3 weeks and counting...

[kma]

My Baha surgery is three weeks from today ~ wow, time really flys.  I'm actually getting excited. 

I keep having this dream that I wake-up the day after my surgery and my hearing is back ~ lol ~ crazy dream ~ but that would be just fine with me. 

25 people just got laid off at my work ~ so I'm incredibly grateful to have my job and will be relieved when my surgery comes and goes ~ one less thing to worry about. 

My husband and I just met man through a friend who was just diagnosed with an AN and is going to go to "House" for his surgery in August.  That makes three people in my husband's life with ANs ~ me, his father and now this friend.  Crazy how something that is so "rare" can be all around you and how very similar yet very unique we all are. 

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and all the beautiful sunshine. 

Keeping my fingers crossed for another three weeks!!

Happiness & Health to everyone!

xo Kathy (kma)

[Kaybo]

Kathy~
I know that you will do great and the BAHA will work wonders for you.  So glad that your job is still secure - I had wondered about you!

K

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Kathy ~

You have every right to be excited about your upcoming BAHA surgery.  Just don't allow your expectations to get higher than the device can deliver.  I know they're good (and improving all the time) but the BAHA unit isn't 'natural' hearing.  Still, I'm sure you'll be very pleased.  Just about every BAHA owner is.  That's encouraging!

I'm sorry to learn about the layoffs at your place of employment - which is always depressing - but glad you're not included in that group. 

I'm keeping as happy and healthy as I can, thanks.    You too!

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Kathy -

was just thinking about you and your upcoming surgery earlier today.

I'm halfway through with your BAHA Recovery Kit - have to shop for the other half. 

My schedule has been absolutely crazy lately, but rest assured, I haven't forgotten about you.

I'll complete the task and get the kit out in the mail within the next few days.

Best,

Jan

[kma]

I went to the dentist for my cleaning the other day and for the first time in 30 years or so, my dentist found a cavity.  I was so mad!  I'm only telling you because they were able to fill it that same day and while they were doing it, I tried to really focus on the sound and the feeling (yuck ~ I HATE THE DENTIST) and imagine what it
would be like during my Baha surgery.  I thought of you Jan ~ your Baha surgery always cracks me up and you are my Baha surgery inspiration ~ so, I figure, if I made it through the dentist ~ I'll just fly through the Baha surgery.  Hey, I won't have someones hand shoved in my mouth!!  Gag. 

I know the Baha won't be exactly like "normal" hearing ~ but I LOVED the demo and do have high hopes!! 

I did lose quite a few friends in the latest round of layoffs yesterday.  One especially sad is a husband and wife that both worked here and both lost their jobs.  My heart is sad for them but I am incredibly grateful to still be here and will keep up my end of the bargain and work like a crazy fool!! 

Jan ~ Jim ~ Kay.............thank you guys ~ you are all super heros!! 

: ) ~Kathy

[wendysig]

Kathy,

I had to laugh when I read your experience at the dentist, although not at you having a cavity, of course.  You're right about one of the positive things about BAHA surgery is that no one's hand is in your mouth   You probably really won't hear or feel much exceptmaybe a little pressure  since your good ear will be against the little pillow on the table.  I didn't hear anything at all. I hope the next few weeks fly by for you.

Best wishes,
Wendy

[kma]

Jan and Wendy~

Do you remember about how long your Baha surgery took? 

~Kathy

[leapyrtwins]

Kathy -

actual surgery itself takes about 90 minutes and a lot of that time is spent "draping" you.

I had so many drapes on my head and face that they created a little tunnel that I was looking through to a wonderful nurse at the end who held my hand and chatted with me during the procedure.

The drapes are actually quite helpful - they block your peripheral view of the doc and his "tools" as well as protect you from all the water he uses to irrigate your head.  And from what I recall of the water, lots of it is used!

I'd imagine if you have general anesthesia it will take a little longer, since they have to wait for you to be "knocked out" and then there's always the time in the recovery room.

My recovery room consisted of a drink, a few chocolate chip cookies, a trip to the bathroom, and a discussion with the nurse on whether or not I needed to have a wheelchair to take me out the door.  I was the first BAHA implant surgery done at this particular hospital and they weren't quite sure what to do with me.  In the end we agreed that one of the nursing staff would walk with me and my sister out to her car; worked quite well in my case.

Jan

[wendysig]

Kathy,

I kind of lost track of time because when I was brought down to the waiting area outside the operating rooms, I felt like I was there for a long time and actually got bumped once I was there.  I think the set-up and operation itself was around two hours, but am not sure.  Since Jan said about 90 minutes for the surgery, I'd have to agree it's probably right -- 90 minutes give or take a few minutes.  After I went up to the recovery room I was there for about another half hour.  As soon as I saw my doc, ate some Jello and had a drink they let me go home with my husband.  NY Eye and Ear Infirmary was more comfortable about releasing me without an escort since this type of surgery is commonplace there.

Wendy