Recent Surgery

[Guest guest]

e,

Welcome to the list and thanks for the compliment! <smile>

Wow! Sleeping for 11 hours! I think the most I've slept at any given time

was 9 or 10 hours!

It's amazing how exhaustion can slowly creep up on you, isn't it? One minute

you're wide awake, the next minute you can barely keep your eyes open and

are ready to " crash " into bed at any time. LOL!

As you know, " feeling as if you've been hit by a truck " isn't fun. After my

first and second surgeries, I borrowed my mother's walker so I wouldn't

accidentally fall or run into anything. I'm glad I used it because there

were times I would literally bounce off the walls because of dizziness.

Having my body feel the way it did (after the second surgery) made

walking an interesting experience <LOL!>, but fortunately I felt 100% better

within a couple days.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, that was a lot of sleeping, especially for me. I'm the type who

can't even nap unless I am deadly ill.

I can identify with your dizziness after surgery. It was a problem

with both my first and second surgeries. I didn't notice it with this

surgery. Perhaps having had an earlier implant there helped.

I'm so glad you have all those problems behind you now!

e

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am glad you are ok now.

Thank you for sharing your experiences to us all so that if any of us ever

(heaven forbid) went through this, we will know what to do or if ones hear of

someone having this problem, ones can tell that person what it is.

Knowledge lessen the fears.

Once again glad you are feeling much better.

Here is my BEAKS KISSES and (((((((FINS HUGS))))))).

Dolly Dolphin

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm doing very well with my CI and loving all of my newfound hearing. I am

still going through the various map speeds that were programmed in and

trying to diary how the sounds are with each. Thursday I go on the final map

that was programmed in and will do it for a week. After that, I will go back

and experiment with each a little and make my final decision before going

back to Birmingham on Nov. 17. When I go back, I will get all of the

different smart sound options programmed in. Right now, I am only using an

open program on each of the 4 speeds. My favorite map so far is the 1200

speed used on week two. I tried the 900 speed, 1200, 1800 (this week) and

will try the high speed 2400 starting on Thursday.

I have heard so many different, new sounds---the ticking of my toaster oven

timer, the small high pitched wind chimes, someone speaking low (almost a

whisper) to me in the Courtroom. I am also having a very easy time dealing

with store clerks, bank tellers, and all general conversation. I also was

able to talk with people in a very noisy meeting-- and I don't even have

beam, auto sens. or Adro yet. I just turned my sensitivity down. The phone

is also much better. Voices are sounding more and more natural. I am also

liking some music now, if it is instrumental. Yanni was always a favorite

pre-CI, and I listened to him again the other day and still liked him.

Singing still sounds pretty bad. I think it was Virg who described it very

well as the sound of cats moaning.

I went to my advanced step gym class last week and could hear fairly well

even with all the loud music. I just had to turn my sensitivity down. The

main problem I had was keeping the magnet attached to my head. I will use a

head band next time-- probably tomorrow evening. I put it on at home and

tried a few jumping jacks with it, and the magnet didn't pop off.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 12:09 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Recent surgery

---snip---

How are you coming along with your CI? Have you had any CI moments lately?

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=7962067/grpspId=1705013490/msgId

=49200/stime=1162318387/nc1=3848429/nc2=4044349/nc3=3>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Wow, it sounds like you are continuing to make excellent progress with your

CI! Congratulations!

I think you'll really enjoy using the various SmartSound features such as

ADRO and BEAM. ADRO happens to be my favorite program and one I use

a majority of the time.

I'm glad the faster speed is working out well for you. When I tried using

1800 Hz, I couldn't make heads or tails out of what I heard, so my audi

moved me back down to 900 Hz and that's where I've been ever since.

As you know, it may take some time before music starts to sound better to

you. It took approximately 6 months before music sounded like it should and

I could hear vocals and instrumentals clearly. I remember a conversation I

had with my audi where I told her that music sounded awful. She laughed and

promised me that it would get better. She was right. Now music sounds

wonderful!

Isn't it great being able to interact with the general public again? No more

having to write things down on paper or saying, " I'm sorry, I didn't hear

you. Could you repeat that? "

How do male and female voices sound to you at this point? Are they becoming

more normalized?

I can still remember when you made the decision to be implanted. I'm *so*

glad everything is working out well for you! <smile>

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, I'm thrilled with my CI and can't wait to try the various SmartSound

features, especially ADRO. Just out of curiosity, did you keep an open

program, or did you fill all of your slots with the 4 Smartsound programs?

As to the processing speeds, I can hear on all of the speeds she put on

here-- 900, 1200, 1800 and 2400. My favorite right now is the 1200, but I

will have a little time to play around with each of them after having a full

week with each one.

I was at Greekfest the other night--very noisy and lots of music. Even the

hearing people were having to ask for some repeats. The 2400 speed just

didn't do it for me there. I was having lots of trouble hearing, but when I

went down to a slower speed, I could hear the people right next to me much

better. (Of course, I was still having a hard time, but it was better than

the high speed.) Actually, I think the 900 speed sounds the best to me and

is more rounded, but my husband and I didn't think I was hearing quite as

well with it. There's not much difference in the sound of it and the 1200

speed, but I feel that I can hear better at the 1200 speed. I seem to have

fewer CI moments with the higher 1800 and 2400 speeds. With the high speeds,

I'm having difficulty hearing the higher pitched sounds.

I am now pretty much able to tell the difference between male and female

voices on the phone. However, I still want people I know to identify

themselves when they call. Of course, I have caller ID on all of my phones,

so that gives me an advantage. In person, everybody sounds pretty normal,

but a little raspy-- like they have a cold/sore throat.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 11:41 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Recent surgery

Lynn,

Wow, it sounds like you are continuing to make excellent progress with your

CI! Congratulations!

I think you'll really enjoy using the various SmartSound features such as

ADRO and BEAM. ADRO happens to be my favorite program and one I use

a majority of the time.

I'm glad the faster speed is working out well for you. When I tried using

1800 Hz, I couldn't make heads or tails out of what I heard, so my audi

moved me back down to 900 Hz and that's where I've been ever since.

As you know, it may take some time before music starts to sound better to

you. It took approximately 6 months before music sounded like it should and

I could hear vocals and instrumentals clearly. I remember a conversation I

had with my audi where I told her that music sounded awful. She laughed and

promised me that it would get better. She was right. Now music sounds

wonderful!

Isn't it great being able to interact with the general public again? No more

having to write things down on paper or saying, " I'm sorry, I didn't hear

you. Could you repeat that? "

How do male and female voices sound to you at this point? Are they becoming

more normalized?

I can still remember when you made the decision to be implanted. I'm *so*

glad everything is working out well for you! <smile>

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=7962067/grpspId=1705013490/msgId

=49402/stime=1162619024/nc1=3848429/nc2=4044343/nc3=3>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

I have two open programs on my processor with the other two being reserved

for ADRO and BEAM. My audi wanted me to keep two open programs in the event

that I needed more volume. (I'm still using a volume map, but plan to change

to a sensitivity map at my next appointment in December.) It has been almost

a month since my last mapping and I'm still on the first open program. One

of the interesting things I've observed since going bilateral is that I

don't go through programs as quickly as I used to. In fact, just the other

day when I tried to use the second open program, I found that it was too

loud.

Even after I switch to a sensitivity map, I'm still going to keep at least

one open program because I like its crisp sound and how it helps me hear

better in certain situations. For instance, I have a more difficult time

understanding one of my professors with ADRO because it tends to muffle her

voice. When I use an open program, her voice sounds crystal clear.

I'd also like to have Whisper added to my processor because I find that most

helpful (at least when using my 3G) for TV and radio listening. Whisper is

also great for meetings when you want to hear someone who is soft-spoken.

When I have my spare Freedom programmed for my N24CA, I'm going to

experiment with all of the program speeds -- including HI-ACE to see how

they differ. The higher speeds didn't work well for me with my 3G, but

perhaps that will be a different story when I try them with the Freedom.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I guess I still have lots to learn. What is the difference in a volume map

and a sensitivity map? I have no idea which one I have. I just know that I

can adjust both the volume and sensitivity with my Freedom. When I went for

my second mapping, I told my audie that I needed more volume, so she raised

the overall volume to the level where I felt it should be and put that level

on #6 on each of the 4 maps. That way I can adjust it up or down as needed.

The default sensitivity was set on 12.

I'm looking forward to trying all of the different programs when I go back

to see my audie on Nov. 17. I do think I may ask her to leave the open

setting in one of the slots in my spare processor in case I need it. Open is

the only one I've used so far, so I'd like to still have that option

available if I need it. I can't go running back and forth to Birmingham at

the drop of a hat for changes to be made.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 2:04 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Recent surgery

Hi Lynn,

I have two open programs on my processor with the other two being reserved

for ADRO and BEAM. My audi wanted me to keep two open programs in the event

that I needed more volume. (I'm still using a volume map, but plan to change

to a sensitivity map at my next appointment in December.) It has been almost

a month since my last mapping and I'm still on the first open program. One

of the interesting things I've observed since going bilateral is that I

don't go through programs as quickly as I used to. In fact, just the other

day when I tried to use the second open program, I found that it was too

loud.

Even after I switch to a sensitivity map, I'm still going to keep at least

one open program because I like its crisp sound and how it helps me hear

better in certain situations. For instance, I have a more difficult time

understanding one of my professors with ADRO because it tends to muffle her

voice. When I use an open program, her voice sounds crystal clear.

I'd also like to have Whisper added to my processor because I find that most

helpful (at least when using my 3G) for TV and radio listening. Whisper is

also great for meetings when you want to hear someone who is soft-spoken.

When I have my spare Freedom programmed for my N24CA, I'm going to

experiment with all of the program speeds -- including HI-ACE to see how

they differ. The higher speeds didn't work well for me with my 3G, but

perhaps that will be a different story when I try them with the Freedom.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

A volume map makes sounds louder or softer and works similarly to the volume

control on a HA. In other words, when a volume map is turned up, sounds and

voices become louder. When it is turned down, they become softer.

A sensitivity map is different in that it affects the amount of background

noise you hear. When sensitivity is increased, background noise is made

louder (giving you a wider window of sound) allowing you to hear more of

your environment. When it is decreased, background noise is made softer

(giving you a narrower window of sound) allowing you to hear sounds closest

to you.

The Original made an excellent comparison of sensitivity being

similar to a pebble hitting water. Unfortunately, I don't have the words to

explain this, but perhaps can chime in at some point and explain

further.

I hope my explanations made sense. If I am inaccurate with any of my

descriptions, I hope someone will correct me.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

,

I understand the difference in volume and sensitivity. I can adjust both,

and do so as needed. I particularly adjust the sensitivity to turn it up if

I'm trying to hear in church or the courtroom, and turn it down when I am in

a noisy environment. I guess I just didn't understand that there were volume

and sensitivity " maps " . I know you can use the smartsound programs that will

give you more or less sensitivity-- like using Whisper vs. Auto-sensitivity.

I don't know what kind of map I have, except that it is just an open program

with no bells and whistles.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 5:39 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Recent surgery

Lynn,

A volume map makes sounds louder or softer and works similarly to the volume

control on a HA. In other words, when a volume map is turned up, sounds and

voices become louder. When it is turned down, they become softer.

A sensitivity map is different in that it affects the amount of background

noise you hear. When sensitivity is increased, background noise is made

louder (giving you a wider window of sound) allowing you to hear more of

your environment. When it is decreased, background noise is made softer

(giving you a narrower window of sound) allowing you to hear sounds closest

to you.

The Original made an excellent comparison of sensitivity being

similar to a pebble hitting water. Unfortunately, I don't have the words to

explain this, but perhaps can chime in at some point and explain

further.

I hope my explanations made sense. If I am inaccurate with any of my

descriptions, I hope someone will correct me.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=7962067/grpspId=1705013490/msgId

=49435/stime=1162683586/nc1=3848443/nc2=4044349/nc3=3>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Since you have the Freedom, were you given four open programs?

With both of my open programs (on my Freedom), my audi set the volume to the

default of 9. We both thought it would be easier during the initial stages

of my adjustment in using the Freedom. However, now that I'm more

comfortable with the controls, I'm going to ask her to change it so I can

adjust both volume and sensitivity.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

[Guest guest]

I had all 4 programme slots filled with something, right from the

start. I didnt get ADRO straight away and thats the programme I use 90%

of the time now. I did get the auto-sensitivity (noise reduction) one,

straight away though and I love it in the car. I also started off on a

2400 map and now use an 1800 one, so things definately change. I'm also

pleased that my audi was one of those that was supportive of me wearing

my hearing aid in the other ear. Even though its pretty useless on its

own, its a great help with the C.I.

Ted F.

>

> Hi ,

> Yes, I'm thrilled with my CI and can't wait to try the various

> SmartSound features, especially ADRO. Just out of curiosity, did you

> keep an open program, or did you fill all of your slots with the 4

> Smartsound programs?

>

>

> Lynn

> Fairhope, AL

>

> Nucleus Freedom

> Surgery date: 9/6/06

> Activation date: 9/27/06

[Guest guest]

,

Yes. All of my programs are open. Each has a different speed map on it. I am

supposed to try each one for a week and diary my experiences. We will choose

the best one when I go back on Nov. 17 (probably the 1200 speed). At that

time, we'll put the chosen map on each slot and she will put in the 4

Smartsound options.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Kozlik

Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 6:25 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Recent surgery

Lynn,

Since you have the Freedom, were you given four open programs?

With both of my open programs (on my Freedom), my audi set the volume to the

default of 9. We both thought it would be easier during the initial stages

of my adjustment in using the Freedom. However, now that I'm more

comfortable with the controls, I'm going to ask her to change it so I can

adjust both volume and sensitivity.

Left ear - Nucleus 24 Contour Advance with 3G

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

Right ear - Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: 2/1/06 Activated: 3/1/06

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=7962067/grpspId=1705013490/msgId

=49438/stime=1162686687/nc1=3848446/nc2=4044349/nc3=3>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ted,

I had all 4 slots filled at activation, but they started me on a 1200 speed

(I initially thought it as a higher speed, but I apparently misunderstood

her.) and just put higher volumes in each slot (all open). I worked through

them rather quickly. When I went for my second session 2 wks later, she

raised the volume again because I complained that I needed more. She put in

4 different speeds for me to try. I am favoring the 1200 speed -- maybe

because that is the one I started with. She did not want to give me any of

the Smartsounds until we went through this process of picking the best

speed. I'm still not using my hearing aid. She doesn't want me to use it yet

and, in a way, I'm not sure I ever want to add it back-- at least, not the

one I have.

Lynn

Fairhope, AL

Nucleus Freedom

Surgery date: 9/6/06

Activation date: 9/27/06

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Ted F.

Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 6:50 PM

Subject: Re: Recent surgery

I had all 4 programme slots filled with something, right from the

start. I didnt get ADRO straight away and thats the programme I use 90%

of the time now. I did get the auto-sensitivity (noise reduction) one,

straight away though and I love it in the car. I also started off on a

2400 map and now use an 1800 one, so things definately change. I'm also

pleased that my audi was one of those that was supportive of me wearing

my hearing aid in the other ear. Even though its pretty useless on its

own, its a great help with the C.I.

Ted F.

>

> Hi ,

> Yes, I'm thrilled with my CI and can't wait to try the various

> SmartSound features, especially ADRO. Just out of curiosity, did you

> keep an open program, or did you fill all of your slots with the 4

> Smartsound programs?

>

>

> Lynn

> Fairhope, AL

>

> Nucleus Freedom

> Surgery date: 9/6/06

> Activation date: 9/27/06

..

<http://geo./serv?s=97359714/grpId=7962067/grpspId=1705013490/msgId

=49440/stime=1162687900/nc1=3848429/nc2=4044349/nc3=3>

[Guest guest]

Recently had surgery to remove cholesteatoma. I guess i'm doing fairly well so

far. Did anyone else end up with a hard lump behind the ear post-op? Its just

swelling but wondering how long that lasted. Its down near the bottom part near

the lobe...

[Guest guest]

Hi

I had both knees done. One in 2010 and one in 2011. I wouldn't say PT is that

hard. One knee I am bending at 140 degrees they could push to 145. My other knee

had a lot more swelling and I could only get it to 138 degrees and they could

push to about 142. I have to a revision one knee so I hope after that I will be

able to go back 140 degrees or more on my own. It was the most relieve from pain

I had in the 8 years prior. I don't regret that at all I wish they had done it

long before instead of all the other surgeries. The Rehab for the pfr was

probably the easiest I had with all my prior surgeries. If you have any

questions you can let me know I will try and answer them.

Tara

On Mar 10, 2012, at 4:17 PM, PETER FORD wrote:

> Hi ...just had a pattelo femoral replacement on 2/29. Anybody have any

thoughts on what I can expect now? I have alot of stiffness, which I am

grateful for because before this, it was all just incredible pain and

discomfort! The worst of the pain, I hope, is over but I've heard some scary

comments on how hard the rehab/PT is. Anyway, I am so glad I did this as the

condition of my knee continued to deteriorate. The surgery was done by Dr.

at Tufts. Really gave me alot of encouragement as to how it all went.

Thanks for your comments.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Would some of you mind describing the symptoms you had that made surgery seem

like the best course of action? I have had knee pain for 2 years now. MRI

showed moderate chondromalacia. No doctor has come close to bringing up

surgery, and I certainly would not want to pursue if it does not help. I am on

my fifth PT and he seems to think weak hip muscles are contributing to the knee

pain. Fingers are crossed he is correct.

>

>

> From: chezst@... <chezst@...>

> Subject: RE: Recent surgery

> chondromalacia treatment

> Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 5:25 PM

>

>

> Hi There,

> I had the patellofemoral arthroplasty doe on my left knee on 1/10/12 (8.5

weeks ago) at Mayo Clinic in Tochester where I live. I can tell you that the

stiffness is normal and it'll get better each week. You HAVE to do the work to

get it there, it won't happen on its own. Your PT right now is pretty minimal

most likely, but it will kick into gear! I think too it depends if you are in

the Sports Med side or ortho side and your age for depending how rigorous of a

program they will give you. I just turned 39 and they gave me a pretty involved

organ, where as an older uncle and coworker both are closer to retirement and it

was far easier. (and they were total replacements).

>

> When I really turned a corner is when they put me in the bike-- not to pedal

at first, just to use as stretching with some resistance. I rememeber the first

time I pedaled a full circle. Now I bend at 113 degrees, goal is 90-110. I am

not stuck when I get up in the morning, it's even bent when I am sleeping-- but

I wasn't sure I'd get to that point!

>

> I tell people like it feels like I'm continuing to unlock my knee. You need to

rebuild your quads again (Mayo uses a femoral nerve block, great for pain but

slowed my quads from waking up). I don't have pain at all, just sine stiffness

with over use or new exercise. Very happy with the results and still a ways to

go with getting it strong again

>

> I'm happy to answer questions, you can always email me directly at chezst@...

as I foud it helpful to have someone to ask questions tool that already went

down that road. My other advice is to celebrate all the victories, no matter how

small!

>

> Congrats ion the new knee!!

> Sue Stanek

>

> chondromalacia treatment

> From: pombou51562000@...

> Date: Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:17:06 -0800

> Subject: Recent surgery

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>    

>      

>      

>       Hi  ...just had a pattelo femoral replacement on 2/29.  Anybody have any

thoughts on what I can expect now?  I have alot of stiffness, which I am

grateful for because before this, it was all just incredible pain and

discomfort!  The worst of the pain, I hope, is over but I've heard some scary

comments on how hard the rehab/PT is.  Anyway, I am so glad I did this as the

condition of my knee continued to deteriorate.  The surgery was done by Dr.

at Tufts.  Really gave me alot of encouragement as to how it all went.

Thanks for your comments.

>

>

>

>