I went for my appointment today with my CI Audi, Dr. Michael Scott, and a student who performed my evaluation. This time I was tested with my hearing aid in and they also put an aid in my deaf, right ear but I couldn't hear anything out of it. This one was particularly nerve wracking since I had to repeat sentences. I could only "guess" half of them, at most, and I started having my usual panic attack.
But the good part was after the test when they told me that I am definitely a candidate!! I'm so THRILLED! Another shocker was that I've been reading it takes 4 weeks after surgery before activation, Dr. Scott said not anymore, it takes only 2 weeks! Cool!!
Also, my MRI came back normal, no brain tumors, whew.
I wasn't sure which implant device to go with so I was given a huge packet with lots of info for the Nucleus Freedom, Med El and Advanced Bionics Harmony. They all seem so amazing that it's going to be a tough decision! There's also tons of info about how it all works, including a cool DVD explaining how sound travels normally and with the implant, etc.
My next appointment is on October 1, and I'll see both Dr. Weber and Dr. Scott. Looks like we'll be scheduling surgery from there, I think, I hope. :-)
Everyone there is so nice and helpful, I feel so lucky to have these people 'hear' for me!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Today I went for the MRI and CT Scan. I was so nervous. That was the first time I had a MRI and it was so freaky. Hope I don't have any brain tumors.
My CI Audi rescheduled for Wednesday, something to do with my insurance. I have Medicaid so a run around is to be expected.
Still got my fingers crossed, I should know more on Wednesday!
My CI Audi rescheduled for Wednesday, something to do with my insurance. I have Medicaid so a run around is to be expected.
Still got my fingers crossed, I should know more on Wednesday!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
About me
Hi, my name is Dawne, and this is my first time blogging so bear with me! I'm 39 years old and live in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I have 2 kids, Jeff, 17 and Kimmy, 12. Danny, the father of my daughter and my long-time companion, was tragically killed in a robbery in 2005 and I have remained single.
In 1987, when I was 17 years old, I began noticing some hearing loss. By age 20 my hearing loss was severe and I received my first hearing aid. It got worse thru the years and in 2003 I finally found out that I have Otosclerosis.
I never knew what the problem was before this.
I have an excellent ENT surgeon, Dr. Peter Weber, who works thru The Cleveland Clinic. He performed a Stapectomy on both of my ears in 2004. It worked extremely well for about a year.
In 2005 I came down with a bad case of the flu and I suddenly had no hearing in my right ear and my left ear was again severe - profound loss. At that point my speech recognition was not bad enough for a CI. My hearing has gotten worse since then and on August 21, 2008, I went to see Dr. Weber again and after an Audiology exam he told me that I'm now a candidate for a CI.
I'm very excited at the prospect of hearing the world again. I have major communication problems with everyone, including my poor kids! Especially my daughter! She's very excited about this, too. Unfortunately, I've never learned ASL or lip reading, so I feel pretty isolated most of the time.
My next appointment is on Monday, September 8, for a CT Scan and MRI, and a follow-up consultation with a CI audiologist. Hopefully I'll find out for sure if I'm eligible for surgery.
Thanx for reading and wish me luck!! :-)
In 1987, when I was 17 years old, I began noticing some hearing loss. By age 20 my hearing loss was severe and I received my first hearing aid. It got worse thru the years and in 2003 I finally found out that I have Otosclerosis.
I never knew what the problem was before this.
I have an excellent ENT surgeon, Dr. Peter Weber, who works thru The Cleveland Clinic. He performed a Stapectomy on both of my ears in 2004. It worked extremely well for about a year.
In 2005 I came down with a bad case of the flu and I suddenly had no hearing in my right ear and my left ear was again severe - profound loss. At that point my speech recognition was not bad enough for a CI. My hearing has gotten worse since then and on August 21, 2008, I went to see Dr. Weber again and after an Audiology exam he told me that I'm now a candidate for a CI.
I'm very excited at the prospect of hearing the world again. I have major communication problems with everyone, including my poor kids! Especially my daughter! She's very excited about this, too. Unfortunately, I've never learned ASL or lip reading, so I feel pretty isolated most of the time.
My next appointment is on Monday, September 8, for a CT Scan and MRI, and a follow-up consultation with a CI audiologist. Hopefully I'll find out for sure if I'm eligible for surgery.
Thanx for reading and wish me luck!! :-)
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