Author Topic: Just when I was relaxing .....  (Read 60716 times)

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #60 on: April 13, 2011, 08:23:07 pm »
Just have to share!!!  My insurance approval came through for both the translab surgery at House on May 11th and the Oticon Ponto Pro BAHA.  So, I am all set to go to California in a little over three weeks!  How many people do you know that got very excited when they were approved to not only have another hole drilled in their head, but a rod screwed into their skull!   :o ::) :o

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

yardtick

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #61 on: April 13, 2011, 11:24:16 pm »
Clarice,

I too experienced a calm before my surgery, I knew something wasn't right and surgery would get some answers.  I feel the same way now about my "nose job".  I don't understand the calmness, since I am normally a very high strung person (don't tell my husband I said that)  :-X

You are going to enjoy your "hotel room with a view", met the LA gang and be posting on this forum before you can shake a stick  ;)

Take care Clarice,
Anne Marie XO
Sept 8/06 Translab
Post surgical headaches, hemifacial spasms and a scar neuroma. 
Our we having fun YET!!! 
Watch & Wait for more fun & games

Mei Mei

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #62 on: April 14, 2011, 05:04:44 am »
Of course, Clarice!   You've thought this through and waited for this.   No doubt you're looking forward to it.   Try several walks a day to get yourself ready.   It's so nice to know that you are going to be in the good hands of the docs out at House.   I'll be thinking of you on the 11th and thereafter for your speedy recovery!
Hugs,
Mei Mei
1 cm Tumor RetrosigmoidSurgery on Jan 12 at Johns Hopkins
Drs. Niparko and Tamargo
35dB loss pre surgery and now SSD
Post surgical Headaches and Tinnitus
Dr Ducic Georgetown Excision Surgery May 2011
Dr. Schwartz GW  Titanium Mesh  March 2012
Drs Kalhorn/Baker, Georgetown Removal of Titanium Mesh

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #63 on: April 14, 2011, 06:14:08 am »
Thanks, all of you, for the well wishes.

Looking forward to my "room with a view" ...... which reminds me ..... any of you recent HEI alums ..... did you have a private room at St. Vincent's?  Does Seton Hall and/or the hospital have wi-fi?  We would much rather take our own computer than use a communal one.

We have been going to the Y every other day to walk on the treadmill and use the nautilus machines ...... nothing terribly strenous, but we are both trying to be in as good a shape as possible before we go ...... and listening to Podcasts, using my ScanSound single-side earbud keeps my mind off things for awhile.   ;D

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

suboo73

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #64 on: April 14, 2011, 06:31:42 am »
Hi Clarice! 

WONDERFUL to hear that your insurance is all approved!  Congrats on passing that major hurdle!!

Sounds like you have everything in order, and are at total peace with your decision.
Yes, I would want to choose Dr. Friedman as well - i spoke to him on the phone once and he was so nice!
----------
So now, as others have suggested, keep busy and before you know it, you will be on that plane and California bound!

Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
Continuing prayers.

Sue

PS - we cleaned out the garage last year and painted ceiling, walls and floor (with that fancy epoxy paint).  But, my basement is still a mess if you need something to do!   ;D
suboo73
Little sister to Bigsister!
9mm X 6mm X 5mm
Misdiagnosed 12+ years?
Diagnosed Sept. 2008/MRI 4/09/MRI 12/09/MRI 1/21/11
Continued W & W

Cheryl R

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #65 on: April 14, 2011, 07:06:10 am »
Clarice, I'm thrilled for you and one less worry out of the way!        May is coming fast and then it will be over.      I hope you are up to the rest of the summer events.      Just think how many prayers will be coming your way!
                                                   Cheryl R
Right mid fossa 11-01-01
  left tumor found 5-03,so have NF2
  trans lab for right facial nerve tumor
  with nerve graft 3-23-06
   CSF leak revision surgery 4-07-06
   left mid fossa 4-17-08
   near deaf on left before surgery
   with hearing much improved .
    Univ of Iowa for all care

JerseyGirl2

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #66 on: April 14, 2011, 07:55:59 am »
Thanks, all of you, for the well wishes.

Looking forward to my "room with a view" ...... which reminds me ..... any of you recent HEI alums ..... did you have a private room at St. Vincent's?  Does Seton Hall and/or the hospital have wi-fi?  We would much rather take our own computer than use a communal one.


All the rooms at St. Vincent's are private. I had a great view of the "Hollywood" sign from my room, which added greatly to the expericence. Definitely take your own computer -- the communal ones are old and slow!!! Wi-fi is available.

Catherine (JerseyGirl2)
Translab surgery and BAHA implant: House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, 1/2008
Drs. J. House, Schwartz, Wilkinson, and Stefan
BAHA Intenso, 6/2008
no facial, balance, or vision problems either before or after surgery ... just hearing loss
Monmouth County, NJ

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #67 on: April 14, 2011, 11:09:05 am »
Catherine .....

Thanks so much for HEI info.  You know, it is funny, but I find myself obsessing over the little things.  Maybe it is because I have no control over the big things, but have some control over the little ones ...... or my emotions just do not want to deal with the big things .....   ???

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

cindyj

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #68 on: April 14, 2011, 11:54:25 am »
Yes, some great views avail from the rooms at St. Vincent's!  Also, you'll be on a whole floor of practically nothing but other ANer's - my mom and husband were able to talk w/ many family members of the other AN patients and it was comforting to all, I believe.

And, yes, take your laptop!  As Catherine said, the ones in Seton are old...make that ancient...and very slow. 

Love your new pic, by the way :)

Cindy
rt side 1.5 cm - Translab on 11/07/08 Dr. Friedman & Dr. Schwartz of House Ear Institute,
feeling great!

"Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing well those you do hold."  Josh Billings

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #69 on: April 14, 2011, 12:54:32 pm »
Thanks, Cindy .....

Pic was taken while watching my granddaughters play with their new toys on Christmas Day.   :)

Thanks for the additional confirmation to take our laptop.  My husband just did not want to lug it out there on the plane if it would be useless with no wi-fi.

Gee, do I get to pick my "room with a view?"   :o :o  ..... just kidding!

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

ppearl214

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #70 on: April 14, 2011, 03:58:31 pm »
Clarice..... lordy, I hate the thought of you going through this again.... BUT!!!! (and in my case, BIG BUTTT ;) )..... I'm glad you are comfortable with choice, decision and moving forward.  BTW, does this mean you are not making it to Cinci?   :'(

Hugglez!!!!!!
xoxo
Phyl
"Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness", Capt Jack Sparrow - Davy Jones Locker, "Pirates of the Carribbean - At World's End"

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #71 on: April 14, 2011, 04:16:49 pm »
Phyl ....

Still planning to make it to Cincinnati ..... "Lord willin' and the crick don't rise."  We are only a 3 1/2 hour drive from there so that should be doable after flying more hours than that across country three weeks before.  We are staying in the Hilton so I may just have to miss more sessions than I'd like to, to go rest.  I will be Exhibit S (scar or shaved  :o).  How could I possibly miss the chance to see you anyway???   :o

Clarice

Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

moe

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #72 on: April 16, 2011, 11:01:27 am »
Clarice,
Yes, we are a little warped here,~ excited about brain surgery AND a titanium screw! :P
I had the BAHA with my TRANSLAB  with the original surgery. My BAHA site didn't too too well, probably because I was obsessed with everything else going on (the surgical incision, eye being stitched shut.)
So you know the routine, just keep good tabs on BOTH incisions!
Good luck, God speed, it'll be over before you know it ;)
Maureen
I also like your pic :)
06/06-Translab 3x2.5 vascular L AN- MAMC,Tacoma WA
Facial nerve cut,reanastomosed.Tarsorrhaphy
11/06. Gold weight,tarsorrhaphy reversed
01/08- nerve transposition-(12/7) UW Hospital, Seattle
5/13/10 Gracilis flap surgery UW for smile restoration :)
11/10/10 BAHA 2/23/11 brow lift/canthoplasty

CHD63

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #73 on: May 06, 2011, 12:46:01 pm »
Well, dear friends .....

My husband and I fly to LA tomorrow, translab surgery and BAHA abutment placed next Wednesday, May 11th.  Thanks to so many of you wonderful cheerleaders on this forum (if I started naming you, I would surely leave someone out!), I am amazingly calm about the whole surgical process.  I will have to admit I am a bit anxious about making sure I have everything I need before getting on that plane in the morning.  Made lists and checking them off so here's hoping .......

Taking laptop so either Hubby or I will post and let you know how it all went.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers.

Clarice
Right MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, 1994, Pittsburgh, PA
Left retrosigmoid 2.6 cm AN removal, February, 2008, Duke U
Tumor regrew to 1.3 cm in February, 2011
Translab AN removal, May, 2011 at HEI, Friedman & Schwartz
Oticon Ponto Pro abutment implant at same time; processor added August, 2011

Jim Scott

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Re: Just when I was relaxing .....
« Reply #74 on: May 06, 2011, 01:16:46 pm »
Clarice ~

Godspeed and many good thoughts and prayers for you as you and your husband fly to Los Angeles.  You're attitude is exemplary and I'm confident you'll have a smooth surgery and a great result.  You know you're in the best of care and of course, we'll be anxiously awaiting your updates.  

Jim
4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.