tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22350375673305486862024-03-21T11:26:03.803-04:00CI BorgThis is a blog detailing my journey from Deaf into (hopefully) hearing and my dealing with a piece of technology called a cochlear implant.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-17524068102512338652010-07-16T17:16:00.001-04:002010-07-16T17:16:13.831-04:00Some Updates<p>Well since its been about ten forever's since I updated I figured I would type up a few. </p> <p>I went to a music festival on Memorial day weekend and that evening had a five hours seizure and had to be put in the hospital. Since then I have had about 7 or 8 more, the last one put me back in the hospital (it lasted an hour) and I have been out of work for the past few weeks to recover. I have been diagnosed with Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder. What a life changer. I have lost my license, and I ended up getting a scooter to go back and forth on. Not real great when its been like a thousand degrees recently, but better than walking. </p> <p>I also had my almost two year old T-Mic fail on me. This is the first real equipment failure I have had. In less than two minutes on the phone with Advanced Bionics I had a replacement on the way, which arrived a day earlier than it was supposed to! Very cool. </p> <p>I will post up some scooter pictures and stuff here soon. </p> <p>Hope everyone is doing ok. I am going to swap the format of the blog around to be more general and not just CI related. </p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-71975745118963330482009-11-26T02:09:00.001-05:002009-11-26T02:12:28.436-05:00LONG week, webinars, and Thanksgiving<p>Ok so I know that webinars are supposed to be a cool way to get information to people. However, I attended one for two hours this week and all I got out of it was “BINDER” and “Work ORDER”. I literally sat for two hours, smiling like a jackass and not having a damned clue what was going on. Then to make it even better, the person who was close to the phone would keep turning around and talking if they thought what was being said wasn’t important. Oy vey. I was supposed to leave from work early today so I could start my Thanksgiving, but we all know that didn't happen. Figures lol. When I came home though I found that Michael had made pecan pie, which almost made me fall over. I hope its good. :) I upgraded my OS on my computer to Windows 7. I sort of liked Vista, but I am really digging 7 so far. Only had one issue and that was with an online data back up that I use. Just switched it from the stand alone to the web version and it cleared right up. So far, so good.Also, I am asking for a Kindle for the holidays, does anyone have one?</p> <p> Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving. </p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-32942821948046477192009-10-24T03:13:00.001-04:002009-10-24T03:13:08.146-04:00Nice Day<p>I had a good day today. I had a review with my boss which went well. I also went and joined SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) which has a TON of resources on its site. All in all a good day, my teeth are still hurting, not as bad though. I am still debating on getting a hearing dog, the jury is still out on that one though. Hope all is well.</p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-48775839506812469832009-10-21T02:44:00.001-04:002009-10-21T02:44:59.076-04:00Post Root Canal(s) Update<p>Ok, so today I had my two scheduled root canals which I was REALLY looking forward to. Anyway, I went in at 9:30 and they started working on me. I was smart and took off my processors so I didn't have to hear it. :) Well three hours later the dentist told me that one of my teeth had a fracture and that it would be a waste to do the root canal on. So he cleaned it up and advised me that I now have to have it extracted and a bridge put in instead. </p> <p>Now the best part is that this extraction is scheduled for November 9 in the morning and that evening we (Michael and I) are going to Philly for a concert. I should be in good shape for that! </p> <p>On a side note, I am considering applying for a Hearing Dog. I think it would be a good thing for me to have. Do any of my readers have one or know anything about the application process? </p> <p> </p> <p>As you can see, its very late here, but my face is still swollen and my teeth hurt and the vicoden is just now starting to make really really tired. So off to bed for me. I hope everyone is enjoying fall.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jay</p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-81115795682897545092009-10-17T04:24:00.001-04:002009-10-17T04:24:38.761-04:00Dreary Day<p>Today was a dreary day. Its been very cold and rainy since Wednesday. Michael went to Atlanta for the weekend, so I am home alone. Not sure if anything is on the plans for the weekend. I might try to go to the movies is there is an OC playing. I might go this whole weekend without my CI’s on, just to give me a rest. Its hard wearing them all the time. Since Michael doesn't really know sign and I can’t always lip read him very well it can be very frustrating. So this might be a good excuse for me to just relax and not have to really worry about the CI. He went to see our friends who are having an art show at Chastain Park. So if anyone who reads this is in the Atlanta/Sandy Springs area. Go check out the show! I wish I could have went, I love Georgia. Plus Randall and Patrick are so nice. I miss seeing them. Hope everyone is ok, I am noticing I am picking up more and more ‘small’ sounds with these things on, I can actually make out the radio when I drive pretty clear and as I type this the TV is on and I can make out what they are saying without looking at it. Very cool indeed. </p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-37525656372972461462009-10-11T00:43:00.001-04:002009-10-11T00:43:44.676-04:00Debating<p>Ok I have two abscessed teeth. I have been advised by my dentist to either have a double root canal or to have them extracted. Has anyone had a successful root canal? Do they hurt? I am in lots of pain right now because of them, I really don't want to get them pulled but the root canals are going to cost me $1400 and that is with my dental insurance. Its $100 to get them pulled. Just for the record its my top left molars that are affected. So if anyone reading this can give me some advice I would appreciate it. :)</p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-68436250796084631882009-10-07T00:45:00.001-04:002009-10-07T00:45:32.048-04:00UGH<p>I have a freaking toothache. I hate when I get one of them. I am hoping it feels better in the morning or I am going to have to break down and go to the dentist. Other than that, not much going on, I am hoping to make it to DC for the ‘Walk 4 Hearing’ this month. One because I think it would be cool, and two the guy from the Redskins is pretty hot, he is the honorary chairman :) </p> Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-88707475772310900272009-10-04T02:03:00.002-04:002009-10-04T02:06:14.257-04:00UpdatesI know I have been REALLY bad about updating on here. Lets just say things have been crazy. I am doing great with my bi lateral implants. I ended up getting a promotion at work into a management position, something I know I could have never pulled off without my cochlear implants. I also bought a new lap top so I am hoping to use it more for updates and things now. I am also thinking of setting up a more personal blog for things not just relating to my cochlear journey. If I decide to do that I will let everyone know. Hope everyone is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-13899607371871783552009-08-06T17:56:00.001-04:002009-08-06T17:58:36.184-04:00Second Activation DayI had my second CI turned on today. I forgot how bad they sound when they first get switched on. Cats on helium, me sounding like a little girl. Fun stuff!<br />I did nail all the words that Andrea gave me at the office today and I also talked on the phone with my sister while I was driving home...with the new implant only. I thought that was pretty cool I will update more as things change but as for right now it just sounds weird but I am SO glad to hear out of both ears.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-28039636613300823332009-07-18T22:55:00.002-04:002009-07-18T22:57:27.264-04:00ProgressI am doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> since my surgery, everything has healed up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. Not a lot to report, my unactivated ear is driving me nuts its ringing so loud. It did a three day stint of sounding like a fax machine which was nice. I was ready to put my head in the oven at that point <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. I know it will settle once I get it turned on so come on August 6! Hope everyone is doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-61800071988180866152009-06-26T14:30:00.004-04:002009-06-26T14:41:20.066-04:00Bi Lateral Surgery Pictures and Update<div><br /><br /><div>So I had my surgery on Tuesday, lived on the pain pills until yesterday :) I hate how groggy they make me, but its usually the only I can get sleep after something like that. I stopped taking them yesterday and have been going on OTC stuff instead. I can feel the last of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oxycontin</span> leaving my system today because its been a struggle to stay upright all day. I took the pressure bandage off yesterday and I am publishing some pics of the surgery site and all. I have another lousy haircut (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> let a doctor cut your hair), but its not nearly as bad as last time. All in all I have had a much easier time with the second surgery than I did with the first. The biggest difference I have noticed is how loud my left ear rings now, there are times when it almost drowns out the right CI. The other weird thing is I have turned down the volume on my processor. Its too loud otherwise. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> know what that is from but there you have it. :) Pics are here, the gunk on my ear is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bacatracin</span>, not some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">discharge</span> or anything, I keep that on it so it doesn't get infected. Hope everyone is doing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">OK</span> on this hot humid Friday. Keep in touch!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezOwA62CP4l3PFDsuImjVJ7y9EpeTjwqafjOqCl8NRwgKmTVBcs-OCVEZjtt9t1PejnikB8zH7vL32-kJvfoObrkHH4oAiatJTUgmGk7QtqhXBvHmWlX40bFeCOfOMOAnr_JpPa-vaSP5/s1600-h/100_1607.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351707227033507106" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezOwA62CP4l3PFDsuImjVJ7y9EpeTjwqafjOqCl8NRwgKmTVBcs-OCVEZjtt9t1PejnikB8zH7vL32-kJvfoObrkHH4oAiatJTUgmGk7QtqhXBvHmWlX40bFeCOfOMOAnr_JpPa-vaSP5/s400/100_1607.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxauLSYgU6KYcBpDILM3ncYZrHYzB6MDn4ax79quXN1pD9S8qyuArIv2Ykx0cd2Yf0Ry_HXgUIGDjC5lWSUKa8hNa1Bk5KiTlB36puErLf5dBD25U8GtRUsARqwj4rOJExcd3XFRx-kXL/s1600-h/100_1608.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351707965597455810" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxauLSYgU6KYcBpDILM3ncYZrHYzB6MDn4ax79quXN1pD9S8qyuArIv2Ykx0cd2Yf0Ry_HXgUIGDjC5lWSUKa8hNa1Bk5KiTlB36puErLf5dBD25U8GtRUsARqwj4rOJExcd3XFRx-kXL/s400/100_1608.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-17473413290787096912009-06-24T21:22:00.002-04:002009-06-24T21:26:44.246-04:00Bi Lateral SurgerySO my surgery was yesterday. Dr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Niparko</span> had me and in recovery in about an hour and a half. That guy is amazing. Today I am tired and sore. Especially my neck, back and throat. My ear hurts a little bit but nothing the pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meds</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> clear up. I am looking forward to taking the pressure bandage off tomorrow, so be prepared for some pictures. :) Hope everyone is doing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">OK</span>. Activation for the left ear is set for August 6 which seems SO far away... :)Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-89815637172338130832009-06-24T01:28:00.000-04:002009-06-24T01:31:29.864-04:00bi-lateral surgeryI had my bi lateral surgery today. All seemed to have went well. I am in a lot of pain right now but I wanted to update in case anyone was concerned. I will put a better update tomorrow for sure. Maybe even some pictures. Hope all is well.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-88536641775754951302009-06-16T21:14:00.000-04:002009-06-16T21:17:36.682-04:00one week till bilat sugery!!Its officiall one week until I have my bialteral surgery. I am excited and scared at the same time. It will be so cool to get the other done finally. Activation is scheduled for august 6. I also heard a cool thing yesterday. The recorded voice on my voicemail came through crystal clear! Very cool. Hope everyone doing well. I will keep this updated from the other surgery.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-80471944277908713612009-06-06T10:35:00.000-04:002009-06-06T10:42:32.833-04:00A Few UpdatesOk as you know my surgery is scheduled for June 23. My first and second activation dates are August 6 & 7. I am a little upset that I have to wait that long for the activation but I will survive. I have tickets to see Tori Amos August 1 and was hoping to have the second implant on by then. Also, I have a new blackberry curve which I can hear great on. So if any of you reading this have one hit me up on ciborg@sprint.blackberry.net and we can chat! Hope all is well in your world, mine is doing ok!Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-78099750025114263442009-05-24T00:52:00.002-04:002009-05-24T00:56:37.447-04:00Random StuffSo Michael's sister is in town for the weekend and we are out and about. Tonight we went to see the Charm City Roller Girls roller derby match. Laugh if you want, but they are awesome! Those girls are rough and they kick ass. We had a good time, tomorrow we are going to the aquarium and a pirate ship ride, Monday we are going to the Orioles game. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YAY</span> BASEBALL :) I am excited. This will be my first hearing baseball game with the implant.<br /><br />Now tonight I heard something I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">couldn't</span> figure out what it was and it turned out to be a bat! A bat squeaking. I never ever thought I would be able to hear a bat. High pitch, fast moving, and not really able to see. It was cool. Very cool.<br /><br />I am looking forward to getting the second implant which is month away now, its going to be awesome.<br /><br />Hope everyone has a good holiday weekend. Mine seems to be going pretty well.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-42624733115913357032009-05-17T00:52:00.002-04:002009-05-17T00:59:25.152-04:00Movie DayToday Michael and I went to see "Star Trek". I went for two reasons, one I love Star Trek, and two I think Chris Pine is freaking hot! :) This was a good movie, and we saw it in the IMAX which is much much easier for me to hear in with the CI. I guess its the super surround sound they use. I don't care why its just cool to watch a movie and not have to read the captions. The movie was good, the eye candy was good, and then we went shopping. I got some shorts and a shirt, we bought some stuff in Pier One and Michael got some stuff for his computer. All I can say is wow are people in White Marsh nasty! At least they were today. We bought an external hard drive and when it rang up the price was wrong. Michael told the girl the price the tag said and she said " well you can go get the sticker and bring it over. Next!" I was amazed. I always thought that would be her job, although from the looks of her, she hasn't moved very much to get anything recently. The best part of it was when she saw us coming back with it, she closed the register she was on and moved to a different one. I told him I would have complained to the manager, he let it go. Oh well, she better hope I don't go there soon. Avoid Lacey at the White Marsh Best Buy. :) Hope everyone had a good weekend.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-14224329584560683182009-05-16T01:44:00.007-04:002009-05-16T02:01:31.101-04:00Bi Lat stuff, pics and picnic<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>Ok I am going bi lateral on June 23 YAY. I am excited. Very very excited. I am doing good with the one, so I want to try two out. :) Yesterday was the CI recipient picnic hosted by Johns Hopkins. Very cool! I met some nice people, it was so cool to be around a ton of other people who had the implants on, they were in age ranges from two to 80! It was sweet. I hope that anyone who sees this and was here will email me and tell me. I would love to meet up with some locals and make new friends in the area that can relate to this journey. I also went to see my niece last weekend so I am posting the customary baby pics at the end of this, hope you enjoy!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpwZF-ZmVjt1ZLo6mETOE35ncsD-Kmo4NlE_48Rzvsx-0WqzEUdjjFkqNcDEYb7q_cUl9VYraZMCS5KxS1DOd9XEIl1NQ9nJVXUziI7EqCJX5Qdl1LSt3Cq5EyAgYm8hlNqgXnP017YCX/s1600-h/100_1260.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336294826557294338" style="WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpwZF-ZmVjt1ZLo6mETOE35ncsD-Kmo4NlE_48Rzvsx-0WqzEUdjjFkqNcDEYb7q_cUl9VYraZMCS5KxS1DOd9XEIl1NQ9nJVXUziI7EqCJX5Qdl1LSt3Cq5EyAgYm8hlNqgXnP017YCX/s400/100_1260.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMobpM4WfYq6n2-jD90f1LFtPhnqrycG8ya_uRfxHDyptVofCIpcxM4fRnRB-mQgm3R6UDsWW4OAfUApF4Ja1DkWPyJkpEgl1Ud5sFTThil8ktT6tD-G1Qo8w23vC04VPKzdW4UDM0P0iH/s1600-h/100_1269.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336295742639439794" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMobpM4WfYq6n2-jD90f1LFtPhnqrycG8ya_uRfxHDyptVofCIpcxM4fRnRB-mQgm3R6UDsWW4OAfUApF4Ja1DkWPyJkpEgl1Ud5sFTThil8ktT6tD-G1Qo8w23vC04VPKzdW4UDM0P0iH/s400/100_1269.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI7Epn6UJv57QM82-HyBBNjsCRQ38XCNakHBPCJbzZqH5uPLMTiL5gBlY0vqQnXkMYMrQe3hnJiPYLfBCsOOXyBFsbsOT5uYFzlbHVCFuInb_a1H8m4RwjuQKMuE1WGXJ8Rt1BRv3RhJj/s1600-h/100_1288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336296288196709842" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAI7Epn6UJv57QM82-HyBBNjsCRQ38XCNakHBPCJbzZqH5uPLMTiL5gBlY0vqQnXkMYMrQe3hnJiPYLfBCsOOXyBFsbsOT5uYFzlbHVCFuInb_a1H8m4RwjuQKMuE1WGXJ8Rt1BRv3RhJj/s400/100_1288.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-74033803533955706032009-05-04T03:00:00.001-04:002009-05-04T03:01:31.332-04:00BI Lateral Update.My bi lateral surgery is for June23. I am excited and scared at the same time. LOL I don't know why I know what to expect I guess I am just dumb like that. Hope everyone is well.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-67771318559395321112009-04-18T12:35:00.004-04:002009-04-18T12:51:20.842-04:006 month check up<div><br /><br /><div>Ok I had my 6 month check up yesterday. I am doing well with the CI, so well in fact that Monday I have an appointment to meet with my doctor to see about going bi lateral (one on the other ear) :) The thing continues to amaze me, the only problem I have run into is that the larger batteries tear my ear up really bad! It sucks so I am in the process of getting two new smaller ones.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>On the work front I got a promotion to HR night clerk, which is beyond sweet. I am loving it. My sister had her baby in Feb, I have a couple of pics that I will attach to this blog. All in all things are nice and calm with the exception of the tree pollen which is killing me, I mean it I think I am dying from it, and I like trees a lot, I dont understand why they hate me... :( Oh well, Hope everyone is ok, TTYL</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi9GotoQYCfwGzpCWInpTdNgpCB0S-DVfPQ8M8qqpg51hKUX5QSSb3mM_7PNkyAag_fsofhn32xrOWaWAThvqe3PyMpDTuFuPRmD641wVtnzBP8AgJw3VdBvGY0UOsaOygj2wZXpsVkg2/s1600-h/100_1001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326073899111405842" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi9GotoQYCfwGzpCWInpTdNgpCB0S-DVfPQ8M8qqpg51hKUX5QSSb3mM_7PNkyAag_fsofhn32xrOWaWAThvqe3PyMpDTuFuPRmD641wVtnzBP8AgJw3VdBvGY0UOsaOygj2wZXpsVkg2/s400/100_1001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89kiiyZBpw_CZ6WJxHoNVOLB0GqvVIqUjR2K9PSxkfOMc462O3I8rlvqa1boEa4h9SuH5l-VHCw7knzII9VKNse2SVMk0pFkWdmQgcSiC6Htp5jxD_hiHLOcUzE2NurC92c4mRWUYgq6w/s1600-h/100_0964.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326074656292925938" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89kiiyZBpw_CZ6WJxHoNVOLB0GqvVIqUjR2K9PSxkfOMc462O3I8rlvqa1boEa4h9SuH5l-VHCw7knzII9VKNse2SVMk0pFkWdmQgcSiC6Htp5jxD_hiHLOcUzE2NurC92c4mRWUYgq6w/s400/100_0964.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-15906311711098149592008-12-11T22:20:00.003-05:002008-12-11T22:25:54.440-05:00CI Moments<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span> just a few things here.<br />I heard Michael breathing outside in the dark the other night and it freaked me out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span>.<br /><br />I have discovered that the ability to take this thing off is great in shopping malls and around screaming kids :) HA HA take that you damned hearing people.<br /><br />I can now hear them page me at work which I am still undecided as to it being good or bad.<br /><br />I can talk on the phone to a point, but not if its really loud and I don't know who I am talking to.<br /><br />The dishwasher is loud and so is silverware. Very loud.<br /><br />My cats sound like they are high on helium, which is just funny.<br /><br />Things I don't like to hear:<br /><br />Kids screaming<br /><br />Fire engines<br /><br />Some lady I work with that sounds like she is drunk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lol</span><br /><br />Really loud noises scare me and I still have some trouble with directions but I am doing better. I nailed a 94% on word recognition at my last appointment, next time they are doing it in noise which is my worst part UGH. Just a fast update, hope everyone who reads this is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span>, and just an FYI I am trying really hard to get the second one done and soon! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">TTYL</span>Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-82591219665677123712008-11-02T12:38:00.002-05:002008-11-02T12:45:16.275-05:00CI momentsOK I am catching hell for not updating so here we go. Lots has been happening recently at least with my CI. I can make out some stuff really clear and I am listening to my iPod a lot. Music is kinda muddy but I can make out stuff especially old favorites. My ear is sore and I think I am finally going to breakdown and get some moleskin for it, I was hoping it would just toughen up with out it but it doesn't seem to want to. I went back to work on the 20th (BLAH) and its OK. The only thing I worry about is how much I sweat and stuff working so I am hoping to just find a new job. Also I can talk on the phone as long as its in a quiet environment, no car yet or anything but I can hold my own. My only disappointment is that no ones voice sounds distinct yet, they all sound the same just at different pitches. I guess that will come in time too. Michael took me to the Baltimore Symphony the other night and I could actually hear it! I was excited and I could make out the songs and stuff with it in. Sometimes I do better with the volume cranked up all the way other times its better in the middle. The implant seems to be working out really well, and I am waiting patiently to get the other ear implanted. Well I am waiting anyway, as most of you know I have tons of patience for some things and zilch on others, this is under others :). Hope everyone who reads this had a great Samhain (Halloween) and everything is ok.Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-13089226009592782008-10-12T12:55:00.002-04:002008-10-12T13:04:01.928-04:00Days Two and ThreeSo on Friday I went back for more mapping and tweaking. I asked Andrea (my audiologist) for some more juice, I just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn't</span> think it was loud enough for me. Everything sounded like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TTY</span> tones or metallic garble. It was strange. So she upped my power a little bit and did some more tests and calibrations on me and then sent me to the sound proof booth for a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">audio gram</span>. Well before my implant I was at the 90 decibel range in both ears. This time I was up in the 30-40 decibel range. WOW what an improvement. I was excited. She did some sentences and things with me and I am able to answer her back even though sometimes I need her to repeat them a few times. I cant tell if I am hearing all the words or just picking up bits and pieces and doing the rest myself. Its still better than before. I am really happy with the CI so far. Its a bit heavy on my ear by the end of the day and dang does it make me tired trying to put all this stuff together. On a plus side I was FINALLY able to listen to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jimi</span> Hendrix yesterday enough to get "All Along the Watchtower" out of my head where its been stuck for about 3 months. I could recognize the guitar part which was sweet. I found some online listening exercises that I am downloading to my brand new fourth generation electric blue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">iPod</span> (thanks mom). I am dying to try the thing out. It came on my activation day. I also drained my first battery last night on the CI after about 13 hours of listening on the second loudest and loudest programs I have. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">don't</span> like the first one, its just too soft. So next Friday I am going to see about juicing it up again. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">That's</span> about all that is happening here. Still cant do the phone yet, but more and more of it comes back each day and hour I wear the thing. I am glad I had it done. Now I want the other ear.... :)Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-45290919782509263262008-10-09T21:17:00.002-04:002008-10-09T21:27:30.806-04:00Activation Day<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span> so today was the big day. I was very excited and frankly I was sick of waiting for it. One reason I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">haven't</span> posted anything is because nothing has really been going on. Its been quiet here. So anyway, I go to the doctors this morning and I am really looking forward to getting the implant turned on. My audiologist told me that she had to run some tests and that I probably wont hear anything while she does it, but when she started, I heard it. It was really weird, it was like way inside my head and it was just a pulsing. So after she runs the diagnostics she turns the implant on and I could hear her typing on the computer! I wont say it sounded like normal hearing but I could tell what she was doing. I could hear plastic rattle around and all. I was excited. So she started making the sounds like ' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ooo</span> ' and '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">shhh</span>' and stuff like that and I could nail every one of them and tell her what they were. She read some words off to me and even if I had to get her to say it more than once I was getting it. Now like I said it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">doesn't</span> sound normal, it has a metallic ring to it and I still feel like I am hearing through some static but damn it I am hearing something! In noise and stuff, still just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span>, and I still find myself lip reading a little bit. Oh and when we left Hopkins I heard a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">helicopter</span> and it scared the hell out of me. I hear little things like my footsteps and water running. Its all pretty cool. I was able to pick out a song on the radio and another on a store sound system. No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">iPod</span> yet though, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">audie</span> told me to wait a few weeks, which is a shame because my brand new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Nano</span> came in the mail today! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GRRRR</span> I will wait though. That's about it I am heading back tomorrow to get this thing tweaked a little more and all, hopefully have an update again tomorrow. Hope everyone is well!Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2235037567330548686.post-55488147496317400012008-09-23T00:28:00.011-04:002008-09-23T00:46:31.247-04:00UpdatesNot a lot has been going on here recently. Just me moving some stuff around the house and trying to get things settled in. My ear feels much better, no more balance issues, no more pain pills and I am about two weeks away from the activation date. I am attaching a few pictures of what my implant looks like and what the processor (the part on the outside of my head) will look like. I thought that would be a good idea for some of my friends that don't really know what the cochlear consists of. Hope everyone who reads this is having a good day. None of these are my pictures just some I found on the web. My processor BTW is a goldish beige color not the white one I have here.<br /><br /><br />This is the part that is actually inside my head now.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfxuVEw0q_nkbT4y2fLZE1WmpEUXX4yDo2i3-Bki8T6_pkeGl2fkpPJFtBtWeFQEzYHqV7bPu0Oe4qAoWcpxJ522Lv_Fhi0bOtpUu1LY5hFJ7Ifiz_1kMm9ivN3f-nlxNDmiOLvxIebwV/s1600-h/Internal+Implant.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfxuVEw0q_nkbT4y2fLZE1WmpEUXX4yDo2i3-Bki8T6_pkeGl2fkpPJFtBtWeFQEzYHqV7bPu0Oe4qAoWcpxJ522Lv_Fhi0bOtpUu1LY5hFJ7Ifiz_1kMm9ivN3f-nlxNDmiOLvxIebwV/s1600-h/Internal+Implant.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249071518101015906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfxuVEw0q_nkbT4y2fLZE1WmpEUXX4yDo2i3-Bki8T6_pkeGl2fkpPJFtBtWeFQEzYHqV7bPu0Oe4qAoWcpxJ522Lv_Fhi0bOtpUu1LY5hFJ7Ifiz_1kMm9ivN3f-nlxNDmiOLvxIebwV/s400/Internal+Implant.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the processor which I will wear in order to hear. Its called a Harmony and its from Advanced Bionics.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs8Lxyv1NBCpOCCGptu6SVuEsbqrgKtrbHu8CqURBGTw3d6qas0ksRzMhppekjDq38AcCOqiWm3i4Y6d1bf-jJqiCzE8nUhRTPpFBybqItH674WEZgzokaQZp3nY0-hpWDwgieE_eBpe/s1600-h/Harmony.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249071723788386338" style="CURSOR: hand" height="266" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs8Lxyv1NBCpOCCGptu6SVuEsbqrgKtrbHu8CqURBGTw3d6qas0ksRzMhppekjDq38AcCOqiWm3i4Y6d1bf-jJqiCzE8nUhRTPpFBybqItH674WEZgzokaQZp3nY0-hpWDwgieE_eBpe/s400/Harmony.jpg" width="256" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is how the processor hooks up. There is a magnet on the round part that connects to the other magnet which is in my implant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61oMopw_IMYK9YKpDnPTyoJbDi79vDME9XYbGpC4fk2ZDtZi7-a5KwXQBBlT31AM6ZaYUwNrZo9FebPktk7T_P603aMLCQ6sykDD31KZK1AftRUM1vSq7YgSnKb4M4eZCtFL8I7ezx5Bt/s1600-h/cochlear-implant-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249072032148989378" style="CURSOR: hand" height="221" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61oMopw_IMYK9YKpDnPTyoJbDi79vDME9XYbGpC4fk2ZDtZi7-a5KwXQBBlT31AM6ZaYUwNrZo9FebPktk7T_P603aMLCQ6sykDD31KZK1AftRUM1vSq7YgSnKb4M4eZCtFL8I7ezx5Bt/s400/cochlear-implant-small.jpg" width="299" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is a digram showing what they did during my surgery and where everything is located.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfnqmzegINs5iBZjPKbDOa5XS_Oda9KbGaXshiwxj-NhC7BMqO4_Uy3_t3koCNTSwW_7S2DOt3olc4rJ2V0BL2Hxdyl5jSpuhZFSFsEamGBuY6VxCRAKpbaue7tEr8Um9p8juNGlvuppN/s1600-h/Implant+location.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249072370803489506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfnqmzegINs5iBZjPKbDOa5XS_Oda9KbGaXshiwxj-NhC7BMqO4_Uy3_t3koCNTSwW_7S2DOt3olc4rJ2V0BL2Hxdyl5jSpuhZFSFsEamGBuY6VxCRAKpbaue7tEr8Um9p8juNGlvuppN/s400/Implant+location.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hope this answers some questions any of you had and if it doesn't ask me!Deaf-Irishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333253519040480679noreply@blogger.com2