:Shennanigans:

I provided a final (surgery) update via email not too long ago, and now I have the opportunity to do it here. YAY!

I had my final follow-up with the surgeon last week. The surgical site has healed amazingly and without complication. The swelling has decreased even more, and he expects the remaining swelling to decrease with the physical therapy and time.

While I was there (House Inst), another hearing test was administered. 88% of the hearing I had at the time of the surgery has been successfully saved!!! All in all, that means I have 62% of my hearing in my right ear. (I has 70% hearing in that ear at the time of the surgery.)

When the surgeon read the hearing test results with R and I, he was unexpectedly surprised; the shock could be seen on his face. He is rated the second best Neurosurgeon for these tumors in the World, and HE did not think he could accomplish this kind of result. I could not be happier with the way this has come to its conclusion.

The hearing test also brought about another astounding scenario-I am a candidate for a hearing aid. I am missing some hearing in lower pitches, and most (if not all) of the higher pitches; I can hear mid-range pitches. I also have a specific range of volumes I can hear and process, with the louder volumes causing the vertigo and migraines. The specific hearing aid to be tested on me has THREE functions-the first is to increase volume; the second is to decrease volume when needed; and the third allows for the higher pitches to be 'translated' to lower pitches so I may hear and process what is being said/surrounding me. The hearing aid is designed with two hearing tubes and has a smart chip to know when to use either (to increase or to decrease volume), and is programmed to translate higher pitches..

I am flabbergasted by all the technology available, and am so excited that I am a candidate! Oh, and the hearing aid is SO small! You cannot see it unless you are looking for it (it is an external one, rather than an in-ear one). I am to receive the device next week.

I am awaiting the physical therapy to be scheduled. The surgeon believes I will need only a handful of appointments to correct the muscle and balance issues presenting. Then I should receive my work release and be FREEEEEEEE!!! Yay! The migraines and vertigo should decrease (or, hopefully go away entirely) by means of the hearing aid and the p/t.

Thus, barring any huge news, this is my final surgery update.

I cannot tell all of you how much it has meant to have your support throughout the past few months. I could not have done it without all the laughter, cheering, prayers, and love. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

In less than a month R and I will be celebrating our anniversary with a sigh of relief, gratitude for everyone who made this possible and helped us through it, happiness, laughter, and a bright outlook for the next year.

THERE IS AN ENTRY FOLLOWING THIS ONE...hehehehe, see? I keep remembering to tell you when I do it. ;-P

Arrivederci!
Ghost Orchid - are they not simply lovely?

:: JOURNAL HOME :: SUBSCRIBE TO THIS JOURNAL :: Brainsalad :: Friendly Fiction - Adventures in writing. :: Girl Child :: JamTart :: Kenny :: LisaMarie :: Netter...and her Empire :: Reenie :: RT :: Scout :: SmartiPlants :: WordWebbing ::

2008-06-19 12:19 PM Finally! Previous Entry :: Next Entry Mood: exasperated Read/Post Comments (1)	I provided a final (surgery) update via email not too long ago, and now I have the opportunity to do it here. YAY! I had my final follow-up with the surgeon last week. The surgical site has healed amazingly and without complication. The swelling has decreased even more, and he expects the remaining swelling to decrease with the physical therapy and time. While I was there (House Inst), another hearing test was administered. 88% of the hearing I had at the time of the surgery has been successfully saved!!! All in all, that means I have 62% of my hearing in my right ear. (I has 70% hearing in that ear at the time of the surgery.) When the surgeon read the hearing test results with R and I, he was unexpectedly surprised; the shock could be seen on his face. He is rated the second best Neurosurgeon for these tumors in the World, and HE did not think he could accomplish this kind of result. I could not be happier with the way this has come to its conclusion. The hearing test also brought about another astounding scenario-I am a candidate for a hearing aid. I am missing some hearing in lower pitches, and most (if not all) of the higher pitches; I can hear mid-range pitches. I also have a specific range of volumes I can hear and process, with the louder volumes causing the vertigo and migraines. The specific hearing aid to be tested on me has THREE functions-the first is to increase volume; the second is to decrease volume when needed; and the third allows for the higher pitches to be 'translated' to lower pitches so I may hear and process what is being said/surrounding me. The hearing aid is designed with two hearing tubes and has a smart chip to know when to use either (to increase or to decrease volume), and is programmed to translate higher pitches.. I am flabbergasted by all the technology available, and am so excited that I am a candidate! Oh, and the hearing aid is SO small! You cannot see it unless you are looking for it (it is an external one, rather than an in-ear one). I am to receive the device next week. I am awaiting the physical therapy to be scheduled. The surgeon believes I will need only a handful of appointments to correct the muscle and balance issues presenting. Then I should receive my work release and be FREEEEEEEE!!! Yay! The migraines and vertigo should decrease (or, hopefully go away entirely) by means of the hearing aid and the p/t. Thus, barring any huge news, this is my final surgery update. I cannot tell all of you how much it has meant to have your support throughout the past few months. I could not have done it without all the laughter, cheering, prayers, and love. Thank you, thank you, thank you. In less than a month R and I will be celebrating our anniversary with a sigh of relief, gratitude for everyone who made this possible and helped us through it, happiness, laughter, and a bright outlook for the next year. THERE IS AN ENTRY FOLLOWING THIS ONE...hehehehe, see? I keep remembering to tell you when I do it. ;-P Arrivederci! Ghost Orchid - are they not simply lovely? Read/Post Comments (1) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top
:: JOURNAL HOME :: SUBSCRIBE TO THIS JOURNAL :: Brainsalad :: Friendly Fiction - Adventures in writing. :: Girl Child :: JamTart :: Kenny :: LisaMarie :: Netter...and her Empire :: Reenie :: RT :: Scout :: SmartiPlants :: WordWebbing ::