Stan

[Guest guest]

> Stan

>

> I don't think there is such a thing as a mild dislocation. From

what

> I have heard they are always major!

Yes, Sue, I think you're right. Someone told me this afternoon that

the pain is excruciating with a dislocation. My pain was just normal

pain.

>

> Were you on a blood thinner? I am and they told me wine was a no

no!

Wine, a no no. Hey! I live in France. How could wine be a non non?

Actually, I ordered wine with my first meal (in the rehab centre a

week after my operation) but I didn't drink it. My wiser side said

that with all the drugs I was taking alcohol, even a small amount of

red wine, would do nothing beneficial for me. I save the wine for a

later day when I hadn't taken as many drugs.

>

> Hang tight and don't move too much! If it hurts stop. You can

> overdo it.

>

The confusing thing is that I get conflicting advice. My surgeon

said, " Move! Move! Move! " He probably wants repeat business.

Actually, I move quite a bit. I walk and swim almost everyday plus

use a stationary bike. I live along in a house that has many stairs

around it--10 levels of terraces. I only use four currently. Stairs

aren't supposed to be the best thing for recovering hippies, but I

don't have too much choice.

Ciao

staninfr

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Hello, Stan,

I'm sorry you are going through such anguish over which ear to implant.

So many opinions and not knowing which is the " right " one.

I will put my two cents worth in, and you can use it in any way you

choose.

I had my " worst " ear implanted. My " good " ear gives me @ 10% speech

discrimination with my 10 year old hearing aid. (new aids have not been

successful though I try every year).

I have been implanted over 2 years and have NOT gotten speech

discrimination. To make a long story short, an integrity test recently showed

a problem

and last week my implant was removed and a new one put in in its place (same

ear). All the time spent mapping and remapping, AVT therapy once a week, and

only my hearing aid, with it's measily 10%, kept me sane. Hopefully this new,

undamaged implant, will make the difference. I know there are still no

guarantees. But if you have any hearing in one ear that gives you at least

some

speech discrimination, I strongly advice implanting your " worst " ear. There

are many on this forum who have done that and have had excellent results.

Now, that being said....if there is a physical reason why your doctor

feels you shouldn't implant the " worst " ear, then have him explain it to you

completely. Bring someone you trust to that visit so you can have someone

else hearing the explanation and to discuss it with. If both ears seem to be a

problem to implant, then what difference does it make which you choose? The

doctor has changed his mind once: ask exactly why. If you are still unsure,

do not hesitate to get a second opinion. When you are comfortable and at

peace in choosing which ear, if you have the choice physically, you will know.

I hope this helps you a little bit, Stan. I'm sure others will respond

about their feelings as well, and altogether, may help make it a bit easier

to decide.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi, Stan,

Doncha' just love when the answer to your question just brings up more

questions? ARGGG

OK here's my question, and maybe, in consult, as Alice suggested, or

even in e-mail if consultation is too laborious to arrange, I'd say, ok - I

understand that surgery on my left ear will be a more difficult procedure.

Quote - " I re-reviewed your films and believe I can do the surgery on

the left ear, but it will be a more difficult operation. "

You can continue to say something like, " I am uncomfortable giving

up the hearing in my right ear but would like to take a shot at getting

benefit from a CI. Do I understand you to be saying that you would be able to

overcome the anatomical difficulties of the left ear in surgery, despite the

difficulties? I understand that you and the audiologist feel the right ear

would

give a better result. And I accept the risk of using the worse ear if you,

Doctor, are saying that the surgery can be done despite being a more

difficult procedure. "

Depending on the answer you get from this may help refine the issue

a little further.

Stan, when I asked my first audiologist to please ask a Cochlear rep

to join us for a mapping, having not obtained speech discrimination in a

year. She refused. Cochlear refused to send a rep without being invited by

the

audi, not the patient (me). Had she done so, perhaps I would've saved over

a year's worth of time. I feel her ego and her mistaken beliefs that I was

somehow sabotaging myself and expecting too much from this device cost me

time, disappointment and, well that's enough for now. The greatest shame is

that

she was excellent at mapping and did " go outside the box " several times for

me. But when none of that worked, she decided that was IT, nobody else

could possibly figure out a solution to help me get more from the CI. When I

called to say I would not be returning there for mapping, the receptionist,

with

whom I'd developed a warm repoire, said, " you're not the first one. " Closed

minds. Wish I had a brilliant quote here, but I think you get the meaning.

So - Sorry to get so wordy, again, but I hope it helps a little. I

believe your audi won't change his/her mind regarding implantation of the worst

ear, despite lots of evidence that it can work very well. Just ask !

So ya see? There is risk in everything. If your surgeon says the

surgery is a danger to life and limb, geez, there isn't much to think about,

forget it! But if it is just a matter of more painstaking work and time, but

can

be achieved, it's your risk to choose if the doctor assures you his best

effort. I'm praying for you, Stan, I know how difficult this is.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

Well from the looks of it your back! I know, I know bad joke but---- your

back in a flash!!!<<groan>>Sorry the CI made me do it.got to blame someone

or something you know!!! I just loved your description of the " Audie " . It

seems to be a universal problem too. I only wish Sigmund Freud was still

around to give us insight in to the CI patient and the Audie-ego...I sure

new terms would be coined!! I have a few descriptive adjectives of my

own!!**!#$#%. But in my case the Doc was also hiding stuff behind her ample

skirt...

Keep up the great attitude.

Plenty of good wishes to you too

Dee

_____

From: Flashwun@... [mailto:Flashwun@...]

Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 9:19 PM

Subject: Re:Stan

Hi, Stan,

Doncha' just love when the answer to your question just brings up

more

questions? ARGGG

OK here's my question, and maybe, in consult, as Alice suggested, or

even in e-mail if consultation is too laborious to arrange, I'd say, ok - I

understand that surgery on my left ear will be a more difficult procedure.

Quote - " I re-reviewed your films and believe I can do the surgery on

the left ear, but it will be a more difficult operation. "

You can continue to say something like, " I am uncomfortable giving

up the hearing in my right ear but would like to take a shot at getting

benefit from a CI. Do I understand you to be saying that you would be able

to

overcome the anatomical difficulties of the left ear in surgery, despite

the

difficulties? I understand that you and the audiologist feel the right ear

would

give a better result. And I accept the risk of using the worse ear if you,

Doctor, are saying that the surgery can be done despite being a more

difficult procedure. "

Depending on the answer you get from this may help refine the issue

a little further.

Stan, when I asked my first audiologist to please ask a Cochlear

rep

to join us for a mapping, having not obtained speech discrimination in a

year. She refused. Cochlear refused to send a rep without being invited

by the

audi, not the patient (me). Had she done so, perhaps I would've saved over

a year's worth of time. I feel her ego and her mistaken beliefs that I was

somehow sabotaging myself and expecting too much from this device cost me

time, disappointment and, well that's enough for now. The greatest shame

is that

she was excellent at mapping and did " go outside the box " several times for

me. But when none of that worked, she decided that was IT, nobody else

could possibly figure out a solution to help me get more from the CI. When

I

called to say I would not be returning there for mapping, the receptionist,

with

whom I'd developed a warm repoire, said, " you're not the first one. "

Closed

minds. Wish I had a brilliant quote here, but I think you get the meaning.

So - Sorry to get so wordy, again, but I hope it helps a little. I

believe your audi won't change his/her mind regarding implantation of the

worst

ear, despite lots of evidence that it can work very well. Just ask !

So ya see? There is risk in everything. If your surgeon says the

surgery is a danger to life and limb, geez, there isn't much to think

about,

forget it! But if it is just a matter of more painstaking work and time,

but can

be achieved, it's your risk to choose if the doctor assures you his best

effort. I'm praying for you, Stan, I know how difficult this is.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi, Stan,

I was so happy to read of the second e-mail your surgeon sent. He is

telling you that medically, he can implant either ear. I hope this helps ease

your decision. Whichever you choose, prayers for an excellent result!!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi, Stan,

Good for you! Congratulations on getting through one of the most

difficult decisions in this whole CI journey when you have some residual

hearing.

The fact that you and your wife are comfortable with that decision should

tell you that it is the right one for you.

I DO have a warning for you both, however. Keep pens or pencils

tethered to the notepads because they have a way of disappearing! LOL Office

supply stores sell those very small clipboards that fit in a pocket or purse

and

the pen can be kept under the clip.

G-d bless and smooth sailing!

) Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi, Stan,

Hope it was a Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day!

That said...LOL

I seem to have the same hearing as you do. I " hear " on the telephone with my

hearing aid, though not without lots of repeats. I only have @10% speech

discrimination in the hearing aid ear, but it makes quite a difference in the

real world. It keeps me sane, such as it is!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hey, Stan,

Welcome home! Been waiting with baited breath for your report. Sooo

happy that you got through the surgery just fine. Doctors don't know

everything. No driving for at least 5 days!! Understand? I'm sure your wife

has

already laid down the law! LOL I know March 21 seems like forever for your

hook-up, but it'll give you ample time to heal so you can wear the processor

comfortably. My hook-up was at 3 weeks following surgery, and another week

probably

would've been better. I'm still feeling a slight soreness in the area where

the processor hits the incision. So just " cool-it, baby! " Rest, relax, and

milk this for all it's worth, 'cause it'll be a long time before you get to take

advantage of your wife again! LOL

Congratulations! <smiles and hugs> Jackie

[Guest guest]

Stan typed: " I'm going to take the advice of the people on here to just

take it easy for a few days. "

Hi Stan!

Who said to take it easy fort a few days? LOL, no, no, no, I'm sure you

can put up with more than just a few days of spoiling and rest and

relaxation. Aim for a week or two! Seriously now, I was happy to read your

post that

your surgery went well and that you got back home safe and sound. Hook up

is next! In the meantime rest and pace yourself for at least a week or two.

Best wishes for a continued smooth recovery, Stan!

Patti

Surgery Day 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]

Stan,

So glad your driving companions got you to the hospital safe and sound for

the surgery and that the surgery went well. Be prepared for more wild rides!

[Guest guest]

Hiya,Stan,

I've got goosebumps from reading your update. It is wonderful to know

that you and your wife are living life to the fullest again. We all know how

life interferes with writing on line! You are allowed and encouraged to

continue to do so. You are still here for those who can benefit from your

story.

By the way, I bet is going to be expecting a ride on your Honda and maybe

even driving the thing! LOL Warm regards to your wonderful wife. Continued

success, Stan!

) Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi Stan,

I also have a motorcycle (Suzuki GS1100) and like you I had feedback

problems with the HA.

With the CI I find I can have it switched on while riding but it's so noisy

(wind, motor, tire noise)

I switch it off and ride in quiet.

I've never had a safety issue where hearing or not would have made the

difference, but I must stress that I

probably overcompensate by looking around, using the mirrors, and generally

riding a bit more conservatively than my

normal hearing friends.

However, as always, YMMV

NZ

> Stan

>

>

> Hi All,

>

> I've bought a 1995 Honda Magna 750 and am out riding it. I took

> the " Team Oregon " Basic Riders Training course at the end of June.

> I can wear a helmet and use my CI. Because of feedback, I can't use

> my Hearing Aid with the helmet on. It's sure nice to be able to

> hear while I'm wearing my helmet. I don't think I could have passed

> the course or gotten a motorcycle license without the CI.

> Stan Straub

> Cottage Grove, Oregon

> Nucleus24CA implant surgery 2/24/05

> Activation 3/21/05

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

That *was* a wild and bumpy ride, wasn't it? LOL!

If anyone else would like a " ride " to the hospital, just let me know. I'll

be more than happy to drive with in the back navigating with the help

of my BrailleNote GPS. LOL!

Now that I have my CI, at least I will be able to hear someone shouting,

" No, not *that* way! Watch out! " Hehehehe.

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

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

[Guest guest]

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're

scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're

scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're

scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov.

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for

letting me know

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Pamela Leigh

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:53

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: RE: Stan

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex

[mailto:mb12 valtrex ]

On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for

letting me know

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Pamela Leigh

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:53

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: RE: Stan

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex

[mailto:mb12 valtrex ]

On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for

letting me know

From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On Behalf Of Pamela Leigh

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:53

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: RE: Stan

Yes, he’s at a Conference in Utah.

Pamela

" Courage is doing

what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. "

Eddie Rickenbacker,

top US

fighter ace, WWI

From: mb12 valtrex

[mailto:mb12 valtrex ]

On Behalf Of Carie

Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49

PM

mb12 valtrex

Subject: Stan

Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on

Fri, and never heard back a response. I didn’t

know if I could quit valtrex cold

turkey or not or if I needed to stop

slowly. How do I know if I should stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carie,

I'm was away at the USAAA conference and now I'm on vacation on a cruise to

Alaska. It's

been some time since I've been on a " real " vacation. Anyway, I'll be back in

about a week.

To answer your question.... we quit cold turkey, but I think we were out of the

woods.

Kreed showed rather severe signs of a viral infection when you started Valtrex.

If you are

going to stop, I would stop slowly.

- Stan

>

> Thanks for letting me know

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On

> Behalf Of Pamela Leigh

> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:53 PM

> mb12 valtrex

> Subject: RE: Stan

>

>

>

> Yes, he's at a Conference in Utah.

>

>

>

> Pamela

>

> " Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless

> you're scared. "

>

> Eddie Rickenbacker, top US fighter ace, WWI

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On

> Behalf Of Carie

> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49 PM

> mb12 valtrex

> Subject: Stan

>

>

>

> Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on Fri, and

> never heard back a response. I didn't know if I could quit valtrex cold

> turkey or not or if I needed to stop slowly. How do I know if I should

> stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov. Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carie,

I'm was away at the USAAA conference and now I'm on vacation on a cruise to

Alaska. It's

been some time since I've been on a " real " vacation. Anyway, I'll be back in

about a week.

To answer your question.... we quit cold turkey, but I think we were out of the

woods.

Kreed showed rather severe signs of a viral infection when you started Valtrex.

If you are

going to stop, I would stop slowly.

- Stan

>

> Thanks for letting me know

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On

> Behalf Of Pamela Leigh

> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 4:53 PM

> mb12 valtrex

> Subject: RE: Stan

>

>

>

> Yes, he's at a Conference in Utah.

>

>

>

> Pamela

>

> " Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless

> you're scared. "

>

> Eddie Rickenbacker, top US fighter ace, WWI

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: mb12 valtrex [mailto:mb12 valtrex ] On

> Behalf Of Carie

> Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 7:49 PM

> mb12 valtrex

> Subject: Stan

>

>

>

> Is Stan out of town? I sent a question to him through the group on Fri, and

> never heard back a response. I didn't know if I could quit valtrex cold

> turkey or not or if I needed to stop slowly. How do I know if I should

> stop? My child has been on valtrex since Nov. Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Talent! Duplicate the face :-) and we'll evaluate your artist ability! lol

Stan

[ ] Stan

Stan.....I love your sketch....You do good...can't wait to see more!

Glad you're feeling better.

What talent!

Hugs..paula

[Guest guest]

You know - I haven't seen any posts from him in a while! I hope he is ok!!

ltdavis_jrdavis@...

From: eandsspivey <emilyspivey@...>

Subject: [ ] Stan

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 6:44 PM

 

Has anyone heard from Stan lately?

[Guest guest]

Yes, I'm bathing in unrefined cod liver oil!

Stan

Seattle, Cloudy and rainy (still)

[ ] Stan

Has anyone heard from Stan lately?  

[Guest guest]

" I am here, I am here, I am here!!! " -Horton Hears a Who

Stan

[ ] Stan

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2009, 6:44 PM

 

Has anyone heard from Stan lately?