Hey there. Did ya actually read some of the posts at the late deafened area? There is some really good stuff in there.
Ms Botti was the first to welcome me too. She is a rockin lady. She is very helpful and some would say quite loveable.
Hang around and read a bit, get comfy. I came in with a bit of a chip too, some frustration, resentment toward the hearing bunch, and that thread was just the thing. It really does get better.