RE: Surgery Complete

[Guest guest]

Oh man, the tinnitus after surgery. It was loud. I had a regular hearing

aid in my left ear, but even though the mapped hearing level in that ear was

higher than my right, I had more trouble hearing with it. When the HA was

in, though, the tinnitus wasn't too bad, but it was still louder than before

implantation. It did start out as a lot of tones and whistles, but after a

day or so, it turned into music. Choruses, Gregorian chants, Halleujah's,

and even once the tune to Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (over and over and

over and over...) I think that was my brain's coping mechanism for the

noise. It certainly helped me get through it. Once I got the external

processor hooked up, the tinnitus faded out. I still hear it when I take

the CI out at night or some days when I'm extra tired or stressed, but

mostly it's faded back enough to be ignored. Just hang in there. )

Rae

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

larry_burgess02895

Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 7:49 PM

Subject: surgery complete

Hello all,

I just had my surgery yesterday. I was kept overnight for

observation due to my history of sleep apnea. The anesthesiologist

said they had to watch me with the drugs and all since they can

affect my breathing. I didn't have any issues.

Came home this morning with a bandage wrapped around my head so my

kids were calling me 'Concussion Man'. No major pain at all. Just

taking Tylenol for now. Left side of jaw and face a little swollen

and tender. Nothing unexpected.

A little disorienting since I'm used to hearing noises in both ears.

I think this was said before by others but my tinitus in my implanted

ear is worst than before. I'm guessing it's just needs to settle

down with the surgery and all.

What's your experience with tinnitus after surgery?

Thanks,

Larry

Severe to Profound Loss since early 70's

Left ear implanted 7/28/08

HA in right ear

[Guest guest]

Larry, it sounds like you came through your surgery with flying

colors! That is fantastic. :-)

I had both ears implanted a week ago, on July 22. For 2 or 3 days after

surgery, tinnitus was different for me -- instead of a cacophony of sounds

like I usually have, it was mainly one thing: it sounded like oil popping

in a frying pan. I had it in both ears but more in the left ear and just

very occasionally in the right.

After that though, I've noticed my tinnitus is quieter than it EVER has

been since I lost all of my hearing in April. It is kind of surprising but

I'm not complaining. At times the tinnitus (like right now, for

instance) is so quiet that things almost sound quiet. It's just a very,

very low humming, barely there. I never expected my tinnitus to calm down

after surgery but for some reason, it really has. I hope the same happens

for you!

Take care,

~Wendi in Illinois

http://suddensilence.wordpress.com/

[Guest guest]

Hi Larry,

I'm so glad the surgery is behind you. Be sure to rest and let

your family spoil you for a good week or two.

I was fascinated with the tinnitus after my surgery. It sure was

loud! Until my surgery the tinnitus was either an orchestra...or a

plane engine. During the first weeks of my recovery my tinnitus sounded

like gurgling. I actually loved listening to it. It seemed to go

fade into the background once I was hooked up six weeks after

surgery.

Best wishes for a smooth recovery and a happy hook up day! Keep in

mind that if you don't like how you are hearing the first day, that it

usually does get better with time and more mappings.

Patti

Surgery 11/25/02 (What A Day!)

Hook Up Day BWP 1/2/03 (A Happy Day!)

3G 1/31/03 (An Even Happier Day!)

[Guest guest]

I had a similar problem with my back after cancer surgery. The nurse told me

it is likely from lying on the uncomfortable operating table during surgery.

A relative bought me pain patches at Wal-Mart to help me.

Surgery Complete

Hi Folks...Carol (CJ) from VA. I had my CI surgery on 20 Oct. It went very

well. I was surprised that I didn't experience very much pain; however I

did have some problems during my recovery. In the recovery room, I noticed

that I had tremendous amount of pain in my shoulders and arms.more pain than

I was experiencing from the CI surgery. The anesthesiologist was called,

but he didn't know what was causing the pain. He did mention that I was on

my side during the 4 hr surgery and that might be the cause of my pain

although he couldn't explain why pain in both shoulders. I was sent home w/

some pain meds, but the shoulder pain was so bad; I was forced to make two

trips to the ER seeking relief! The first time was on Wed night and the

doctor diagnosis some type of muscle breakdown from being on my side so

long. He gave me more pain meds and sent me home. I saw my primary doctor

on Friday and she sent me back to the ER. Another ER doctor diagnosis a

pinch nerve (wrong!) and after 12 hrs of being there, sent me home w/ still

more pain meds! And the whole time the CI surgeon refused to believe my

pain had anything to do w/ the CI surgery. Here it is ten days after my CI

surgery, and I'm still experience some pain in my shoulders and arms. Thank

God Mom was able to be here w/ me the whole time. Despite all the drama, I

still pretty excited about getting the CI. First follow-up visit w/ surgeon

is on Tuesday, 3 Nov at which time I will get my activation date.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Boy, you are really a trouper! I can't believe your pain is lasting that long.

You have such an eager attitude about the CI and are focusing on that rather

than your shoulder.

But still, the shoulder is demanding attention, as it should; something is

amiss. I agree with the ER doctor about a pinched nerve. I also agree with

Jackie about PT, physical therapy, but I would also suggest a very good massage,

as it relaxes the muscles that are so tight from some apparent pressure. Three

times a week is the usual for massages but an expert will tell you what to

expect. I've heard of using a shot of valium to start relaxing the muscles, but

also hands on muscle work will supplement it better.

I've had neck and shoulder pain from playing too much volleyball, PT alone

didn't do the trick; neither did chiropractic care. It's the proper movement of

massage therapy that works to loosen your system back into place. Ask around

for a referral to a reputable person; or ask a chiropractor for one. It could

make a difference.

What a shame you had this added complication.

Geez, I can't believe your doctor's response; he could use a little compassion.

I hope you bring someone with you when you go for your checkup with him.

Walkleader

From: msblackgold757@...

Date: Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:32:08 +0000

Subject: Surgery Complete

Hi Folks...Carol (CJ) from VA. I had my CI surgery on 20 Oct. It went very well.

I was surprised that I didn't experience very much pain; however I did have some

problems during my recovery. In the recovery room, I noticed that I had

tremendous amount of pain in my shoulders and arms…more pain than I was

experiencing from the CI surgery. The anesthesiologist was called, but he didn't

know what was causing the pain. He did mention that I was on my side during the

4 hr surgery and that might be the cause of my pain although he couldn't explain

why pain in both shoulders. I was sent home w/ some pain meds, but the shoulder

pain was so bad; I was forced to make two trips to the ER seeking relief! The

first time was on Wed night and the doctor diagnosis some type of muscle

breakdown from being on my side so long. He gave me more pain meds and sent me

home. I saw my primary doctor on Friday and she sent me back to the ER. Another

ER doctor diagnosis a pinch nerve (wrong!) and after 12 hrs of being there, sent

me home w/ still more pain meds! And the whole time the CI surgeon refused to

believe my pain had anything to do w/ the CI surgery. Here it is ten days after

my CI surgery, and I'm still experience some pain in my shoulders and arms.

Thank God Mom was able to be here w/ me the whole time. Despite all the drama, I

still pretty excited about getting the CI. First follow-up visit w/ surgeon is

on Tuesday, 3 Nov at which time I will get my activation date.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Carol: I had the same thing with my first cochlear implant. Felt like

a piano had fallen on my shoulder. I did have bruises up and down that side

of my neck, too. The pain from the CI was nothing compared to this. I took

it to basically be a form of whiplash from having my head turned to the side

during surgery and the trauma of drilling. It did go away on its own.

Fortunately, with the second implant, I did not have the whiplash-like neck

pain this time, only what felt like swollen glands. This also went away

soon.