looking for information

May 3, 2001

Does anyone know of clinical studies that have been done on the use of hyperthermia - any info that would justify to an insurance company why it should be covered as a therapy.

Also, anyone having info on a product tian xian as discussed on the following website: http://www.tianxian.com/introduction.shtml

Thank you in advance,

Melinda Wiman

www.cancure.org

Cancer Cure Foundation

(800 )282-2873

Info on alternative therapies and referrals

March 15, 2003

I live outside of Philadelphia and had a difficult time finding an

allergist at Univ of Penn, Jefferson or Hahnemann Hospitals

to perform aspirin desensitization. I saw an ENT at s Hopkins

as part of nasal polyp study and she was doing research with Dr.

Bochner in the Allergy Department and referred me to him. I

couldn't fly out to San Deigo for the necessary nine days, at s

Hopkins it took 4-5 days.

Look up a " top docs " article in a New York magazine, Philadelphia

magazine profiles top docs in this area. I went to US News and

World Report, found a top ENT and from there she referred me to an

allergist/immunologist to perform the desensitization.

As for drug information look under

www.webmd.com

www.drkoop.com

www.rxlist.com

Good Luck

Barb

March 30, 2003

There seems to be a lot of info (including books on how to get SS disability) on the Delphi Forum Sacroiliac Resources forum. One of the messages I read recently said the key is stating you had two surgeries. Judy

Looking for information

Hello-I am new to this group. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries have developed some classic "flatback" problems. I am newto all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too up on these things.I am thinking of applying for social security disability since I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at a time. I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all the steel artifacts showing up and degrading the study. They can notsee what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he couldgo in and take everything apart but does not want to do anythingso drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and 4 years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different types of hardware. I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is limited.I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for social security disability and how hard of a process it was. Is it hard to get approved for this? I can no longer work 8 hours a day..it has ruined my spine. I feel my spine is "crumbling".Thank you for your help..PattyAdult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

March 30, 2003

Well everyone, I lived! I am finally back home after my revision surgery

which of course hit a snag. I'm going to do the short version as I'm still

not up to being upright too long. The docs came out proclaiming my cured and

saying what a wonderful job they did but when I woke up in ICU I kept

telling them I had a burning, stabbing pain in my right hip. This complaint

continued through my hitting the floor and balling whenenver they tried to

get me up. They finally decided to try and get my drugged up enough that I

would n't feel it due to the theory that it would eventually go a way. At

one point I was on 50mg patch of Fentanyl and 6-9 mg of Dilaudid every four

hours. After 10 days in the hospital, and as I couldn't manage to walk down

the hall, they sent me home in an ambulance who had to carry me up the 28

stairs to my house. I spent the next few days in a drugged stupor. My

mother tells me a friend of mine came over for 2 hours to visit and I have

NO recollection of the visit. On the following Tuesday, my doc calls me (he

had left town to do a lecture somewhere so the fellows had been fending for

themselves) and says I hurt because one of the screws was too long and

poking into my right hip muscle. (DUH) So I got to go back in last monday

and have that little bit cut off. That took care of the pain but then I

spiked a fever of unknown origin (I swear they cultured every fluid and

orifice of my body) finally deciding that it was just a post-op fever and

let me come home on Thursday.

So here I sit at my computer, more fatigued than in pain. I'm down to 25mcg

of Fentanyl with the occasional Darvocet or Diluadid thrown in. (though I

try to avoid the Dil as much as possible)

Guess I'll be able to tell you whether I am happy I went through it in a few

months. Right now I'm just going through nightly bed sweats(you would think

I was going through the change!) and extreme boredom. The PT is supposed to

come this week so maybe she can give me some help getting stronger. That

week between surgeries just really beat me up! I am definately straighter

and have a lot less kyphosis than I had preop. Havent been able to tell if I

have a butt yet, but will let you know!

Well, as I said that is the short version. I am going to try to get in here

daily to check email so would love to hear from everyone.

IT " S FINALLY OVER!! (OR IS IT JUST BEGINNING?)

Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

Nurse Case Manager

First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

Looking for information

> Hello-

> I am new to this group. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries

> have developed some classic " flatback " problems. I am new

> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too

> up on these things.

> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since

> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at

> a time. I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.

> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all

> the steel artifacts showing up and degrading the study. They can not

> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could

> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything

> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and

> 4 years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different

> types of hardware. I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is

> limited.

> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for

> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.

> Is it hard to get approved for this? I can no longer work 8 hours a

> day..it has ruined my spine. I feel my spine is " crumbling " .

> Thank you for your help..

> Patty

>

> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT

ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

>

March 30, 2003

, I'm glad to hear you made it through and the worst is behind you.

Not glad to hear you needed a second operation. Cheez, I hope they didn't

charge you for it.

Take it easy, get better. And thanks for keeping us posted.

Sharon in southern New Hampshire :^)

Congenital scoliosis w/ spina bifida and other vertebral anomalies

1971 fusion T5 to L4 w/ single Harrington rod

Flatback, congenital thoracolumbar kyphosis, L5-S1 degeneration, etc.

At 08:10 PM 3/30/03 -0500, you wrote:

> I am finally back home after my revision surgery

> I'm going to do the short version as I'm still

> not up to being upright too long. The docs came out proclaiming my cured and

> saying what a wonderful job they did but when I woke up in ICU I kept

> This complaint

> continued through my hitting the floor and balling whenenver they tried to

> They finally decided to try and get my drugged up enough that I

> would n't feel it due to the theory that it would eventually go a way. At

> one point I was on 50mg patch of Fentanyl and 6-9 mg of Dilaudid every four

> After 10 days in the hospital, and as I couldn't manage to walk down

> the hall, they sent me home in an ambulance who had to carry me up the 28

> I spent the next few days in a drugged stupor. My

> mother tells me a friend of mine came over for 2 hours to visit and I have

> On the following Tuesday, my doc calls me (he

> had left town to do a lecture somewhere so the fellows had been fending for

> themselves) and says I hurt because one of the screws was too long and

> So I got to go back in last monday

> That took care of the pain but then I

> spiked a fever of unknown origin (I swear they cultured every fluid and

> orifice of my body) finally deciding that it was just a post-op fever and

> let me come home on Thursday.

> I'm down to 25mcg

> of Fentanyl with the occasional Darvocet or Diluadid thrown in. (though I

> try to avoid the Dil as much as possible)

> Guess I'll be able to tell you whether I am happy I went through it in a few

> months. Right now I'm just going through nightly bed sweats(you would think

> I was going through the change!) and extreme boredom. The PT is supposed to

> come this week so maybe she can give me some help getting stronger. That

> week between surgeries just really beat me up! I am definately straighter

> and have a lot less kyphosis than I had preop. Havent been able to tell if I

> have a butt yet, but will let you know!

>

> I am going to try to get in here

> daily to check email so would love to hear from everyone.

>

> " S FINALLY OVER!! (OR IS IT JUST BEGINNING?)

>

> Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

> Nurse Case Manager

> First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

> Looking for information

>

>> Hello-

>> I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries

>> " " I am new

>> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too

>> up on these things.

>> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since

>> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at

>> I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.

>> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all

>> They can not

>> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could

>> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything

>> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and

>> years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different

>> I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is

>> limited.

>> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for

>> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.

>> I can no longer work 8 hours a

>> " " .

>> Thank you for your help..

>> Patty

>>

>> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT

> ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

>>

March 30, 2003

Congratulations !

Yes, it IS finally over.... the fat lady has sung! Welcome back!

from Italy

March 31, 2003

,

What an ordeal! I think some of us can empathize with this or that aspect of your experience. The 30% complication rate for these revision surgeries seems to include both major AND minor stuff. I wonder if it includes the "off the wall" stuff that we keep hearing about at this site. Or the "fellows and residents fending for themselves in surgeon's absence" stuff . . . .

When I got to the part of your saga concerning the FUO and innumerable cultures, I braced myself for an upshot like the one Elissa recently reported: IV antibiotics to gladden your recuperation period at home . . . whew; looks like you're safe from THAT one, at least.

It's gotta be "all up" from here, right? Hope you have a helpful PT. One or two of mine were gems.

Welcome back!!!!

Eliana

Looking for information> Hello-> I am new to this group. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries> have developed some classic "flatback" problems. I am new> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too> up on these things.> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at> a time. I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all> the steel artifacts showing up and degrading the study. They can not> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and> 4 years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different> types of hardware. I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is> limited.> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.> Is it hard to get approved for this? I can no longer work 8 hours a> day..it has ruined my spine. I feel my spine is "crumbling".> Thank you for your help..> Patty>>>> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOTENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.>>

March 31, 2003

Oh, I'm sure they will since his highness had to show up for the day!

Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

Nurse Case Manager

First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

Looking for

information

> >

> >> Hello-

> >> I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries

> >> " " I am new

> >> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too

> >> up on these things.

> >> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since

> >> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at

> >> I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.

> >> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all

> >> They can not

> >> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could

> >> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything

> >> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and

> >> years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different

> >> I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is

> >> limited.

> >> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for

> >> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.

> >> I can no longer work 8 hours a

> >> " " .

> >> Thank you for your help..

> >> Patty

> >>

> >> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT

> > ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER

ADS.

> >>

March 31, 2003

Now seems the really hard part has started. I'm having VERY little pain,

just fatigue and aches. My biggest pain is in my big toe which used to go

dead on me before surgery and which was numb when I woke up from surgery.

Well now those nerves have decieded to start growing back and they are

KILLING ME. Feels like my big toe is on fire!

The end of the day is still the hardest...I can't seem to avoid my nightly

crying session but I always get up again the next day. Its definately hard

for a Type A personality to take things one day at a time!

Thanks!

Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

Nurse Case Manager

First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

Re: Looking for

information

> Congratulations !

>

> Yes, it IS finally over.... the fat lady has sung! Welcome back!

> from Italy

>

> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT

ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

>

March 31, 2003

Hi--I've also asked the same question and am waiting to see if anyone else has gone down this road before us. I'm getting increasingly nervous about my diminishing physical ability and stamina and my job (teaching middle and high school) demands one to work at least one day (almost all day) of every weekend in order to keep up with the grading and documentation. Teaching, at least where I teach, borders on an olympic sport. For those of you who haven't stepped inside a classroom for a day, it isn't AT ALL like they show it on "Leave it to Beaver" or any of that. There are fights, you're constantly walking and standing and circulating round the room. If you're a good teacher you devise things in your lessons to make them more relevant and interesting. These things tend to be quite physical though. Unfortunately, I can't run around the track field with my kids anymore trying to determine whose homemade paper / model airplane flies the farthest (then calculate velocity, average of 3 trials, mean/mode/median, calculate weight, surface area, & drag lift, etc.). Obviously, getting a ladder and going up on the roof of the school for stray planes is also a no-no. I loved it when I could really do it and see I was getting through. Now it's a battle just to make myself show up and know that there's no way I can do this indefinitely. It's not fair to the kids either. Anyway...let me know if you find out anything about the disability thing, would you? You can post it or e-mail me directly. Thanks. Donna

March 31, 2003

Too bad we can't hold surgeons to the same high standards as our auto

mechanics! I even had a dentist re-do a bond on a chipped tooth for free;

he said it came with a 6-month warranty. But he was " only " a dentist, not

a member of the royalty.

At 05:19 PM 3/31/03 -0500, you wrote:

> Oh, I'm sure they will since his highness had to show up for the day!

> Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

> Nurse Case Manager

> First Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

> Looking for

> information

>>>

>>>> Hello-

>>>> I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries

>>>> " " I am new

>>>> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too

>>>> up on these things.

>>>> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since

>>>> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at

>>>> I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.

>>>> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all

>>>> They can not

>>>> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could

>>>> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything

>>>> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and

>>>> years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different

>>>> I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is

>>>> limited.

>>>> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for

>>>> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.

>>>> I can no longer work 8 hours a

>>>> " " .

>>>> Thank you for your help..

>>>> Patty

>>>>

>>>> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT

>>> ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER

> ADS.

>>>>

March 31, 2003

, so glad you're back at home again and are able to sit at the computer to keep us posted. Waiting for your postings is a lot like waiting for a favorite weekly TV show. You'll have to let us know how many times you're graced with his highness's presence post surgery, and how receptive he is listening to your concerns. Bedside manner is so important when you have those million and one questions during recovery! Welcome back!! Judy

Re: Looking for information

Oh, I'm sure they will since his highness had to show up for the day! Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCM

April 1, 2003

Thanks! Hopefully a PT will show up this week as the fellow I really liked wrote a script for it

Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCMNurse Case ManagerFirst Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

Looking for information> Hello-> I am new to this group. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries> have developed some classic "flatback" problems. I am new> to all of this correspondence so please forgive if I am not too> up on these things.> I am thinking of applying for social security disability since> I can no longer sit or stand for any more than 45 minutes or so at> a time. I can not even carry anything heavier than a purse.> They could not read my last ct scan a few weeks ago because of all> the steel artifacts showing up and degrading the study. They can not> see what is going on underneath the hardware. My dr said he could> go in and take everything apart but does not want to do anything> so drastic. I had Harrington Rod fusion in 1968 for my upper back and> 4 years ago I had another surgery on my lumbar spine using different> types of hardware. I am fused from top to bottom and my movement is> limited.> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has applied for> social security disability and how hard of a process it was.> Is it hard to get approved for this? I can no longer work 8 hours a> day..it has ruined my spine. I feel my spine is "crumbling".> Thank you for your help..> Patty>>>> Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOTENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.>>

April 1, 2003

Found out yesterday that my first follow up is April 18 and was told that I would be seeing the fellows and not the great man. Hopefully I will get to see my favorite one (Have a bit of a crush on him!) But they listen better anyway!

Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCMNurse Case ManagerFirst Rehabilitation Resources, Inc.

Re: Looking for information

Oh, I'm sure they will since his highness had to show up for the day! Banner-Lach, RN, CCM, RN-WCCMAdult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

April 1, 2003

Donna, I also need more info about disabilty benafits. I am scronging around for nursing jobs right now. I have been an ICU nurse for 20 years and but I can no longer keep up with the demands of this job. I love working and don't intend to give it up unless I have no choice. But, I don't know what the future holds.

Thanks,

Re: Looking for information

Hi--I've also asked the same question and am waiting to see if anyone else has gone down this road before us. I'm getting increasingly nervous about my diminishing physical ability and stamina and my job (teaching middle and high school) demands one to work at least one day (almost all day) of every weekend in order to keep up with the grading and documentation. Teaching, at least where I teach, borders on an olympic sport. For those of you who haven't stepped inside a classroom for a day, it isn't AT ALL like they show it on "Leave it to Beaver" or any of that. There are fights, you're constantly walking and standing and circulating round the room. If you're a good teacher you devise things in your lessons to make them more relevant and interesting. These things tend to be quite physical though. Unfortunately, I can't run around the track field with my kids anymore trying to determine whose homemade paper / model airplane flies the farthest (then calculate velocity, average of 3 trials, mean/mode/median, calculate weight, surface area, & drag lift, etc.). Obviously, getting a ladder and going up on the roof of the school for stray planes is also a no-no. I loved it when I could really do it and see I was getting through. Now it's a battle just to make myself show up and know that there's no way I can do this indefinitely. It's not fair to the kids either. Anyway...let me know if you find out anything about the disability thing, would you? You can post it or e-mail me directly. Thanks. Donna Adult scoliosis support; focus on fixed sagittal imbalance. WE DO NOT ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE ADVERTISED HERE AND HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ADS.

April 22, 2003

Hi Bridget,

I didn't know they did CI at OHSU. Portland is kind of far, I live

in Medford. I wonder if anyone down here can do them. I still have

pretty decent speech discrimination in my left ear with my hearing

aid.

I can't imagine not being able to hear my children's voices. I have

3 girls, na 8 (almost 9), Brittney 6, and Leighann 3.

will come up and grab my face and say, " Look at me I have to

tell you something important. " It is so cute. I can hear her if she

is in the same room and I have my aids on (if the other 2 aren't

making lots of noise), but she has heard me yell at her sisters not

to try to tell me things when they are in the other room. At least

it has sunk in with one of my girls.

I have been trying to teach them some sign language so we can still

communicate when my hearing gets worse.

When you get a CI, how long before it is activated? Do you have to

go without hearing until they activate it? That would be pretty

scary. I hate not being able to hear. I only take my aids out at

bed time and when I bathe. I do take out the right one at home in

the evenings. The lack of speech recognition in that ear makes it

hard to handle the sounds coming through that aid. My kids can get

pretty loud sometimes and the right aid sound seems to drown out some

of the speech sounds I am trying to listen to with my left.

Part of this is because I went almost 5 yrs without an aid on my

right ear because the previous aid I had didn't work. All I could

hear in my right ear was amplified static. The digital aid seems to

help with environmental sounds.

Thanks again,

Dodie

> Hi Dodie!

>

> Sounds to me that you are a candidate! I had very little speech

> discrimination with my bi-cross aides (deaf in left completly with

> progression in the right since age of 2) and they said I was more

> than a candidate since they only require about 35% or less to be a

> candidate. I was implanted by Dr Schluening at OHSU here in

> Portland and was just hooked up today! It is a interesting

> experience but in the long run if I can hear my babies voices agin

> it will be well worth it!

>

> I urge you to check into everything!

>

> Bridget

April 22, 2003

Hi dodie,

You might be surprised at how much lip reading you actually do.

I do believe this 60% or less sentence comprehension is done under

aided conditions.. I had such a sever loss when I was implanted that

I really am having trouble remembering..

I'm sure someone will help me out here.

I'd suggest you get a full evaluation with a ci audiologist to see if

you are a candidate yet..If you are having problems in background

noise, chances are that you are reading lots of lips <smiles>,

however this is just a guess on my part..

Just exactly where are you? In Oregon?

I can look and see if there is a ci center near you.. there may be.

It's entirely possible and even probable that you have lost more

hearing since you were fitted with new hearing aids, but by all

means, please do check into the implant anyhow.. a ci center will

monitor your hearing and will tell you when your hearing is low

enough for an implant even if you aren't at that point yet.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Silly in MI

*****The best bridge between despair and hope is often just a good

night's sleep.*****

April 22, 2003

Hi dodie,

You might be surprised at how much lip reading you actually do.

I do believe this 60% or less sentence comprehension is done under

aided conditions.. I had such a sever loss when I was implanted that

I really am having trouble remembering..

I'm sure someone will help me out here.

I'd suggest you get a full evaluation with a ci audiologist to see if

you are a candidate yet..If you are having problems in background

noise, chances are that you are reading lots of lips <smiles>,

however this is just a guess on my part..

Just exactly where are you? In Oregon?

I can look and see if there is a ci center near you.. there may be.

It's entirely possible and even probable that you have lost more

hearing since you were fitted with new hearing aids, but by all

means, please do check into the implant anyhow.. a ci center will

monitor your hearing and will tell you when your hearing is low

enough for an implant even if you aren't at that point yet.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Silly in MI

*****The best bridge between despair and hope is often just a good

night's sleep.*****

April 22, 2003

Hi dodie,

You might be surprised at how much lip reading you actually do.

I do believe this 60% or less sentence comprehension is done under

aided conditions.. I had such a sever loss when I was implanted that

I really am having trouble remembering..

I'm sure someone will help me out here.

I'd suggest you get a full evaluation with a ci audiologist to see if

you are a candidate yet..If you are having problems in background

noise, chances are that you are reading lots of lips <smiles>,

however this is just a guess on my part..

Just exactly where are you? In Oregon?

I can look and see if there is a ci center near you.. there may be.

It's entirely possible and even probable that you have lost more

hearing since you were fitted with new hearing aids, but by all

means, please do check into the implant anyhow.. a ci center will

monitor your hearing and will tell you when your hearing is low

enough for an implant even if you aren't at that point yet.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Silly in MI

*****The best bridge between despair and hope is often just a good

night's sleep.*****

April 22, 2003

Hi Dodie,

I'm so glad you posted to CI Hear. We did enjoy

chatting last night at the Hearing Exchange. CI Hear

has a chat session tonight too which starts at 6 your

time if you are in Oregon. There will be a message

telling you how to get to the chat so watch for it.

This is a great group and you will find lots of

support here. Ask any question you like and I'm sure

we will be able to find the answer for you. Most of

us are so thrilled about our implants that we love to

share.

There are several people here like you who are trying

to find out what they can. That is good for you as

well as you can identify with that well. FYI - we do

have files and links which offer a lot of information.

To find them go to

http://www./group/

and on the left side of the page you should see links

to both files and links. If you are unable to get to

them, please let me know because we can help you with

that.

I'm sure this is very overwhelming for you. As a Mom,

it's so important to hear your children. Quality of

life can be restored by a cochlear implant. It's a

miracle and I feel confident that you qualify based on

what you have told us but only a qualified ci

audiologist at a ci center can really tell you that.

If you want help finding a center closer to Medford,

we can find one I'm sure. OHSU sounds like a good

center too if it isn't too far for you to travel.

You asked how long it takes to be hooked up with sound

after the surgery. That varies depending on the

surgeon. Some of the surgeons are doing a new

procedure which is a very small incision and their

patients are being hooked up as early as two weeks

after surgery. It really depends on the healing

process. The norm has been 4 to 5 weeks.

Alice

N24 11/99

N24C 04/03

Bilateral

April 22, 2003

Hi Dodie...This is foxxy from chat. Welcome aboard. I can see has already

answered and I can't add anything but wanted to say " hi " . Good luck with your

journey. You will learn lots of infor here so keep those questions

coming...Sharon Myers Bilateral Hookup 1-09-03

Doreen <dodiepettipas@...> wrote:Hi,

My name is Dodie. I was told about this site on the Hearing Exchange

chat last night. I am HOH. I have a profound to severe loss in my

right ear and a severe to moderate loss in my left ear. This is a

progressive loss and I recently suffered another progression. This

required me to get new hearing aids. I am now wearing power digital

BTE's. I don't have any speech recognition in my right ear, but the

aid helps balance environmental sounds.

I would like to learn more about CI's and the process involved. As

my hearing loss progresses I will eventually lose the hearing I have

left. I now am at the point where strictly verbal communication is

not working for me. I am finding myself relying on visual cues more

and more. I have also discovered that I have learned some lip

reading over the years. My hearing loss was diagnosed in 1977 when I

was 14. I had actually had hearing loss from the age of 9, but my

parents were told for 5 yrs that it was just fluid and would clear

up. I was on Sudafed almost constantly for those 5 yrs.

I have a special amplified phone at home that I got from the Public

Utilities Commission here in Oregon. I use an amplifier at work

also, but I find that on the days I use the phone a lot I am more

tired. I am starting to prefer e-mail over phone calls. It is much

less exhausting. I can no longer function as a " hearing " person in

noisy environments.

I really want to know how far gone does my hearing have to be to be

eligible for CI and does it have to be both ears that are at that

level. I still can function in quiet settings with my hearing aid in

the left ear.

Any insight you can give would be greatly appreciated. I also am

trying to find out how to make communication easier in my current

situation. As I have stated, I am solely relying on hearing aids and

a little speech reading to communicate. Any ideas in that area would

be appreciated too.

Thanks,

Dodie Pettipas

April 23, 2003

Hi Dodie

When I was growing up I had several nicknames..Dorie ,Dodo and Dodie..I didnot

like any..now I would take any one of them!!Also..I had a good friend in school

named Doreen..One time we were going to go to a school carnival together.We were

to meet in front of the school..she was late and when she told me that she had

choir practice I thought she must be lying ..I knew she wasn't in a choir.Turned

out she had been to the

chiropractor...I was pretty HOH already then!!!

Anyway..it sounds as though would qualify for a CI right now..I think you have

received alot of info..so just want to let you know that I wish you well..next

step is your evaluation.

Love Dora

Looking for information

Hi,