HEARING IN STEREO!!

Getting ready to start the process!

Hello family and friends,

Today was an exciting as well as a little emotional day for me. I was not expecting to be emotional, but I guess I didn't realize how much I missed hearing sound with both ears. Also, it was really exciting to hear some of the new sounds I first heard with my first implant now on my newly implanted left ear. Lastly, it feels like this process was a long one, starting from my appointment last August where I learned my speech recognition score has dropped to 18% from 85% in five years to finally having the implant successfully activated today. I am feeling very blessed to be able to have a chance to hear again in my left ear. This will make my life easier with my current job of interacting with a variety of staff, parents, students and hearing in situations with people who do use sign language.

The day started with picking up my amazing friend and co-worker Sarah Trudeau. It was really awesome that she could join me again for the activation. I greatly appreciate you being there both times, really cool to experience that with you.

The first appointment was with the audiologist, Ann Peterson for two hours. She was very patient and walked me through the mapping process. First, she tried different magnet strengths on me. My right ear has a strength of two and I needed a three for the left ear, it may still be swollen. Next, I was connected to the computer, all 22 electrodes lit up in green, so all were still in good working condition. For the next hour, I had to listen very carefully to beeping noises at 22 frequencies. I needed to count the beeps and let her know how many I heard to set my levels. I had to let her know the softest sounds and the loudest sounds that were comfortable to hear. This is kind of tiring to do, then I needed to go through all of them again to be sure all 22 electrodes sounded the same based on the softness and loudness. This can be a little tricky because it's hard to tell if a sound has the same loudest with another sound because they had different pitches. I was pretty exhausted after listening for an hour.

Now, it was time to turn it all on! Sarah videotaped me, which I will post later. It was a much different experience getting hooked up for the second time. I was a little nervous, but knew what to expect. The electronical sounds were not there, but more of a crackling / beeping sound, but not for long, I was able to hear the audiologist's and Sarah's voices. It was when I turned off my right cochlear implant that I noticed that my left ear was really working! This was a little emotional. I feel lucky because I know this is not the case for many people who are hooked up for the first time. I've worn hearing aids for most of my life, so does make this process easier. It was really amazing to hear sounds for the first time on my left ear that I have not heard using only hearing aids. I was able to recognize the sounds because my right ear has already identified them years ago.

My audiologist suggested I continue to wear both speech processors when I need to hear people, but I should take off old processor when by myself to have my new processor / implant be trained. Right now I as I have been writing this, I have Pandora turned on my laptop to listen to music using only my new implant. It feels like I have earphones on and the sound is in my ears when really I am hearing music from the laptop's speakers. Funny, just now, I saw a sales person walk up to my door, normally I would not answer the door, but he saw me in the window, so I thought I would give it a try and see if I could hear him with only the new implant. He sounded kind of far away with a British accent, I noticed this earlier as well when I was listened to a voice mail.

Anyways, back to my appointment, the biggest challenge was putting on my implant on the left side, I am right handed! The cool thing is my surgeon lined up both implants perfectly, so they are evenly placed on the head in the same location. We wrapped up the appointment with the audiologist showing me how to use the speech processor and turning on the remote, etc. The remote is kind of cool, better than having to take off the speech processor or trying to fiddle with it while it is on my head to make adjustments. 

My next appointment was with my doctor. While I was sitting in the waiting room, I was very fascinated with the sounds around me. I could notice a woman on my left was unzipping her bag and then a couple on my right was having a conversation. It was neat to be able to recognize the direction of the sounds. I do hear a constant ring noise which seems to happen after every mapping appointment that I have, then it slowly fades or I am able to tune it out (hopefully soon!).

One thing that was really interesting was my newly activated ear was much louder than my right ear. My right ear has been at maximum volume for months and I haven't had a mapping (adjustment) since last August, so it made me realize how quiet sounds have been for me. With my left ear being so loud, I could hear my flip flops squeaking as I walked to the bathroom. I could not believe how loud the bathroom was with the toilet flushing, water pouring out of the faucet and the fans! I remember my past experiences in the bathroom with my first implant. It was happening all over again!

I hope tomorrow,  the audiologist will be able to program my right ear and increase the volume with the new speech processor, so it sounds more even on both sides. Right now, it's weird that right ear is much quieter than my left, when it has been the other way around. I actually had Sarah walk on my left side instead on my usual right to hear her. I am lucky my insurance covers a back-up processor, so I am able upgrade my five year old processor on the right side with the Nucleus 5 processor. If I am reading the itemized statement of charges correctly, my cochlear implant with equipment costs, $23, 673! It's like a new car on my head!

Next, I met with Dr. Beatty. He looked in both of my ears with a scope that projected the images on a screen. He reported that both ears looked well and the incision healed very nicely. I asked about my restrictions and he said I could return to doing my normal activities, which means exercising again!!  Yay! I've put on a few pounds since all I could do was walk! He said that the hole he made in the cochlea is so minimal that everything should be secure and in place by now. I asked about the nose blowing because when I have done it accidentally, I hear a crackling or popping noise. He said this is normal and will get better with time once the fluid build-up from surgery drains naturally from the ear. The area of the incision will continue to feel a little tender and numb for a few months. He seemed pleased with it all and said that he wanted to follow-up in six months and then again in a year to see how things are going.

After the doctor appointments, Sarah and I met her mom and nephew at City Cafe in Downtown Rochester. This is the same place we met after my first activation with my other implant. This time the experience was different, I was not learning new sounds for the first time, but being able to hear the sounds on both ears. I was a little overwhelmed with how loud some sounds were, I knew I could turn down the implant, but I really wanted to experience hearing bilaterally again.

Once lunch was over, Sarah and I walked to the parking ramp. Many loud environmental sounds such as construction, trucks, elevator beeps, etc. We seriously live in a noisy world! I know with time, I will be able to tune some of this out and it won't seem as loud. I told Sarah that my brother David wanted me to listen to Holiday by Madonna for my first song in the car. It's one of our favorite songs, so she found the song on the CD and hit play. I was not expecting my reaction...I was overwhelmed with emotion which was probably not the best time as I was driving us out of the parking ramp. I have forgotten how much I enjoy hearing music especially in the car because I am always taking road trips to Wisconsin. I had tears of happiness as I could hear the sounds from both sides of the car and it all sounded so much more fuller, like "hearing in stereo!"

Thanks for your support!

Photos from activation day!

Here is a computerized version of my electrode with the 22 channels.

Putting on my speech processor for the first time!

Working hard on figuring out soft / loud sounds...

Thanks again Sarah for joining me and her mom, Maureen driving down for our traditional post-activation lunch!

Tomorrow is ACTIVATION day!!

Hello family and friends!

I've been doing great recovering...my incision has healed nicely, hair is slowly coming back, I have only been hit in the area by accident twice, woke up from a nap and put my speech processor on the side that was just implanted to hear a few electrical noises before realizing what I have done, blown my nose by accident three times, did my best to not lift more than 20 pounds even if this meant 15 trips from my trunk to the house to bring in groceries, started sleeping on my left ear a week ago when I woke up on that side in the middle of the night and realize it was ok, started wearing sunglasses again, been hearing some loud noises on my left ear like I used to when I didn't have my hearing aids on and I continue to have to remind myself that I had a major surgery because I forget when people ask me "how am I doing" because I feel great! Another thing I have noticed is when I press on my ear it makes a ringing noise, but that might be my imagination. One more thing, the swelling has gone down as well, I was getting a little nervous that my left ear was sticking out more than my right.

Anyways...tomorrow is the BIG ACTIVATION DAY!!! I am soooooo excited to finally hear in stereo again! I have noticed I have been getting very tired easily in the past three weeks from trying to listen with one ear and been taking more naps. Some days, I do not put on my cochlear implant until I have to because it seems odd to not hear anything on one side.

My awesome friend and co-worker, Sarah Trudeau will be joining me again! She was there for my first activation, so this is pretty cool she is coming again. First, I will meet with the audiologist at 8 a.m. to get the implant activated and try the new speech processors for both ears, then at 10:45 will meet with my doctor. It will be an exciting day! Hope all goes well, will be sure to let you know!

Goodbye Mr. Hearing Aid...Thanks for a good 34 years...

My awesome parents, relieved the day after surgery!

The incision

Hello family and friends,

I am still feeling great! I've been rating my pain on a scale of 1 - 10 and it has not gone past 3. My head was numb for a while after surgery, but I still haven't felt unbearable pain. I have been taking Tylenol Extra Strength every five to six hours, but even then the pain is not that bad, just don't want to push it. I have been walking around on my own with no issues and feeling good! Food does taste bland, this is a common effect after surgery to lose some taste, but will return with time.

I was planning to stay at my parents for a week and a half to recover, then go to my 20 year class reunion on the 20th and take off for Minnesota on the 21st. Since I am feeling great, I plan to leave this Saturday for a housewarming party in Madison, then head back to Minnesota from there. It is really awesome to not be bedridden this time around!

*Below is specific information about the night after surgery, what is involved in the surgery, caring for the wound and my restrictions...

The first night after the surgery I had a tough time sleeping. I think it was a combination of being out for 4 hours already that day for surgery and feeling so relieved that I was feeling so great. The hardest part was over! 

While I was sleeping, I noticed a dull quiet whomping sound on my left newly implanted ear. This is to be expected. After my first surgery, I heard an awful mechanical whirring sound that was very loud. The doctor said that the relaxant medication they put in my IV prior to surgery helps with the tinnitus (ringing) after surgery. My other struggle was trying to sleep with my head propped with the big bandage on my head and my ear itched. I was up a few times to go to the bathroom and I noticed right away I was walking around fine, even in the dark.

Yesterday morning, my parents and I met with Dr. Beatty to have him check my wound. Sorry if I grossed out some of you by posting the picture. It's not as bad as it looks. Dr. Beatty said it looked good, all 22 electrodes were functioning and believes it will be successful when I am activated. After my appointment, we took off for Sheboygan. The four and half hour drive went well, I didn't have any nausea and was able to read messages on my phone. Then last night, I went out to dinner with my parents, drove to my brother Scotty's house, hung out with them for an hour and went back home to sleep. I slept for eight hours without getting up for pain or anything. Also, I did not experience the dull whomping noise like I did the first night. Still feeling very happy about how I am feeling!

This is a description of the cochlear implant surgery:
1. After I am asleep, some of my hair is shaved.
2. An incision is made behind the ear and extending above the ear.
3. A depression is created in the mastoid bone which is behind the ear and where the internal device is placed.
4. A small opening is made in the cochlea which is in the inner ear, then the electrode array is inserted.
5. The implant is tested to make sure it works.
6. The incision is closed with stitches (sutures) which will melt away on their own.
7. A large bandage is wrapped around the head.

For visuals and more explanation of how it works, refer to my blog post on July 12, 2008.

Caring for the wound and restrictions, etc.:

During the first 24 hours, the bandage needs to stay on and the wound must stay dry. After 24 hours, the bandage is removed and for twice a day for 5 to 7 days, I need to clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide and put an ointment on it, such as Neosporin. I am able to wash my hair with shampoo, just need to avoid rubbing the incision area. I am not to soak my incision in water (such as pool / hot tub) for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. After bathing, I should pat dry the incision, not rub it. I can use a hair dryer, but on the cool setting. The area around the incision will be numb for a several weeks.

It is recommended to not work for a week after surgery. I am fortunate to have time off this summer. Also, I am not allowed to fly until after I meet with Dr. Beatty for my follow-up appointment on July 29th which is also my activation date! Some of my physical activity restrictions for three weeks after surgery are:
-no lifting more than 20 pounds (a typical bag of groceries)
- do not bend over, but squat down at knees if needing pick up anything
- no blowing nose (sniff gently or wipe nose) after three weeks can gently blow nose
- do not hold in sneezes, open mouth to help reduce pressure in head as I sneeze
- no forceful blowing (blowing up balloons, singing or playing wind instruments)
- for 4 to 6 weeks, do not exercise excessively (weight lifting, biking, running)
- no driving allowed if on prescription pain medication

Thanks again for reading and all of your support! The next time I post will be after my activation appointment on July 29th!

What a Breeze!!!!!!!!!

Never thought I would be saying, "What a breeze!" and blogging only a few hours after leaving the hospital. As you can see above, my new rockstar hairdo and smile just out of the recovery room. Feeling so incredibly grateful!

So this what outpatient feels like!! I don't know if it was the doctor (he was very awesome!) with this way of doing surgery or the anesthesiologist working hard for me to not be nauseous this time around, but I seriously feel 500 times better than my first time! I also need to applaud Mayo Clinic! Seriously the best staff ever! They gave me the best attention and care as well as communicated well with my parents, which makes this process so much easier. I had to repeat my name, birthdate and what procedure I was having done, probably 25 times, just to make sure they got the right person and procedure! I guess some people complain about this, but not me it gave me peace and ease of mind.

***The next part is a little long, but about the day of the surgery for those of you who may be considering one in the future or interested...

The day started with arriving at St. Mary's Hospital at 8:30 a.m. I was checked in, then was wheeled down to my room. I changed into my gown and started to get cozy because I thought I would be sitting three until 1:00 p.m., simliar to last time. I asked my Dad what time he thought and he guessed 10:00 a.m. I was not this optimistic.

A few minutes later the first nurse (I wish I could remember all of their names, they were so good to me) walked in to put in the IV, then for a few minutes I got a few pep talks from my Mom and some jokes from my Dad to calm the nerves. The nurse returned to start doing the vitals and asked a few simple questions. I asked if she had any idea of when the surgery was and she was not sure, then all of the sudden she got a page and she said, "They would like you to go in now, so we should go quick." I kind of panicked, we were supposed to go at 1:00 p.m.! I got up to the use the restroom quick then another nurse came in with the gurney. She was real spunky, I think she has to be if she is the "gurney pusher".

At 9:50, I was on my way. I gave my parents hugs (my Dad hugged me hard and I wasn't sure if he was going to let me go) and kisses. I said "we've been through this before", then I saw the tears in my dad's eyes. This always kills me. I couldn't say anything after that without possibly losing it. The spunky nurse worked on getting me situated on the gurney in the hallway, then when I rolled passed the room, I gave the "I love you" sign to my parents and blew kisses, then cried for a few minutes until I got to the Prep Room. The spunky nurse pulled some tricks and I was able to control the water works. I was just a little excited and nervous!

Said goodbye to Ms. Spunky, then got another very kind nurse. She talked to me about the process coming up, checked my blood pressure, oxygen, let me go to the bathroom again, figured out how to put my cochlear implant on for the recovery room, showed me how to use the TV, all the important stuff. My anesthesiologist came in and was already aware of my severe nausea from my previous surgery. He said he wanted to be sure I did not have the same experience again. First, he recommended a patch behind my right ear called Scopolamine Patch which helps with nausea after surgeries, then he said he would add three different nausea medications along with a different anesthestic to use during surgery. I thought this was a bit much, but I was not going to complain one bit! If all goes well, I have a lot of crackers and 7Up stocked at my parents house to last a lifetime.

Next, Dr. Beatty's resident stopped by, she was very bubbly and friendly. She answered whatever questions I had and initialed my left ear with the letters, C.B. for my doctor's initials, so he knows which ear to implant :), I like this system. She reassured me that they do many checks on identifying which ear prior to surgery. Next, I talked with her about the bandage and being able to put on my right speech processor to hear when I was out of surgery. She said she can make it happen, so that's good!

Now I am all set and another nurse showed up to roll me out of the room to the operating room. There were three more people in there, all very jolly and cheerful working in their own areas, introducing themselves. I felt like I was at Disney World where all the staff are extremely happy! It was kind of interesting, five years ago, I really struggled hearing anyone because of the masks on their faces. I did okay today even with the loud fan noise with my first implant.

Then, I was moved to the skinny operating table, not as comfortable as the gurney, but this is not about comfort. The anesthesiologist started putting monitors on my body, on the sides and upper chest. I am a little ticklish, so it was nice to giggle. Then all sudden at my side was Dr. Beatty! Full of smiles and gentle eyes. He patted my shoulder and asked how I was doing. Five years ago, I was in the operating room with two people who were not my doctors as they put me under. This time, it seemed like I was having a party! This is definitely the way to go!

I was getting a little nervous and asked my doctor about his earlier surgery with the 11-year-old boy. He said it went well. He had operated on him before and was putting a skin graft on a hole in his eardrum, so I am guessing my surgery was a little bit more exciting. Then, I asked, "who is the barber in this group?" Dr. Beatty smiled and said it was him and that he gives good haircuts, haha. They even washed my hair after the surgery was done! Last time, it was hard and crusty when I woke up.

What happened next was interesting...they inserted drugs in the IV and I could tell right away that all of the background noise went away (fan, etc.) and I could only hear their voices. I guess it was something to relax the nerve and prevent tinnitus after surgery. I was nervous that they were putting me under already and I asked, "will you tell me when you put me under?" They all laughed and said "of course!". I said "Don't you want to take out my hearing aids beforehand?" Dr. Beatty and other staff said, we want you to hear us when you go through that process. After that felt like I was in yoga... they told me to think happy thoughts and you will have happy dreams.

The time has come, Dr. Beatty held my hand, I was saying my prayers, then they put on the oxygen mask while they injected the anesthetic. Dr. Beatty said, "I will take care of you" with a smile and a few other staff kept saying to me, you are in good hands, we will keep you safe, etc. This was the best way to go under and be confident that they will do a good job.

I woke up by hearing, "Kristine". I was in the operating room with my old implant on and the first thing I noticed was that I did NOT feel NAUSEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!! Sooooooo happy! I slowly opened my eyes and felt very tired, but was coming through.  After a little bit, they wheeled me into the recovery room and I stayed there for less than an hour. I was feeling great, no pain, no nausea, but REALLY had to go to the bathroom!

They wheeled me to back to my room around 4:30, I guess the surgery took three hours. My dad was able to watch my code on a display screen for updates of which stage I was while I was gone. He said he felt like walked about 20 miles in the halls during the whole surgery. I walked to my bed with help, I was a little wobbly and slight dizzy, but not bad at all. Then finally was able to get to the bathroom!

After a few minutes of talking with my parents, the nurse came in to explain all of my restrictions and how to clean the wound, etc. She was very thorough. Then, she wanted me to the walk test. I had to walk about 20 feet then turn around. I did pretty good, just needed to walk very slow and have help. This meant I was ready to be discharged!!! I got the IV out, then another person picked me up in a wheelchair to head to the pharmacy. Got my medication, which is antibotics, 4 times a day for 10 days (Cephalexin 500 MG) and they gave me Vicodin. I don't like Vicodin, this makes me very nauseous and sleepy. I wanted to see if I could avoid taking it and going straight to the Tylenol Extra Strength (500 mg).

Yay! I was leaving the hospital and not staying overnight! Got into the hotel with only a few funny looks of my fancy bandage, then we ordered pizza and I was able to eat it with no problem! Pizza is my favorite, so it's never a problem to eat it even after I get my head cut open! Also, I was able to skip the Vicodin and have a Tylenol instead! Life is good!

Whew, that was my day and it is almost 10:00. I plan to go to bed soon, obviously sleeping on my right side. Right now, I just have a dull pain like when you press on a bruise. I plan to take another Tylenol before going to bed and will probably get up in four to take more. I can have eight of them within 24 hours (4000 mg).

Thanks for reading. I am so glad all of this went so well since I have seriously dreaded it for years. If you read about my first surgery you will understand. I was terribly sick in the recovery room, had to stay overnight, then was extremely nauseous for four solid days and could not eat / drink anything except crackers and 7Up. So this is a huge improvement and I truly felt confident in my doctor, that was the most important.

Thanks family and friends, especially my parents for all of your support through my journey. Thanks for all of the well wishes, prayers and support today, it helped!  I feel so blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life. Much love to you all,

Kristine, Krissy, KC

Tomorrow!

Hello!

Had a great dinner for my mom's birthday at Michael's again. Just found out I need to be at the hospital at 9:30 tomorrow morning. I am a little nervous, but I will be happy when the surgery is over and I can focus on recovering. 

Thanks for your support!

Hello from Mayo Clinic!

Hello family and friends,

I have arrived at Mayo Clinic. Thanks Mandy for driving me here early this morning! I met Dr. Beatty for the first time. He made me feel very calm and relaxed about the surgery. Of course, I am still pretty nervous. I told Dr. Beatty that I was nervous and he said he would be nervous if I wasn't nervous, ha. I would describe him as very jolly and patient. He took the time to explain the procedure to me, what to expect and a little more about the internal implant.

Tonight, I will call the Mayo Clinic's automated patient service line at 8:15 to find out my surgery time and when to report to the hospital. I guess the sickest and youngest patients are usually scheduled first. Dr. Beatty thinks it may be around 3:00 p.m. because he is implanting an 11-year-old first.

He explained that I need to stop eating after midnight, then stop drinking non-clear liquids six hours before surgery. I will meet with the anesthesiologist when I arrive at the hospital. Hopefully, something can be done to reduce the nausea I always feel after surgery, but it could also be related to putting a foreign object in my body or operating in the ear which is the balance center of the body.

The surgery will take about two hours. There is an hour of prep where they will shave my hair and mark where the implant will be located to match my other side. Dr. Beatty explained that his incision will look like a hockey stick instead of a line like my first implant. He thought my scar looked good on my right side. My ears looked healthy, so he recommended to cancel my preoperative evaluation visit at 12:45.

Also during surgery, I will have probes on my facial nerves to be sure nothing is being affected when the incision is made. Once the implant is in place, they will test it before closing my head to be sure all 22 electrodes are working. If three or more fail, then he will replace the implant. He supported my audiologist's recommendation of the 422 internal implant. It does not cause as much trauma to the cochlea as the Contour implant which is in my right ear. I guess it is the same implant but has a thinner and more flexible array of electrodes. The array is easier to insert in the cochlea through the round window. The 422 has been being used for a year and has been successful. The previous internal implant, the 512 was discontinued due to the seal breaking.

Dr. Beatty has a ten year history of doing the cochlear implant surgeries. He has not had any patients report that they wished they didn't get a second implant. I may not have the same "geeze whiz" experience of when I got my first implant because I am able to hear most sounds by now, but I should be able to hear better in noise and localize which direction I am hearing sounds.

After surgery, I will need to keep the ear free of water and do not do any heavy lifting for a few weeks. I may feel a sensation in my jaw when I bite due to the implant being placed on the muscle. The surgery is usually outpatient, so I will probably not stay overnight at the hospital depending on how I am feeling and if it is late in the day. I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Beatty on Wednesday morning 8:15 to have him look at the incision, etc.

That's all for now. I meet my parents in an hour at the hotel. It will be nice to have them here to keep me distracted. Also, we will be celebrating my mom's birthday tonight, so that's always a treat to celebrate it with her. Thanks for reading!