Baha approval

[BB]

Hello everyone. I haven't been here in a very long time. Just found out today I am approved for the Baha. I think I should be excited but I seem to be just still shocked over it. Its been 7 years since my surgery and I had used a cross off and on but just could not stand something in my good ear that hendered my earing so I was constantly flustrated and then just decided not to do anything or where anything. After checking in to things again I thought I would see if I was approved then make the decision to get it or not. I'm scared about it but yet I think it will help me but I know it will take some time to adjust. I'm not scared of the surgery but I was at one time. I think I more worry about the abutment being there and if it over time just becomes an extended piece of my head. Did you all have these feelings? I tried the band in the doctors office and all though it helped there was no great moment, but with what I read it takes time to adjust after so long of not using anything. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. It feels good to be back here after such a long time. I know everyone here understands this whole journey that totally changed our lives. Thank you ( I think I'm going to cry just being back here but a good cry )

[leapyrtwins]

BB -

congrats on getting approval 

I got my BAHA implant 9 months post (AN) op and couldn't live without it.  I started w/a Cochlear Divino and upgraded to a Cochlear BP100.

Initially it is strange to have the abutment on your head, but you quickly get used to it (usually by the time your BAHA site has healed).  Soon it becomes just a part of you; I liken it to someone who wears glasses or contact lenses.  You get to the point where you aren't even aware of it on a day to day basis.

Don't be afraid of the surgery.  It's minor - especially compared to AN surgery.  It's typically done outpatient and lasts about 90 minutes; a good part of that time is spent by the nurses draping you so the site area stays sterile.  I had my implant done with local anesthesia while wide awake, but most docs give you the option of local or light general anesthesia.

If you have any questions, just ask.  Happy to help.

Jan

[james e]

Really glad to hear your good news. I cannot tell you how much you can benefit other people because you have a BAHA. I have had mine over three years and people stop me all the  time asking about it. I  was in the George W Bush museum in Dallas last week and a man from Mississippi stopped me and asked about it. Spread the good news when you can. I am aware of one person that got a BAHA after seeing mine.

My recover time was fast. No pain. I never notice the abutment except when I get a hair cut...have to warn the barber. You will need to develop a useful habit of feeling for your BAHA before you get in the shower or go swimming. Can't get it wet. When ever I take mine off, there is only one place in my house where I store it. It is so small that it can get lost easily.

Again, really happy for you.

James

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Billie ~

I just wanted to (a) welcome you back after your 6 year hiatus and, (b) congratulate you on being approved for a BAHA unit.

Our AN surgeries were at approximately the same time (2006) and I'm pleased to learn that you're doing well.  Now, don't stay away so long! 

Jim

[BB]

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get back on here. I appreciate your comments. I had just had a bunch of medical testing done right before  I wrote this and so many tests came back with a problem that I had to have further testing.  Now most everything is taken care of and I think I am going to live so I have February 19 set up the day for my surgery for the BAHA.  I go in February 11 to meet with my doctor and the hearing specialist again and have to have blood work done and then hopefully I'm good to go.

I have been reading some of the older posts of everyone who had a BAHA and your journey through surgery and then the wait to get hooked up. Its been very helpful to know what to expect and also the problems good and bad from wearing the BAHA.  I do not know which BAHA I am getting yet.  I guess I will know on the 11Th.  At this stage should I know? 

I've been going in circles with everything because my EKG came back abnormal and I so I had to see a cardiologist to make sure everything was OK.  I was very scared about that.  He seemed to think I am fine and will just monitor me. Then I had another test come back that I had a hiatal hernia so had to go to a G.I. doctor and no surgery is required right now.  I am afraid at what else could go wrong but trying to be positive. I am so ready to be able to hear on my right side.  I'm tired of being deaf and how its such a big void. I know it won't be like having my hearing back but I hope it will improve my quality of life. I have such bad tinnitus and I know there is nothing they can do for it. Mine is so loud. Will the BAHA help with that at all over time?

Thank you all again for your input it means a lot to me.

I also had trouble getting my password and username on here to get back on.  I think I am a disaster ready to happen.

[BB]

just noticed I used spell check and Baha is wrong...sorry

[Jim Scott]

just noticed I used spell check and Baha is wrong...sorry?

BB ~  I fixed it for you.

Jim