DarlaHS Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 On 23 August, just a few days ago, I received bilateral cochlear implants. The first two days were the worst for pain. But as each day arrives I am feeling better. I see my surgeon for post-op on 31 August. I’m glad it is done but the sound of nothing is starting to make me looney. Not use to so much quiet. Nice to meet everyone. I am 54 and reside in Louisville Kentucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Featherston Posted August 26, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Hi @DarlaHS! Sounds like things are going well. When is your activation date? You'll be learning to hear via CIs in no time! DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted August 26, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Hello @DarlaHS and welcome to HearPeers! Congratulations on your simultaneous bilateral CIs! You must be so excited for your activation! I look forward to following your journey! DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Jewel Posted August 26, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 Hello @DarlaHS. Welcome to HPs! Congrats on your surgery. You're brave to do both ears one time! But it makes sense! Your activation is just around the corner so enjoy the silence while you can cos once you're switched on you will be hearing noises galore! Looking forward to reading about your journey. Seems that you're off to a better start than me. My surgery was last Tuesday but right now I'm in pain. DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted August 27, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 @Jewel I hope you feel better soon. DarlaHS and Jewel 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Posted August 30, 2018 Report Share Posted August 30, 2018 Hi @DarlaHS I just had my second CI August 24...you are the first person I know who’s become bilateral same surgery..wow that is very exciting !my activation is 9/21..when is yours ? Mary Beth and DarlaHS 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaHS Posted August 31, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2018 My activation is 9/24 It is really exciting to be on this journey Mary Beth 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Posted September 1, 2018 Report Share Posted September 1, 2018 @DarlaHS how are you feeling? DarlaHS and Mary Beth 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaHS Posted September 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 I am physically feeling very good. No pain at all. But I do find that I get frustrated because I cannot hear my spouse. Im sure this is natural, right? It is just so quiet and I don’t like it. I will be activated on 9/24. I am so excited and am hoping for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Jewel Posted September 2, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Wow @DarlaHS, Your surgeon shaved off a lot of hair, but you're healing nicely. Try to enjoy the quiet right now. You will be bombarded with sounds come September 24. DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted September 2, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Have you tried using speech to text for understanding your spouse while you await activation? it will be a quiet few weeks but then the fun will begin. DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Valentin Posted September 2, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 2, 2018 Mary Beth have a good idea the speech to text. I give you two other. ideas. Use Google/apple speech regognition. I' using it a huge in whatsapp now. and other, The years I was deaf, until a few months after the activation, my wife wrote to me in a notebook. It's more rudimentary, but it works! Guaranteed. I keep this notebooks as souvenir ? DarlaHS, Mary Beth, Jewel and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaHS Posted September 3, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 Please understand that I am not complaining. It is just that the nothingness is so quiet and lonely at times. The app we are currently using is “Live Caption”. It is through apple on my iPhone. It works great with my spouse, Doctors, anybody I need to communicate with. And the best part is it is free! Thank you for your responses. I already feel like I know you all and you are like family. Jewel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted September 3, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 @DarlaHS No worries. We are a friendly group. It did not sound like you were complaining. Spending weeks in silence is quite a challenge. I’m glad you have an app that is helping with speech to text. DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Posted September 3, 2018 Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 @DarlaHS yes I can imagine the time in silence is challenging especially after going through surgery..my family also uses my whiteboard with me when I don’t have my processor on..again I feel you’re very courageous to do both ears at one time (and get the surgery over with !) activation time is quickly approaching and you will be very busy DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Mary Beth Posted September 3, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 @Jane How is your recovery going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Posted September 3, 2018 Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 @Mary Beth I’m doing well..feeling better everyday..less pain and swelling this time ..a little more dizziness but that’s ok..I was given prednisone this time to try and spare what little residual Hearing I have ..didn’t get it last time ..maybe it helped the pain and swelling..I kept a journal last time so it’s interesting to look back how I was last surgery! getting excited about activation.. thanks for asking ? DarlaHS and Mary Beth 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HearPeers Heroes Kara of Canada Posted September 3, 2018 HearPeers Heroes Report Share Posted September 3, 2018 Wow @DarlaHS kudos to you! I wish I could have done both at once. It is quite overwhelming at first after activation for me anyway. I heard all kinds of sounds right away and everything was too loud! But it definitely gets better and I have not regrets going bilateral! I was shaved just as much as you were. Mine is finally growing back. On the new side it’s about four inches long now. Takes time! Best of luck with activation! It’s when the wild ride begins and the hard work too! DarlaHS 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.