Progress

[Guest guest]

Congrats on the weight loss! I was banded on July 14th and get my

first fill on the 25th.

Just curious but why didn't you get your first fill at 6 weeks?

Thanks!

> Hello all bandsters.

> I rarely post, but wanted to offer some encouragement; especially

to

> the newbies. I still feel like a newbie myself, but time flies

when

> you're having fun.

>

> I'm 16 weeks out today and got my first fill last week. I had

stalled

> a bit for a few weeks previously. This morning I am down 47 lbs

since

> surgery and 62 lbs from my highest. I AM SO PSYCHED!!! Sorry,

don't

> mean to yell. (Yes I do!) I haven't been at this weight in almost

15

> years. The best part is it hasn't been difficult. I am a regular

at

> the gym and working hard, but I don't feel like I'm denying myself

in

> the food department.

>

> Anyway, I just wanted to share and say it is possible. I enjoy

> reading here and learning along the way. Thanks.

>

> Darrel

> 4/28/05

> Dr. Kuri

> 297/282/235/190

[Guest guest]

Darryl, you're really doing great with your loss. Sandy R

> I'm 16 weeks out today and got my first fill last week. I had

stalled

> a bit for a few weeks previously. This morning I am down 47 lbs

since

> surgery and 62 lbs from my highest. I AM SO PSYCHED!!! > Darrel

> 4/28/05

> Dr. Kuri

> 297/282/235/190

[Guest guest]

, I was still losing well at the 6 week mark. I really have no

desire to be too tight or to lose too fast. I am exercising a fair

amount and with just being a bit careful about what I ate, I was

still losing the 2+ lbs per week. I decided to wait until it became

harder to lose and I stalled a bit. So far, this fill level seems

pretty good. I am eating about 2/3 of what I was before the fill.

Not a huge difference, but the weight is coming off again.

Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We are all

different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6 weeks. I

believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Darrel

> Just curious but why didn't you get your first fill at 6 weeks?

>

> Thanks!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks. I am not in the same boat. I am actually struggling at week

5 because I can eat whatever I want and as much. So, I really

really need my fill. I just assumed everyone was the same.

Did you get a fill at surgery? I didn't.

Thanks.

> , I was still losing well at the 6 week mark. I really have no

> desire to be too tight or to lose too fast. I am exercising a fair

> amount and with just being a bit careful about what I ate, I was

> still losing the 2+ lbs per week. I decided to wait until it

became

> harder to lose and I stalled a bit. So far, this fill level seems

> pretty good. I am eating about 2/3 of what I was before the fill.

> Not a huge difference, but the weight is coming off again.

>

> Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

> especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We are

all

> different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6 weeks.

I

> believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

>

> Anyway, hope this helps.

>

> Darrel

>

>

> > Just curious but why didn't you get your first fill at 6 weeks?

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Friday, August 19, 2005, 2:28:08 PM, you wrote:

D> Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

D> especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We are all

D> different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6 weeks. I

D> believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

Yes, five months. And there are a few who never get a fill. So if it

ain't broke, don't fix it. If you're doing well, don't waste your

time or money or trouble.

dan

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

323/209/199 Age 62 Fair is whatever God decides to do.

[Guest guest]

, are you entirely back on solid foods and eating only good band

foods? You can't tell if you need a fill until you are, and see how

your weight loss is with good band foods.

you can never tell a thing about restiction with soft or liquid

foods, but only with solid band foods.

Fills are nevere given at surgery with the Inamed bands. The sutures

holding the band in place must be very securely healed before the

pressure and sterss of a fill is added. Lots of studies have shown

that fills sooner thyan 6 weeks have led to increased slips - both

immediately and later. Sandy r

> > , I was still losing well at the 6 week mark. I really have

no

> > desire to be too tight or to lose too fast. I am exercising a

fair

> > amount and with just being a bit careful about what I ate, I was

> > still losing the 2+ lbs per week. I decided to wait until it

> became

> > harder to lose and I stalled a bit. So far, this fill level seems

> > pretty good. I am eating about 2/3 of what I was before the fill.

> > Not a huge difference, but the weight is coming off again.

> >

> > Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

> > especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We are

> all

> > different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6

weeks.

> I

> > believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

> >

> > Anyway, hope this helps.

> >

> > Darrel

> >

> >

> > > Just curious but why didn't you get your first fill at 6 weeks?

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Darrel,

This is such a great attitude! You are so right in your views on this.

Now if you could convince a few others that this is the right

approach....

Deb

I really have no

> desire to be too tight or to lose too fast. I am exercising a fair

> amount and with just being a bit careful about what I ate, I was

> still losing the 2+ lbs per week. I decided to wait until it became

> harder to lose and I stalled a bit. //....

>

> Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

> especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We are all

> different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6 weeks. I

> believe Dan went several months before his first fill. //

>

[Guest guest]

,

I did not have any fill at the time of surgery. (as Sandy explained)

We are all very different. I guess that keeps life interesting and

challenging. Hang in there! It gets easier once the band starts

working for you.

Good luck and best wishes,

Darrel

> Did you get a fill at surgery? I didn't.

>

> Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Deb,

Thanks for the pat on the back. I have tried very hard to learn as

much as I can about what I've done to myself. BTW, I saw my PCP today

in passing. He was stunned at my loss so far. We may have another

convert in the MD world.

Darrel

Darrel,

> This is such a great attitude! You are so right in your views on

this.

> Now if you could convince a few others that this is the right

> approach....

> Deb

>

[Guest guest]

I definately need a fill, though. I can and do eat as much as I

want. I am back to my old ways. I gained back 10 of the 17 I've

lost and I'm sure that trend will continue if I don't get a fill and

soon.

I am scheduled for my first fill on the 25th...exactly 6 weeks since

surgery.

>

> D> Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

> D> especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We

are all

> D> different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6

weeks. I

> D> believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

>

> Yes, five months. And there are a few who never get a fill. So

if it

> ain't broke, don't fix it. If you're doing well, don't waste your

> time or money or trouble.

>

> dan

>

>

> Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@g... www.mylapband.tk

> Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

> 323/209/199 Age 62 Fair is whatever God decides to do.

[Guest guest]

Yup, you need a fill. Though still would be good to do the best you

can on " eating like a bandster " , just so it isn't as much of a shock

to you and your mind when you have to do so after the fill, at least

if it is a good fill, and your doc isn't one of those who " sneak up on

it " .5ml at a time.

Monday, August 22, 2005, 8:31:30 AM, you wrote:

JR> I definately need a fill, though. I can and do eat as much as I

JR> want. I am back to my old ways. I gained back 10 of the 17 I've

JR> lost and I'm sure that trend will continue if I don't get a fill and

JR> soon.

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

323/209/199 Age 62 Fair is whatever God decides to do.

[Guest guest]

, I think you do need a fill - but it often takes more than 1

fill to get to a good level. the average is 3-5 over several months.

Please don't expect the band to do all the work, though - you have to

put in some good effort too. you must self-limit your calories now,

choose only good band foods, get some good daily exercise, get in the

daily fluid that is essential, and the other band guideleines.

I wouldn't want you to contiue to regain for the next few months

until the fill is good. There is no reason at all to do that, if

you're taking the band rules to heart. Theree is a lot about all of

our " old ways " that we must change ourselves. There is a lot to

learn about what the band needs to help you do well - please ask any

questions you have about what is needed from YOU.

Sandy R---

In , " Rea " <johnrea@h...> wrote:

> I definately need a fill, though. I can and do eat as much as I

> want. I am back to my old ways. I gained back 10 of the 17 I've

> lost and I'm sure that trend will continue if I don't get a fill

and

> soon.

>

> I am scheduled for my first fill on the 25th...exactly 6 weeks

since

> surgery.

>

>

> >

> > D> Bottom line is I see no real advantage to beeing too tight,

> > D> especially when the weight loss is 2lbs or more per week. We

> are all

> > D> different. You don't need a fill just because it has been 6

> weeks. I

> > D> believe Dan went several months before his first fill.

> >

> > Yes, five months. And there are a few who never get a fill. So

> if it

> > ain't broke, don't fix it. If you're doing well, don't waste your

> > time or money or trouble.

> >

> > dan

> >

> >

> > Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@g... www.mylapband.tk

> > Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

> > 323/209/199 Age 62 Fair is whatever God decides to do.

[Guest guest]

, thank you so much for reporting your progress with Iodoral, it is

really helpful to a newbie like me. I have just started taking 2 Iodoral a day

and have hope that it will help with swollen/painful breasts AND " sputter my

thyroid into action " .

I have a question for you tho. How do you know your thyroid has 'sputtered'???

:-) What are you experiencing? I'm guessing some really positive things. I

am amazed at how in tune folks are to their bodies, mine doesn't seem to " talk "

to me at all, except thru Weight Gain!

Good luck and thanks for the progress report!

> I am now taking 2 iodoral a day and for the first time ever have NOT had

swollen breasts this cycle :-)

>> Also, I am now finding that my thyroid is spluttering into action. I keep

having to lower my dose of cytomel!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

you might want to try 50mg Iodoral.

gracia

jodi2ben wrote:

>

>

> I just want to report my progress with Iodoral over the past couple of

> months and ask a question:

>

> I am now taking 2 iodoral a day and for the first time ever have NOT

> had swollen breasts this cycle :-)

>

> However, my period is several days late and my I actually bled for

> over half of my last cycle.

>

> Is this a common experience?

>

> DO you think that this is a temporary glitch whilst the hormones

> settle and has anyone else experienced similar?

>

> Also, I am now finding that my thyroid is spluttering into action. I

> keep having to lower my dose of cytomel!

>

> So seems positive so far.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

i JUST STARTED CYTOMEL 1 HAVE JUST UPPED TO 3 5MCG A DAY...NO IODINE AS dR WANTS TO CHECK LEVELS ON meds alone...............plus I am borderline (according to tests....................) so she really REALLY isn't happy w/me asking to up the meds........I'm figuring she will cut them down, then i can try iodine to get me where I NEED to be to function!! Please keep posting about your experiences, I'm sure there are others like me who want to hear EVERYTHING!!!

>

>

> I just want to report my progress with Iodoral over the past couple of

> months and ask a question:

>

> I am now taking 2 iodoral a day and for the first time ever have NOT

> had swollen breasts this cycle :-)

>

> However, my period is several days late and my I actually bled for

> over half of my last cycle.

>

> Is this a common experience?

>

> DO you think that this is a temporary glitch whilst the hormones

> settle and has anyone else experienced similar?

>

> Also, I am now finding that my thyroid is spluttering into action. I

> keep having to lower my dose of cytomel!

>

> So seems positive so far.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

---Wow! How did you know when you reached the right dose Gracia and did you

build it up gradually?

Also, what companion nutrients do you take?

In iodine , Gracia <circe@...> wrote:

>

> no I don't think it's a lot! some iodine docs think it's a starting

> dose, especially if you have health issues. I took 50mg a day for 2

> years, finally increased to 100mg which is what I take now. I wish I

> had taken 100mg to begin with. IMO THE RIGHT DOSE IS SOOOO IMPORTANT,

> PLUS COMPANION NUTRIENTS AND ATP COFACTORS.

> gracia

>

> jodi2ben wrote:

> >

> >

> > --- Wow Gracia, isn't that 4 Iodoral? Isn't that rather a lot?

> >

> > What do most people here take?

> >

> > Could you explain maybe why taking more would help?

> >

> > Thanks you and your advice s much apreciated :-)

> >

> >

> >

> > In iodine <mailto:iodine%40>, Gracia

> > <circe@> wrote:

> > >

> > > you might want to try 50mg Iodoral.

> > > gracia

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I don't think I " built up gradually " ! first day I took one tab, second

day 2 tabs, third day I took 50mg! I was taking 25mg in the a.m. and

25mg in p.m.---that worked well at first but later I found that I felt

better if I took all iodine in the morning, also 100mg feels better.

all I did was experiment and nothing bad ever happened. I was on one

support group that thought that 100mg Iodoral and 240mg Armour plus

HC=certain death! I gave up on that list.

I take the companion nutrients listed on 's website and find

that they help too. 50mg zinc, 2mg copper, ATP cofactors, transdermal

magnesium.

Gracia

jodi2ben wrote:

>

>

> ---Wow! How did you know when you reached the right dose Gracia and

> did you build it up gradually?

>

> Also, what companion nutrients do you take?

>

>

>

> In iodine <mailto:iodine%40>, Gracia

> <circe@...> wrote:

> >

> > no I don't think it's a lot! some iodine docs think it's a starting

> > dose, especially if you have health issues. I took 50mg a day for 2

> > years, finally increased to 100mg which is what I take now. I wish I

> > had taken 100mg to begin with. IMO THE RIGHT DOSE IS SOOOO IMPORTANT,

> > PLUS COMPANION NUTRIENTS AND ATP COFACTORS.

> > gracia

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Tom

Get plenty of rest before your activation so you are very alert. My activation

was much like a hearing test (listen for the beeps) only much more intense and

when I got done with activation I was exhusted.

Wishing you all the best on your CI journey.

Suzanne W - Nebraska

Freedom - R ear

Surgery 1/14/08 Activation 2/14/08

Alpha ENT Clinic Ft. , CO

Dr. W. Conlon

Hi to all in the group,

>

> A special thank you to Bob and Debra who have contacted me off group with much

information.

>

> Yesterday was my post-op meeting with the surgeon who did the CI surgery 13

days ago. Everything was fine and I am looking forward to to getting the

Cochlear Nucleus 5 fitted with the initial mapping on May 20th.

>

> I've read and heard about the great programs that Cochlear has for doing

practice and improving through independent study. Someone with this group

recommended audio books and unabridged textbooks to hear and read the same

passages. Also captioned movies was mentioned.

>

> What can I be doing to get ready for my initial fitting? Are there any tips

that you may have for getting a better initial mapping?

>

> Any help would be appreciated.

>

> Note: New to this group in the last 3 weeks. Hearing impaired for past 30

years with continual degradation in both ears. At present profoundly deafened in

left ear. Right ear now implanted.

>

> Living on the road in a 40' motorhome with my wife of 30 years. Presently

'residing' in San , TX,

>

> Tom H.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi:

I am new to this group and am in the initial process of considering CI

in one or both ears. I have 40% recrimination in both ears and have been

told I have profound hearing loss in both ears. I have been wearing HA

for about 15 years. I have been told by my audi that most hearing with

CI would sound like Ducks???

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Joe

__________________________________________________________________

On 5/6/2011 3:15 PM, rver0347 wrote:

>

> Hi to all in the group,

>

> A special thank you to Bob and Debra who have contacted me off group

> with much information.

>

> Yesterday was my post-op meeting with the surgeon who did the CI

> surgery 13 days ago. Everything was fine and I am looking forward to

> to getting the Cochlear Nucleus 5 fitted with the initial mapping on

> May 20th.

>

> I've read and heard about the great programs that Cochlear has for

> doing practice and improving through independent study. Someone with

> this group recommended audio books and unabridged textbooks to hear

> and read the same passages. Also captioned movies was mentioned.

>

> What can I be doing to get ready for my initial fitting? Are there any

> tips that you may have for getting a better initial mapping?

>

> Any help would be appreciated.

>

> Note: New to this group in the last 3 weeks. Hearing impaired for past

> 30 years with continual degradation in both ears. At present

> profoundly deafened in left ear. Right ear now implanted.

>

> Living on the road in a 40' motorhome with my wife of 30 years.

> Presently 'residing' in San , TX,

>

> Tom H.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds like you need a new audiologist who is not committed to hearing aids.  I

have worn hearing aids for 52 years but in this last year was experiencing bouts

of total deafness.  I had one CI done on March 25 and the external processor

and

microphone were installed April 29.  So in 2 short weeks I am amazed at what I

can hear and the quality of sound!!!!  I aced a voice discrimination test

without lipreading for colors, numbers, and general sounds after only 3 days. 

And I still have several dates set up for further programming changes and

tweaks.  I have a Nucleus 5 which seems to be very popular with this group. 

I am a 60 year old school teacher who went from dependence on interpreters for

college classes to independence in teaching my calculus and physics high school

classes.  If you can't tell, I am letting you know that I am ecstatic!

I have initiated having a CI for the other ear.  I can't wait!

Harry

________________________________

From: Joe Nadeau <joe@...>

Cc: rver0347 <tmhagney@...>

Sent: Mon, May 9, 2011 11:32:13 PM

Subject: Re: Progress

 

Hi:

I am new to this group and am in the initial process of considering CI

in one or both ears. I have 40% recrimination in both ears and have been

told I have profound hearing loss in both ears. I have been wearing HA

for about 15 years. I have been told by my audi that most hearing with

CI would sound like Ducks???

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Joe

__________________________________________________________

On 5/6/2011 3:15 PM, rver0347 wrote:

>

> Hi to all in the group,

>

> A special thank you to Bob and Debra who have contacted me off group

> with much information.

>

> Yesterday was my post-op meeting with the surgeon who did the CI

> surgery 13 days ago. Everything was fine and I am looking forward to

> to getting the Cochlear Nucleus 5 fitted with the initial mapping on

> May 20th.

>

> I've read and heard about the great programs that Cochlear has for

> doing practice and improving through independent study. Someone with

> this group recommended audio books and unabridged textbooks to hear

> and read the same passages. Also captioned movies was mentioned.

>

> What can I be doing to get ready for my initial fitting? Are there any

> tips that you may have for getting a better initial mapping?

>

> Any help would be appreciated.

>

> Note: New to this group in the last 3 weeks. Hearing impaired for past

> 30 years with continual degradation in both ears. At present

> profoundly deafened in left ear. Right ear now implanted.

>

> Living on the road in a 40' motorhome with my wife of 30 years.

> Presently 'residing' in San , TX,

>

> Tom H.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was a hearing aid user since 1980. I got my Nucleus 5 activated on March 8 of

this year. Yes, initially, voices do sound very electronic, but that quickly

goes away as your brain adjusts to the implant. I've not understood speech as

well as I do with the implant for probably forty years. Getting a cochlear

implant was the best decision I ever made; I only wish I had gotten one years

ago.

Bob

> >

> > Hi to all in the group,

> >

> > A special thank you to Bob and Debra who have contacted me off group

> > with much information.

> >

> > Yesterday was my post-op meeting with the surgeon who did the CI

> > surgery 13 days ago. Everything was fine and I am looking forward to

> > to getting the Cochlear Nucleus 5 fitted with the initial mapping on

> > May 20th.

> >

> > I've read and heard about the great programs that Cochlear has for

> > doing practice and improving through independent study. Someone with

> > this group recommended audio books and unabridged textbooks to hear

> > and read the same passages. Also captioned movies was mentioned.

> >

> > What can I be doing to get ready for my initial fitting? Are there any

> > tips that you may have for getting a better initial mapping?

> >

> > Any help would be appreciated.

> >

> > Note: New to this group in the last 3 weeks. Hearing impaired for past

> > 30 years with continual degradation in both ears. At present

> > profoundly deafened in left ear. Right ear now implanted.

> >

> > Living on the road in a 40' motorhome with my wife of 30 years.

> > Presently 'residing' in San , TX,

> >

> > Tom H.

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your input as I have made the decision of getting the Med-el

implant because they have not had recalls and you can have a light mri if need

be later. The doctor recommended this implant to me because of this. To some of

you, I will contact you for more info on this implant, i've been busy lately.

Thanks, Peggy

[Guest guest]

I am sure you will be happy with Med El!

Regina

________________________________

From: peggy alexander <jimcoljr@...>

Sent: Tue, May 10, 2011 11:52:52 AM

Subject: Re: Progress

Thank you all for your input as I have made the decision of getting the Med-el

implant because they have not had recalls and you can have a light mri if need

be later. The doctor recommended this implant to me because of this. To some of

you, I will contact you for more info on this implant, i've been busy lately.

Thanks, Peggy

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Tom. I will be doing the same thing June 1st. Your comments are really

valuable.

Jim

Jim

Dayton, OH

________________________________

From: rver0347 <tmhagney@...>

Sent: Sat, May 21, 2011 4:00:52 PM

Subject: Progress

Hi All,

As promised, I am sharing my experiences with a new Cochlear Implant. Like many

of you, I have had a profound hearing loss in both ears for many years. My loss

has progressed with time from a mild loss to profound over a 32 year period.

I had the CI surgery on April 22nd and was activated on May 20th, just 24 hours

ago. Here are my experiences.

In audiologist's office, she turned on processor and did initial setup without

me having the device on. We talked as she worked. Also looked over the suitcase

full of stuff that comes with the CI. Books, CD, DVD, batteries, chargers,

cases, dehumidifiers, you name it.

Processor was placed on ear and initial settings were made, mostly listening to

tones of varying frequencies and responding with, " too soft " , " too loud " etc.

Had to laugh when I felt some tones in my throat and some in my teeth. Weird.

Then she started speaking normally and stated wording similar to some of the

hearing tests that I have heard over the years. " Baseball, hotdog, Tuesday,

Wednesday, airplane, etc. To my surprise, I actually heard the words without

straining to hear them.

The sound of course is not normal sound that I have experienced over the years.

All the voices and all of the sounds sounded like " Darth Vader " crossed with

" Mickey Mouse " . Computered digital sound and very high pitched. Audiologist said

that is normal and will change over time as the brain learns.

Audi (Audiologist) said she didn't want me to do any training this first week.

Just wanted me to get used to hearing voices and environmental sounds. Training

will commence next week when several more channels are turned on and adjustments

made.

On car trip to a graduation that evening, my wife conversed in the car and I was

able to hear her without looking at her to see what she was saying. Have to

admit that both her voice and my voice were really, really weird sounding but

understandable. Fan noise from the car's A/C and road noise were identified.

Cell phone chirps and turn signal tones were heard and identified. Very

enlightening.

Things turned bad at the graduation. Acoustics in the church were terrible, too

many echoes and too much background interferences with several hundred people

talking at the same time. I tried several of the program modes and varied the

volume and sensitivity modes. Got frustrated and just turned everything way down

and just gave up trying to hear.

I guess I expected too much too soon.

At the graduation party afterwards, Noise again was the problem. One on one with

people was not working due to interferences.

At midnight, went to motel, took off CI and got some rest.

This morning, after putting on CI, I had to retrain myself to some sounds.

Listening to my wife was tough at first but then I fell back into hearing her

" new " voice. Television sound and A/C sound in room were very distracting.

Went to breakfast with family members. Annoying noise and too many voices to try

to hear at one time. Unable to locate the voices I was hearing. I did, however,

hear sounds that I have been able to hear for years. The waffle iron alarm had a

high pitched chirp that I actually heard and others could not hear. That was so

amazing.

After breakfast, everyone broke up into smaller groups and we conversed in twos

and threes. Better hearing but still difficult when talkers don't face my

direction. Also I cannot yet pick out the speaking party with out looking around

to find moving lips.

At a very quiet location, I was able to pick out three different voices. That

was encouraging.

That's it for today. Heading to early church and then another graduation

reception. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Later, Tom

>

> Hi We were given a date for my husband Don's surgery on his first CI implant.

>It will be June 22. I have been reading posts from all that have CI or are

going

>to get one and I have to say Thankyou to all that have responded. I will keep

>all up to date on his progress. Diane

>

[Guest guest]

I had similar experiences initially but after the 2nd visit with more

programming changes, things began to sound more normal.  I have had my 3rd

visit now and am estatic over how well I can hear.  I would have been happy

with the mickey mouse voices after having zero hearing for the last year; so I

am very happy.  I am now in the process of getting insurance approval for the

second CI.  I am tired of having to turn around so that the speaker is on my CI

side.  Yesterday I tried out the extender cable with microphone in the car on a

400 mile trip.  It worked out very well not having to turn to look at my wife

to hear because my CI was on the wrong (left) side.

 

Harold

From: JIM WILLIAMS <jimwms@...>

Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2011 8:49 PM

Subject: Re: Progress

 

Thanks, Tom. I will be doing the same thing June 1st. Your comments are really

valuable.

Jim

Jim

Dayton, OH

________________________________

From: rver0347 <tmhagney@...>

Sent: Sat, May 21, 2011 4:00:52 PM

Subject: Progress

Hi All,

As promised, I am sharing my experiences with a new Cochlear Implant. Like many

of you, I have had a profound hearing loss in both ears for many years. My loss

has progressed with time from a mild loss to profound over a 32 year period.

I had the CI surgery on April 22nd and was activated on May 20th, just 24 hours

ago. Here are my experiences.

In audiologist's office, she turned on processor and did initial setup without

me having the device on. We talked as she worked. Also looked over the suitcase

full of stuff that comes with the CI. Books, CD, DVD, batteries, chargers,

cases, dehumidifiers, you name it.

Processor was placed on ear and initial settings were made, mostly listening to

tones of varying frequencies and responding with, " too soft " , " too loud " etc.

Had to laugh when I felt some tones in my throat and some in my teeth. Weird.

Then she started speaking normally and stated wording similar to some of the

hearing tests that I have heard over the years. " Baseball, hotdog, Tuesday,

Wednesday, airplane, etc. To my surprise, I actually heard the words without

straining to hear them.

The sound of course is not normal sound that I have experienced over the years.

All the voices and all of the sounds sounded like " Darth Vader " crossed with

" Mickey Mouse " . Computered digital sound and very high pitched. Audiologist said

that is normal and will change over time as the brain learns.

Audi (Audiologist) said she didn't want me to do any training this first week.

Just wanted me to get used to hearing voices and environmental sounds. Training

will commence next week when several more channels are turned on and adjustments

made.

On car trip to a graduation that evening, my wife conversed in the car and I was

able to hear her without looking at her to see what she was saying. Have to

admit that both her voice and my voice were really, really weird sounding but

understandable. Fan noise from the car's A/C and road noise were identified.

Cell phone chirps and turn signal tones were heard and identified. Very

enlightening.

Things turned bad at the graduation. Acoustics in the church were terrible, too

many echoes and too much background interferences with several hundred people

talking at the same time. I tried several of the program modes and varied the

volume and sensitivity modes. Got frustrated and just turned everything way down

and just gave up trying to hear.

I guess I expected too much too soon.

At the graduation party afterwards, Noise again was the problem. One on one with

people was not working due to interferences.

At midnight, went to motel, took off CI and got some rest.

This morning, after putting on CI, I had to retrain myself to some sounds.

Listening to my wife was tough at first but then I fell back into hearing her

" new " voice. Television sound and A/C sound in room were very distracting.

Went to breakfast with family members. Annoying noise and too many voices to try

to hear at one time. Unable to locate the voices I was hearing. I did, however,

hear sounds that I have been able to hear for years. The waffle iron alarm had a

high pitched chirp that I actually heard and others could not hear. That was so

amazing.

After breakfast, everyone broke up into smaller groups and we conversed in twos

and threes. Better hearing but still difficult when talkers don't face my

direction. Also I cannot yet pick out the speaking party with out looking around

to find moving lips.

At a very quiet location, I was able to pick out three different voices. That

was encouraging.

That's it for today. Heading to early church and then another graduation

reception. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Later, Tom

>

> Hi We were given a date for my husband Don's surgery on his first CI implant.

>It will be June 22. I have been reading posts from all that have CI or are

going

>to get one and I have to say Thankyou to all that have responded. I will keep

>all up to date on his progress. Diane

>