CI Surgery approved today

Whatever I was allergic to is very stubborn and does not seem to want to go away. Was getting better but the hives that were left are welting up and oh so itchy. I really thought the 2 different steroid shots would have killed this thing. Im still dealing tho!!! Think positive like RR does!!!
 
Angle1989 said:
Whatever I was allergic to is very stubborn and does not seem to want to go away. Was getting better but the hives that were left are welting up and oh so itchy. I really thought the 2 different steroid shots would have killed this thing. Im still dealing tho!!! Think positive like RR does!!!
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I am so sorry it has been so rough for you. Did you seek the opinion of a dermatologist? They are best suited to deal with allergic skin reactions. Having reacted to many things over the years, I would think a 7 day course of steroids would help. You start with heavy doses for the the first day and then taper off little by little for the next seven days. I have reacted to bug bites, hair dye, etc. and that usually works for me.
As for the second implant, I would think it would be like childbirth. When you go through the first delivery you think never again...then after time, the pain fades and you are ready to go through it again. Think of the benefits!!
 
Hi everyone. Well day 19 and the rash seems to be fading, finally. I haven't put a whole lot of thought into the activation day since I have been so miserable. I don't know but I think activation day has been delayed a little. I have started looking in that huge suitcase they gave me. I can't believe all the different parts. Thanks for the support!!!
 
you got the suitcase before activation? Nice! I had to wait until activation to get my stuff. It's a lot of stuff, isn't it?
 
cdmeggers said:
you got the suitcase before activation? Nice! I had to wait until activation to get my stuff. It's a lot of stuff, isn't it?
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They gave it to my husband the day of my surgery. It is huge and full of parts. Will I use all of that stuff? How long does it take to learn? It would be nice if there were written instructions so I could understand. I mean I can't hear what their telling me and I don't sign yet. Will I understand it all? Sorry if thats a stupid question but one I have started to think about.
 
With AB, there was a little instructions book for just about everything that was included in the boxes (books for the different headpieces, processors, etc.). I have no idea what Cochlear's box is like. Is there like a user's manual or something of the sort? I'm sure you'll figure out everything eventually. Definitely overwhelming when you first go through the box, but once you figure out what this and that is for and what they do, it gets better. Also, I think there's now a free app download for Iphones/ipods/ipads for Nucleus 5 users, that tells you how to work your processor (I don't know if you have an iphone/ipad/whatever, but just mentioning this for ya).
 
Angle1989 said:
They gave it to my husband the day of my surgery. It is huge and full of parts. Will I use all of that stuff? How long does it take to learn? It would be nice if there were written instructions so I could understand. I mean I can't hear what their telling me and I don't sign yet. Will I understand it all? Sorry if thats a stupid question but one I have started to think about.
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The only stupid question is the one that is not asked. Most of what is in the suitcase is cables, charger for batteries, dry and store, mic and ear hooks. If it is Cochlear there should also be a dvd disc, a poster size page with instructions and a flip through manual..not large but full of info. What you use is up to you. I found I got more from meeting with my audi than I did from the written word, at least at first. Hang in there..once activation happens things should move fast..I call the first month or so the chipmunk stage, then it moves to the talking computer stage and from there on out, the rest is on you as the brain learns to change those electronic signals into words and sounds. Don't be afraid to ask.."what is that sound?" "is that a "blank"?..it all helps the brain relearn.
 
Angle1989 said:
They gave it to my husband the day of my surgery. It is huge and full of parts. Will I use all of that stuff? How long does it take to learn? It would be nice if there were written instructions so I could understand. I mean I can't hear what their telling me and I don't sign yet. Will I understand it all? Sorry if thats a stupid question but one I have started to think about.
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Guess with so much happening - emotionally, physically, technically, socially - it's "system overload"... One step at the time... You can check the box in the time between implantation and activation.
Glad to see you have help from some experts here...
 
You guys are amazing. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Since my hearing loss was traumatic (overnight) and total loss, I never wore a hearing aid. So all this is so new to me. I have only met my audi one time and I could not communicate with her. So I will definitely start reading the instructions and watch the DVD. I love all the information you provide. Thanks again.
 
Hi Angel: As I recall there was a 4 week "healing period" from operation to Cochlear Implant-external setup. I could go swimming in just 2 weeks but advised no lifting of weights over my head for 6 months-possible splitting. I didn't!
Fortunately, I could "hear somewhat" right away. Even went to singles dance a couple of days later-weird sounds. Mapped again- the next day's appointment. I acknowledged that the audi/Sunnybrook/Toronto was of great assistance.

Hopefully you have finally recovered from the "bandage problems" forthwith and start the process of "hearing"
 
:wave:Hi Angel: As I recall there was a 4 week "healing period" from operation to Cochlear Implant-external setup. I could go swimming in just 2 weeks but advised no lifting of weights over my head for 6 months-possible splitting. I didn't!
Fortunately, I could "hear somewhat" right away. Even went to singles dance a couple of days later-weird sounds. Mapped again- the next day's appointment. I acknowledged that the audi/Sunnybrook/Toronto was of great assistance.

Hopefully you have finally recovered from the "bandage problems" forthwith and start the process of "hearing" with your new Implant.
 
Thanks drphil. I think I can finally say I am recovered. Today I feel the best I have in a very long time. I am actually getting excited for the next step in this long journey.
 
Angel - I hope for the best for you. Even if I were to ever think about a CI for me, I am not a candidate. My son is, but refuses.
 
KristinaB said:
Angel - I hope for the best for you. Even if I were to ever think about a CI for me, I am not a candidate. My son is, but refuses.
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It was definitely a hard decision for me. After that long illness, another recovery was the last thing I wanted. As we know now it didn't go very well. I haven't quite decided if I made this decision for the right reasons. The last few weeks were a challenge and not something I would ever want to go thru again. I'm just now starting to feel somewhat normal again. I think it is a decision that warrants a lot of thought and information. I do feel I was rushed in making my decision and looking back I think I might have waited a little longer. Who knows tho, maybe when I am activated my thoughts will change. I thank everyone for all the support!!!!!
 
Did you find out what caused the allergic reaction? Would certainly be helpful to know in case you have any future surgeries.
 
Hi LoveBlue, I had 2 different steroid shots. One was a long acting one. Once thats out of my system, a allergy patch test will be done. I definitey don't want to set this reaction off again, that is for sure. I will find out tho soon. Thanks for asking.
 
OK I have a few more "stupid" questions. 1) on my surgery ear...on the back of my ear at the half way point, there is an indentation. It is sort of big (great medical terminology) and I was curious did they do that for a reason? It is right where thr very end of the arms of my glasses hit. 2) doesn't bother me, but my surgery side, on my head still feels sort of numb, how big is the magnet? Can you tell I did not sleep much so I was thinking of all sorts of weird stuff. Have a great Monday!!!!!
 
Angle1989 said:
OK I have a few more "stupid" questions. 1) on my surgery ear...on the back of my ear at the half way point, there is an indentation. It is sort of big (great medical terminology) and I was curious did they do that for a reason? It is right where thr very end of the arms of my glasses hit. 2) doesn't bother me, but my surgery side, on my head still feels sort of numb, how big is the magnet? Can you tell I did not sleep much so I was thinking of all sorts of weird stuff. Have a great Monday!!!!!
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I am in no position to help with your questions. But . . . it did make me think of something I read a long time ago. A kid came in for his "activation" with paper clips attached to his head using the magnet! Made me think it might be fun to find just where something like that would cling.
 
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