Re: 21st Century Ear Surgery

[Guest guest]

Hi Gerald,

Dr. Choe did my CI surgery as well, on June 15th. He is great! I was

activated July 14th, will be a month.

Just take it slow and easy, I did eat ice cream the first several weeks.

What a Yankee game that was, 15 innings. I plan to go on Monday, wonder

what the stadium will sound like with the CI.

I am pre-lingual, have worn HA in right ear since I was 3 yrs old. No

hearing on left side. So I am hearing alot of environmental sounds that I have

never heard before, it is overwhelming.

How about you? Are you pre-lingual or late deafened?

Is your audiologist at NYEE?

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

HI Carolyn,

 

It is great to find someone with something in common.  Dr. Choe was the most

proactive  and conscientious physician that I came across.  On my first pre

surgical interview with him he would have typed out questions on a laptop but I

had residual hearing in both ears.  Dr. Choe is great with email too and every

question (which was not a comment) was responded to. And as this group can tell

you I ask a lot of questions.

 

Did Dr. Choe use glue to close your incision or staples or stitches?  Except for

tape which he removed there was no cutting of anything at my post surgical exam.

I did not want to go bi lateral.  Right now I am listening to music on my iPhone

with music link in my hearing aid right ear.

 

Surgery was at 8:30 AM at NY Eye and Ear Infirmary and I checked out with a

companion from Partners In Care. I returned to work today. The staff is

pampering me.

 

 Activation is Augst 24, 25 and September 1 at University of Hackensack Medical

Center.  I work two blocks from the PATH tubes and there is an in terminal

transfer to NJ Transit at Hoboken.  A short ride and four blocks from the RR

station is the hospital.

 

Hackensack accepted my insurance and I am told my equipment is waiting for me

there.  

 

Gerald

From: carolyn1002@... <carolyn1002@...>

Subject: Re: 21st century ear surgery

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009, 1:32 AM

 

Hi Gerald,

Dr. Choe did my CI surgery as well, on June 15th. He is great! I was

activated July 14th, will be a month.

Just take it slow and easy, I did eat ice cream the first several weeks.

What a Yankee game that was, 15 innings. I plan to go on Monday, wonder

what the stadium will sound like with the CI.

I am pre-lingual, have worn HA in right ear since I was 3 yrs old. No

hearing on left side. So I am hearing alot of environmental sounds that I have

never heard before, it is overwhelming.

How about you? Are you pre-lingual or late deafened?

Is your audiologist at NYEE?

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

Carolyn,

 

To answer your question I am cogential pre lingual deafness with some residual

hearing in both ears.  My fervent prayer is residual hearing to come back to my

left ear.

 

Gerald

From: Gerald Gollinger <gerald4nyc@...>

Subject: Re: 21st century ear surgery

Date: Monday, August 10, 2009, 8:44 PM

HI Carolyn,

 

It is great to find someone with something in common.  Dr. Choe was the most

proactive  and conscientious physician that I came across.  On my first pre

surgical interview with him he would have typed out questions on a laptop but I

had residual hearing in both ears.  Dr. Choe is great with email too and every

question (which was not a comment) was responded to. And as this group can tell

you I ask a lot of questions.

 

Did Dr. Choe use glue to close your incision or staples or stitches?  Except for

tape which he removed there was no cutting of anything at my post surgical exam.

I did not want to go bi lateral.  Right now I am listening to music on my iPhone

with music link in my hearing aid right ear.

 

Surgery was at 8:30 AM at NY Eye and Ear Infirmary and I checked out with a

companion from Partners In Care. I returned to work today. The staff is

pampering me.

 

 Activation is Augst 24, 25 and September 1 at University of Hackensack Medical

Center.  I work two blocks from the PATH tubes and there is an in terminal

transfer to NJ Transit at Hoboken.  A short ride and four blocks from the RR

station is the hospital.

 

Hackensack accepted my insurance and I am told my equipment is waiting for me

there.  

 

Gerald

From: carolyn1002@... <carolyn1002@...>

Subject: Re: 21st century ear surgery

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009, 1:32 AM

 

Hi Gerald,

Dr. Choe did my CI surgery as well, on June 15th. He is great! I was

activated July 14th, will be a month.

Just take it slow and easy, I did eat ice cream the first several weeks.

What a Yankee game that was, 15 innings. I plan to go on Monday, wonder

what the stadium will sound like with the CI.

I am pre-lingual, have worn HA in right ear since I was 3 yrs old. No

hearing on left side. So I am hearing alot of environmental sounds that I have

never heard before, it is overwhelming.

How about you? Are you pre-lingual or late deafened?

Is your audiologist at NYEE?

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

Gerald,

Just got home from the yankee game, bummer they lost. My 11 yr old nephew

was waiting for Teixeira to hit homerun, we were in Sec 206.

It was just noise for me inside, I am hearing mostly environmental sounds,

voices and speech still not clear yet. I'll say I am hearing sounds I

never heard before, it is overwhelming for me, sometimes uncomfortable, but

because I was born deaf and pre-lingual, it will take time for my brain to

process. I am 44 and feel like a baby to adapt and process the new sounds,

heard

my breathing for first time, paper crinklin, clicks and every movement i

make.

And my audiologist is gradually increasing the power, just so much my body

and brain can take at a time.

I just maxed out my power, going Thursday for another mapping. Hopefully

speech will be better.

People I spoke with all said low expectations and they were not kidding it

takes time, so patience is needed for several months. I am only one month

in, and not comfortable yet.

I did not have the luxury of having my other ear to hear while waiting for

activation. I am fortunate to be able to telework, I have been since the

surgery in June.. Just started going into the office 2 days a week the

commuting noise was overwhelming, NYC is loud, trains, subways, streets.

The recovery of the surgery was easy, I was out driving and doing chores

after a week, only had mild dizziness the second week. Physically fine now.

Dr.Choe told me the same thing to eat and take vitamins as well. I agree he

was wonderful with the emails and answered promptly, whereas as another

doctor I saw told me to stop reading that he is the doctor.

I have tinnitus which was the problem I saw Dr. Choe initially and thus my

decision to get the CI and the fact my hearing was profound well pass 110 in

high frequencies and 80 in the low frequencies.

I took a risk getting the CI in my good ear as prognosis is supposed to be

better because it had been stimulated.

Dont eat too much Mcdonalds hamburgers, it not good food. lol

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

" 10 Mc's hamburgers " Good Lord, this country is facing a major

health crisis because of these fast food places!

But remember, chocolate, contrary to popular belief, is an essential 5th

food group.

*---* *---* *---* *---* *---*

Bumper Sticker: Watch out for the idiot behind me!

& Dreamer Doll ke7nwn

E-mail-

rclark0276@...

Home Page-

http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/

[Guest guest]

,

 

I put the burgers in the fridge to last for several days.  I ate other things

too.

 

Gerald

From: <rclark0276@...>

Subject: Re: 21st Century Ear Surgery

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 3:00 AM

 

" 10 Mc's hamburgers " Good Lord, this country is facing a major

health crisis because of these fast food places!

But remember, chocolate, contrary to popular belief, is an essential 5th

food group.

*---* *---* *---* *---* *---*

Bumper Sticker: Watch out for the idiot behind me!

& Dreamer Doll ke7nwn

E-mail-

rclark0276charter (DOT) net

Home Page-

http://webpages. charter.net/ dog_guide/

[Guest guest]

Carolyn,

 

Dr,Choe wanted to implant my better and more stimulated right ear, and he got a

barrage of email why the left ear would be better.  From  what you describe I

may have made a good decision.  I intend to just wear the CI at work to

stimulate the implanted ear but when traveling wear both ci and hearing aid. 

 

I think Dr. Choe gave you both ENG and MRI as he did me. He was not taking any

chances, and he assured me in the recovery room that the surgery went very well.

 Fortunately, there is no tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems before and

after surgery.  

I will have to ask my ci audiologist if making the comfort level louder will

increase overpowering noise.   I will have to let her guide the process..

BTW,  hamburger was just interim food until I can find a restaurant with decent

 escargot.  lol

 

Since you live in New York City the Center for Hearing and Communication -

 http://www.lhh.org/ has a cochlear implant group that has bi monthly meetings. 

I like to join them when activated but this is a good opportunity for  you to

meet people in circumstances like ourselves and interact face to face.

 

Gerald

From: carolyn1002@... <carolyn1002@...>

Subject: Re: 21st Century Ear Surgery

@...

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 3:20 AM

 

Gerald,

Just got home from the yankee game, bummer they lost. My 11 yr old nephew

was waiting for Teixeira to hit homerun, we were in Sec 206.

It was just noise for me inside, I am hearing mostly environmental sounds,

voices and speech still not clear yet. I'll say I am hearing sounds I

never heard before, it is overwhelming for me, sometimes uncomfortable, but

because I was born deaf and pre-lingual, it will take time for my brain to

process. I am 44 and feel like a baby to adapt and process the new sounds, heard

my breathing for first time, paper crinklin, clicks and every movement i

make.

And my audiologist is gradually increasing the power, just so much my body

and brain can take at a time.

I just maxed out my power, going Thursday for another mapping. Hopefully

speech will be better.

People I spoke with all said low expectations and they were not kidding it

takes time, so patience is needed for several months. I am only one month

in, and not comfortable yet.

I did not have the luxury of having my other ear to hear while waiting for

activation. I am fortunate to be able to telework, I have been since the

surgery in June.. Just started going into the office 2 days a week the

commuting noise was overwhelming, NYC is loud, trains, subways, streets.

The recovery of the surgery was easy, I was out driving and doing chores

after a week, only had mild dizziness the second week. Physically fine now.

Dr.Choe told me the same thing to eat and take vitamins as well. I agree he

was wonderful with the emails and answered promptly, whereas as another

doctor I saw told me to stop reading that he is the doctor.

I have tinnitus which was the problem I saw Dr. Choe initially and thus my

decision to get the CI and the fact my hearing was profound well pass 110 in

high frequencies and 80 in the low frequencies.

I took a risk getting the CI in my good ear as prognosis is supposed to be

better because it had been stimulated.

Dont eat too much Mcdonalds hamburgers, it not good food. lol

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

Hi

I work not far the Center in lower Manhattan. I have been to several meetings

before the surgery and see a therapist at the Center on a regular basis. I am

also involved with the Hearing Loss Association, Manhattan chapter and

Westchester chapter. Many people in the Westchester chapter are CI recipients

and have gotten much feedback from them, they are great group of people.

I was on the Walk4Hearing committee last year. I plan to participate again this

year.

Do you know about the HLAA groups?

Carolyn

In a message dated 08/11/09 10:46:06 Eastern Daylight Time, gerald4nyc@...

writes:

Carolyn,

Dr,Choe wanted to implant my better and more stimulated right ear, and he got a

barrage of email why the left ear would be better. From what you describe I

may have made a good decision. I intend to just wear the CI at work to

stimulate the implanted ear but when traveling wear both ci and hearing aid.

I think Dr. Choe gave you both ENG and MRI as he did me. He was not taking any

chances, and he assured me in the recovery room that the surgery went very well.

Fortunately, there is no tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems before and after

surgery.

I will have to ask my ci audiologist if making the comfort level louder will

increase overpowering noise. I will have to let her guide the process..

BTW, hamburger was just interim food until I can find a restaurant with decent

escargot. lol

Since you live in New York City the Center for Hearing and Communication -

http://www.lhh.org/ has a cochlear implant group that has bi monthly meetings.

I like to join them when activated but this is a good opportunity for you to

meet people in circumstances like ourselves and interact face to face.

Gerald

From: carolyn1002@... <carolyn1002@...>

Subject: Re: 21st Century Ear Surgery

@...

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 3:20 AM

Gerald,

Just got home from the yankee game, bummer they lost. My 11 yr old nephew

was waiting for Teixeira to hit homerun, we were in Sec 206.

It was just noise for me inside, I am hearing mostly environmental sounds,

voices and speech still not clear yet. I'll say I am hearing sounds I

never heard before, it is overwhelming for me, sometimes uncomfortable, but

because I was born deaf and pre-lingual, it will take time for my brain to

process. I am 44 and feel like a baby to adapt and process the new sounds, heard

my breathing for first time, paper crinklin, clicks and every movement i

make.

And my audiologist is gradually increasing the power, just so much my body

and brain can take at a time.

I just maxed out my power, going Thursday for another mapping. Hopefully

speech will be better.

People I spoke with all said low expectations and they were not kidding it

takes time, so patience is needed for several months. I am only one month

in, and not comfortable yet.

I did not have the luxury of having my other ear to hear while waiting for

activation. I am fortunate to be able to telework, I have been since the

surgery in June.. Just started going into the office 2 days a week the

commuting noise was overwhelming, NYC is loud, trains, subways, streets.

The recovery of the surgery was easy, I was out driving and doing chores

after a week, only had mild dizziness the second week. Physically fine now.

Dr.Choe told me the same thing to eat and take vitamins as well. I agree he

was wonderful with the emails and answered promptly, whereas as another

doctor I saw told me to stop reading that he is the doctor.

I have tinnitus which was the problem I saw Dr. Choe initially and thus my

decision to get the CI and the fact my hearing was profound well pass 110 in

high frequencies and 80 in the low frequencies.

I took a risk getting the CI in my good ear as prognosis is supposed to be

better because it had been stimulated.

Dont eat too much Mcdonalds hamburgers, it not good food. lol

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Carolyn,

 

The Manhattan chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)  used to me

known as SHHH.  When I left they were advocating for things such as subway

signage that was already in place on some subway lines.  They wanted the MTA to

pay out millions for an antiquated New York City subway system to help a small

minority of people.

 

There is also the Queens Lexington School chapter and I an on their mailing

list.  The Lexington Chapter does not require dues.

 

Before I went on Social Security and continued working I had to make budget

cuts.  I hope the Manhattan chapter has realistic advocacy goals now.  I would

just like to hear better and not parading in front of museums to have FM

receivers installed in their guides.

 

Just my 2 cents worth for what it is worth.

 

Gerald

From: carolyn1002@ aol.com <carolyn1002@ aol.com>

Subject: Re: 21st Century Ear Surgery

groups (DOT) co

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 3:20 AM

Gerald,

Just got home from the yankee game, bummer they lost. My 11 yr old nephew

was waiting for Teixeira to hit homerun, we were in Sec 206.

It was just noise for me inside, I am hearing mostly environmental sounds,

voices and speech still not clear yet. I'll say I am hearing sounds I

never heard before, it is overwhelming for me, sometimes uncomfortable, but

because I was born deaf and pre-lingual, it will take time for my brain to

process. I am 44 and feel like a baby to adapt and process the new sounds, heard

my breathing for first time, paper crinklin, clicks and every movement i

make.

And my audiologist is gradually increasing the power, just so much my body

and brain can take at a time.

I just maxed out my power, going Thursday for another mapping. Hopefully

speech will be better.

People I spoke with all said low expectations and they were not kidding it

takes time, so patience is needed for several months. I am only one month

in, and not comfortable yet.

I did not have the luxury of having my other ear to hear while waiting for

activation. I am fortunate to be able to telework, I have been since the

surgery in June.. Just started going into the office 2 days a week the

commuting noise was overwhelming, NYC is loud, trains, subways, streets.

The recovery of the surgery was easy, I was out driving and doing chores

after a week, only had mild dizziness the second week. Physically fine now.

Dr.Choe told me the same thing to eat and take vitamins as well. I agree he

was wonderful with the emails and answered promptly, whereas as another

doctor I saw told me to stop reading that he is the doctor.

I have tinnitus which was the problem I saw Dr. Choe initially and thus my

decision to get the CI and the fact my hearing was profound well pass 110 in

high frequencies and 80 in the low frequencies.

I took a risk getting the CI in my good ear as prognosis is supposed to be

better because it had been stimulated.

Dont eat too much Mcdonalds hamburgers, it not good food. lol

Carolyn