Cochlear Implant Convention?

Hello family and friends,

I just made it back from my trip to Canada. My friend Andie and her new husband did a wonderful job planning the whole weekend. Thanks for a wonderful time! Ottawa is a beautiful city. Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous and so much fun.

Initially, I thought this would be a great trip to get my mind off of my upcoming surgery. Well, it seemed like over half of the people at the wedding who had a hearing loss, had a cochlear implant! This was really great and refreshing to see. What better way to prepare myself for the implant than hang out with successful implant users over the course of five days! I was able to get a lot of stories of others' experiences, numerous questions answered, observe many amazing individuals using an implant and overwhelming support with my upcoming surgery.

The big day is coming up soon! I cannot believe it is actually this week. I think when I arrive in Rochester on Wednesday it will hit me that it is happening.

Today, my brother asked me some specific questions, so I thought I would share the same information with you as well. On Wednesday night after 8:15 p.m., I will call to find out when my surgery is scheduled on Thursday. One important thing I had to be sure not to take aspirin or Ibuprofen ten days prior surgery. I have been putting stickers all over my meds and in my wallet reminding me not to take any! So far so good!

My surgery will be performed by Dr. Neff. It will be approximately 2 - 3 hours. I will be at Saint Marys Hospital on the Mayo Campus. Prior to surgery they will be shaving about 4 inches behind my right ear. It will be interesting to see part of my head shaved! After surgery, I will be put into a recovery room to be monitored. I will be released from recovery room depending on the time and how I am recovering. I may or may not stay overnight. So, my parents may be able to drive me back to my hometown as early as Thursday if the surgery is early in the day. My brother Scotty said he slept a lot the weeks after his surgery. Then again, he loves to sleep, ha.

I may get more specific information on what to expect in the mail this week. I tend to get a mailing a couple of days before my Mayo appointments. If I do, I will send information your way!

Also, I added some photos of my recent visit to Ottawa, Canada...

#1 group photo with the beautiful bride and groom (myself, Scot, Sally, Jamie, Andie, Alicia, Sarah, Xavier)

#2 changing of the guards ceremony

#3 400 year old Parliament Building