it. Please feel free to comment on this blog, ask questions, or add your own thoughts.
I'll try to catch up on what's been happening the last 24 hours.
Sunday, 10/5/08: I have not been as nervous as I thought I would be the day before the surgery. Had fun watching the Redskins beating the Eagles! Just beforegoing to bed I had a nice quiet moment with my wife Tammie and daughter Danielle as we talked and prayed for a few minutes.
Monday/10/6/08: Woke up nice and early. The surgery is being done at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, just a 30 minute drive away. Surgery time is 10:30am.
My wife, daughter and mom came with me. Still pretty calm. Time flew by and quickly enough I was walking into the operating room and was out in less than 5 minutes.
When I woke up I had a slight sore throat but ice chips and water helped that. Within an hour I was ready to come home so I could chill on my own couch. The pain started on my upper jaw but is now where it is supposed to be - behind my left ear. I will be taking me pain meds again soon. I am wearing a protective athletic supporter cup. Kidding! It just looks like one.
I will be spending the week here at home so I will try to post something on a daily basis. After that I will post on a weekly basis. I'll try to put some pictures up too.
That's it for now.
Take care,
Dan
What a relief! Surgery and post surgery has not been that bad.
Welcome to my first blog post ever. I have created this hoping I can help someone else in the cochelar community much as I was helped during the summer when I read many blogs as I tried to learn as much as possible, preferably from others who had been through it. Please feel free to comment on this blog, ask questions, or add your own thoughts.
I'll try to catch up on what's been happening the last 24 hours.
Sunday, 10/5/08: I have not been as nervous as I thought I would be the day before the surgery. Had fun watching the Redskins beating the Eagles! Just beforegoing to bed I had a nice quiet moment with my wife Tammie and daughter Danielle as we talked and prayed for a few minutes.
Monday/10/6/08: Woke up nice and early. The surgery is being done at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, just a 30 minute drive away. Surgery time is 10:30am.
My wife, daughter and mom came with me. Still pretty calm. Time flew by and quickly enough I was walking into the operating room and was out in less than 5 minutes.
When I woke up I had a slight sore throat but ice chips and water helped that. Within an hour I was ready to come home so I could chill on my own couch. The pain started on my upper jaw but is now where it is supposed to be - behind my left ear. I will be taking me pain meds again soon. I am wearing a protective athletic supporter cup. Kidding! It just looks like one.
I will be spending the week here at home so I will try to post something on a daily basis. After that I will post on a weekly basis. I'll try to put some pictures up too.
That's it for now.
Take care,
Dan
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