I continue to be amazed with how I am progressing with the CI and just having the feature of Clear Voice. As I reflected back on the week, the birds are sounding more and more amazing than ever and trying to pick out what type of bird that I am actually hearing. I am enjoying nature more than ever being able to hear more things.
PTL my twitching is getting better, but have to keep the settings low and try short periods of the higher settings gradually. Hopefully this will work and not have to go back to the old programs, which would be a trip down before my next appointment and that means I am more progressing than taking a step back.
My balance is progressing and doing very well with therapy and seeing improvements with it. :) I am progressing to more challenging activities and always eager to try new things.
Today I went for a walk with my friend and yes my pace is back to normal and walking much quicker. I have to say I am eager to start jogging again and know I am getting there with therapy. Today, there was a biker behind me and my friend pulled me over to let me know that someone was passing us, as the biker passed I could catch a little glimpse of the sound the bike made. Just little moments of these things that I am hearing just continue to amaze me.
It is exciting in taking steps forward.
I continuing with auditory therapy and that includes interacting with others, listening to books on tape and listening to music and watching tv, but also listening to surrounding sounds. I have to say I am enjoying the many children's books on tape. Voices are becoming easier and less cartoonish, except mens voices are still high pitch sounding (sorry guys you do still sound like mickey mouse). Some voices are stilll squeaky but I am being able to understand more speech. It is helpful following along for a message at church or book on tape in this process, but able to actually follow is becoming easier. Yes this is exhausting but a good exhaustion. Many people are enjoying that I change the colors with my processor and my pick of the day. I like the pink. I am very open about people asking about it.
This past weekend I attended a women's retreat with my church and it was amazing and just the message that I needed to hear. A great reminder of who I am in Christ. On Friday evening the speaker handed me the notes for me to follow along, on the notes there was a sticky note with this quote "Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the storm because our hope is in Christ." As many of you know or recognize this quote from my mom. It is one that I hold onto too through this time. I told the speaker how much and why that quote means so much to me, she was very encourage and we both agree that that sticky note was to be on the outline notes. Just a blessing from God and a reminder I needed.
The one new song really stuck out to me "You Made Us Your Own"
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tweaking session/ Mapping 3
It is hard to believe that I have only been using my CI for 11 days now. Still amazed with things that I am hearing. Last Friday I went for my third tweaking session and she did some more adjustments and tested my speech discrimmination (basically me understanding what she is say). It took a couple times of her repeating but I did very well with it, finally getting all the words. Off to a good start. :) Speech still sounds cartoonish and very squeaky and it is hard to tell mens voices verses women. Men's voices are high pitch so there are times when I am hearing someone talk, I have to chuckle with what it sounds like. Since I was not born deaf or hard of hearing this is a normal response. It is a process of retraining the brain to hear. I am listening to books on tape and just interacting with others. Still small and large groups are overwhelming and challenging, which is normal too. Yesterday I went on a walk with a friend and I heard a helicopter, I could detect a sound and my friend pointed it out, but I heard it :).
One thing I have been noticing is that my right eye and side of the face twitches when I wear the processor, which is an indicator that it is too strong and overstimulating the brain. I contacted JH and right now my audiologist is out on vacation so I have to wait until she gets back but looks like another trip down before my next appointment the end of May. I talked with the my doctor's nurse just to make sure it was not something from the surgery itself. She was surprised that I was talking on the phone and said "you must be doing well and surprise her" until I told her I was "cheating and using a caption call phone" We both laughed. The phone is the last to come. Mostly we email but she need to ask some more questions. I have to keep the program to the 1st one and turn it down, yes it makes things difficult but it helps to lessen the twitching. I don't regret doing this and just keep telling myself it is only going to get better. I remind myself of Dory from finding Nemo as she said "Just keep on Swimming."
The song "Lean on Me" as there are times where I do get frustrated. I am learning to be patience and take breaks when I need to.
Have a great day
One thing I have been noticing is that my right eye and side of the face twitches when I wear the processor, which is an indicator that it is too strong and overstimulating the brain. I contacted JH and right now my audiologist is out on vacation so I have to wait until she gets back but looks like another trip down before my next appointment the end of May. I talked with the my doctor's nurse just to make sure it was not something from the surgery itself. She was surprised that I was talking on the phone and said "you must be doing well and surprise her" until I told her I was "cheating and using a caption call phone" We both laughed. The phone is the last to come. Mostly we email but she need to ask some more questions. I have to keep the program to the 1st one and turn it down, yes it makes things difficult but it helps to lessen the twitching. I don't regret doing this and just keep telling myself it is only going to get better. I remind myself of Dory from finding Nemo as she said "Just keep on Swimming."
The song "Lean on Me" as there are times where I do get frustrated. I am learning to be patience and take breaks when I need to.
Have a great day
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Some "wow" moments
I just continue to be amazed that I can hear out of my right ear finally. Sounds and voices may not be clear yet or hard to detect what things are but grateful for the gift of hearing. Yesterday taking a walk, yes i heard various sounds but finally figured that I was actually hearing the birds. I venture further with taking Simba to the groomers and vet yesterday which, I had to stop them several times to slow down and I was up front with them about my hearing. Let just say Simba was not my best buddy yesterday, and today was very apprehension to go with me but we went for a short walk in the park and he was fine.
I also went to my CG with my church last night and that was an adventure. I still have to rely a lot on lip reading and was able make out bits and pieces. This was a challenge but very motivated with retraining my brain to hear. It was the first large group setting and a bit overwhelming. I just remind myself that it is only going to get better and have to force my brain to recognize the sounds and speech. I am not using my hearing aid just the CI and this will be for 3-6 months. I am amused with what people's voices sound like and even myself. I feel like I sound like a fish underwater.
It feels good to get back into doing things, but still need to take things gradually. I never knew I would miss cooking so much :) I am starting to drive some but have certain times I have to refrain from it. Many people ask what things sound like and voices. It is very cartoonish, like people are talking under water and echoey. I have to remind people to slow down and face me still. Also that I am not ready to use a regular phone or and IPod yet. Time will come. Each time I go for more mapping, my audiologist is slowly working with me with speech recognition without me looking at her and in a quiet setting. They will soon test me in the hearing both on grasping tones and word recognition. Patience is the key and Perservance. It is neat how God is sustaining me through this journey. The song "All I have is Christ" has me going on this journey.
I think of my mom often and how excited she is in heaven, knowing that she is with me all the way. The colors I picked out (although I change them, which is awesome) are in rememberance of her. Yes the CI is helping me hear and I do not regret it, there will always be a part of deafness with me and it is okay.
I also went to my CG with my church last night and that was an adventure. I still have to rely a lot on lip reading and was able make out bits and pieces. This was a challenge but very motivated with retraining my brain to hear. It was the first large group setting and a bit overwhelming. I just remind myself that it is only going to get better and have to force my brain to recognize the sounds and speech. I am not using my hearing aid just the CI and this will be for 3-6 months. I am amused with what people's voices sound like and even myself. I feel like I sound like a fish underwater.
It feels good to get back into doing things, but still need to take things gradually. I never knew I would miss cooking so much :) I am starting to drive some but have certain times I have to refrain from it. Many people ask what things sound like and voices. It is very cartoonish, like people are talking under water and echoey. I have to remind people to slow down and face me still. Also that I am not ready to use a regular phone or and IPod yet. Time will come. Each time I go for more mapping, my audiologist is slowly working with me with speech recognition without me looking at her and in a quiet setting. They will soon test me in the hearing both on grasping tones and word recognition. Patience is the key and Perservance. It is neat how God is sustaining me through this journey. The song "All I have is Christ" has me going on this journey.
I think of my mom often and how excited she is in heaven, knowing that she is with me all the way. The colors I picked out (although I change them, which is awesome) are in rememberance of her. Yes the CI is helping me hear and I do not regret it, there will always be a part of deafness with me and it is okay.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Tweaking Session 2 and my Neptune
Today I headed back to JH for more tweaking/mapping session. Not sure what I want to call it. I received my other processor the off the ear one and waterproof. It is called the Neptune. I have lot of new toys. I am still adjusting to the new settings on the programs. This is going to take time, the best way to help retrain my brain to hear is by communicating with people, listening to books on tape and other exercises. I think I will make a trip to the library this week to get some books on tape (starting with Children's).
I will continue with vestibular therapy and exercising is something that will be ongoing for me to keep my vestibular system strong. This is something that I am thrilled about as I enjoy it. Right now I am building back up, but eventually get back to riding bike and running. I am cleared to drive as long as I am not having vertigo or dizziness and not to or after therapy as it makes me dizzy with the exercises righ now.
On the journey home, Dad and I stopped for lunch. It was great spending time with Dad and talking with him. It was also nice to spend time with my sister and the kids and helping them out with their flower beds. I am just overjoyed and amazed what I am hearing even though I am not sure what all I am hearing. It feels good to hear and it is a precious gift.
The two songs that come to my mind are "Rejoice in the Lord" and "The Saving One."
I will continue with vestibular therapy and exercising is something that will be ongoing for me to keep my vestibular system strong. This is something that I am thrilled about as I enjoy it. Right now I am building back up, but eventually get back to riding bike and running. I am cleared to drive as long as I am not having vertigo or dizziness and not to or after therapy as it makes me dizzy with the exercises righ now.
On the journey home, Dad and I stopped for lunch. It was great spending time with Dad and talking with him. It was also nice to spend time with my sister and the kids and helping them out with their flower beds. I am just overjoyed and amazed what I am hearing even though I am not sure what all I am hearing. It feels good to hear and it is a precious gift.
The two songs that come to my mind are "Rejoice in the Lord" and "The Saving One."
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Happy Sunday
Yesterday was an eventful day with the CI. I am getting use to it but yes it makes my head ande ear sore, but worth it with hearing through the CI. The adventures continues. It is very difficult to make out voices (normal), so still lip reading. Speech is the hardest to understand. I can detect sounds but some I have a hard time identifying with, but I can hear. I often have to get help of what I am actually hearing. My nephew Austin does sound like Mickey as other voices.
One highlight that I tried yesterday was talking on video Skype with my girlfriend. It was a challenged but thanks to her she slowed down enough for me to read her lips. Hearing is exhausting, but feels good. I go back tomorrow for more programming and to get my Neptune processor which is off the ear and waterproof. I have been ready for this moment for a long time and yes it takes time, patience, perservance and being persistant (3 P's).
Dad and I have spent the weekend with my sister and her family. It has been a joy and we have been helping them out with their flower beds. I am able to do more things and that feels good. My sister dug out a lot of tulip, daffodils, croucus, and many other bulbs that I am going to bring back with me to plant in my flower beds. It has been a great joy being with the kids. Austin has not asked what is on my head though and Penny has not tried to grab it which I thought she might.
We did video tape the activation and I will post pictures of my processor and all the toys it came with when I get back.
Continuing to rejoicing in the Lord with this journey and blessing to hear. :) Have a great Day
One highlight that I tried yesterday was talking on video Skype with my girlfriend. It was a challenged but thanks to her she slowed down enough for me to read her lips. Hearing is exhausting, but feels good. I go back tomorrow for more programming and to get my Neptune processor which is off the ear and waterproof. I have been ready for this moment for a long time and yes it takes time, patience, perservance and being persistant (3 P's).
Dad and I have spent the weekend with my sister and her family. It has been a joy and we have been helping them out with their flower beds. I am able to do more things and that feels good. My sister dug out a lot of tulip, daffodils, croucus, and many other bulbs that I am going to bring back with me to plant in my flower beds. It has been a great joy being with the kids. Austin has not asked what is on my head though and Penny has not tried to grab it which I thought she might.
We did video tape the activation and I will post pictures of my processor and all the toys it came with when I get back.
Continuing to rejoicing in the Lord with this journey and blessing to hear. :) Have a great Day
Friday, April 13, 2012
Activation Day
Thanks to all who sent texts and your prayers for today. It was a big day and yes I am tired. Activation went well and things sound "wild and crazy" so to speak. I knew that I would not hear everything and be able to follow speech right away and that it will take time for me to adjust to all the sounds I forgot and understand speech.
What it sounds like? the sounds are noisy yet soft in some ways and it is hard to tell what it is right away or where it is coming from, this is normal and my audiologist (awesome one) said just ask others what I am hearing if I cannot make it out. Speech and voices sound very scratchy and like someone is speaking underwater yet cartoonish. So yes like disney characters. Which makes me laugh. When they first turned it on, I was suprised and not sure what to expect. Very amazing and just felt good to hear. I still need to be lip reading and close to someone.
Today I was on program 1 and tomorrow I got to 2 and Sunday 3. I can adjust the volume on the programs. I return monday for more adjustments and also meeting with my doctor. I am grateful to bei hearing right now and trying to pick out different sounds. I took a walk shortly after getting back to my sisters trying to pick out sounds in nature. Lawn mower was one thing going sounding werid and not sure what it was. Traffic sounds like a whoosh under a tunnel.
I am turning in for the night. Journey to hearing is exhausting as well as exciting.
Scripture that comes to mind and someone reminded me of today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Joyful for the gift of hearing and this journey.
I will soon post pictures of all my new toys
What it sounds like? the sounds are noisy yet soft in some ways and it is hard to tell what it is right away or where it is coming from, this is normal and my audiologist (awesome one) said just ask others what I am hearing if I cannot make it out. Speech and voices sound very scratchy and like someone is speaking underwater yet cartoonish. So yes like disney characters. Which makes me laugh. When they first turned it on, I was suprised and not sure what to expect. Very amazing and just felt good to hear. I still need to be lip reading and close to someone.
Today I was on program 1 and tomorrow I got to 2 and Sunday 3. I can adjust the volume on the programs. I return monday for more adjustments and also meeting with my doctor. I am grateful to bei hearing right now and trying to pick out different sounds. I took a walk shortly after getting back to my sisters trying to pick out sounds in nature. Lawn mower was one thing going sounding werid and not sure what it was. Traffic sounds like a whoosh under a tunnel.
I am turning in for the night. Journey to hearing is exhausting as well as exciting.
Scripture that comes to mind and someone reminded me of today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Joyful for the gift of hearing and this journey.
I will soon post pictures of all my new toys
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Activation Day Awaits Me
It is hard to believe that my activation day is FINALLY here (well tomorrow). I am VERY excited for this moment to finally be here. Soon I may complain that things are "TOO" loud, but it will be a good thing and feel good to hear with that ear.
The last couple weeks have been very hard but also very busy, so that has helped. My appointment for tomorrow is just with my audiologist and than monday again with her and meeting with my doctor. I am continuing vestibular therapy and was very excited about using the stationary bike, even though it creates issues, it felt good to be on the bike again. Working my way up to the road bike. They are giving several exercises in strengthening and retraining my vestibular system. My therapist is great and helping me out a lot.
As I have been feeling anxious with many changes going on there are two passages that have encouraged me through this time.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God with transcends all understandings, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." --Philippans 4:6-7
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important that clothes?...But seek first his kingdown and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."---Matthew 6:25, 31,33-34
One thing I always look forward to is being with my sister and her family. Now Friday the 13ths will be my lucky days. :)
The last couple weeks have been very hard but also very busy, so that has helped. My appointment for tomorrow is just with my audiologist and than monday again with her and meeting with my doctor. I am continuing vestibular therapy and was very excited about using the stationary bike, even though it creates issues, it felt good to be on the bike again. Working my way up to the road bike. They are giving several exercises in strengthening and retraining my vestibular system. My therapist is great and helping me out a lot.
As I have been feeling anxious with many changes going on there are two passages that have encouraged me through this time.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God with transcends all understandings, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." --Philippans 4:6-7
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important that clothes?...But seek first his kingdown and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."---Matthew 6:25, 31,33-34
One thing I always look forward to is being with my sister and her family. Now Friday the 13ths will be my lucky days. :)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Easter Weekend
Happy Easter Everyone. A little late oh well. I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter. Easter was different for all of us being in different places but also refreshing. My Dad and I headed to the mountains for Easter. We stopped for dinner and there was a song playing and Dad said "This song reminds me of Mom." I asked him what the song was? It was an oldie song I forget the title. We talked about somethings that reminded us of mom, certain flowers, trees, songs, etc. As we turned into our driveway, we spotted a deer in the yard, Simba too and he went off barking. As we got closer we realized that there were actually 4 deer.
We planted (or Dad did) a willow tree by the pond. We took some daffodils bulbs down to Mom's memorial site and planted some there. Dad started to build to stake out for a deck on the back of the house. It was just nice to be together.
It was great to get away for the weekend and one that I needed to. This weekend I was able to re-focus and be reminded of God's Love for me and everyone. One song that came into my head was "Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus." The words have touched me in so many ways right now, through this journey in my life. It reassured me in many ways and areas that I need to build on.
The two pictures that I took that I am connecting with is the weeping willow and the bluebell flowers. The blue bells as they are a bulb in the ground and think of life as they grow.
Four DAYS!!!!
As I came back from the mountains, an email was waiting for me and included several passages of scriptures. It was neat in reflecting on them.
Psalm 23:2
1 Peter 5:10
Psalm 91:11
Psalm 103
2 Timothy 1:7
We planted (or Dad did) a willow tree by the pond. We took some daffodils bulbs down to Mom's memorial site and planted some there. Dad started to build to stake out for a deck on the back of the house. It was just nice to be together.
It was great to get away for the weekend and one that I needed to. This weekend I was able to re-focus and be reminded of God's Love for me and everyone. One song that came into my head was "Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus." The words have touched me in so many ways right now, through this journey in my life. It reassured me in many ways and areas that I need to build on.
The two pictures that I took that I am connecting with is the weeping willow and the bluebell flowers. The blue bells as they are a bulb in the ground and think of life as they grow.
Four DAYS!!!!
As I came back from the mountains, an email was waiting for me and included several passages of scriptures. It was neat in reflecting on them.
Psalm 23:2
1 Peter 5:10
Psalm 91:11
Psalm 103
2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, April 2, 2012
Back to Church and 11 days
It was great being back in church yesterday, the first time since my surgery. Since it was April's Fools Day, many people and I decided to go crazy with our hair since part of my hair was shaved for the surgery. You can still tell but my hair is growing back. And the incision is barely noticable. No issue with infection in the incision site. PTL. It was great seeing everyone and good to be feeling up to doing more things. I still give myself time to rest as my body is still recovering but things are improving. :)
I am gaining more and more of my balance back, it does get worse when the vertigo kicks in but from the surgery it is getting better and I am able to walk 2 miles with some support, but getting stronger :) I have to say I am itching to run and bike again. I will start vestibular therapy to help with the balance and coordination. It is the coordination with my vestibular system that is affecting my balance verses my muscle strength (that part is good and strong). Each time I go for a walk with someone I keep pushing to do a little more and gaining more strength. Exercise will be a continued thing to keep my balance in line like I was doing before the surgery.
In basically now 10 days YAY!!! I have activation and will be retraining my right ear to hear with the CI. This is exciting and so ready for it. The best part is seeing my sister and her family in Maryland.
As activation comes coming Yes I am excited but yet not sure what to expect with "turn on" this is all new but new and exciting. It will take time to adjust and it is not an overnight thing, I describe that I have a computer in my brain/ear that helps me hear. Sounds will not be the same at first and will sound strange. I often get nervous and worried but remind myself that God has a plan and that he is with me each step of the way.
I am gaining more and more of my balance back, it does get worse when the vertigo kicks in but from the surgery it is getting better and I am able to walk 2 miles with some support, but getting stronger :) I have to say I am itching to run and bike again. I will start vestibular therapy to help with the balance and coordination. It is the coordination with my vestibular system that is affecting my balance verses my muscle strength (that part is good and strong). Each time I go for a walk with someone I keep pushing to do a little more and gaining more strength. Exercise will be a continued thing to keep my balance in line like I was doing before the surgery.
In basically now 10 days YAY!!! I have activation and will be retraining my right ear to hear with the CI. This is exciting and so ready for it. The best part is seeing my sister and her family in Maryland.
As activation comes coming Yes I am excited but yet not sure what to expect with "turn on" this is all new but new and exciting. It will take time to adjust and it is not an overnight thing, I describe that I have a computer in my brain/ear that helps me hear. Sounds will not be the same at first and will sound strange. I often get nervous and worried but remind myself that God has a plan and that he is with me each step of the way.
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