Pro side of ABI

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry for all you've gone (are going) through, . I wouldn't have

let them go back in to " fix " mine had it not worked. Mine happens to work

pretty good, yours hopefully will too. I certainly get more than beeps and

trombone blasts (except for when the DTV chanel landed on a 9 Inch Nails

concert.) None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's like

having one. Many of yall will run out and pay big bucks for a tactile device

or anything else that'll make you " hear " again or communicate easier, the ABI

is many steps above that (tactile) and even better than the " hearing " I had

with my hearing aid. It's too bad they can't hook something up to us to show

" this is what you're getting, do you want it? " I agree with not going under

the knife a 2nd time for a " fix " or messing with recurring/scar tissue if

that's your reason. But if you start throwing in the bit about " I'm well

adjusted " it sounds like you are passing on the ABI for that reason, or bc

beeps aren't good enough.

, when do you go back? I'm no pro with mine but I love it. I hear

EVERYTHING, some clear, *many* not clear. I can hear a pin drop. <tic> I

know if I leave the water running (I don't now) or if the washer n dryer are

still going. I hear ppl talk to me even if they're behind me. I can hear my

puppies playing and the grunt sounds I haven't heard in so long. It sounds

very much like ... growls I haven't heard in so long. I can hear someone

knock <tap tap tap> w/o mising ppl @ the door or depending on jumping dogs to

tell me. Not natural hearing, but since when are we... greedy about our

sounds? If you wannabe a natural again, forget it. Otherwise, it's a

blessing. I'm on the defense cause I'm new, give me a while and then I'll

just pass on these threads. lol BTW, Marie, anyone? I've discovered some

neat tips on how to wear mine if you are having any problems.

, wana start that eye thread we talked about @ Denny's?

Now that all of that is out of the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASON!

C (through defending the abi for the well adjusted ppl that keep posting how

they don't want it)

[Guest guest]

Being total deafened for going on 10 years it literally gives me chills reading

this. Very happy you have success Carla, lord knows we take a lot of crap and

its nice to see some good news once in a while.

> I'm sorry for all you've gone (are going) through, . I wouldn't have

> let them go back in to " fix " mine had it not worked. Mine happens to work

> pretty good, yours hopefully will too. I certainly get more than beeps and

> trombone blasts (except for when the DTV chanel landed on a 9 Inch Nails

> concert.) None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's like

> having one. Many of yall will run out and pay big bucks for a tactile device

> or anything else that'll make you " hear " again or communicate easier, the ABI

> is many steps above that (tactile) and even better than the " hearing " I had

> with my hearing aid. It's too bad they can't hook something up to us to show

> " this is what you're getting, do you want it? " I agree with not going under

> the knife a 2nd time for a " fix " or messing with recurring/scar tissue if

> that's your reason. But if you start throwing in the bit about " I'm well

> adjusted " it sounds like you are passing on the ABI for that reason, or bc

> beeps aren't good enough.

> , when do you go back? I'm no pro with mine but I love it. I hear

> EVERYTHING, some clear, *many* not clear. I can hear a pin drop. <tic> I

> know if I leave the water running (I don't now) or if the washer n dryer are

> still going. I hear ppl talk to me even if they're behind me. I can hear my

> puppies playing and the grunt sounds I haven't heard in so long. It sounds

> very much like ... growls I haven't heard in so long. I can hear someone

> knock <tap tap tap> w/o mising ppl @ the door or depending on jumping dogs to

> tell me. Not natural hearing, but since when are we... greedy about our

> sounds? If you wannabe a natural again, forget it. Otherwise, it's a

> blessing. I'm on the defense cause I'm new, give me a while and then I'll

> just pass on these threads. lol BTW, Marie, anyone? I've discovered some

> neat tips on how to wear mine if you are having any problems.

> , wana start that eye thread we talked about @ Denny's?

> Now that all of that is out of the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASON!

> C (through defending the abi for the well adjusted ppl that keep posting how

> they don't want it)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/15/02 12:07:12 PM Central Standard Time,

cinnyd@... writes:

To be fair, I want to say... I went in healthy other than dizziness. My

tumor wasn't huge but big enough I had major symptoms (that's why I did

surgery). It was not a regrowth. I have had many NF related surgeries now

and have done pretty well with all of them, so that was a plus. It costs

nothing more to get than doing the surgery w/o it. I could have went back

for testing and not been successful. I was prepared for that, too. It was a

bonus, just bc I needed a tumor out. I can't lip read as well as I'd hoped,

but SOUND is wonderful and I'm at least lipreading better than w/o sound. I

researched it for 5 years through the net and through you guys, to do in

Dallas (even saw the ABI team here) or in LA. Lots of thought.

Since I'm on such a roll, does anyone have Marilyn D's email address? lol

<< Being total deafened for going on 10 years it literally gives me chills

reading

this. Very happy you have success Carla, lord knows we take a lot of crap

and

its nice to see some good news once in a while. >>

[Guest guest]

I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said oh

heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are still

making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject line?) I

think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why can't I

be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I know

you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that either.

BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I never

said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known you,

I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin a

chance like this!

<< " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's like

having one. "

Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be experiencing,

Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is no

reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk having

a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE I'll be

able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious complications

during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well adjusted

to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery? Until I

see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery, I'll

just pass, thank you very much.

na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

[Guest guest]

I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said oh

heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are still

making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject line?) I

think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why can't I

be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I know

you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that either.

BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I never

said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known you,

I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin a

chance like this!

<< " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's like

having one. "

Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be experiencing,

Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is no

reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk having

a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE I'll be

able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious complications

during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well adjusted

to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery? Until I

see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery, I'll

just pass, thank you very much.

na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

[Guest guest]

Right on. Let's all talk then. It seemed you were the only one posting, so

I posted to brighten up the pro side, constructive to show all sides, esp

when we are suppose to welcome diff thoughts/experiences here. I don't think

HEI is being unfair in what they " preach " . I saw the ABI team in Dallas too

and for *me* it was a pretty good situation, my being a candidate, but

clearly LA was the place to go. " Everyone knows the pros? " Well then why

are you posting about the negs? Everyone knows those as well. We've

discussed all this before, but *I* haven't had a chance to talk freely about

my ABI experience, bc I've only had it 16 days! Can I not do that here? I

thought there'd be interest, esp in the ppl who are making decisions now.

Yes, they do tell you the risks and the fact is things can happen with a

normal run of the mill AN REMOVAL.

And no, I do believe the success rate of the ABI is higher. I heard

(unconfirmed stat here) that less than 10% will not work at time of turn on

(at least at HEI). I know a few of those, I know many-a-few of the majority.

This was told to me before I had surgery. " they can stand up for

themselves? " What is that??? Am I not entitled to brag about what I'm

getting? You can run the thing in the ground, I can't brag about my success

story? Wow! Ppl can know the negatives on this list all you like, but

guess what? They aren't going to miss my positives.

<< Everybody KNOWS the pros! Heck, HEI will sing the praises of the ABI till

they are blue in the face, but unless you ask the right questions, no one

will tell you what could happen. They don't tell you about all their horror

stories, do they? Its places like this that we need to hear about

EVERYTHING that could or couldn't happen. My person feeling right now is

that hearing is a wonderful great luxury (for ME,) and am I willing to risk

my health and my way of life so that I can have this luxury back? No, not

at this point. You're right, I'm talking about me, and surely everyone here

understands that everything I say is MHO. For all the ppl like you who

adore their abi, there are just as many whose ABI's don't work, had

complications during surgery, who don't like it and don't wear it. I think

the negatives should be discussed as well as the positives. You don't have

to defend being able to hear the water running, hear a pin drop (??), hear

the microwave beep, hear the doorbell ring etc etc, they can stand up for

themselves. People need to know the negs of the ABI too. >>

[Guest guest]

Right on. Let's all talk then. It seemed you were the only one posting, so

I posted to brighten up the pro side, constructive to show all sides, esp

when we are suppose to welcome diff thoughts/experiences here. I don't think

HEI is being unfair in what they " preach " . I saw the ABI team in Dallas too

and for *me* it was a pretty good situation, my being a candidate, but

clearly LA was the place to go. " Everyone knows the pros? " Well then why

are you posting about the negs? Everyone knows those as well. We've

discussed all this before, but *I* haven't had a chance to talk freely about

my ABI experience, bc I've only had it 16 days! Can I not do that here? I

thought there'd be interest, esp in the ppl who are making decisions now.

Yes, they do tell you the risks and the fact is things can happen with a

normal run of the mill AN REMOVAL.

And no, I do believe the success rate of the ABI is higher. I heard

(unconfirmed stat here) that less than 10% will not work at time of turn on

(at least at HEI). I know a few of those, I know many-a-few of the majority.

This was told to me before I had surgery. " they can stand up for

themselves? " What is that??? Am I not entitled to brag about what I'm

getting? You can run the thing in the ground, I can't brag about my success

story? Wow! Ppl can know the negatives on this list all you like, but

guess what? They aren't going to miss my positives.

<< Everybody KNOWS the pros! Heck, HEI will sing the praises of the ABI till

they are blue in the face, but unless you ask the right questions, no one

will tell you what could happen. They don't tell you about all their horror

stories, do they? Its places like this that we need to hear about

EVERYTHING that could or couldn't happen. My person feeling right now is

that hearing is a wonderful great luxury (for ME,) and am I willing to risk

my health and my way of life so that I can have this luxury back? No, not

at this point. You're right, I'm talking about me, and surely everyone here

understands that everything I say is MHO. For all the ppl like you who

adore their abi, there are just as many whose ABI's don't work, had

complications during surgery, who don't like it and don't wear it. I think

the negatives should be discussed as well as the positives. You don't have

to defend being able to hear the water running, hear a pin drop (??), hear

the microwave beep, hear the doorbell ring etc etc, they can stand up for

themselves. People need to know the negs of the ABI too. >>

[Guest guest]

I never said (or meant to) you were anit-ABI. I can tell from your drive to

get everything done, you are just the opposite. Yet you're also one of those

well adjusted folk, so I can't wait to here your report. I only wanted to

show my side that it's not always a bitch to do it, my surgery went smoother

than my first without the ABI. And it's much more than horns (hopefully)

for you. The CDs may discourage you, the traffic around the clinic will

discourage you at first. Music isn't great for me. Someone said " techno "

was awesome but that's not for me, so I won't even try. I am looking for

" acapello " versions of songs I like. The instruments seem to block out the

voice for me when I try music, but voices are great. I would love to find a

CD of Bette Midler with very little music but lotsa voice.

If yours works AT ALL, you'll hear your sister's baby. My baby (min pin)

drives me nuts. He's probably wondering why I never noticed his barking

before. 8)

<< Carla,

I think you missed my clarification message. I'm not anti-ABI. My

negative outcome was more the result of them removing the implant

from my brainstem, I believe. I would advise poeple not to do that,

as up till now, what I've gone through hasn't been worth it. (Ask me

after I get hooked up). However, when it comes to implantation with

tumour removal, I say go nuts =) It is worth it in that case. Soon

we'll have the option to do just implantation itself, and then

there's going to be a big debate, I am sure.

The ABI does have a lot of potential for good. I'm looking forward to

possibly hearing my sister's baby crying in April (I get hooked up

April 9). And the benefits of not getting run over by a bus or

firetruck are also clearly important.

My ABI should work better than most as it was not placed during a

tumour removal. However, we'll see in three weeks. (I'm bringing lots

of CDs to HEI with me ;-)

Hugs,

>>

[Guest guest]

Understood. I'd feel the same way if I was you.

Mine was a " goin-in-any-way " , therefore I hadta do it. To good for me to

pass up. In on Tues, out by Fri noon. I'm still deaf, but I like what I

get, neatest gadget I've every had.

C, was NeutralABI before surgery.

<< I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

na >>

[Guest guest]

pray for no regrowths carla. I cud NOT BELIEVE when my dr told me I have tiny

regrowths on BOTH sides 6 months ago, pissed to saythe least, depressed and

annmoyed, I was under impression they were out and not come back. what happens

if u have regrowths? anybody with abi have that??? Again, Im jealous as hell

but very happy you can make great use of it, Id have gone foor it too in your

situation.

cindy

Understood. I'd feel the same way if I was you.

> Mine was a " goin-in-any-way " , therefore I hadta do it. To good for me to

> pass up. In on Tues, out by Fri noon. I'm still deaf, but I like what I

> get, neatest gadget I've every had.

> C, was NeutralABI before surgery.

> << I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

> anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

>

> na >>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

pray for no regrowths carla. I cud NOT BELIEVE when my dr told me I have tiny

regrowths on BOTH sides 6 months ago, pissed to saythe least, depressed and

annmoyed, I was under impression they were out and not come back. what happens

if u have regrowths? anybody with abi have that??? Again, Im jealous as hell

but very happy you can make great use of it, Id have gone foor it too in your

situation.

cindy

Understood. I'd feel the same way if I was you.

> Mine was a " goin-in-any-way " , therefore I hadta do it. To good for me to

> pass up. In on Tues, out by Fri noon. I'm still deaf, but I like what I

> get, neatest gadget I've every had.

> C, was NeutralABI before surgery.

> << I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

> anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

>

> na >>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

lolllll, im eating pop corn here at mydesk on this lazyyyyyy friday with both

bosses out today.

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

> just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

> Re: Pro side of ABI

> > >

> > >

> > > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

> oh

> > > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> > still

> > > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

> line?)

> > > I

> > > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> > can't

> > > I

> > > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

> know

> > > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> > either.

> > >

> > > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> > never

> > >

> > > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> > you,

> > >

> > > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

> a

> > > chance like this!

> > >

> > >

> > > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> > like

> > >

> > > having one. "

> > >

> > > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

> experiencing,

> > > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> > no

> > > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > > having

> > > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

> I'll

> > be

> > > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > > complications

> > > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> > adjusted

> > > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

> Until

> > I

> > > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> > I'll

> > > just pass, thank you very much.

> > >

> > > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

lolllll, im eating pop corn here at mydesk on this lazyyyyyy friday with both

bosses out today.

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

> just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

> Re: Pro side of ABI

> > >

> > >

> > > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

> oh

> > > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> > still

> > > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

> line?)

> > > I

> > > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> > can't

> > > I

> > > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

> know

> > > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> > either.

> > >

> > > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> > never

> > >

> > > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> > you,

> > >

> > > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

> a

> > > chance like this!

> > >

> > >

> > > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> > like

> > >

> > > having one. "

> > >

> > > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

> experiencing,

> > > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> > no

> > > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > > having

> > > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

> I'll

> > be

> > > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > > complications

> > > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> > adjusted

> > > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

> Until

> > I

> > > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> > I'll

> > > just pass, thank you very much.

> > >

> > > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

lolllll, im eating pop corn here at mydesk on this lazyyyyyy friday with both

bosses out today.

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

> just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

> Re: Pro side of ABI

> > >

> > >

> > > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

> oh

> > > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> > still

> > > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

> line?)

> > > I

> > > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> > can't

> > > I

> > > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

> know

> > > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> > either.

> > >

> > > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> > never

> > >

> > > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> > you,

> > >

> > > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

> a

> > > chance like this!

> > >

> > >

> > > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> > like

> > >

> > > having one. "

> > >

> > > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

> experiencing,

> > > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> > no

> > > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > > having

> > > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

> I'll

> > be

> > > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > > complications

> > > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> > adjusted

> > > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

> Until

> > I

> > > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> > I'll

> > > just pass, thank you very much.

> > >

> > > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

" None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's like

having one. "

Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be experiencing,

Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is no

reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk having

a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE I'll be

able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious complications

during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well adjusted

to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery? Until I

see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery, I'll

just pass, thank you very much.

na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH

[Guest guest]

Carla,

I think you missed my clarification message. I'm not anti-ABI. My

negative outcome was more the result of them removing the implant

from my brainstem, I believe. I would advise poeple not to do that,

as up till now, what I've gone through hasn't been worth it. (Ask me

after I get hooked up). However, when it comes to implantation with

tumour removal, I say go nuts =) It is worth it in that case. Soon

we'll have the option to do just implantation itself, and then

there's going to be a big debate, I am sure.

The ABI does have a lot of potential for good. I'm looking forward to

possibly hearing my sister's baby crying in April (I get hooked up

April 9). And the benefits of not getting run over by a bus or

firetruck are also clearly important.

My ABI should work better than most as it was not placed during a

tumour removal. However, we'll see in three weeks. (I'm bringing lots

of CDs to HEI with me ;-)

Hugs,

[Guest guest]

I'm done giving my thoughts and feelings about being implanted with the ABI.

Thank you.

na

Re: Pro side of ABI

Right on. Let's all talk then. It seemed you were the only one posting, so

I posted to brighten up the pro side, constructive to show all sides, esp

when we are suppose to welcome diff thoughts/experiences here. I don't

think

HEI is being unfair in what they " preach " . I saw the ABI team in Dallas too

and for *me* it was a pretty good situation, my being a candidate, but

clearly LA was the place to go. " Everyone knows the pros? " Well then why

are you posting about the negs? Everyone knows those as well. We've

discussed all this before, but *I* haven't had a chance to talk freely about

my ABI experience, bc I've only had it 16 days! Can I not do that here? I

thought there'd be interest, esp in the ppl who are making decisions now.

Yes, they do tell you the risks and the fact is things can happen with a

normal run of the mill AN REMOVAL.

And no, I do believe the success rate of the ABI is higher. I heard

(unconfirmed stat here) that less than 10% will not work at time of turn on

(at least at HEI). I know a few of those, I know many-a-few of the

majority.

This was told to me before I had surgery. " they can stand up for

themselves? " What is that??? Am I not entitled to brag about what I'm

getting? You can run the thing in the ground, I can't brag about my success

story? Wow! Ppl can know the negatives on this list all you like, but

guess what? They aren't going to miss my positives.

<< Everybody KNOWS the pros! Heck, HEI will sing the praises of the ABI

till

they are blue in the face, but unless you ask the right questions, no one

will tell you what could happen. They don't tell you about all their

horror

stories, do they? Its places like this that we need to hear about

EVERYTHING that could or couldn't happen. My person feeling right now is

that hearing is a wonderful great luxury (for ME,) and am I willing to risk

my health and my way of life so that I can have this luxury back? No, not

at this point. You're right, I'm talking about me, and surely everyone

here

understands that everything I say is MHO. For all the ppl like you who

adore their abi, there are just as many whose ABI's don't work, had

complications during surgery, who don't like it and don't wear it. I think

the negatives should be discussed as well as the positives. You don't have

to defend being able to hear the water running, hear a pin drop (??), hear

the microwave beep, hear the doorbell ring etc etc, they can stand up for

themselves. People need to know the negs of the ABI too. >>

[Guest guest]

I'm done giving my thoughts and feelings about being implanted with the ABI.

Thank you.

na

Re: Pro side of ABI

Right on. Let's all talk then. It seemed you were the only one posting, so

I posted to brighten up the pro side, constructive to show all sides, esp

when we are suppose to welcome diff thoughts/experiences here. I don't

think

HEI is being unfair in what they " preach " . I saw the ABI team in Dallas too

and for *me* it was a pretty good situation, my being a candidate, but

clearly LA was the place to go. " Everyone knows the pros? " Well then why

are you posting about the negs? Everyone knows those as well. We've

discussed all this before, but *I* haven't had a chance to talk freely about

my ABI experience, bc I've only had it 16 days! Can I not do that here? I

thought there'd be interest, esp in the ppl who are making decisions now.

Yes, they do tell you the risks and the fact is things can happen with a

normal run of the mill AN REMOVAL.

And no, I do believe the success rate of the ABI is higher. I heard

(unconfirmed stat here) that less than 10% will not work at time of turn on

(at least at HEI). I know a few of those, I know many-a-few of the

majority.

This was told to me before I had surgery. " they can stand up for

themselves? " What is that??? Am I not entitled to brag about what I'm

getting? You can run the thing in the ground, I can't brag about my success

story? Wow! Ppl can know the negatives on this list all you like, but

guess what? They aren't going to miss my positives.

<< Everybody KNOWS the pros! Heck, HEI will sing the praises of the ABI

till

they are blue in the face, but unless you ask the right questions, no one

will tell you what could happen. They don't tell you about all their

horror

stories, do they? Its places like this that we need to hear about

EVERYTHING that could or couldn't happen. My person feeling right now is

that hearing is a wonderful great luxury (for ME,) and am I willing to risk

my health and my way of life so that I can have this luxury back? No, not

at this point. You're right, I'm talking about me, and surely everyone

here

understands that everything I say is MHO. For all the ppl like you who

adore their abi, there are just as many whose ABI's don't work, had

complications during surgery, who don't like it and don't wear it. I think

the negatives should be discussed as well as the positives. You don't have

to defend being able to hear the water running, hear a pin drop (??), hear

the microwave beep, hear the doorbell ring etc etc, they can stand up for

themselves. People need to know the negs of the ABI too. >>

[Guest guest]

I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

na

Re: Re: Pro side of ABI

I never said (or meant to) you were anit-ABI. I can tell from your drive to

get everything done, you are just the opposite. Yet you're also one of

those

well adjusted folk, so I can't wait to here your report. I only wanted to

show my side that it's not always a bitch to do it, my surgery went smoother

than my first without the ABI. And it's much more than horns (hopefully)

for you. The CDs may discourage you, the traffic around the clinic will

discourage you at first. Music isn't great for me. Someone said " techno "

was awesome but that's not for me, so I won't even try. I am looking for

" acapello " versions of songs I like. The instruments seem to block out the

voice for me when I try music, but voices are great. I would love to find a

CD of Bette Midler with very little music but lotsa voice.

If yours works AT ALL, you'll hear your sister's baby. My baby (min pin)

drives me nuts. He's probably wondering why I never noticed his barking

before. 8)

<< Carla,

I think you missed my clarification message. I'm not anti-ABI. My

negative outcome was more the result of them removing the implant

from my brainstem, I believe. I would advise poeple not to do that,

as up till now, what I've gone through hasn't been worth it. (Ask me

after I get hooked up). However, when it comes to implantation with

tumour removal, I say go nuts =) It is worth it in that case. Soon

we'll have the option to do just implantation itself, and then

there's going to be a big debate, I am sure.

The ABI does have a lot of potential for good. I'm looking forward to

possibly hearing my sister's baby crying in April (I get hooked up

April 9). And the benefits of not getting run over by a bus or

firetruck are also clearly important.

My ABI should work better than most as it was not placed during a

tumour removal. However, we'll see in three weeks. (I'm bringing lots

of CDs to HEI with me ;-)

Hugs,

>>

[Guest guest]

I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

na

Re: Re: Pro side of ABI

I never said (or meant to) you were anit-ABI. I can tell from your drive to

get everything done, you are just the opposite. Yet you're also one of

those

well adjusted folk, so I can't wait to here your report. I only wanted to

show my side that it's not always a bitch to do it, my surgery went smoother

than my first without the ABI. And it's much more than horns (hopefully)

for you. The CDs may discourage you, the traffic around the clinic will

discourage you at first. Music isn't great for me. Someone said " techno "

was awesome but that's not for me, so I won't even try. I am looking for

" acapello " versions of songs I like. The instruments seem to block out the

voice for me when I try music, but voices are great. I would love to find a

CD of Bette Midler with very little music but lotsa voice.

If yours works AT ALL, you'll hear your sister's baby. My baby (min pin)

drives me nuts. He's probably wondering why I never noticed his barking

before. 8)

<< Carla,

I think you missed my clarification message. I'm not anti-ABI. My

negative outcome was more the result of them removing the implant

from my brainstem, I believe. I would advise poeple not to do that,

as up till now, what I've gone through hasn't been worth it. (Ask me

after I get hooked up). However, when it comes to implantation with

tumour removal, I say go nuts =) It is worth it in that case. Soon

we'll have the option to do just implantation itself, and then

there's going to be a big debate, I am sure.

The ABI does have a lot of potential for good. I'm looking forward to

possibly hearing my sister's baby crying in April (I get hooked up

April 9). And the benefits of not getting run over by a bus or

firetruck are also clearly important.

My ABI should work better than most as it was not placed during a

tumour removal. However, we'll see in three weeks. (I'm bringing lots

of CDs to HEI with me ;-)

Hugs,

>>

[Guest guest]

I realize this was to , but I'm not anti-ABI either. I'm just

anti-surgery-to-implant-the-ABI.

na

Re: Re: Pro side of ABI

I never said (or meant to) you were anit-ABI. I can tell from your drive to

get everything done, you are just the opposite. Yet you're also one of

those

well adjusted folk, so I can't wait to here your report. I only wanted to

show my side that it's not always a bitch to do it, my surgery went smoother

than my first without the ABI. And it's much more than horns (hopefully)

for you. The CDs may discourage you, the traffic around the clinic will

discourage you at first. Music isn't great for me. Someone said " techno "

was awesome but that's not for me, so I won't even try. I am looking for

" acapello " versions of songs I like. The instruments seem to block out the

voice for me when I try music, but voices are great. I would love to find a

CD of Bette Midler with very little music but lotsa voice.

If yours works AT ALL, you'll hear your sister's baby. My baby (min pin)

drives me nuts. He's probably wondering why I never noticed his barking

before. 8)

<< Carla,

I think you missed my clarification message. I'm not anti-ABI. My

negative outcome was more the result of them removing the implant

from my brainstem, I believe. I would advise poeple not to do that,

as up till now, what I've gone through hasn't been worth it. (Ask me

after I get hooked up). However, when it comes to implantation with

tumour removal, I say go nuts =) It is worth it in that case. Soon

we'll have the option to do just implantation itself, and then

there's going to be a big debate, I am sure.

The ABI does have a lot of potential for good. I'm looking forward to

possibly hearing my sister's baby crying in April (I get hooked up

April 9). And the benefits of not getting run over by a bus or

firetruck are also clearly important.

My ABI should work better than most as it was not placed during a

tumour removal. However, we'll see in three weeks. (I'm bringing lots

of CDs to HEI with me ;-)

Hugs,

>>

[Guest guest]

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

Re: Pro side of ABI

> >

> >

> > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

oh

> > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> still

> > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

line?)

> > I

> > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> can't

> > I

> > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

know

> > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> either.

> >

> > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> never

> >

> > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> you,

> >

> > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

a

> > chance like this!

> >

> >

> > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> like

> >

> > having one. "

> >

> > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

experiencing,

> > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> no

> > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > having

> > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

I'll

> be

> > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > complications

> > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> adjusted

> > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

Until

> I

> > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> I'll

> > just pass, thank you very much.

> >

> > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

Re: Pro side of ABI

> >

> >

> > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

oh

> > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> still

> > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

line?)

> > I

> > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> can't

> > I

> > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

know

> > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> either.

> >

> > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> never

> >

> > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> you,

> >

> > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

a

> > chance like this!

> >

> >

> > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> like

> >

> > having one. "

> >

> > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

experiencing,

> > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> no

> > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > having

> > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

I'll

> be

> > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > complications

> > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> adjusted

> > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

Until

> I

> > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> I'll

> > just pass, thank you very much.

> >

> > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

Re: Pro side of ABI

> >

> >

> > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

oh

> > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> still

> > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

line?)

> > I

> > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> can't

> > I

> > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

know

> > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> either.

> >

> > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> never

> >

> > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> you,

> >

> > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

a

> > chance like this!

> >

> >

> > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> like

> >

> > having one. "

> >

> > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

experiencing,

> > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> no

> > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > having

> > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

I'll

> be

> > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > complications

> > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> adjusted

> > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

Until

> I

> > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> I'll

> > just pass, thank you very much.

> >

> > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Just trying to add a little excitement to the messages.

na

Re: Pro side of ABI

i thought it was very inforative on both sides:) Is it stopping?? I was

just making popcorn:)~~Lowi

Re: Pro side of ABI

> >

> >

> > I never said everyone will be perfect, I never said I was, I never said

oh

> > heck JL, it's ok to do it with regrowths. But I want the ppl who are

> still

> > making decisions to see the " pro side " as well. (notice my subject

line?)

> > I

> > think and some others are helping cover the negative stuff, why

> can't

> > I

> > be one to cover the positive? I never said YOU should go get one. I

know

> > you have a regrowth up there, I don't think I would do one with that

> either.

> >

> > BUT you shouldn't knock the type of sound it gives until you've heard it

> > yourself, it's a whole diff world even though we're still deaf. lol I

> never

> >

> > said you should run and get one JL, calm down.

> > Damn right, warm and fuzzy. You haven't had a surgery since I've known

> you,

> >

> > I've had 7 invasive surgeries since 95, very warm and fuzzy to be givin

a

> > chance like this!

> >

> >

> > << " None of you can outweigh the benefit (decide to get one or not bc

> > you don't want just " beeps " you want more..) unless you know what it's

> like

> >

> > having one. "

> >

> > Yeah... I can! Its very warm and fuzzy what you seem to be

experiencing,

> > Carla, but people need to be aware that BAD thing happen too. There is

> no

> > reason why ppl like me shouldn't be able to say " I don't want to risk

> > having

> > a stomach tube or not being able to swallow or WORSE " just so MAYBE

I'll

> be

> > able to detect sounds that I've gone without for 11 years. If it was

> > guaranteed to work and guaranteed that I wouldn't have serious

> > complications

> > during surgery, then I would go for it. If you're happy and well

> adjusted

> > to deafness, why take the risks involved with major brain surgery?

Until

> I

> > see more success stories with implanting during RECURRENT AN surgery,

> I'll

> > just pass, thank you very much.

> >

> > na <-- in defense of not messing with my HEALTH >>

> >

> >

> >

> >