Some things worth the wait

Now that the Surgery is done, activation is right around the corner and God is teaching me the patience I need through this time.  I am overwhelmed with the goodness of Gods grace as people are reaching out to help and lend the help I need right now.  So grateful.
When they activate me they will be testing my other ear to do a CI in that ear.  Yes another hearing test and my favorite thing in the world right?  But it is all part of the process in me to hear better and that is the end result :)
I am grateful for everone lifting my spirits up and keeping me in a positive mode as this recovery is not easy.  We are talking of doing PT to help my balance and not thrilled but if it will help to get me back to running and biking I am for it.  I am still in for running a 1/2 marthon in September with some friends, something to look forward and a goal to have in mind. 
I have been on antibotics and it has caused thrush in my mouth so they have discontinued that and changed some medications for me.  Thanks for everyone helping me out with the surgery and anything I need during this journey into hearing.  Rough but possible.
God is with me all the way.  Hopefully I make sense the medications make me loopy :)
"THose who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength...Teach me Lord to Wait."

4 day POST OP and Chipper

Four Days since my CI surgery.  Recovery has been rough but staying positive and up beat attitude. I just keep in my mind that things will improve and and looking forward to hearing again.  I am not using any hearing aids right now b/c of the bandage and using more sign language and writing things out. 
My experience with JH has been amazing.  Beofre leaving on Thursday I saw my doctor and audioliogist and they are all thrilled that things are going well and love seeing my positive attitude despite the pain, it is worth it.  My Dad just keeps on telling me to give it time and REST, REST, REST.  When they activate me if you have not heard they are going to re-evaluated my other ear and try to set a date for surgery on that ear as well b/c it is going down so fast.  They are also going to work more in treating the menieres too and getting that settled down.  We are working on seeing about getting me a walker to help.
I been getting a big kick out of my bandage decorating it and having fun with flunky hair dues.   I am so grateful for family and friends helping me out and being a support through this time and having the company I need.  Hug Answer to prayer.  God is sustaining me each moment.  
For a story, when I walked into the OR with the surgircal team I made sure I had a strong person to help, (my doctor's collegeus).  We walked in to gether as we were walking into a prom and said "I am sorrry I forgot to get you a coursage."  Just an Awesome team of care they have been.  I am in great hands.  My courasge is now on my ear. 
My Right ear is swollen and red but no infection yet.  One day at a time.  It is neat seeing thr humor and positve attititude I have right now.  Having any barain surgery or type is not easy.  My friends and I decided when I come to church we ar all going to wear our hair flunky for me.  Thanks for your prayers and support.  Let me know if there is anything that you think of that could be of help. 
AMber
"I can do all things though him who gives me strength"

It is day three since the CI surgery and Amber continues to be a trooper. Since she is still in a lot of pain and experiencing nausea and vertigo/dizziness, simple tasks of sitting up, standing, or walking short distances are a challenge and require two people to help. But she is slowly making progress and the dizziness is not uncommon after CI surgery.
 
Amber was able to sleep a little better last night with less coughing interruptions. Due to the nausea, Amber has only been able to tolerate Gatorade, sips of water, and baby food (which she likes).
 
Today Amber enjoyed getting her first warm bath/shower since the surgery and is looking forward to getting a “funky” hairdo to keep her hair out of the incision area.

Despite it all, she is finding opportunities to laugh and smile and is enjoying the times spent with friends and family that stop by to visit her.

Since Amber is confined to her recliner, her church friend Lauren has been kind enough to stay with her 24/7 the last few days and nights to help. This has been a great blessing. More friends are needed to step up to help Amber for the next days/nights and possible weeks, until she is more secure on her feet.

Amber is grateful for all the prayers and support she has received from her friends and family. So please keep it up.

Well that is all for now. More updates will come. So stay tuned….  (written by Kara)

Back home

I returned home yesterday evening from JH.  In a lot of pain and extremely off balance, can't walk without help.  The surgery was an success but waitng with the vertigo thing to see if that help that portion but for sure my hearin.  The bandage hurts too much for my other haring aid so using writing methods to commmucaite.  I met with my doctor and my audiologist yestrerday which was a highlight of th day for me.  they are thrilled with results and will restest my other ear at activation to plan in doing that ear b/ it is dropping fast.  I will post later but need to rest please feel free to stop in just text.  I have  a friend with staying so gtaeflul
Amber
It is rough but WILL make it

Th BIG Day

I am now just hours away from my surgery.  Still bursting with excitement.  I thought I would take a little time this morning to write beforehand as everyone else is eating breakfast and that I don't have to leave until 10, since my surgery is not until 1:30.  I am still amazed how I am staying calm and confident and just filled with excitement.  We arrived in MD last night around 10:45 due to traffic and accidents along the way.  I dozed and practiced some sign language with Kara.  I got something to eat before I went to bed and drank some water.  I did get some sleep but very little, but I know that I will be taking a long nap soon.  I am ready as ever and overwhelmed that I am just hours away from the surgery.  Soon will come the activation day and so looking forward to that.  The best part is being with Austin and Penny along with my family right now.  Austin greeted me with a hug and kiss this morning. Love that little guy and Penny gave me a big smile.
Thanks for all your prayers and support during this journey.  I will keep you posted and write as I feel able to.
I know that God is with me through this and never leaving my side.  Last night as I was awake the song "Everlasting God" played into my head, just putting my trust in him as I take this next step.   My dad and Kara are going to be with me today and my mom in spirits.  I have apart of her with me and always will.
Psalm 121 gives me the reassurance that I need today.
Yes I am hungry and thirsty.

                                  Before Picture (all my hair)

                                                                 THe Right Ear Markering

                                                  smilies the surgeron added to my bandage
                                                        

Pre-Surgery Day and full of Excitement

As I sit back on the day before my surgery for the cochlear implant, tears come to my eyes.  Both tears of joy and sadness.   I am overjoyed and filled with so much excitement that is it bubbling over right now. It is hard to believe that it is coming and the reality that I am getting my first CI is hitting me and there have been NO problems with the insurance.  WHOO.  Yes it will be frustrating at times I am sure but worth it and READY, SO READY!!!

 The other set of tears comes from not having my mom with me on this day.  I so wish that she could be her and know that she is so proud of me. As hard as this is and really hitting me today, I know that she is my angel right by my side and cheering me on in heaven the same that she would be if she were here with me.

As I reflect back to the day that the news was confirmed that I had a hearing loss the first thing that stuck me was fear and a load of questions that remained unanswered.  This fear lead also to a lot of anxiety in myself. All this fear, anxiety, questions and uncertainity, scared me.  Yes I admit I wanted to hide and not anyone know.  As my hearing continued to drop and very quickly I look back it has been 18 months since I was diagnosed and in that period hearing aids have not been very affective for me and now getting the opportunity for the cochlear implant.  I relate this 18 months as to my mom, that was her time frame with her battle with cancer.  With my hearing dropping so fast, yes scary as it has been for me, letting go of wanted to hide it and open up in sharing about it has helped me more to accept it.  Yes it is a disability but I often look at it as not about what I cannot do or hear, rather what I CAN do.  I am learning that I am accepted in anyway and you cannot judge a person from the outside or the things that they are not capable of doing.  Yes there are a lot of sounds and conversations that I cannot hear or follow and things I do need help with, but each little sound big or small I take for granted even though it is not much.  God is sustaining me through this trial and I have been so eager in how he has been faithful to me and working in my life.  Yes there still are fears, questions, times of uncertainity and anxious feelings with this all, but I am learning to lean on him and continuing to trust that he will lead me through. 

By this time tomorrow I will be having my surgery

We are heading down tonight with my dad and friend, as well as my sister and my niece and nephew. I have to arrive at the hospital at 11:30 and my surgery is at 1:30. 

The song "By Faith" has been encouraging me today as I put my trust in God (2 Corithians 5:7) "we live by faith and not by sight"
Psalm 121 also is encouraging me as I reflect on the passage

Almost 2 days

Thank-you to everyone who spent time praying with me today as my surgery is basically 2 days away.  It is hard to believe, I remember when I started counting the days down it was 51 and it is now fast approaching.  I feel very blessed to have so many people praying and supporting me, I really appreciate it. 
Imagine yourself being a kid again at Christmas or your birthday, all that excitement that you have with the big day.  This is how I am feeling with this surgery.  I view any little moment with hearing as a gift and that with my hearing improving through this surgery is a HUGE gift for me.  I have to say the one thing I am looking forward to hearing most is my family and friends voices and to understand them clearly. 
The sermon was very encouraging to me today as it reminded me in facing challenges no matter how big or small they may be, to "come and see" and trust in him to lead me through.  I may be weary somedays and feel frustrated and overwhelmed with the trials that I am facing, but God is sustaining me through them as I need to remind myself to rest in him.  I know what ever the outcome of the surgery and whatever God has in store for me, he will provide and sustain me through this journey and lead me through.
Tonight I got to spend time with my family as my sister is up from MD with the kids.  It is always a joy to see Penny and Austin.  They have certainly filled out family with joy as we continue to miss my mom.  I have to say you know that they are here or at least Austin is b/c the sweeper is always out.  He will be a great house cleaner soon. 
The words from "Everlasting Lord" stick into my mind from the message and the closing song "Come to Me"
Have a great night.