Med-el or cochlear

So today I had my audiologist appt to check out the products... As I said in the last blog, my surgeon prefers to use med-el or cochlear.

My appt didn't start out as I expected it to. Dr Rodel informed us that Dr Nosan wanted to go over the MRI first before we looked at the stuff.

So he took is to the office to talk to Dr Nosan. Appearantlu the MRI was abnormal. The cochlear is normal, but the nerves to the brain is smaller than normal in both ear. He said that may be part of reason my hearing is as severe as it is. He forewarn me that because the nerve fiber is small it may take longer for my brain to process it and may not hear as much as a average patient. But he agreed that it was still worth a try! I told him I just want to hear in that ear so it doesn't matter if I can't head 100%.

He then proceeded to explain the risk, possible complications, and post op instructions. These will be explained in the next blog!

Then my mom and I went with Dr. Rodel to check out the products from Med-el and cochlear. Dr. Rodel first showed mr the processor for Med-el which is much smaller than cochlear. It's about the size of my hearing aid. This processor also comes in many different colors. Med-el has a processor coming out about the size of a small egg that just sticks to the magnet. I was kinda hesitance on this because I was worry about not feeling it fall off. Also a bte isn't as big of a deal for me as I've worn a hearing aid all my life. .

So, we then proceeded to look at the cochlear, which I'm very familiar with. The processor comes with a normal battery compartment, rechargeable battery compartment, and the cord. These came in 5 different colors: white, black, tan, brown and charcoal. I decided on a white and brown processors with both cord being brown, which matched my hair color more closely. We then looked at the cover options, which there were 8 of them. I chose the pink camo. :) he also is going to order a koala that comes with his own ci. :)

I decided on cochlear because its company is based in Denver. Also cuz I'm familiar with the brand and heard a lot more positive stuff on that one. Also I ask both dr which they would recommend and both said cochlear.

We then talked about future dates. My first appt after the surgery is a week afterward to remove stitches.

Then, the exciting activation day is set for April 29. He told me I could have whoever I wanted in the room which will be my family of course. Then Sandie and Erin, my closest friends who have stuck by me thru thick and thin. :) I will be activated the week we leave for Santa Fe for Quota district, which is exciting!!!

Then I have 2 appt a week after for the post op check and to adjust the mapping as needed. It's going to be an exciting busy month! I can't wait !!!


Attached is a pic of the cochlear sample they showed me. On the bottom, you can see the med el processor.

Cochlear brands

There are 3 brands of cochlear implants: advance bionic, med-el and cochlear America. Each brand has a different feature on their cochlears! Advance Bionic has one that is waterproof. However, my surgeon would rather not use that one.

Today we are going to go look at all the equipment of Med-el and cochlear brand. The appt is at 430! Be prepared to see another blog afterward. :)

As of now, I am leaning toward cochlear. I've heard a lot of good stuff about their brand and know a few people who have their brand. So we will see after I look at their stuff! So excited! :) less than a month!

Oww! Shots time!

I walked in to Kieser to get my shots today!so not fun but another step closer to getting my surgery! My arm is so sore but ill survive! Now just to wait for my appt with my audiologist to play a little! :) yay! :)

Surgery is a go!

I woke up yesterday morning as I usually do. Went on my fb, email and bonding with Rocky. I opened up an email from my audiologist who I've been working with since I started the process in 2009. It said Dr. Nosan has set your surgery for April 9 at 1145 am! He was so excited for me. :) I immediately forward the email to my mom and posted on Facebook. God works in ways we can't even fathom! This is an answer to prayers and a wonderful birthday present! It was wonderful to see the group of friends I have that celebrated this news with me! Thank you for all your support! It means more than you know! :)

Having the surgery date makes it that more real. I'm so excited, nervous, scared, and curious to see my dream actually happening. I wonder what it will be like to hear out of that ear again and have bilateral hearing in the first time in at least 20 years! I've heard stories of disappointment and regret of doing surgery. Dizziness side effects, headaches, etc. So I am scared that maybe it's going to be a disappointment for me too. But I know if I don't try, it will be something I would regret for the rest of my life! I regret being a stubborn mule as a kid because I didn't want them touching my hair. However, I'm very thankful that my mom and dad respected how I felt at the time. This is a very big step in my life. I am so ready for the new experience. Surgery is a little over a month away! Thanks again for all the support and prayers! :)

Next step is shots and an appt with Dr. Rodel to play with the equipment! :) :) so excited for that appt but not the shots!

MRI

My MRI was set for March 3rd at 10:20 pm. Who knew they were open that late??? A friend who has 2 ci informed me that I might need a interpreter since I couldn't wear my hearing aid during the test. So I posted on Facebook the question if I needed one or not. I doubted it because I've never relied inca interpreter in my life. It felt awkward asking for one. It was 50-50 on whether or not an interpreter was needed. So I decided against having one.

On Sunday night I was very nervous because I've never had an MRI before. I had them explain everything while my aid was still on. The tech I had was awesome she knew basic sign language and looked at me whenever she talked to me. I then went to change into a gown, growing more nervous.

When I walked into the white room with this big machine with a flat bed and over size donut shape around it. She then put ear plugs in my ears,2 padding over my ears and a football face like piece over. She gave me this ball to squeeze if i needed her. And then told me to not move. Anybody who knows me knows I don't sit still very well! :) She then left the room and slides me into the donut hole side. It was so small in there and felt like I was in a casket or something. It was very small. I now understand why they asked if I was castrophobic! I've heard from many people that it was loud.... However, I could just feel the noise. It wasn't loud at all. It was boring in there. In 30 minutes they were finished with my test and I went home. Test result comes back 3/4 business days. :)

Insurance

After I informed everyone what the news was. A person in my life was having doubts and asking me how I was going to pay for it with no real job and that I was going to be off my mom insurance. But it led me to call Kaiser to find out the cut off date. They told me that as soon as I turn 26 I will no longer be covered. This new got me a little worry and stressed but I know that my God can do the impossible. If I am meant to have this surgery, he will make a way for me to have it.   It would be better to get the surgery before my mom insurance doesnt cover me as the surgery would be cheaper. I will get the cheapest insurance afterward for the mappings and so on. I am thankful that this person brought up this point. We will see what happens.

Finally a chance!

So on February 20th, I had an appt with Dr. Nosan, the surgeon to see if he would consider doing the surgery when I am still borderline.  I was prepare for any answer he would give me.   I checked in 30 min before my appt hoping to get done quicker if it was a flat out no.   Dr. Rodel called my name and took me back to his side. This threw me off because I had the ci testing in November already, but Dr. Nosan wanted to retest me before he came in the room. There I spent 30 min pushing a button for beeps, and repeating words. After he tested me, he told me that I was the picture of consistency   In other words, this mean that I am still borderline.  Dr. Rodel then took me to Dr. Nosan office to wait to talk to him.

I was nervous and anxious to talk to Dr. Nosan about the possibility of getting the CI. The first thing he told me was, " What am I going to do with you? You just keep staying borderline in the testing? He looked inside my ears and then we talked. He then again talked about the the concern that the right ear hasn't heard since I was 5 years old. He wasn't sure how my brain would translate the sounds it heard, whether it would mesh together or not.   I was like I just want to try it and it it doesn't work, then I am fine with that but I don't want to regret not trying.   He told me he might consider it if I work hard on learning the new sounds. Then I told him, " I would do whatever you want me to do. I would love to just have the opportunity to hear. " I was praying to God to give me the right words to say and for him to give me a opportunity if it was meant to be.  Then he was like you might win me over with that..... and all the sudden he said "Why not? Let give it a shot." When I heard the why not?, My heart was leaping with joy and excitement. I was so happy that I was going to get an opportunity to hear. Dr. Nosan then proceeded to tell me that the next step was to get an MRI and then get 2 vaccinations before the surgery. I was beaming with happiness. He told me on my way out to go to the MRI office and have them schedule a MRI. After I finished talking to Dr. Nosan, I then walked down and schedule the first MRI they had available, which was March 3 at 10:20pm.