Loud on LOUD Shirt day

Loud Shirt Day is only 2 weeks away on Friday October 21^st, (www.loudshirtday.com.au)

Loud Shirt Day is an annual fundraising initiative co-ordinated by First Voice, an alliance of early intervention hearing service providers who teach deaf and hearing impaired kids how to listen and speak. 

The gorgeous Mrs Woog's and her equally adorable lad Jack have this to say about loud shirt day.

Loud Shirt Day encourages individuals and groups to wear their loudest and brightest outfits (traditionally loud shirts) for one day and to get sponsored by their friends, family and colleagues on that day and/or purchase Loud Shirt Day merchandise from a Caltex retailer. Whether the outfit is stripes, florals, polka dots or paisley, as long as it’s loud and colourful it’s perfect for Loud Shirt Day!

I was asked to lend my support .I am very passionate about hearing . I have a significant hearing impairment . I wear a Cochlear BAHA Bone anchored hearing aid on my good side. My hearing loss was gradual due to ear infections and surgery complications . I had already learnt to speak and hear.

Please show your support and get LOUD on Loud shirt day ...wear loud shirts and outfits to raise awareness. With your help First Voice can give deaf children sound and speech ,changing the lives of hundreds of hearing impaired children and their families throughout Australia.

Like them on facebook here and spread the word !


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On the Blink

It was the letter

at preschool today ...wow ! It was my choice too.

B is for Blink ...now where did October go, where has the last 10 months gone. Call me bloomin' crazy but I might be attempting Nablopomo for my 3rd year ( I think). I can't promise much. My brain is on the blink.

B is for books ~ I still need some suggestions ; for you to recommend your favourite reads.

B is for BAHA. I've now had a screw in my head bone anchored hearing aid for 10 months and it is truly amazing. My hearing has improved immensely. I tried my old (but new in Aug 2009) behind the year hearing aid recently the sound quality was terrible. I saw my GP today, she asked me about my BAHA ... just when I was thinking about blogging about it!

Blogblast for Peace is tomorrow November 4th have you made your Peace Globe.

B is for bomb

Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination. ~Robert Fulghum

Bloggers worldwide unite for World Peace on November 4th.

See a country and state by state report count by Ms. Mimi herself.
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Tell me more

Tell me Thursday is designed to keep Wordless Wednesday ,well , wordless ...usually I FAIL.

The instructions for yesterday's post can be found here thanks to the Planning Queen's chocolately cleverness...Milky Way Sleighs

Go see her Marshmallow Christmas trees too. So oh nom ! nom ! and only 10-15mins to make.

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The BAHA update ...I got my sound processor last week.

Well it is loud. Everything ! Especially my own voice. I can't yell at the kids or else I give myself the worse of it lol. My Dh thinks this is the best thing.

Sounds I haven't noticed before and the ones I tried to ignore (like Teen's tapping ~finger drumming on everything , the brothers' banging of toys /plates , footsteps on the floor and even the crinkle & shuffle of paper) are so loud . It drives me mental.

I am slowly and still getting used to it , in three months I'll go back for assessment and adjustment .The audiologist said eventually I'll get used to them and ignore them ...the sounds not the children !

I have 3 programs but it is still LOUD , I think I hear voices in conversation better .It is still hard to know as some of the other sounds are so loud , it drowns voices out.

I just can't get my head around how a screw in my head can transmit sound essentially to my brain.

Clipping the processor onto the abutment screw is tricky , it takes a few goes. A bit like a snap press button .I have to do it by feel not sight.

I get a fair bit of squealing & screeching (that awful sound feedback)...that I don't with a normal hearing aid. I hope this settles down. The latest model (which I have ~BP 100 ) is supposed to be improved on previous models that did this.

The scalp wound is pretty much healed with the screw truly bonded with the bone.It feels funny pulling /un clipping the processor but doesn't hurt a bit.

It seems a sound investment ...and my Christmas present me.
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Stick 'em up #3

I have run out of words hopefully these will do...oh but I am a humming.
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Any which way ?

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” Dr. Seuss quotes

I had another post operative BAHA appointment yesterday. It was in the city so I decided to use public transport. Driving in Sydney city traffic is crazy and dangerous.

I used the transport info website to plan my journey. Easy I thought...

To start with it suggested the express train from Penrith that terminated at Central station . Great !

It was followed by a long, complex walk...10+ Left /right turns. BOO !

I knew Kings Cross Station was closer with a shorter direct walk.

I tried again but it wouldn't give me the option I desired so I started my journey in the trip planner at Kings Cross. Since I knew the train times.

“A man loses his sense of direction after four drinks; a woman loses hers after four kisses” Henry Louis Mencken

So I clicked to view the suggested trip ...

Option 1 ...what the problem with this ?
Oh you just want me to enjoy a little train ride from Kings Cross to Edgecliff , change platforms and come back !

Option 2 why would I catch the train to Town Hall ...is not the shortest nor easiest walking route ! The walk from Central was easier !

Guess it is good for exercising the feet but not your brain !

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”Jimmy Dean

In other news ... The skin graft where the abutment /screw was inserted into my skull is healing well. I have my next appointment 16th December and hopefully the abutment will be fully bonded with the bone and healed so I can get the sound processor fitted. I already have the appointment to follow the surgeon's appointment.

Yesterday , the wind in the city was so biting and strong, I think they said over 90km /hr. I was almost blown across the street while I was stopped waiting to cross at the lights.

Kings Cross is a very sad place, I saw a few people obviously with severe mental health issues , probably homeless from their disheveled looks and scruffy/tattered attire; crying or shouting at no-one in particular. No directions in life ...no one to care.

I also saw the adult night clubs (from the exterior) , Life size posters of semi naked women advertising the clubs 'entertainment' and the 'adult' shops ( no I didn't go in LOL).

I am still sure public transport was the way to go.

Ps:

1. For Sydney siders or families visiting Sydney on a Sunday you can buy $2.50 per person family funday passes that entitles you to travel most places on the transport network, buses & ferries included.
   
2. New train timetables start this Sunday.
   
3. World Masters Games are on in Sydney. Spectators are free for most events.
   

It's done ...part 1

Firstly , BAHA update. All went to plan yesterday, after being given the wrong fasting and operation times last week. Fortunately, I found out Monday afternoon and was able to reorganise my plans for the small boys.

We had to leave home by 5.45am and DH drove them into the city to drop me off at the Hospital. Then he took S & J back to my SIL's and Mum's place.

I couldn't bear the thought of leaving them overnight and not seeing them before my surgery. I didn't want them upset if they went to bed at Nanny's and woke up during the night upset because I wasn't there.I have never left them overnight. My anxiety levels skyrocket at the very thought. There was also the chance I might have to stay overnight in hospital. So they stayed at home instead.

After a stressful drive in the peak hour traffic into the city, Dh not being sure of the way (...men !) and me losing the plot while trying to navigate the way...we got there by 7am.

I didn't have long to wait , admitted , changed into the lovely pink gown .I had a chuckle at the man in his 'pink' gown too , clutching his rear end opening ties together.

I saw the Surgeon and anaesthetist and I was whisked into the operating theatre by 8am.
This time I was 'out' before I was wheeled in ...one minute I was wide awake and heard them say head first or feet first (I guess it was what orientation the surgeon or anaesthetist required me to be on the trolley bed).

I don't even remember being moved to the operating table .Maybe they didn't want me to see the drill ...

I was thinking about the last time I was wheeled into an operating theatre It for my Caesarean section and I was so anxious about a live birth, of my twins. The previous time was for the IVF egg collection.

Anyway, stage 1 of my BAHA is complete and it wasn't as bad as I imagined .I was so glad to wake up. I had some very strange thoughts and fears. I can't even write them ...

The pain hasn't been so bad , I am impressed and relieved. The outer dressing and bandage I will remove today, and I go back next Wednesday for the surgeon to change the dressing.

I hope I can wash my hair today (with DH's help) because it feels terrible.When I woke in recovery it was wet and a bit stuck together.

Lucky the teen is able to get himself off to school and thankfully he woke up himself . DH discovered when he tried to give him a wake up call to the prepaid mobile (with no credit) the number had been disconnected.

DH then called house landline and DS was up and answered. Yesterday was the start of Y10 exams so phew !

I have to add .The Surgeon has impeccable bedside manners and he even called my husband on the phone after the surgery to let him know it all went well. I am impressed. He also came down to see me before I was discharged.

Today ...I feel good though I didn't sleep much.

I have so much to do. Following a schedule isn't easy.Things always seem to get left undone ... and forgotten. Plans go astray. Best intentions are just that...

Yet , even on those days when I may as well throw the schedule in the bin... there is still hope, this glimmer, this light that keeps me moving forward.

Babysteps ...1 step, 2 steps...one foot in front of the other. No looking back.

The light is getting closer.

I am glad it is Wednesday. It means ... Weekend , you are almost upon us.

Please enjoy your stay if you are here from ICLW !
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A sound investment ...BAHA

I made a decision a few months ago about a BAHA . For those of you who don’t know what it is - a bone anchored hearing aid. The surgery is tomorrow 8am.

I have had moderate to severe hearing loss in my left ear for about 20 years. I am not sure exactly why. A hearing aid doesn't , well didn't, help much.

The hearing in my right ear is not as bad but still a moderate loss and with a hearing aid I get by. I have had a lot of surgery on this 'ear' and there isn't much more they can do. A reconstruction could be risky , quite dangerous and involved . Though still unsuccessful.

I also get lots of ear infections and that is my main reason for getting a BAHA . Wearing an in the ear aid means the infections don't go away ... it is always warm and moist . A breeding ground for infection. There is a risk of meningitis or worst that close to the brain I was told.


I am also getting the BAHA to improve my 'life'.

I just don't hear well , even with a new hearing aid one seemingly 'good' ear, it does not provide adequate hearing.

Trying to find a misplaced mobile phone when it rings is impossible. The sound comes from every direction!

Trying to locate my mischievous monkeys at the best of times, least of all when accidents happen and/or high pitched screams emit ...from every direction.It's is so scary.

In a crowded room voices are blurred and words become indecipherable. Everything is indistinct and it's annoying.

I can’t hear the wait staff nor the people I am having dinner with when we go out. I can hear reasonable well at home but I still stuff up and miss things. I mishear things.It causes tension.

The TV and radio up loud annoys everyone else, and me, when they always turn it down or I am screaming over the top of the din "to be quiet", so I can hear my show.

I imagine my family and friends are tired of me saying, “ What? I can’t hear you.”
"Please talk louder "
" Pardon "
" What did you say ...repeat it again"
"I missed that ...what was the punch line" ... I didn't get the joke. I don't laugh when I should be.

I am tired of people (shop assistants) looking at me as if I am stupid when I ask them to repat something simple because they mumble especially... "cash out ?"

I am tired of saying, “What? I can’t hear you.”
I am tired of saying stupid things when I don't hear the right words ...it's not only embarassing it is socially isolating.
I am tired of people saying I talk too loud ... Really ! I can't help it.
I hate people saying don't worry ...or I'll tell you later .

So, finally, I am having a surgery called BAHA. Bone anchored hearing aid.
Yes, it sounds daunting , scary even , but it really isn’t dangerous (that's my mantra ...it isn't dangerous).
Maybe my family were certain I had a hole in my head or had a screw loose before, but with this procedure I really will have one...though I hope it isn't loose!

Stage 1. A hole will be drilled into the bone area behind my right ear (one with the best hearing) for placement of a titanium implant (screw abutment) , which in time fuses with the bone and transmits sound vibrations within the skull and inner ear. Skin/flesh and hair follicles will be cut away.

Later, this screw abutment will stimulate the nerve fibers of the inner ear and ultimately allow a sensation of hearing from my right ear.

Recovery from stage 1 takes about three months. The wound must be kept scrupulously clean as danger of infection is great. Still I want the procedure ...I think!

Stage 2 Three months after surgery when the surgeon is sure the implant has fused to the bone, the next step will be fitting the sound processor. I will be eagerly counting the days to Christmas BAHA day.

This will make the whole procedure worthwhile. A small , thin box about the size of a postage stamp attaches to the implant (the 'screw'). As you would expect from what the name says, the processor processes the sound to my ear. Nature should take care of the rest.

The processor will sit slightly under my hair and should be barely noticeable. Not that I care about this !

I know my brief description is not as technical as the process really will be, but maybe it gives you an idea what it is about. I have confidence in my DR and I am looking forward to the procedure though I am admittedly very nervous.

The surgery and the BAHA is ridiculously expensive a sound investment and even with private health insurance the Surgeon and Anaesthetist are going to have a good Christmas I'll be out of pocket a few thousand dollars.

I am also not sure how much of my hair they will shave off ... though having a bit of a skinhead for a few weeks should be worth it.*sigh*

It will be the questions (I won't hear ...initially because I still have to wait 3 months for the processor ) and explaining it dozens of times over until it heals that bothers me a bit. I will still wear my normal hearing aid till I get the BAHA processor.

I will hopefully educate a few people in the process.
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Catching my breath

... , catching up and a confession.
Guilty !
Yes , my dear Internets it's been almost 5 days since my last post. So much has been going on here and I don't know where to begin.

Twitter perhaps is part of the reason (it's so addictive).
Lately, I have found I haven't had half the time I used to have ...does that make sense ?
Well, more in relation to computer time and since the housecleaner ran off with the pool boy (OK it was years ago and besides someone else is holding the cleaning fairy captive).

I have been feeling overwhelmed.Sorry, if I haven't been by to comment. I have been keeping up a little in my reader.

I finally got my appointment with the BAHA (Bone anchored hearing aid) surgeon in the big smoke city , coincidentally it was the same day as my husband's court date. Less < 5kms apart and 3 hrs earlier. So it worked for us.

I went alone though. DH stayed with car as parking was a 1hr zone and we didn't know if DR was going to be on time. (One parking area was full and the other was $16 for 2hrs and 7 mins last time).

The same day, on our way to find parking we witnessed an accident. It was 5secs after we drove past a sidestreet .The taxi behind us was t -boned (hit in the middle on passenger side of car ). It didn't look too bad , though the bumper bar of the driver in the wrong was on the road. We couldn't hang around to watch we were at the corner of a narrow street leading onto a busy city street. I was thankful it wasn't us.It would have been a disaster.

I digress ... I am tentatively booked for surgery on 22nd September ...unless I change my mind. I am anxious about other things too about my NF and the BAHA . The NF ...I won't go there.

The BAHA ... Is it worth the cost ? It is very expensive, though I have private health insurance the out of pocket expenses are considerable. I still haven't got all the quotes (the Surgeon's I got the very next day) .The Surgeon was a lovely man , gave me plenty of time to ask questions and didn't rush me in & out like some do. He is a specialist in his field .

Will I like it ? During surgery the hair follicles are removed with some of the underlying tissue.Hair growing right up to the abutment could lead to complications such as infection risk. It is not a large area, and supposedly isn't very noticeable.
I am just chicken.The thought of someone cutting into my skull and inserting a titanium screw into my head (I checked Frankenstein's bolt was lower in his neck) ...is it worth it to hear better ?
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