My surgery

[Guest guest]

Good luck with your rehab Kat. Keep us updated!<br>Joe

[Guest guest]

> Hello everyone:

> Well, I had the myotomy on Friday, June 7, and I got home from the

> hospital last night. Swallowing, so far, is just fine, although I

> haven't gotten too adventurous yet. But just feeling water go down is

> wonderful. I have been pretty sore, though, and the muscle has

> spasmed a few times. Just in case, I drank water and took a chewable

> pepcid in case it turned out to be reflux. Oddly, the biggest problem

> has been nausea. I'm not sure why, I've left a message at my

> surgeon's office to find out why. Maybe the anasthesia, or the gas,

> or when I go too long without the nasty tasting liquid paid meds? Or

> maybe because this is my second surgery in a month? Any ideas?

>

> Other than that, this surgery went so much more smoothly than last

> month's gall bladder surgery. I didn't get pneumonia, for which I am

> eternally grateful. And it sure seems successful so far. The only

> things the doctor told me not to eat for awhile were sourdough bread

> and steak. Not exactly the first things I was going to try, anyway!

> The nurse said to emphasize protein, since I've eaten so little the

> past several months. But the nausea is keeping me from wanting to eat

> much, so I hope that goes away soon.

MAYBE it's the pain medicine making you nauseous??? I hate the stuff! I

remember feeling a little queasy at times following my myotomy. I think I'll

write an illustrated book called " Me and My Myotomy " . Could be fun, eh?

The sourdough bread exclusion is funny. Wonder why he said just not to eat

sourdough? I wasn't supposed to eat ANY meat for a week, or ANY chips. After

that first two weeks, Steak was great!

[Guest guest]

> Hello everyone:

> Well, I had the myotomy on Friday, June 7, and I got home from the

> hospital last night. Swallowing, so far, is just fine, although I

> haven't gotten too adventurous yet. But just feeling water go down is

> wonderful. I have been pretty sore, though, and the muscle has

> spasmed a few times. Just in case, I drank water and took a chewable

> pepcid in case it turned out to be reflux. Oddly, the biggest problem

> has been nausea. I'm not sure why, I've left a message at my

> surgeon's office to find out why. Maybe the anasthesia, or the gas,

> or when I go too long without the nasty tasting liquid paid meds? Or

> maybe because this is my second surgery in a month? Any ideas?

>

> Other than that, this surgery went so much more smoothly than last

> month's gall bladder surgery. I didn't get pneumonia, for which I am

> eternally grateful. And it sure seems successful so far. The only

> things the doctor told me not to eat for awhile were sourdough bread

> and steak. Not exactly the first things I was going to try, anyway!

> The nurse said to emphasize protein, since I've eaten so little the

> past several months. But the nausea is keeping me from wanting to eat

> much, so I hope that goes away soon.

MAYBE it's the pain medicine making you nauseous??? I hate the stuff! I

remember feeling a little queasy at times following my myotomy. I think I'll

write an illustrated book called " Me and My Myotomy " . Could be fun, eh?

The sourdough bread exclusion is funny. Wonder why he said just not to eat

sourdough? I wasn't supposed to eat ANY meat for a week, or ANY chips. After

that first two weeks, Steak was great!

[Guest guest]

Dera Sanette, I've been meaning to mention something for a couple of

weeks now, thank you for bring up the 'stimulator.'

While I was in rehab, my husband said a large package had arrived for

me. Neither of us had ordered anything, so we waited until I got home

to take a look at it together. It was a 'bone strengthener stimulator'

from Orthofix. I opened the box, read the booklet and looked over the

letters inside and learned it was to help my fusion heal better. My

husband and I had our doubts--it looked a lot like those scam things

advertised on infomercials. The booklet cited research stating that the

device helped patients heal 40% faster than patients who did not use it

for at least 4 hours a day. My husband got on the 'net and did some

research on the device and learned that most info he found stated it was

as it claimed to be, that many doctors thought a lot of the machine and

its value to healing. Then, I called my surgeon and learned it was HE

who had ordered it for me, because the stim (as I call it) has proven

its worth in patients who have had at least two sections of their spine

fused, as mine was--thoracic and lumbar. He told me insurance had taken

care of it. Then, I called the manufacturer and talked to their billing

office. It was true, that my HMO, MVP had in fact accepted to pay 90%

for it. I mentioned to the person that I had Medicare and he said he

didn't know about that and took my info saying that Medicare would pick

up the rest of the bill! Now. This is no small matter. The machine

costs $5000 according to the net. However, my HMO approved $3995 of the

$5000. Orthofix said the rest of the cost would be a write off, that

$3995 would cover the cost due to the cap that the HMO put on it. So, I

signed the assignment form so my HMO and Medicare could pay them

directly for the machine and I stopped worrying about it. Since then,

I've worn it every day for 4 hours, sometimes, in two 2-hour segments.

Another thing I wanted to do was ask if anyone else has had any

experience with this spinal bone strengthening stimulator.

Lana

[Guest guest]

Dera Sanette, I've been meaning to mention something for a couple of

weeks now, thank you for bring up the 'stimulator.'

While I was in rehab, my husband said a large package had arrived for

me. Neither of us had ordered anything, so we waited until I got home

to take a look at it together. It was a 'bone strengthener stimulator'

from Orthofix. I opened the box, read the booklet and looked over the

letters inside and learned it was to help my fusion heal better. My

husband and I had our doubts--it looked a lot like those scam things

advertised on infomercials. The booklet cited research stating that the

device helped patients heal 40% faster than patients who did not use it

for at least 4 hours a day. My husband got on the 'net and did some

research on the device and learned that most info he found stated it was

as it claimed to be, that many doctors thought a lot of the machine and

its value to healing. Then, I called my surgeon and learned it was HE

who had ordered it for me, because the stim (as I call it) has proven

its worth in patients who have had at least two sections of their spine

fused, as mine was--thoracic and lumbar. He told me insurance had taken

care of it. Then, I called the manufacturer and talked to their billing

office. It was true, that my HMO, MVP had in fact accepted to pay 90%

for it. I mentioned to the person that I had Medicare and he said he

didn't know about that and took my info saying that Medicare would pick

up the rest of the bill! Now. This is no small matter. The machine

costs $5000 according to the net. However, my HMO approved $3995 of the

$5000. Orthofix said the rest of the cost would be a write off, that

$3995 would cover the cost due to the cap that the HMO put on it. So, I

signed the assignment form so my HMO and Medicare could pay them

directly for the machine and I stopped worrying about it. Since then,

I've worn it every day for 4 hours, sometimes, in two 2-hour segments.

Another thing I wanted to do was ask if anyone else has had any

experience with this spinal bone strengthening stimulator.

Lana

[Guest guest]

Dear Lana,

Yes, I wore the Ortho Bone Stim after both my fusions, also four hours each

day. My surgeon also ordered it for me. At first, I would break it up into

two hours and two hours, and rest in between, as it was uncomfortable lying

down in bed wearing it. Then, as I gained strength, I went up to the four

straight hours. Whether it worked or not - all I can say is that I have not

had any pseudoarthrosis problems with either of my fusions. So I suppose that

is a good recommendation in itself. Plus, you really don't have much to lose

by wearing it, especially if you can get the cost covered by insurance.

I have to wonder if we share the same surgeon. Do you perhaps live in the

Chicago area? I had both my surgeries done at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's

Medical Center.

My first fusion was in November of 1999. It was a/p, T12 - L5 posterior and

L1-L5 anterior. I was also told that my S1 disc should last about 10 years.

(I read your earlier post!) However, my S1 disc " went " within a year of

surgery. I had revision a/p surgery in February of 2002 to fuse the S1 disc.

I am going to be honest with you and say, that if we do indeed share the same

surgeon, I have concerns about the 10-year time frame. Your fusion is much

longer than mine. I went for a second opinion to a spinal surgeon in Des

Plaines who told me that he tells his patients who have been fused to L5 to

expect the S1 disc to go in a year's time because of the stress and strain

from above. And the more I read on the scoliosis sites, the more I believe

the one year time frame to be more accurate. I hasten to add that having this

knowledge would probably not have changed your procedure, as they don't like

to do this level until you need it done. I just think you should be armed

with information - and, you may be one of the lucky ones who can go longer. I

hope you are. I was not, and I was caught off-guard, totally shocked and

angry when this happened to me. You can email me privately if you want to

discuss this, at carolkurt@....

Carol from Chicago

[Guest guest]

Hi Betty!

Congratulations on the great 21-day loss. Whooohooo -- way to go! Sounds

like you are doing great -- keep up the good work.

Hugs and blessings, Ann

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

Hey I had surgery on the 10th of September and I had the same block.

I came home with a pain pump which was fabulous. My catheter was in my back,

where was yours?

Who is the doc you found? Dr. Claude Moorman did my surgery, and

since we are both in NC I am wondering who did yours?

Email me sometime I would love to hear about your latest surgery!

[Guest guest]

dora

congrats and i'm so glad all went well ... the after surgery sounds fantastic

....

just rest and let it heal

i do agree that being able to wear your CI into surgery and then in recovery

helps a lot it was so nice to hear soft voices and not just wake to

bright lights

glad to hear your 3 and hopefully last surgery for a long while went

well

susan

[Guest guest]

Heba,

I do hope that all will work out well for you! Sounds as if you have a rough

road ahead! Please know that I (and probably many others) will be thinking

of you, and will be eager to hear how you are doing after all your surgery!

Take care, and feel the support of the group!

Sincerely,

Carole M. (the elder)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/8/2004 5:35:49 AM Alaskan Daylight Time,

satodd59@... writes:

> On Tuesday, October 5th, my partner, Jimmy, and I checked into the

> Marriot Courtyard, a block away from Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

> Although we live only 20 miles away, we chose to do this as the traffic

> in the Atlanta is terrible and we didn't want Jimmy to drive back and

> forth. I took a nice hot shower that night as I would not be able to do

> so the next morning.

Thanks Sam!

You did an excellent job of telling it like it is.. really helped me know

what to expect with my surgery approacing in a month. I hope I do as well as

you

have.

Keep sending those reports! Are you wearing one hearing aid now?

Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam,

I'm very glad to hear your surgery went well. I'm so sorry your bed

was not comfortable because its such a small thing to have right for

the patients. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery and you just take it

easy. You'll have times when you feel really tired even though you

may not have done much that day.

I'm glad you felt well enough to let us know how your surgery

experience was for you and we'll soon be hearing from you concerning

your activation day. The best of luck to you and may all your hopes

and dreams come true.

--Gayle

> On Tuesday, October 5th, my partner, Jimmy, and I checked into the

> Marriot Courtyard, a block away from Northside Hospital in

Atlanta.

> Although we live only 20 miles away, we chose to do this as the

traffic

> in the Atlanta is terrible and we didn't want Jimmy to drive back

and

> forth. I took a nice hot shower that night as I would not be able

to do

> so the next morning.

>

> On Wednesday, October 6th, we got up at 4:30 AM so Jimmy could

shower

> and dress. We checked in with Admissions at Northside Hospital at

5:30

> AM. My surgery was originally scheduled at 7:30 AM. After

checking in,

> we discovered that my surgery had been rescheduled for 8:30 AM. We

were

> a bit annoyed by this as we could have slept another hour.

>

> After two hours of waiting in the waiting room, we were called into

> pre-op. I was weighed then given a room to undress and put on a

gown.

> A nurse came over to have me sign forms. After signing the forms

and

> marking my left check with " YES L " , she hooked me up to an I.V.

The

> anesthetist came over to introduce himself. Dr. Bhansali also came

over

> for a short time and introduced himself to Jimmy. Another nurse

came by

> to have me take off my hearing aids. Shortly after 8:30 AM, the

first

> nurse put medicine in my I.V. to put me to sleep. The last thing I

> remember was looking at the ceiling light and saying " Lord, I'm in

your

> hands now " then conking out. Jimmy would later say I waved at him

while

> I was wheeled away but I don't remember that.

>

> The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room at

11:45

> AM. I was in pain so the nurse put pain medication in my I.V. I

helped

> subside the pain somewhat. I kept asking for Jimmy but all I was

told

> is that he was in the waiting room. Finally, about 1:30 PM, I was

> wheeled to the extended recovery room. Once I got there, I had to

crawl

> from the bed I was in to another bed. This was a struggle as I

kept

> dizzy each time I tried. It took three tries but I finally

managed. I

> was a bit annoyed at the nurses as I didn't feel they tried to help

me.

> Furthermore, the bed I just transferred to wasn't as comfortable as

the

> bed I was just on.

>

> Once I got settled into my room, I asked for Jimmy again and they

> finally allowed him in to see me. He was upset as they wouldn't

let him

> in to see me in the recovery room even though my doctor and the pre-

op

> nurse said he could.

>

> Haven't not eaten since the night before, I was a bit hungry. The

nurse

> brought me Jell-O which I quickly ate. I dose off and on

throughout the

> afternoon. Before dinner, I had a splitting headache so I was

given

> more pain medication. They brought me beef stew over rice for

dinner at

> 5:30 which I ate.

>

> Dr. Bhansali came by for a short time to check on me. I started

dozing

> off again around 7 so Jimmy left for the day. Unfortunately, I

couldn't

> sleep well the rest of the night. I would sleep for an hour or two

then

> wake up. The bed was very uncomfortable but I tried to make the

best of it.

>

> At 7:30 AM on Thursday, October 7th I had my breakfast. Jimmy came

by

> shortly after that. At 8:30 I was released to go home. We stopped

at

> Walgreen's to fill my prescription for pain medication and

antibiotics.

>

> When I got home, the first thing I did was look for our cat,

Tootsie.

> When she saw me, she had a very concerned look on her face and came

to

> me. I was concerned she would hiss at me being covered in bandages

but

> she sniffed me then licked my hand. I spent the rest of the day

trying

> to take it easy. I tried to walk around a bit too like walking to

the

> mailbox or to the patio to sit outside and watch the birds at the

feeders.

>

> Jimmy fixed me soup for lunch and dinner. I was able to eat most

of the

> meals. I also had Jell-o for a snack as well as a Popsicle after

> dinner. I slept in a recliner for bed with Tootsie sitting on my

lap.

> I woke up a couple of times but it was better compared to the night

before.

>

> On Friday morning, October 8th, Jimmy cut off my bandage. When he

said

> " Eeewww! " , I knew it was worse than I was expecting. Taking a look

in

> the mirror I can see why. The incision went a bit higher than I

> expected but my hair will cover it eventually. Jimmy counted five

> staples which will be removed on Monday, October 18th.

>

> So for now, I'm taking it easy and looking forward to taking a hot

bath.

>

> Regards,

> Sam

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam,

I'm glad you are now home resting in your own bed but you might find a recliner

more restful for a few days if you have one. This is the point when you can

look in the mirror, raise your thumb and say I did it! Congratulations. It's

all uphill from now.

Alice

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/8/2004 1:15:21 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

satodd59@... writes:

I can't help but feel like I still have some

residual hearing left in my left ear. It's been tempting to put my left

hearing aid on to see but I've been resisting. Besides, when I turn off

my right hearing aid, I don't hear anything. It's probably my imagination.

not surprising, the newer implant apparently is doing less harm to the

cochlea than before, I suspected it when I was first implanted and thought I

was

CRAZY,,, but I have heard more and more of us still have some residual hearing

somehow. When I confronted my Audie about it, he said he have heard the

same from others, especially those who have N24C. The N24C has " soft tip " ,

less

damage to hair cells. I do not know about the other brands.

Like you, I can't hear a thing when my CI is off, but I noticed it when I

itch my ear.

As for your imagination,,, when I first noticed and brought it up in here,,,

it was still " new " until few months down the road,, some members offered to

put me in funny farm!

We will confirm if I do indeed still have some residual hearing in January.

Lee

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

Yes, I'm sleeping in a recliner. Not as comfortable as my bed but a lot

more comfortable than the hospital bed. How long would you recommend

sleeping in the recliner?

Regards,

Sam

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

Yes, I'm still wearing the hearing aid in my right (unimplanted) ear.

I've been expecting to feel off-balance since I've been used to wearing

two hearing aids. However, I haven't experienced that yet. Maybe it's

because too quiet at home. Will see what it's like when I return to

work next week.

As a matter of fact, I can't help but feel like I still have some

residual hearing left in my left ear. It's been tempting to put my left

hearing aid on to see but I've been resisting. Besides, when I turn off

my right hearing aid, I don't hear anything. It's probably my imagination.

Good luck with your surgery next month. Hopefully I will be hooked up

by then.

Regards,

Sam

[Guest guest]

Hi Sam,

Three or four days usually works. It helps in many ways as it allows time for

your incision to heal and it keeps down the possibility of dizziness and

actually makes things a lot easier on you. The best way to know when it's best

for you is to try it. You will know when the bed feels comfortable.

Alice

<How long would you recommend sleeping in the recliner? Sam>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lee,

> not surprising, the newer implant apparently is doing less harm to the

> cochlea than before, I suspected it when I was first implanted and

> thought I was

> CRAZY,,, but I have heard more and more of us still have some

> residual hearing

> somehow. When I confronted my Audie about it, he said he have heard the

> same from others, especially those who have N24C. The N24C has " soft

> tip " , less

> damage to hair cells. I do not know about the other brands.

Might be something to that but don't know for sure. Will ask my

audiologist to check my left ear.

> Like you, I can't hear a thing when my CI is off, but I noticed it

> when I

> itch my ear.

Come to think of it, I can't hear a thing with my HAs off as well, even

before the surgery (except for very loud noises).

Regards,

Sam

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice,

> Three or four days usually works. It helps in many ways as it allows

> time for your incision to heal and it keeps down the possibility of

> dizziness and actually makes things a lot easier on you. The best

> way to know when it's best for you is to try it. You will know when

> the bed feels comfortable.

Thanks for the recommendation. Will try at least another night or two

on the recliner.

Regards,

Sam

[Guest guest]

Hey Alice,

I agree with you thoroughly about the use of a recliner during the healing

process. If you don't like the recliner idea, two pillows stacked under your

head is ok. Don't lay on the side with the incision for three or four days. Use

antibiotic cream liberally.

Five days until my first mapping, and I can hardly wait. I have decided to

wait about eight or ten weeks to get used to the processor then go bilateral. My

surgeon told me this was probably a good move before the auditory nerve was

completely destroyed.

Sincerely,

Larry

[Guest guest]

>>Five days until my first mapping, and I can hardly wait. I have decided to

wait about eight or ten weeks to get used to the processor then go

bilateral. My surgeon told me this was probably a good move before the

auditory nerve was completely destroyed.<<

Larry,

I'm glad you're doing well and had a smooth recovery! I'll be counting the

days with you until your hook up! <smile>

Eventually I also plan to go bilateral -- but not immediately. My insurance

paperwork has already been submitted, so I've decided to leave things as

they are and wait another year before getting my right ear implanted.

[Guest guest]

Do you have a surgery date yet ?

Re: Re: My Surgery

>

> >>Five days until my first mapping, and I can hardly wait. I have decided

to

> wait about eight or ten weeks to get used to the processor then go

> bilateral. My surgeon told me this was probably a good move before the

> auditory nerve was completely destroyed.<<

>

> Larry,

>

> I'm glad you're doing well and had a smooth recovery! I'll be counting the

> days with you until your hook up! <smile>

>

> Eventually I also plan to go bilateral -- but not immediately. My

insurance

> paperwork has already been submitted, so I've decided to leave things as

> they are and wait another year before getting my right ear implanted.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Congratulations, Deborah. You are now truly bionic. It’s feels good to be

on the other side of the surgery, doesn’t it? I’m glad everything worked

out in the operating room. I can’t imagine what they would have done if they

hadn’t found the problem with the equipment. Now you need to get rest and

heal so that you are ready for that big day. We’ll all be excited to hear

from you about your activation. Don’t forget my ever present recommendation

to use the recliner when necessary.

This was good news all around.

Alice

http://www..com

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[Guest guest]

Deborah,

You had me frightened there for a moment when I read that the first 2

implants didn't work, but that the problem was attributed to testing

equipment. Whew! Now it's time to sit back, relax (as much as possible

anyway LOL!) and wait for the big " A Day " !!

I'm so happy for you!! Congratulations!! <smile>

Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

[Guest guest]

Deborah, So glad it all turned out well for you!