Syl's surgery update

[Debbi]

Syl-

I can't say I ever thought about where my vestibular nerve ended up!!  My skull, thankfully, was glued back together so I've still maintained possession of that!

Meanwhile, the heck with that - YAHOO for you and the hearing!!!  I am thrilled for you!!!  Please enjoy some stereophonic sounds for me, okay?

Debbi

[Jim Scott]

Syl;

Congratulations on the return of your hearing!

O.K., I know it's not 100%, but that is such an exciting development that it's worth celebrating.  I'm sorry you continue to suffer with other post-op issues, but I hope and pray that they'll go the way of your initial hearing loss.  If Retrosigmoid approach AN surgery is a gamble, you just won!   

Jim

[wendysig]

HI Syl!!!
I am so excited for you that your hearing is improving!!!  That is fantastic news and I am THRILLED for you!!!!!  My hearing is now completely gone in my AN ear but i am still looking forward to the day I can have the BAHA surgery.  I'm so glad it looks like your hearing is coming back.  Like Jan said, there's nothing like the real thing!  Ciongratulations!!

Wendy

[Syl]

Syl;

Congratulations on the return of your hearing!

 If Retrosigmoid approach AN surgery is a gamble, you just won!   

Jim

I certainly do feel like a winner. Prayers, well wishes, and good vibes do work. Thank you so much to all for them.

Syl

[sgerrard]

Hi Syl,

I don't know if you would wait this long after surgery, but after CK radiation, I waited 6 months for the hearing to stabilize, before getting a hearing aid. They are pretty adjustable, so it is okay if your hearing continues to change a little bit gradually, but it makes sense to wait long enough to see what your basic level is. I am pretty used to mine now, and it produces a pretty decent "new normal" level of hearing.

As far as I know, the bits and pieces left after a surgery (leftovers? ) are considered possible bio-hazards, so after the pathologists have checked them out, if they don't end up pickled in a jar for a med school class, they go up in smoke in an incinerator.

Steve

[Syl]

Steve,

Dr. Kato had recommended I wait about a year after surgery before deciding on a hearing device. I didn't realize that hearing aids are adjustable. So waiting 6 months doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Thanks for the info on surgery leftovers. I can't see a med school class getting much use out of a small skull piece. But, then again maybe they do get some use out ot it.

Syl

[Omaschwannoma]

Syl,

I am very happy to hear your good news with your hearing!  You certainly must be very excited to have even a little hearing in stereo.  I hope you have continued healing with regards to your headaches and continued success with your balance--which by the way, I hope you have looked into vestibular rehab if you can.  It really speeds things up. 

[Syl]

Arushi,

I will begin physical therapy for my balance next week. I'm looking forward to that in the hopes that it will speed things up.

Syl

[ppearl214]

Syl,

I'm desperately trying to stay caught up with everyone's recent developments... and I saw your's... and have to give you a hearty congrats! FAB news!  My congrats to you.... and continued wellness!

Phyl

[LADavid]

Syl, Wow!  Congratulations.

As a hearing aid wearer, I guess it makes some sense to wait on getting one.  They are programable to suit your hearing needs -- but I guess the difference would be in the investment you would want to make

[Syl]

LA David,

How expensive are hearing aids?

Syl

[sgerrard]

Syl,

My hearing aid was 2500, bought through an audiologist, which is more expensive than off the Internet, but you get more support with it. The range is probably 1000 - 3000, and probably 1500 minimum for a digital one. Not cheap, but if you wear one for five years, the annual cost is pretty reasonable. People pay more for their cell phone in that amount of time.

There are some different types (behind the ear, in the ear, open receiver, power receiver, etc.). The amount of boost you need dictates which kind is most suitable, and you want one that can be turned up further, in case your hearing level declines over time. That is probably the main reason to wait a little while first.

Steve

[Syl]

Thanks, Steve

It appears that there are many options. It's good to know.
Syl

[Syl]

Hi, everyone

Good news! I went to Marine World on Saturday with a group of people. I didn't get on any rides--just walked around alot with my cane handy, saw some of the shows, and took lots of sitting breaks. I was out there a total of about 9 hours. I was fine until the very end when it was time for our group to gather before we headed home. While some of us waited a dj played very loud music that gave me a headache. I happened to have earplugs handy, but I still haven't got the hang of inserting them in my ears. So I had to go wait away from the music.

The trip to the park was about 1 hr 20 mins. Up until then, any car ride felt like rollercoaster ride. Well, not anymore. That car ride was the smoothest since my surgery. So I decided that I could begin driving, and the following day I did just that. I'm happy to say that it's a great feeling getting back my independence and not having to rely on rides from others. For now, I'm only driving locally but it sure feels great.

I have more good news. On Sunday and today I was out and about town and I haven't been using my cane. I also went walking my usual pre-surgery route of 3 miles with my sister and without my cane. I feel good right now, but will not be surprised if tomorrow isn't such a good day.

Syl

[leapyrtwins]

Syl -

lots of very good news!  It sounds like your recovery is right on target. 

Small steps lead to bigger steps - and the progress you're making is wonderful 

Thanks for sharing this with us,

Jan