Surgery Date

[Guest guest]

,

February 1st is an excellent date - that's my birthday.

Congratulations to you for sticking to your guns and getting there.

NZ

> Surgery Date

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule

> a date for my second CI surgery. I had the choice of either

> February 1st or 2nd.

>

> Although I originally planned on delaying surgery until May

> or June, I've opted for February 1st since it will be early

> enough in the semester that it shouldn't negatively affect my

> college courses.

>

> I'm so excited and can't believe this is really going to

> happen! Thanks to all of you for your continued encouragement

> -- especially during the time I was awaiting insurance

> approval! <hugs>!

>

>

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

> Deafblind/Postlingual

> BTE hearing aid user 20 years

> Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

You go girlfriend! Best wishes for you and bravo for taking on a

challenge....surgery AND schooling! Yeow!!

Freedom 9/21/05 HOOKED!!

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a date

for my

> second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

>

> Although I originally planned on delaying surgery until May or June,

I've

> opted for February 1st since it will be early enough in the semester

that it

> shouldn't negatively affect my college courses.

>

> I'm so excited and can't believe this is really going to happen!

Thanks to

> all of you for your continued encouragement -- especially during the

time I

> was awaiting insurance approval! <hugs>!

>

>

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

> Deafblind/Postlingual

> BTE hearing aid user 20 years

> Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

>

[Guest guest]

, I would like to add my congratulations on getting your surgery date. I

know alll will go well on February 1st, and wish you a speedy recovery. I can't

wait to hear about your activation .

Kozlik <lisak70@...> wrote: Hi everyone,

Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a date for my

second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

Irv in Ca.

Implanted(Freedom) - Sept. 13, 2005

Activated - Oct. 7, 2005

[Guest guest]

, I would like to add my congratulations on getting your surgery date. I

know alll will go well on February 1st, and wish you a speedy recovery. I can't

wait to hear about your activation .

Kozlik <lisak70@...> wrote: Hi everyone,

Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a date for my

second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

Irv in Ca.

Implanted(Freedom) - Sept. 13, 2005

Activated - Oct. 7, 2005

[Guest guest]

Congratulations !! I am looking forward to hearing about your

activation.

Barb

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 5:53 PM

Subject: Surgery Date

Hi everyone,

Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a date for my

second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

Although I originally planned on delaying surgery until May or June, I've

opted for February 1st since it will be early enough in the semester that it

shouldn't negatively affect my college courses.

I'm so excited and can't believe this is really going to happen! Thanks to

all of you for your continued encouragement -- especially during the time I

was awaiting insurance approval! <hugs>!

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

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

[Guest guest]

Wow , you certainly starting 2006 great, first your recital that went great

and now the good new for your second CI on Feb. 1st. (((FINS HUGS))) for GOOD

LUCK!

Dolly Dolphin

[Guest guest]

Wow, . This is great news! Congrats to you and we'll soon be

reading all about the second part of your journey. I'm so excited

for you.

Alice

http://www..com

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a date

for my

> second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

>

[Guest guest]

Congratulations .

Jim

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Good news! Today I was contacted by my CI center to schedule a

date for my

> second CI surgery. I had the choice of either February 1st or 2nd.

>

> Although I originally planned on delaying surgery until May or

June, I've

> opted for February 1st since it will be early enough in the

semester that it

> shouldn't negatively affect my college courses.

>

> I'm so excited and can't believe this is really going to happen!

Thanks to

> all of you for your continued encouragement -- especially during

the time I

> was awaiting insurance approval! <hugs>!

>

>

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

> Deafblind/Postlingual

> BTE hearing aid user 20 years

> Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

>

[Guest guest]

, I'm real happy for you! Congratulations. I wish you lots of

sucess to be able to hear better. this friday i will find out whether

or not the surgeon will schedule a surgery date for me. keeping my

fingers crossed

Nora

>

> ,

>

> Congratulations!!!!

>

> A,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Irv,

Thanks so much!! Everyone is excited about my bilateral surgery --

especially because of what it will mean for my increased personal safety.

Just yesterday I was nearly hit by a car I didn't hear on my right side.

Unfortunately, the same thing has happened to me several times over the past

year. I thank God for Tigger (my guide dog) because if it were not for her

attentiveness during each of these incidents, I could have been badly

injured or worse. Tigger was specifically trained to work with a deafblind

person. When I trained with my first guide dog in 1992, I had

moderately-severe hearing loss, but it did not affect me to the same degree

as severe-profound HL. After the incidents I experienced, I began to

understand the importance of having all guide dogs trained (especially for

those who are hard of hearing or deafblind) to always be on alert. When I

receive my second CI, hopefully Tigger and I can relax a little more. Tigger

is already 9 years old (she will be 10 in June) and I'm sure the added

stress is getting to her. Even my trainer at the guide dog school where she

was trained advised me to start thinking about retirement which is always a

difficult thing to do.

Fortunately, Tigger's guide work is excellent and just as sharp as it

used to be when she and I were first introduced to each other. She does have

some issues with arthritis, but the vet and I are monitoring her to make

sure she is comfortable and pain free.

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

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

[Guest guest]

. we are all excited about your upcoming surgery because you have been such

a great source of information for and inspiration to many of us(me included).

Thanks for the info about Tigger. The person who manages the food program at our

senior center also is involved with the training of service dogs. She always

brings her animal to work, and I am amazed at how well behaved they are. Since I

have been going to the center, she has had 2 different dogs(one graduated this

summer).

I'm sure that you will rest easier after activation knowing your safety will

be greatly enhanced.

Kozlik <lisak70@...> wrote:

Irv,

Thanks so much!! Everyone is excited about my bilateral surgery --

especially because of what it will mean for my increased personal safety.

Just yesterday I was nearly hit by a car I didn't hear on my right side.

Unfortunately, the same thing has happened to me several times over the past

year. I thank God for Tigger (my guide dog) because if it were not for her

attentiveness during each of these incidents, I could have been badly

injured or worse. Tigger was specifically trained to work with a deafblind

person. When I trained with my first guide dog in 1992, I had

moderately-severe hearing loss, but it did not affect me to the same degree

as severe-profound HL. After the incidents I experienced, I began to

understand the importance of having all guide dogs trained (especially for

those who are hard of hearing or deafblind) to always be on alert. When I

receive my second CI, hopefully Tigger and I can relax a little more. Tigger

is already 9 years old (she will be 10 in June) and I'm sure the added

stress is getting to her. Even my trainer at the guide dog school where she

was trained advised me to start thinking about retirement which is always a

difficult thing to do.

Fortunately, Tigger's guide work is excellent and just as sharp as it

used to be when she and I were first introduced to each other. She does have

some issues with arthritis, but the vet and I are monitoring her to make

sure she is comfortable and pain free.

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

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years

---------------------------------

Irv in Ca.

Implanted(Freedom) - Sept. 13, 2005

Activated - Oct. 7, 2005

[Guest guest]

Gilad,

Wow! That's great news. Did you start the process in September or at a

later date? And also, where are you having the cochlear implant done?

Here's to April coming soon !

in SC

in process of hopefully becoming a CI candidate

[Guest guest]

Hi Gilad,

Congratulations Gilad! This is going to be a wonderful and very

emotional journey for you. One that I am very glad I took.

Best regards and best wishes for success,

Jim

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I hope you are all doing well. Those who are just after the

surgery,

> I hope are feeling better and are recovering easily and quickly...

>

> I just wanted to let you all know about the wonderful news I got.

I

> finally have the date for the surgery, even withotu the approval

of

> the insurance. How that happened, I don't know. Maybe I have a

> little friend up there that made things work out...

>

> Anyway, it's going to happen on April 10th, in less than 11 weeks.

I

> just can't believe it's finally going to happen and I might have a

> better hearing so soon. I had tears yesterday just for this hope

and

> I really hope that everything will work out well. I'm overwhelmed

> with the way things happened so fast. I didn't even think about

> having the surgery in September and now I finally have a date.

> That's just truly amazing...

>

> I have to go now and just wanted to share the news with all of

you.

> I hope I will be joining the wired community soon and enjoy it

> together with all of you...

>

> Be blessed, Gilad

>

[Guest guest]

Gilad,

What wonderful news!! Congratulations!! <smile> April 10th isn't that far

away. Soon you'll be hearing the voices of your loved ones, friends and

sounds you've never heard before.

I can identify with you crying tears of happiness. I did to -- many times --

after I was told that I was a CI candidate.()I even shed a few tears after

learning that my bilateral surgery was approved.)

Being given the opportunity to have our hearing improved by this technology

is indeed a miracle in itself. You have so much to look forward to!

Congratulations!

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 2/1/06 Activation date: 3/1/06

Deafblind/Postlingual

Severe-profound hearing loss since 1995

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Gilad! I'm really glad you have your date and something to

focus on. We may be having our surgeries around the same time perhaps?

I've just got a couple of more tests to do and then it will be a couple of

months which places me around April.

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

gil_borisovsky

Sent: Wednesday, 25 January 2006 7:51 AM

Subject: Surgery Date

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well. Those who are just after the surgery,

I hope are feeling better and are recovering easily and quickly...

I just wanted to let you all know about the wonderful news I got. I

finally have the date for the surgery, even withotu the approval of

the insurance. How that happened, I don't know. Maybe I have a

little friend up there that made things work out...

Anyway, it's going to happen on April 10th, in less than 11 weeks. I

just can't believe it's finally going to happen and I might have a

better hearing so soon. I had tears yesterday just for this hope and

I really hope that everything will work out well. I'm overwhelmed

with the way things happened so fast. I didn't even think about

having the surgery in September and now I finally have a date.

That's just truly amazing...

I have to go now and just wanted to share the news with all of you.

I hope I will be joining the wired community soon and enjoy it

together with all of you...

Be blessed, Gilad

[Guest guest]

Hi Barb,

May you have showers of blessings and an Angel in your pocket on the

13th. Leave it in God's unchanging hand, and please relax. Larry

Surgery date

> HI Everyone,

> My surgery date is coming up!!! I am having my implant put in on

> Monday, Feb. 13th! I am excited but nervous. Balance issues are what I

> am most concerned about but I am looking forward to hearing much more than

> I am now!!!

> Reading all the posts has prepared me for this surgery since I know

> more what to expect. Thanks to everyone for your support!

>

> Smiles,

> Barb

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Here is my good luck (((((((FINS HUGS))))))), OOPS! Oh dear, I hugs Barb too

tightly, she squirted out (whoosh!)skyward and she is now enjoying all the views

of planets, shooting stars and the rest of the galaxy. Barb is now heading for

the 23rd Century. Wellll, Barb certainly will be relaxes by Monday, Feb. 13.

Calling y, yoo, hoo, y, I need your help please...

Dolly Dolphin

[Guest guest]

Hi Barb,

I know what you are feeling as does all of us do who have done this.

Please realize that we will be here rooting for you as you have the

surgery to restore quality of life thru better hearing.

Good Luck and be sure to let us know how you are doing as soon as you can.

Alice

http://www..com

[Guest guest]

The best to you in your surgery, Barb!

[Guest guest]

,

Any surgery is likely to make you feel a little nervous. I do hope

this surgery will give you a little comfort from your pain. I would

lilke to get you on the calender with Dr and Hospital....if you have

already posted, I missed it...can you tell us again?

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

,

I can't believe you are having surgery in a little more than 3 weeks.

Yee gads...that is mighty fast. I know you know your own situation so

I can't be the judge...but I thought I was moving fast at getting

scheduled in 8 weeks! Of course some of my pre-op time was relegated

to blood donation and getting the in-laws in place to take care of my

son, and they were coming from overseas. Still, if it all seems too

soon, I would recommend you defer for a later date.

Anyway, if you stick with those dates, the real fun and focus begins.

Try to stay on an even keel and not get too freaked out. Have you

managed to get on top of the anxiety and depression a little?

I don't have anything to add to the question of driving...except you

really must follow your doctors advice....whatever that means in your

situation. While you may be able to " fudge " a little on the front

side of surgery...it is unlikely you are going to be able to

withstand a commute of that distance if you wish to return to your

same job...so you are going to have to find an alternative. I guess

that means relocate the family (perhaps temporarily), or telecommute.

All the ideas suggested are great....before surgery. After

surgery I think you will find you do not have the stamina to drive

that long and if you did, you would find yourself quite uncomfortable

and perhaps doing damage to the alignment of your newly fused spine.

I think it is unreasonable to expect that you are going to bounce

back from this surgery quickly and be driving an hour each way with

an 8.5 hour workday in between....so my recommendation would be to do

whatever you have to do in order to have your work life/manager have

low expectations for your quick return, if you know what I mean.

I wish I could be more helpful!

Take Care, Cam

p.s. You are on the calender girlfriend!

[Guest guest]

Cam, I tried calling you earlier today because I wanted to tell you about the surgery date.......yes it does seem to soon, but I am so ready, so ready, the pain is getting so unbearable, I can bearly do anything at all.......I have no quality of life right now But I am so happy that the date is set, I have everything arranged already with my children I am a very organized person (I love to plan way in advance) I have been planning since I found out I will need surgery. I will only have to donate 2 units of blood so that is covered, I already booked a room for the night before surgery so I will already be on campus (university) so I don't have to fight rush hour traffic and of course some extra nights for my husband it was pretty pricing being it is in D.C. but they did give me a patient rate so that was good, and if he doesn't use it no charge will apply. I will have a private room, they

said the room is pretty big and there is a recliner. I will take a tour of the actual floor (orthpedic only floor) and see for myself I also am going to ask if we can bring a cot (doesn't hurt to ask) I already have my house pretty much in shape for when I return, organizing and putting things in reach, I will come home with a walker, brace, grabber, sock grabber and potty. Which currently I already have the potty and shower seat, I have shower stall so that will work out great. I have my list ready to start shopping for things like stool softners, silky pajamas and things like that (done alot of reading and taking notes from others in the group) My house will be a perfect set up for me because my kitchen, dining room, living room, office and guest room (for mom) and my bedroom is on one floor, I will only have to go down stairs if I want to leave or go to the girls room. I was just telling susan I am lucky for the fact

that I work for the government and there is a Social Security office that is about 15-20 minutes away from my house (no traffic to get there) so I already started paper work and with the support of my doctor i will be able to transfer. Dr L already stated to me that I will not be able to commute for a very very long time, so when he does release me back to work I will not be able to commute. I do understand your concern about the surgery date, but believe it or not I am excited I am not at the least bit nervous (of course that is subject to change) as for the anxiety and depression it is alot less. I do believe with the help you have given me by basically telling me that I need to take control...........that is what I did I took control I found the perfect doctor for me and with the knowledge I have now I feel confident that I am making the right choice, no doubt in my mind. I do want to thank you and everybody

else for making me understand that this is not a choice you enter lightly.......you have to research and listen to the people who have been thru the same journey that I am about to take,,,,,,,,,,,,I can never thank you enough for making me open my eyes,,,,,,,,,,,I don't know where I would have been right now if I had not listened to your advice and wisdom. In a side note I am not sure if I told you but Dr Lauerman told me that I am fused to L5, If you remeber Dr Reing (VA) told me i was fused to L2. That is pretty scary to think what would have happened if I had surgery with Dr Reing, Really scary............ Thank you again Any advice or tips all would be appreciated and If you don't mind I can I give my husband (Ronnie) your phone number so he can update you?cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote: ,I can't believe you are having surgery in a little more than 3 weeks. Yee gads...that is mighty fast. I know you know your own situation so I can't be the judge...but I thought I was moving fast at getting scheduled in 8 weeks! Of course some of my pre-op time was relegated to blood donation and getting the in-laws in place to take care of my son, and they were coming from overseas. Still, if it all seems too soon, I would recommend you defer for a later date. Anyway, if you stick with those dates, the real fun and focus begins. Try to stay on an even keel and not get

too freaked out. Have you managed to get on top of the anxiety and depression a little?I don't have anything to add to the question of driving...except you really must follow your doctors advice....whatever that means in your situation. While you may be able to "fudge" a little on the front side of surgery...it is unlikely you are going to be able to withstand a commute of that distance if you wish to return to your same job...so you are going to have to find an alternative. I guess that means relocate the family (perhaps temporarily), or telecommute.All the ideas suggested are great....before surgery. After surgery I think you will find you do not have the stamina to drive that long and if you did, you would find yourself quite uncomfortable and perhaps doing damage to the alignment of your newly fused spine.I think it is unreasonable to expect that you are going to bounce back from this

surgery quickly and be driving an hour each way with an 8.5 hour workday in between....so my recommendation would be to do whatever you have to do in order to have your work life/manager have low expectations for your quick return, if you know what I mean.I wish I could be more helpful!Take Care, Camp.s. You are on the calender girlfriend!

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

[Guest guest]

,

Of course I would love to be in touch with Ronnie during your surgery!

I know you have my number, and if you want you can send me his cell

number to my email along with any other contact info.

I just bet you will do well . I hope your patience pays you good

dividends and gets you to a good result. I know it will take time but

hopefully you will get there!

You sound like you have gotten a lot of things in order and that will

be well worth the effort. The more you have done now, the easier it

will be to just do the recovering...which is mostly sleeping for a few

weeks anyway.

I am glad to hear the depression has lifted a little.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Cam, I will send you his number, thank you. I was telling Ronnie the other night that from what I have learned about you is that you have followed the doctors orders after surgery wish is so important and so I told him that I am going to use you as an example. One thing I remeber we had discussed in the past and it was such a great point "is that if you start doing to much, you may lose the help you need". So what I did was I told my girls and husband that just because mommy may get dressed and do my hair or even make-up and I am looking nice that day does not mean that I can do anything I know with me I have a big control issue and I am a neat freak. So I really need to work on that and let things go. question......My daughter is going to have a baby, she is due in late June. She wants me to be there for her when she delivers. Do you think that is going to be at all

possible for me to be there? I will not be the primary coach, her husband will be. Also she wants me to stay with her afterwards at her house, she knows I can't be any help, I can only be there emotionally and for advice do you think I will be able to do that? Thanks cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote: ,Of course I would love to be in touch with Ronnie during your surgery! I know you have my number, and if you want you

can send me his cell number to my email along with any other contact info.I just bet you will do well . I hope your patience pays you good dividends and gets you to a good result. I know it will take time but hopefully you will get there!You sound like you have gotten a lot of things in order and that will be well worth the effort. The more you have done now, the easier it will be to just do the recovering...which is mostly sleeping for a few weeks anyway.I am glad to hear the depression has lifted a little.Take Care, Cam

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

[Guest guest]

,

I think you were wise to front end the " you look better so you must

be better " thing right now before family gets to far ahead of you.

This way you will always be able to wiggle yur finger and

say " Remember, I told you even though I look better I have a long way

to go until I am better, I am sorry I can't _________________

(whatever).

I really don't know what to say about your daughters birth request. I

honestly think it might be very challenging just 6 weeks after

surgery to be up with her at delivery. And, as to staying with her, I

honestly would advise you against it if I had to say right now, not

knowing what kind of recovery you will have. I say that because I

don't think there is anything needier than a newborn infant and your

own child who will probably be somewhat overwhelmed. I realize that

you are saying you wouldn't do anything...but ask yourself how likely

it would be if she or the baby needed something if you wouldn't try.

I think you may underestimate how needy you will still be, and

depending on your pain levels, still under quite a bit of medication.

I think I would lower her expectations, and tell her that if you do

very well and feel up to it that you will come see her for a day or

two, but that she should plan to have others take on whatever support

roles she feels she needs to have in the hospital and when she first

comes home. Look at it this way, at least you will be very available

by telephone when she calls with all the questions a new mother is

bound to have!

Thats my advice...but please realize it's just an opinion!

Take Care, Cam