3 months post op Middle Fossa

[Denise S]

Well, I just updated my blog again.   The last few weeks I've actually started to feel back to normal!!   

Had an appointment with neurotologist Monday and he said I'm actually doing great for the fact I had a good amount of brain swelling post surgery, plus the delayed facial paralysis.    Of course, SSD in left ear, and the past few weeks tinnitus has gotten a bit worse, but does come and go so I can deal with it for now.

Noisy situations are the hardest for sure.  BUT, I MUST be feeling better!!  I said even just a few weeks ago "no way would I think of BAHA....another surgery", BUT, low and behold, I seriously am.   To the point of doing a consultation with the audiologist and signing a form to have her and the doctor write a letter to the insurance company.   Basically get the ball rolling, no commitment.   They let me know how the time runs for those situations.  Plus, since I live 3 1/2 hours away, I could do everything then, but nothing would be set until after I decide (which for sure would be after hearing from insurance company).

I also am still researching some about the TransEar too.   Just not much of that around.  Much newer for sure.

Thanks again for all the support, e-mails, messages, phone calls, cards, prayers and EVERYTHING I've had over the past 3 months.   I have to say I truley enjoy this site, even if it's mostly just 'lurking' around.

Denise

[jaylogs]

Heyyy Denise, wow....you sound like you are DEFINITELY doing a lot better!! I was worried about ya there in the early days...so this is good news indeed!! Let us know how that BAHA thing works out, I do hope your insurance will listen and let their purse strings loose! Take care and good to hear from you!
Jay

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

Thanks for the positive update.  I'm pleased to learn that you're doing so well after some early post-op struggles and now, seriously contemplating becoming a BAHA customer! 

Jim

[lawmama]

Denise,

Great to hear you are doing so well! 

I'm also looking into the Baha right now.  I figure I have already been through this much, I might as well go through one more little procedure if it will make my life easier.  I have made up my mind, at least 98%, so hopefully at my appointment next week I can get the ball rolling too.  It looks like you and I might be going through another thing around the same time again.   

Lyn

[ppearl214]

Hey Denise! thanks for this update and I'm thrilled to hear that things are progressing well.... and that you are now pursuing hearing devices (ie: BAHA, Transear, etc).  Sending wellness wishes to you.... and hang in there... I think you know my mantra "day by day, inch by inch....".  I'm cheering you on!

Phyl

[leapyrtwins]

Denise -

BAHA surgery after AN surgery made me hesitate too, but others on the Forum who went before me reassured me that the two are absolutely, completely different - and they didn't lie.

The BAHA implant is done on an outpatient basis (no hospital stay is required - at least not in the states; I know Jo had a different experience in Canada) and you usually have your choice of general or local anesthesia, depending on your doctor.

I had mine with local and it was pretty much like getting a filling at the dentist.  A little pressure, the sound of a drill, etc., but nothing major.  I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to.

I highly recommend the BAHA to everyone I know who is SSD.  It's been a Godsend for me.

Jan

[Denise S]

Lyn, It must be about that 3-4 month post op time some SSD people start looking at devices.  I've heard via email and even FB of a few others thinking the same thing 

Thanks guess for the thoughts and support too!

Phyl, I Do know your mantra!   Have to say, for awhile mine was more "day by day, hour by hour".   Thankfully I think I can take away the 'hour by hour" part :-)   Keeping "day by day" though 

This research and opinions makes me almost feel like I'm back to the pre-surgical decision making time.   Doing my research and getting many opinions, etc.
Actually I'm going to start another topic for the devices and see what input I get there.    I think topics can be helpful for others too in the same situations.     I do say though I tend to get more emails with peoples personal opinions, but truly wish they would also share them on the forums.    (For instance, I started one on Facebook....no replies on the topic page, but got 3 personal messages in regards to opinions.......that may help me, but I want it to help others too)   

So, people like Jan....thanks for actually posting your opinion and stuff on your BAHA on the pages!!

Denise

[CHD63]

Denise .....

I have not been on the forum much recently ..... but so glad to learn you are at last coming out of that tunnel you were in ..... you sound SO much better than the early post-op days!  That is wonderful!!  Keep up the good work ..... but stay off the skates for awhile.   

Cannot add anything about the BAHA, but it certainly sounds worth exploring for you.

Clarice