Just another Sunday?

Well y'all...I had the most incredible time at church this past Sunday. I was sitting in my pew getting myself ready to hear the word and all. I saw the handbell choir was set up to play and I didnt think twice about it. I still dont like to listen to music. Choir still sounds screechy, organ is yuck, piano is getting better so didnt really think about the handbells. I mean it just didnt register that I hadnt heard them before with my CI. Well boy oh boy....here I am sitting and all of a sudden the handbells start ringing. OH MY GOSH! It completely took my by surprise! I HEARD THE BELLS! Almost having my CI a year (Jan 3rd of 2012 was hook up date) I kind of and this is bad to say but I am taking my hearing for granted now. Which I shouldnt. I heard the handbells! What an amazing awesome sound! Well I was so shocked and caught of guard that I let out a whelp and just started to boohoo right then and there! I was so loud and so overwhelmed I could just not contain myself. The beauty I heard! The bells! AWESOME! And what was soooooo puzzling to me is that I heard each and every bell being played. Why is that? A friend of mine who was sitting in front of me for sure was wondering what all the ruckus was about. He finally decided to turn himself around and take a look. He then realized what I was hearing and what was going on with me. Man oh man, I am forever grateful as he handed me a handful of tissue. Boy did I ever need it as the handbells played throughout the entire service! OH MY GOSH! I was completely blown away. Anyway, after the service, I was so excited that I had just to tell everyone I knew. I even went to the other building where we have a more contemporary service called The Fountain and had to tell them about it too! Oh my stars. I was going up to everyone saying I heard the bells! I know newcomers thought I was some kinda strange bird. It was fabulous! I might just have to join that handbell choir! Well, I came home, ate dinner and feel sound asleep as the morning festivities and activities plum wore me out! Oh man, God is good....

Still enjoying the journey...

Its been a while since I have updated my blog and I have a very good reason for NOT doing so....I AM TOO BUSY! I am so enjoying my life right now and find myself going here and going there and taking my time listening to all I can. When I went for my testing at MUSC (another big shot out to Meredith my audiologist) I didnt score all the great when put in an environment with others talking. She told me and I quote" Karen, you need to throw yourself out there, get out among everyone and everything" Unquote. Well that is EXACTLY what I am doing now. Before my cochlear implant, I was starting to withdraw away from people because I could not understand them, couldnt read them and was tired of the funny or strange looks when I gave off the wall comments. So, I am doing what Meredith suggested and Im "throwing" myself out there. I am going to concerts, musicals, the fair, dinners out in crowded restaurants and really trying to do it all. For the month of October, I worked daily at our Pumpkin Patch at our church. Everyday I went in at 9:30 and stayed all day give or take a shift or two of running errands and such. I had such a fun time at the patch that I didnt want to leave! The mornings were filled with young children who were coming to visit for story time and purchase a small pumpkin. We read stories, sang songs and did a few finger plays. Do you know how long its been since I have done that?!?!? I cant remember the last time I was able to hear a childs voice and actually converse with small children in a group setting! I surrounded myself with people I have never met and tried to converse. Just throwing myself out there and having a blast! How wonderful my days are filled with new sounds! I went to a fundraiser where we sat around a round table. I was able to talk across the table and I could tell you everything that everyone was saying! That was a first for me. It was all I could do to not tear up! We sat towards the back of the room and when the keynote speaker started her speech, lo and behold, I heard everything. Now that I could never do! NEVAH, EVAH! I now hear prayers with my eyes closed, speakers...you name it, I hear it! Life is good... Now, went back for my last checkup and I have improved! When I am listening to a speaker 1/1, Im in the high 90%! And in conversational settings I am slowly showing signs of improvement. I am pleased as I hope Meredith is also. Another thing that I am doing is going back and singing at the nursing home like I used to do. I still dont sing and I still dont like music but a friend of mine encouraged me to go back and sing. I decided that I would try and sing and no one complained. When I sang to the children at the patch, I knew they wouldnt complain so I went for it, but the nursing home? I did and I will continue to go. I decided like young children, they dont care....So, for me life goes on. If I dont update my blog for a bit, you know I am just too busy enjoying the life of hearing and that I am busy throwing myself out there. Hope your life is going well and let me "hear" from you!

And the band played on....

Well I have to tell you...I went to a band concert. Me! I was a bit leary of going but I decided to put on my big girl panties and give it a whirl! And boy I am so glad that I did! I went with friends of ours (add a big shout out now to Patty and Dave for being such gracious hosts on our visit) Patty played the flute and an electronic bass (not the guitar but the big fiddle :)) in the concert and it was fabulous! I heard Sousa marches and an Irish Jig that just made me well...jiggy! I heard a banjo, guitar, tin whistle, harp! I tried to focus in to hearing an accordian but couldnt quite make it out its sound. The piccolos and flutes were more enjoyable to listen to this go round then when I wore my hearing aides. Now overall music is still really not pleasurable for me but its getting there. I will continue to have patience but at times I ask myself, WWWHHHEEENNN! I am so ready. Im watching American Idol this season as an aquaintance of ours is singing, Elise Testone and last night Wallace a cousin of my BFF played on AI! How exciting is that! I did enjoy watching them and at times I heard Wallace play his electric bass (the guitar kind, not the fiddle like Patty). If you watch AI please vote for Elise. If you dont watch AI, please do, you are missing out on some great talent. I go back for another testing at MUSC and this time we will start testing on music. I for one am looking soooo forward to that! I will keep you posted on my journey but for right now Ill sign out so I wont bore you with anymore details. Hope all is well with you and Ill check back in with you soon as I have new things to report ~Karen

"But you're doing so well..."

If she says that phrase one more time, Im gonna smack her! I went for another appointment with my stand up audiologist Meredith. I swannee, she should have been a teacher cause she is just full to the brim with sunshine and positive reinforcement. Each time I get in the booth for testing, I have to listen to and repeat these words, sentences, words with noise in the background, sentences with noise in the background and I do awful! Well no thats not true. I score in the 90th percentile (98% to be honest, thank you very much :)) with just words and no noise...As words turn into sentences and with more noise added, that percentage goes WAY down. Now Meredith says, "but you are doing so well, golly Im so proud, its only been 3 months!" and on and on and on.... Now, it is so hard not to get bummed out when I fail these tests. But for me, I have decided that when I am at home, it works for me so haarummph with letting this testing (failing) get to me. Overall I am very pleased with things EXCEPT my music and phone. Now, as for the phone, when the kids call I find myself playing around doing different things, pushing different buttons, driving them crazy I know. Maybe thats why they are not calling me as much. Anyway, I will continue to play. Sometimes its ok and sometimes its a hold on let me try this kinda day. As for music, I am reminded of the quote, its elementary dear Watson coming from Sherlock. I have decided with my music to go all the way back to the beginning with my piano books. In my elementary books, all the music is within one octave. I take that octave and play different notes over and over again training myself that is an A...this is what an A sounds like and I play that A over and over again. I have now graduated to London Bridge which requires using 2 hands where I try to sing the melody. For someone like me, starting back at the beginning is working. Might not work for you but for me, thats where I am starting and one day Ill get there. I got lots and lots of years to catch up (since Im still so young and all) and got plenty of time in my golden years. It will come. I am new to the hearing world, thus needing to start at the beginning. Can I do this? You bet I can! I am determined.<insert slammed fist on desk here> I am going to another concert this weekend where some of the music (if not all as IM not sure yet) will be Irish. Im looking forward to getting my "jig" on. I will report back to you on how I perform. As always, thanks for dropping by and see you next week!....Karen

Palm Sunday and more...

Well today is April 1st. and also Palm Sunday. Let me tell you right now...what a day it has been! I walked into our church sanctuary and I saw a harp, timpani drums, an oboe and I already knew a flute was going to be playing because my friend was the one playing the flute. She did not say one thing to me about all these other instruments. Well, I had no idea what was in store for me today. When I wore hearing aids, the flute sounded horrible. Did not like a flute at all. Well here we are ready to start and Im debating taking my ear off.  I had made up my mind already that this was going to be a DISASTER. Well it was not! Ya'll wouldnt believe it. Each instrument had like a solo in which I could hear them. I heard the cello! I heard the harp! I heard the oboe! I heard the flute! Now each instrument only played alone for a split second but that was all I needed. I was beautiful. I went up to my friend after the service and she said,"well....could you hear it?" I just started to bawl like a baby. She was holding me, then her hubby got in the act and there we were, a lil threesome right down front of the church just a cryin tears of joy. Oh how wonderful today turned out to be. And to think I almost missed it by taking my ears off! Now to be honest, Im still having trouble with music overall. Still learning how to listen and hear a full choir. But today was nice. I didnt come home and hit the bed and crawl under the covers. Today was another great day. Now moving along, some of you asked how my last appointment went at MUSC. It went great. I am hearing just fine when its one and one and small group. She said I need to and I quote "throw myself out there" unquote and get to where the action is as I need to work on having lots of background noise to practice. Well thats all I needed to hear. I went to a noisy restaurant and I thought I did ok... Back to my visit. I have had problems with my head being really sensitive. Come to find out my magnet was too strong and they gave me a different one and I had immediate relief. Simple fix. It continues to amaze me. I have decided to stop with my blog as everything is starting to come together and I am having trouble finding things to write about.....APRIL FOOLS! Each day is a new day where I hear different things. Hubby came home tonight with MORE birdseed for our feeders as I am loving all these birds in our yard. They sing to me from sun up to sun down...speaking of sundown, the sun is down and its my bedtime. As always, thanks for stopping by and have a blessed Easter....Karen

Me and My CI...entering the world of the hearing..: Hang on and enjoy the ride....

Me and My CI...entering the world of the hearing..: Hang on and enjoy the ride....: January 3rd arrives, I am sick to my stomach, anxious, nervous, excited all wrapped into one. I arrive to see my audiologist Meredith ( inse...

I will remain calm...

Well I am trying to find a friend of mine whose son is in the hospital. I know he is in ICU but how do I get to see a family member when they are not sitting in the ICU waiting room? OK...go up to ICU only to find a note on the desk saying they were gone and to be back directly. I see a phone, pick it up (as you remember I do not talk on the phone yet only to family members) Well I thought, here it goes, I pick it up and lo and behold I cant hear a thing...I told the person answering the phone what I needed as I just had a lil something to drop off....no one came to the door so I hung up and left. Went back downstairs to the info desk and guess what? No one there...a sign said be back momentarily but there right in front of me was another phone! I waited a moment, no one returned so I picked up the phone provided and , nope, still cant hear lol  So, I thought to myself, you can do this, whats your next move. I went to the admissions office where this sweet young gal asked if she could help me. I laughed and said "honey, you sure can. Got a minute?" Big shout out to Tiffany for coming to my rescue. I explained to her my dilemma of being deaf and a new implant wearer and not able to use the phone. She looked at me, spoke clearly and slowly and gave me all the information I needed written down! Bless her heart. So sweet. Anyway...Made it up to the Childrens ICU only to find a BUZZER! No phone but a buzzer which said children sleeping ring once lol I do hope I rang it only once as a person waved me back.....make a long story short, I didnt get to see who I wanted to see but I did meet the mom I have heard so much about and chatted away. I swear, I love meeting new people. Day has been a good one. I do have a question...my ear hurts. Not my ear but my implant? Anyone know whats up with that? I go to MUSC on Thurs so I will ask  Its so weird! But then again....look who we are dealing with. As always, thanks for stopping by and hi to all the new friends I have met this week around town and are new followers....Later!

Where do I begin?

Its been over a week since I have updated, gosh, more than a week and so much has happened. Here I am entering my 3rd month with my CI and still I am discovering new things. As I said earlier, my CI and I are now one. Its the 1st thing I put on in the morning and last thing I take off when I go to bed. My selective hearing is starting to kick in. The vacuum cleaner no longer bothers me and the ice maker isnt as noticeable so things are improving. I went to my 1st auction flying solo. Hubby had a meeting so I went by my ownself :). Its amazing how easy it is to just flick that number up and down! It defiantly is all in the wrist action. Well, I came home with what my hubby calls a wooden box. But I call it an old vintage antique bin lol I love it and feel like I got a great buy. A steal even have you. Anyway...loved the auction and I can see myself going again in the future. No number in hand...just to hear and get caught up in the action. I went to the dentist. You might say no biggie. I say HUGE deal. They speak behind masks! I was able to converse (well converse as much as one can with garbola in your mouth) with everyone and dearly loved every minute. I can not tell you how much it means to me to talk to people now! I told the dentist that my jaw has been achy. Im sitting here thinking...could it be because I am runnin my mouth too much? Hummmm. What do you think? The birds are really out in their glory and I am enjoy hearing different pitches now. Not so much monotone but still sounds a bit mechanical. I know they are birds that I hear and its grand. Had no idea what I have been missing out on! I have been eating out (a lot) with friends. I am loving this! We have a group that goes out monthly and I went a couple times but just ended up sitting in my own world not taking part in any of the conversations. Now it seems like I am taking over in the conversations and I dont mean too! HONEST! I do not want to be one of those that people say, oh my she does talk so much! Its just so hard not to! I have been quiet for so long! So for those of you that are reading this, I apologize for monopolizing (is that the right word) all the conversations. Im just so excited and find it hard to contain myself. I just love my life! But I will try to rein it in a bit so I wont lose those friends I do have. Im sure Im not reporting everything that has happened but dining out with friends is a big deal for me along with going to the dentist and attending my auction. Went to an annual oyster roast and heard in the dark around the fire pit. Was cool...again, I apologize for talking too much lol. Thats all for now. Have a great day and as always, thanks for stopping by! Karen

Fun Day...another one???

Well, I dont know where to start. I do NOT! So many things have happened. Hubby took me to my 1st auction. I was able to hear the auctioneer after concentrating for a bit. Now I feel I am ready to fly solo to the auction house but hubby said I could NOT get a number and bid on anything. They have one every Thursday night so not sure when I will venture out. Had lunch with some friends on valentines day and had a blast! I am just loving this ordering business. Today I went out to lunch again and asked the waitress for todays specials! ME! Never ever have I done that! And yes, I heard what she said! Its amazing. Anyway, had some of my bestest girlies come up from out of town and we made a day of hitting only consignment shops. OMG! We had so much fun. To celebrate this occasion, I decided to wear a color on my receiver. Since I was wearing orange and brown, I donned the orange one. Had a pic taken so hopefully I can attach it to this update. DO you know when my friend took the pic of my receiver, I looked at it for the 1st time while wearing it. Looks kinda big and sticks out a bit more than I thought. Its ok though as I can hear :) Also this week I rescued 2 dogs in a busy parking lot at the gym in my wet bathing suit and no receiver which meant I was deaf as a doornail trying to communicate by voice on a cell phone lol Not an easy task. I ended up taking the dogs to the vet that was listed on their collars. I have now learned to ALWAYS carry my receiver with me....Ill just keep it in a bag in the pool area so I can keep an eye on it and not get stolen. Im sure there is a lot more I can write about but I do not want to bore you guys as I do want you to keep reading! For now tho as always I will say thanks for stopping by....now lets see if I can find my pic of my colorful receiver ....

I just flew solo!

Well. It is the day after my 1st follow up appointment and as I look back at the day I am in awe...It was my 1st trip flying solo to MUSC! Me, my ownself, got to MUSC, parked the car and found the right place! lol Im sitting in the waiting room with tears in my eyes as #1, I did not get lost, #2, I spoke to volunteers and visitors alike in the hall and elevators (something I never did as for fear of a reply) saying good morning and actually hearing their replies! #3, once in the waiting room, I heard my name being called without constantly looking at the desk to see who it was being called. When I was called, the kind, kind woman behind the desk just looked at me and smiled as I told her it was my 1st time "flying solo". After we were finished, she smiled at me and told me I did very well that I answered all of her questions and that I should be very pleased with myself. She went on to say that I had a most pleasant voice and again, I did a beautiful job. Well. I was pleased with myself and walked back to my seat with a puffed out chest that just screamed OVER CONFIDENCE! So here it is 8:45 and starting my day with a puffed out chest. lol  It did get deflated a bit later on but I will tell you why later. First up, my appointment. I loved being with Carla and Meredith. They told me I passed with flying colors and kept using the word awesome. Great! Puffed out chest...They kept telling me that I did really well as a new CI wearer so I am filled over the brim with self confidence. Oh, I did learn something but DO NOT TELL ED!....I found out that I have more colors for my receivers than I thought. I have a whole SLEW of them I can decorate with stickers and such  lol Hang on gang cause the FASHIONISTA IS BACK!  lol  OK...its now time for me to leave MUSC puffed out chest, beaming with self confidence only to hit the parking garage and wondering where in blue blazes did I park! Yep, you guessed it...rode the elevator to the top, looked out, continued my journey down only to meet a suburban along with the way at each floor who finally laughed at me a couple floors down when he rolled down the window and  asked, "lose something?" Man...talk about an ego buster when I said,"yea, my car " lol Found my car, hopped in and all is well. I am headed back home to my daughters home back under her protection...Got paid for my time for the study I am in so I decided to spend it in Charleston before heading home. Although I tried, my favorite shop was closed, started to rain so alas, I am homebound. It was a good day. No, It was a great day, I saw my kids, had a fabulous appointment and came home to dinner already planned by a wonderful hubby! Good day indeed...thanks for stopping by and until next time...hears hearing ya! Later...Karen :)

Music...

Well , havent updated in a bit but some things are still happening! Sunday, I went to a concert and I was able to hear it. Complete with Brass! Now the thing that gets me is this. What I heard was ok but when you throw in all the instruments, things start to get a little funky and I start hearing in sharps and flats. Is this something my brain has to process? I have an appointment on Monday and also meet with the people who are doing the study on my CI. First question Im gonna ask is about my music. Golly I hope it falls into place soon. Its driving me nuts! Ok...moving onward. You know early on I had the debate when I am out and about, what do I carry my disposable batteries or my rechargeable. Well it happened today. I was out doing my thing, nowhere close to home and I go dead. Here I am, deaf as a door nail and I got people to see and places to go. Well...Im still in a quandry as to what to do when I am out and about. Ill figure it all out...and if anyone out there reading this is a CI wearer, please share with me. I just hate the idea of carrying this stuff around with me for fear I will lose it or get stolen. Oh well. The weather has been beautiful and I have dropped the top on my car and been driving around. It just amazes me how loud everything is. Do you know I actually thanked someone for moving her shopping cart out of the aisle onto the carpet where it was quieter! She just laughed and said how loud it was and I had to agree. Saw my neighbor in the grocery store and told her that we could visit now that I had a CI. She has a heavy German accent and we never visited much as I could not hear or or "read" her accent. We've been waving and smiling at each other for 16 years! She seemed happy for me and said we must chat at the fence lol  Thats all for today. Ill update next week after I meet with the docs and everyone...Later!

Sirens...

Yesterday was such a fabulous day weather wise. I dropped the top of my car and headed out to listen to the sounds (or should I say noise) of the capital city. Now I understand the meaning of noise pollution. I heard cars, trucks, planes, ambulances, police cars..you name it, I heard it. The only question I have is...do I need to know which type of siren is which? I heard a siren off in a distance but I didnt know which siren it was for. I know they each make a different sound as I heard several different types. This morning while I am typing this, I hear a siren but I want to know if there is a medical emergency in my area, a robbery or a fire. I guess if I want the answer to that I must learn the different sounds. Wonder if I went to the fire station if they would play their siren for me. I know  a firefighter so maybe I can ask him to play it just for me <hint,hint> Same way with police and ambulance. I know a paramedic so maybe he will play his for me just to be nice. <hint,hint> This is all interesting to me but I know everyday to you. Do you know the different type sirens you hear? Oh something else I heard when I went out to get the mail... a blackbird. A crow? He puffed up his belly and let out a screech. My 1st crow. Imagine that. Its happening people and you are witnessing it right along with me. A world full of sounds. Glorious, amazing! I am continued to be overwhelmed each day. Never take for granted what you hear. You might say noise, I say sound. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Later!

Oh laaawww...not again!

Oh man...here I am sitting with my back door open, in the morning, at the end of January listening the the world around me and going nuts! Why you ask? If you read my post yesterday you will remember how I said that I (or is it me)  and my CI were one. That its the first thing I put on in the mornings and last thing to take off at night. Well...yesterday I turned my CI up a notch (which I might add I am supposed to be doing weekly and have not) and its awful! Please, I dont want to complain or sound like I am complaining but...with me turning up the volume, I am starting all over again. Its like the very 1st day of wearing this thing! I caught myself telling Ed not to make so much noise eating and clanging his silverware around on the dishes. I mean really, poor guy was only eating his dinner! So much racket. Everything was so loud to me again. The television, doing the dishes...I finally had to take my CI off to finish cleaning the kitchen as everything from the running of the water to putting the dishes in the dishwasher was making me soooo tired! Did I crawl in bed afterwards? You're darn straight I did. But today is a new day and I am determined to get through the day again, just like I did on that day a couple weeks ago. I know this is gonna work and I am going to make this work. Lord give me the patience to see this thing through....hope your day is going well and as always, thanks for stopping by. K~ Oh...I figured out how to post pics here so I posted a couple post surgery pics. Later!

39, 21 and .............

Those are the numbers for today.  #39...Its been 39 days since my surgery date of the CI. As for physical changes, I have noticed the swelling of my right ear is almost gone. There is some sensation and soreness to the top of my ear but alas, my ear is not sticking out anymore! YAY! The swelling on the right side of my face is also gone which means, yes, my wrinkles are back! BOO-HOO! So physically, things are getting back to normal. Now for the #21, its been 21 days since I have been hooked up to my receiver. And I have had the realization that I am now one with my CI. It sounds weird but let me explain. When I was wearing my hearing aides, I never put them on in the morning until I had my shower. I was always afraid of getting in the shower wearing them. Also, sometimes I went out and about not even wearing them as I forgot to put them in! Now with my CI, my receiver is the first thing I put on in the morning before my feet even touch the floor. Even before my glasses! I take it off to shower and then put it right back on. Makes me think that I really didnt hear all that well with the hearing aides and that the doctor was right all along in saying that the aides would not help me anymore. I always thought I did hear some, if just a little bit but now, today I realize that I did not. Having the CI has opened up a whole new world for me. Sounds corny I know but it has. I never spoke to people waiting on me for fear they would start up a conversation. I would take care of business and leave. No small talk, ever. Now I take my time, visit with the people that wait on me and am now comfortable of who I am and where I am headed. As for the ........ thats infinity. Thats for the sounds that I am discovering everyday. The sounds that I continue to discover. Remember when I heard the beep, beep, beep at the stoplight? Well, I was eating lunch with the back door open (yes in January with the sun shining bright) I heard the beep , beep, beep from the walk signals from my kitchen! Ed told me heard them sometimes and I kinda poo-pooed him off....I heard them! From inside my home! Amazing. Oh another thing before I close...I was sick this past weekend and in bed with my computer watching Netflix. I watched the show Switched at Birth. Its a TV series and I challenge you to each watch it. Even with your kids. Two girls were switched at birth. One had menengitis when she was 3 and lost her hearing. I am so this girl!  So many experiences she goes through in the show, I have been there, done that. I really do encourage you all to watch it and you will understand the world of the hearing impaired/deaf so much more.....Oh, and yes, I turned up my receiver today and everything is LOUD again like day one. SHEESH! As always, thanks for stopping by and reading about me and my CI....It means so much to me that you took the time to join me on this incredible journey....Later!

what a day!

Well what a day. Started off with a call on Skype from my daughter and it was so nice to finally be able to carry on a conversation with her. I still Skype as I am not supposed to talk on the phone yet. Its funny as she tested me by holding her laptop up to the ceiling so I wouldn't "read" her lips. So nice to hear. Then this afternoon, my son called via Skype while he was home eating lunch. What a fabulous conversation I had with him. It is truly amazing that I can hear my kids! ME! Hear my kids! It was so wonderful just chatting with them. I do thank them for checking in with mom. Now, I haven't been posting lately as I have been home painting up a storm. Three rooms, DONE! Finally went out and about and guess what I heard? I was at the stoplight with my window down and I heard this beep, beep, beep, beep... then it quit. I thought maybe it might be my battery running down as it signals me with 3 consecutive beeps but this beep was continuous. Well I was looking around and I noticed that the crosswalk sign at the intersections beep so you can cross! Imagine that! I had no idea they beeped did you??? Now changing topic...I find myself in a dilemma. With this CI, I have a power pack that has rechargeable batteries and also a unit that is not rechargeable. The rechargeable lasts about 10 hours and regular batteries last 3 days. Each having their own unit...This stuff costs too much to carry with me all the time so what do I do? Its really hard to explain but something I really need to figure out now that I have worn both units. Id hate to go somewhere and lose my hearing! Not when I finally have it. I am using up all the batteries that have been given to me and havent a clue as to where to buy them and how much they are. Oh well. Its what I need to figure out and in the meantime I will continue to ask questions. I am supposed to turn up the volume in my unit and am not sure I remember how. Doing new things always make me anxious. Ill do it tomorrow. Ill read up on it and just plain do it. Thanks for stopping by! Later....

What a day....what a day!

What a day this has been! If you have been following my blog (thank you ) you will remember that last Sunday was a nightmare for me at church. I came home, went to bed and slept all day and all night. Well this morning I woke up, dreading what I was going to hear today. Can you believe I said that? Dreading??? Sunday School was great and again, made a few comments at the end. Well after Sunday School off to church I go. I sit down with my family and lo and behold I HEAR THE MINISTER! ME! I hear Rev. Wayne Horne. for the first time! Oh man...Praise be... then wait theres more....The choir entered and I was able to hear the melody of the song they sang! Last week it was awful with all the screeching. Well today I was able to hear the melody and at times 2 different parts. The music was filled with sharp and flats but thats ok...its coming! I know I will be hearing normally again one day that I just need to have patience. Oh I cried and I cried. I looked over at my mother in law and told her I hear the melody! I dont know how loud I said it but shes starting to shed tears with me and then down the row it goes. I was giving a thumbs up and trying to contain myself but we Ropers cant do that if we got something to share  lol After the service some friends of mine came up to me as they probably were wondering what I was doin making a spectacle of myself during the service and after the service I just told everyone! Went to Wayne to tell him I heard every single word and I heard his prayer! With my eyes closed I heard him! Now I still hear funky sounds. People still sound either like a robot or a duck but at least its getting better and I can understand words better. Big breakthrough for me today. Wonderful day and am so thrilled that I could share it with you...Today was awesome, amazing and was completely overwhelmed. Thanks for stopping by and hears to hearin ya!! Later!

Its time to update my post and really there is nothing more to add. I did decide to go to choir on Wednesday night as encouraged to do. It was not pretty. I was not able to make out the different parts the were being sung even when following along with the music. We did however rehearse a song I have sung many times and when the choir performs that song, I will be able to tell if I have made any progress as they are not singing it for a month of Sundays :)   So hopefully..... Have not ventured out much the last couple of days since I am painting. I did notice a coupe more sounds. My dogs claws on my kitchen tiled floor.  Also heard the kitchen faucet drip, drip, drip while sitting in another room! Amazing isnt it? I sat there for the longest time trying to figure out what that LOUD noise was and here it wasnt even in the room I was in! I am forever walking around my house trying to figure out some things that I hear. Still one sound I cant find and sounds like a door slamming...think this house is haunted?  lol I did visit a friend today and heard every lovely word...it was so good seeing her as I have not seen her since my surgery. It was wonderful. Just lovin' all these visits I am making here lately... Also today I went to the car place to get my oil changed. It was sooo loud with the TV blastin, people chatting and I just busied myself and tried to play a lil game called who is saying what  lol  That hour flew by! You guys have a great weekend and as always, thanks for stoppin' by! Here's to hearin' ya... Later!

Reflections

It has now been a week since my CI has been activated. All in all its been ok. No, thats not correct, its been awesome! I am sitting here reflecting on the week and rereading my previous posts. First thing that comes to mind this morning as I write this is I am blessed. I am truly blessed. If I put all my trials and tribulations in a pile with others, I would grab mine back as they are insignificant compared to what others are dealing with. I am so fortunate to have the love and support of family and friends. And my church family. How do people survive without a church family? My husband, Ed has been my rock. He hears my joys and sorrows, my complaints...everything. He keeps me in line and keeps me seeing the big picture and reminds me how patient I need to be. A good friend told me yesterday...Karen! Its been a week! Yes it has and I am trying my best to relax and just let it come....to let things happen as they should... Ok on that note speaking of relaxing. I stayed indoors yesterday. I caught myself for the first time ignoring the little sounds my house makes. I was painting the baseboards in the hall of our home when I heard a noise. Oh yea, thats the fridge. and oh yea thats the dishwasher. Then I tuned them out! Here I am hearing these noises and I am tuning them out? Is that what I am supposed to do? Tell me that just after a week I am already working on selective hearing? I guess I am. Moving on, I feel like I need to mention my dog while I am reflecting on this past week. I apologize if I am long winded but it runs in the family and she is important to me also. My dog Shelby is, we think a 4 year old yellow lab who is a rescue. (Insert here a shout out to Low Country Lab Rescue, please support your rescues and animal shelters) She has always been my right arm or should I say ear and alerts me to EVERYTHING and I mean everything. Since having my implant she has a sense that something has changed. She is staying at my feet at all times and seems to need more cuddling and affirmation like she is still needed to help me "hear" things. While painting the baseboards she would lay beside me and watch me paint, as I slid, she slid...so cute. Now when I am at the computer or sitting down reading, she would just come and put her nose in my lap and just look up at me. So sweet. So she is adjusting to this as everyone else. Im also feeling a bit guilty and whimpy today as I am not at my swim class nor am I going to choir practice tonight. The swim, because I just dont feel like going  lol and the choir, I was thinking that maybe it is a bit too soon to introduce music afterall. What do you think? Heres to hearing ya and have a great day. And as always, thanks again for stopping by and giving me your support and encouragement. It means everything to me. It is because of you that I am trying so hard to make this CI successful. Later!

Attempted to swim and...

Well I have been cleared to get back in the water and I attempted to swim a lap and attend my water aerobic class today. I got in the water, started my slow jog, so far so good. About midway into the class when we were working on our legs, I notice that my balance wasnt so hot. Hummmmm. Kept on going with the class and next came a wave of seas sickness! Now, I have done my reading and researched this CI to death and nowhere did I read that I would experience sea sickness! Another one of those go figure times. Anyway, had to cut out of my class early but will be going back to attempt it for a longer stay on Wed. Other than that had a good day. Went and did some more visiting and felt pretty good as I heard a few comments made while the speakers back was to me so thats a plus. Making headway on this CI. Meredith, my audiologist called me today to check on me. Well actually she called my hubby since I cant talk on the phone yet. Wasnt that nice of her to call? Im tellin ya, Im in good hands!..Oh, I wore my cowboy boots today. Know what that means? I will conquer whatever is thrown at me. Im dressed the part. Bring it on! Later!

The day I awaited for is almost over...

Today is Sunday. The 1st Sunday in my new world with a CI. Oh how I looked forward to today as I had a list of things to listen to. I was so excited to get up and get ready to go to church! It was almost like the 1st day of school! I arrived in Sunday School and everyone was great. I participated in small group conversations before the class started which I usually do but usually just nod and smile. Today I did and everyone either sounded like a robot or a duck. What a great time I had chitchatting with everyone. The class begun, my husband had the opening prayer which I heard with my eyes closed and I must say, I love that guy. His prayer was wonderful and perfect. I heard the lesson overall at least I thought I did and even made a few comments towards the end of class. Not really sure how I did but I hoped I followed the lesson along well enough that my comment was not too off the wall. Ed had to leave early or he would have told me how I "performed" In the past I would make comments that had no real meaning to anything and Ed would just say, sorry, she didnt hear you right. This group knows me well enough that they would hear me out regardless and be gracious and not say anything if I missed it. Anyway, I thought I heard really well for my 1st time out. So, with that Im winning the world kind of attitude, I head down to the sanctuary. Oh my goodness...The organ started and I thought I was going to lose it! I heard all this racket! The foot pedals sounded like thunder, the higher notes were screeching! I was so upset.Then...here comes the choir. The minute I had been waiting for. One of the main reasons I got my CI was to participate with my choir. The choir starts and all I could do was cry and collapse in the inside. MY beloved choir sounded like a little country church choir that all sang in unison and screeched out the high notes. I hope I dont offend anyone with my comparisons, that is not my intention. Just wanted you to know what I heard. It was devastating to me. Now I know with me starting to sing to myself yesterday and to Ed and his mom, I knew it would not be perfect. I didnt know it would be that bad! I told Ed afterwards that I just wanted to go home and pull the covers up over me. And that is what I did. I slept all afternoon! Now I know I have my work cut out for me and I am ready. I am going to put on my cowboy boots and go after it all and win! Thanks to you all for reading my blog and showing me your support. Because of friends like you make me want to rise above and get out there a kickin' to win this thing and be successful. Have a great week and heres hearing to you! Later!

Tried and failed but try again...

As I said earlier, I have 2 goals in order for me to call this CI a success. 1) Enjoy music again (which includes, singing, playing the piano and playing my beloved uke) and 2) Talk with my children on the telephone. Thats it. Just 2! Well Im not actually supposed to use the phone yet so I decided to start singing to myself. I was so surprised! I cant do it! I started off singing Happy Birthday to my dog. She didnt howl but she sure looked at me funny when I tried to hit a high note. Its the oddest thing. For me not to be able to sing happy birthday? Well I kept on singing while cleaning the kitchen and started off with Row Row Row Your Boat....well guess what? I started off ok then when I went for the high note on merrily...there it was again. I couldnt do it! And then totally bombed the rest coming back down from the song singing merrily merrily merrily merrily! Honestly...I just find this unbelievable given my background and all. Music means everything to me! One of my favorite quotes " For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the souls own speech"  I talked to Ed and instead of our usual chitchat I sang to him, we sang together with each other and well, knowing Ed he said "well yea I dont know but I reckon its ok..." Typical male response...am I right? We kept trying until we finally gave up. I went over to my mother in laws house and told her that I couldnt sing! So being the sweetie that she is, we sat down and she said now what shall we sing...she is also a choir member so she does have a good ear so I sang. Bless her heart. She said "Well I think on the high note you are over shooting and its a bit sharp"  lol I love her. Anyway, we sang a couple songs and decided I was going to sit in on choir practice and not sing but listen to the different parts. Kind of like therapy. What do you think? Im going to talk with the director tomorrow and ask if its ok but I think this coming Wed, Im gonna start listening to some real music! Wish me luck! Thanks for dropping by and come back tomorrow to find out how my very first Sunday School class and church service went..stay tooned  :)

another day...another discovery..

Today I reported to the Soup Kitchen and man oh man! Everywhere I turned there was a new noise. Pots clanging, water running, people coming in and out of doors, chairs scratching the floors. Think it was noisy? Yes it was but I heard all that noise. ME! I do hope it doesnt sound like I am complaining...Im not. Its an adjustment I have to make. I was able to talk to the people I serve with. Oh Ms. Betty it was a pleasure hearing your voice. On the way home, I hit a few of my shops in 5 points. One of my favorites is 2G's Love them they always have their beautiful dogs with them in the shop. I just went to visit and of course while chatting I saw these 2 to die for shirts I had to have  lol but sh mums the word  lol  Anyway, we chatted then a couple girls overheard and they wondered on over to join in on the conversation. I have never ever talked with as many strangers as I have this week. And to think I heard them and conversed. I had a glorious time! Absolutely fantastic time chit chatting as Ed says...Im learning how to chit chat and its wonderful. I am finding myself talking a lot about nothing  lol  Met 2 of my girlies from Hartsville for lunch today and I heard them both in conversation! I reached over to grab their hands to say the blessing and afterwards I thought, I should have let them say it so I could listen to theirs. But there is always a next time for that. I do have to say while dining, the ice machine sure did make a lot of racket. Again, not complaining. just making an observation :) It as such a nice lunch. I see many more lunch dates down the road. When I drove home lare after running an errand, I noticed an elderly neighbor out in the yard. I dearly love her but do not "chit chat" with her often as she is hard to "read". I saw her out in the yard, I stopped and we chit chatted all afternoon along with her daughter. Had a grand time. I love how everyone is so happy for me and just smiles and congratulates me. Makes me want to work that much harder to make this thing a success. I have gone out and about more this week then I have in weeks. Having a blast. Went to overnight a package and even the girl waiting on me was thrilled for me. I had to tell her I was wearing a CI as she was walking all around the shop asking me questions and I had to compete with other customers also...After I told her about my CI, she was all interested and the other customers, walked in closer and got in the act. What a marvelous thing. Again, met another stranger. Im tellin ya...this is a good thing. My girlfriend said today she even thought she could write a good murder mystery involving a CI wearer...Yes, my girlies are weird but ...takes one to know one, right??? OMG! My dog is behind me scratching her ear! WOW... Had a wonderful and blessed day. Im ready for hubby to come home so we can chit chat and tell him all about it.... thanks again for joining me. Later!

Going out and about

I wake up and while Ed and I are eating breakfast, we are actually chit chatting. Usually we talk and discuss stuff but with me hearing him, we chit chatted about this and that and just chit chatted. Was nice. Meredith suggested that he read aloud to me so I will learn his voice. I also read aloud so I can hear my own voice and practice my speech. So we are eating breakfast together and just chit chatting and lovin this! Its awesome. Ed goes to work and I plan my day. I went out to all the shops I frequently shop and re introduced myself and told them that I wanted to hear what they sounded like. I went to the cleaners, my favorite consignment shop, (Consign It on Forest Dr , tell 'em I sent ya), my jeweler (Artisan Jewelry on Forest Dr), The Green Phenix (located on Sunnyside Dr again tell 'em I sent ya) Also Estate Liquidators. And while there I found that perfect chair that I just had to have  lol Anyway, it was fun to go see all my shopkeeper friends that have been so patient and kind in dealing with me. There were hugs all around and even a few tears shed. Its awesome....I have a friend in the hospital so I thought I would go see her. I made it through the parking garage but once I entered the corridors, I was uneasy as I heard what I think was the PA system, the housekeeping carts and this screeching noise. I thought maybe I was interfering with some equipment. I have to admit that I started to feel anxious and left without seeing my friend. Felt awful afterwards. I decided to tough up and go try again which I did and she was asleep! Ticked me off. Almost woke her too  lol But I didnt. I went to Target YUCK! I have no idea what I heard but one thing I did....a small girls voice. So precious. I went to the mother introduced myself and had to tell her that her childs voice was my first childs voice to hear and its just beautiful and for her to embrace it and enjoy. We hugged and cried. It was awesome. You have no idea! Spent more money so I decided to call it a day. Man what a day. So much to take in...I forgot to mention that this morning I also heard my tea pot water boiling and my dog lapping water...go figure...another big day....nighters!

The ride home...

Ed and I are traveling home from Charleston and I start to unpack my goody bag with all my stuff that Meredith gave me. Oh have mercy I have some studyin' to do! I opened up this fancy briefcase that has all this equipment and oh my gosh guess what I see! My receiver comes with four different colors! Let me back up here....When Ed and I first decided to go with the implant, several different styles were shown to us to chose from. One receiver we looked at had pink and black zebra stripes and all these "funky" covers I could wear. As soon as Meredith opened it up Ed said  and I quote " OH law dont show her those" lol Now for those of you that know me, I am slightly off whack and not well lets just say normal lol When I turned 50 I decided to go funky and I shaved my head, bought a convertible and started to take care of my bucket list. Ed did not want me to wear a pink and black zebra print receiver on my head and since he was paying for this thing, I went with gray so it would blend in with my hair and not stand out. Well to my surprise when I opened my briefcase that had all my supplies and stuff there laying before me were 4 extra recievers all in multiple colors. Neon green, yellow, bright blue and lastly old ugly orange (which I will never wear unless I am going to a tacky party or something). I was so excited and Ed just rolled his eyes. So far I am wearing the gray. I will break in the neon green maybe for St. Paddy's Day lol  We driving home and well, I need to stop and use the little girls room. Went in and I know I shouldnt talk about such private things but you know what my 3rd new sound was? Tinkle  lol  OK Im embarrassed but its true....I just really never ever thought about it. Go figure....we arrive home and day one has come to a close but wait...you know I have to update my games so I quick go to the computer and 4th new sound? Keys on the keyboard click! Imagine that...Its so loud...even the mouse has a click. I am so involved with these new sounds...I play Words with Friends and it has a bubble sound when a move is made! Bejeweled Blitz! Have Mercy and Hot Shots! I now have turned my volume control off. Not down but off! My day is complete.

Hang on and enjoy the ride....

January 3rd arrives, I am sick to my stomach, anxious, nervous, excited all wrapped into one. I arrive to see my audiologist Meredith ( insert shout out here as she has been fabulous and treated me with kindness and understanding)...she hands me paperwork to fill out as I have been accepted to participate in a study for CI wearers. The implant I chose is called the MAESTRO and is supposed to be tuned in to music and the telephone which both are very important to me. My goal is to join our church choir again after gosh I think its been a 15 year hiatus? and also to talk to my children on the phone. 2 goals. Choir and kids and phone. THis study is for music so, I am going to do it. OK, Im sitting in the room with Ed, Meredith and her intern ready to program this thing. She places it in my ear, hooks me up to the machine and the first thing I hear is a "DING" I have never EVER heard a ding before in my life. I thought to myself. Ok, this might work. Well what came next BLEW ME AWAY and I told them to take this off I did not like it at all! It was awful! Everything was so loud and all at once I heard all these noises that were so unfamiliar to me. I did not like it and I was ready to leave. Then the tears came. Not for joy but for disappointment. Meredith said wait, hang on lets do this thing...She played with this and that and lo and behold, things were starting to come together. What I hear is different from you hear. Everything I hear sounds like a robot. Everything is monotone. I am speaking slower and I also sound like a robot. Ed to me sounds like a duck!  lol Dont you love it! Good news is that I am hearing. What I am hearing, Im not quite sure. It will take time for this old brain to process everything and get these nerves that have been inative for so long to come out and play nicely with one another. But the first thing I did hear when Ed and I left the office was a baby cry BEHIND me. I have NEVER EVER heard anything from behind. We were able to see Will who works part time at McKevlins on Folly Beach (tell him I sent ya) and when we walked in the door he said hi momma and I told him I heard that! We hugged and cried and then we had to leave. I was tired and just wanted to go home...Just wait til you hear what happens next!

The Journey begins...

On December 16, 2011 my husband Ed, my daughter Mary Frances and myself entered MUSC Outpatient surgery area. Surgery was to last 2 hours and I would be sent back home to recuperate. Drugs were fabulous and my aftercare was great as I stayed at the home of my son Will and his new wife, Mandy. I must insert here another shout out to them as their guest room has THE most fabulous mattress I have ever slept on and the pillows....well lets just say I have been pillow shopping since I have been home :)  Anyway, I woke up from surgery with a "glassock" over my ear which looked like I was ready to play in a water polo match. Wore that thing for 2 days and that was it! Day 3 I started with the swelling on my right side and a black and blue eye. Later my right side turned a beautiful shade of baby poop yellow. I looked fabulous! lol I took a few pics so if I can figure this thing out, I will also add the pics to this blog post. Stayed with Will and Mandy for5 days then headed home to fly solo with no hearing at all until I am to be hooked up to my receiver on January 3rd. I was nervous to be going home completely deaf during the holiday season where I will be around lots of people but I think I did ok as everyone understood what I was going through. I even mentioned to Ed that if the implant was not successful that I would be just fine. And I still believe that....

A question was asked to me, "why now?" why after all these years did I decide to get a cochlear implant now? Simply put...because it was time. Let me start at the beginning. Im Karen, 55 years old and lost my hearing at age 8 due to an illness. My hearing loss was not discovered until I went off to college and had a geology class with 300 other students in an auditorium taught by slides with the lights off. Sitting on the front row, I still made a terrible grade. It later was my husband who discovered my loss by telling my parents that he is whispering sweet little nothings in my ear and not getting any response. At least that's the story he tells. Anyway back to why the implant now. I flew to Denver with my sister, Jill to see her daughter and her family August of 2011. While I was there I discovered I wasnt hearing well and thought oh well, its time to get new aides. I could not hear precious little Jassim at all!  To make a long story short, I came home from Denver, told Ed I needed new hearing aids and made an appointment. I decided since I noticed my loss was so great, I wanted to start over from scratch with a new dr a new audiologist, the whole shabang. I went to a new ENT (Dr. Noone) in Charleston and a new audiologist fresh out of school. What a tremendous move that was on my part! So here I will enter a big shout out to Natalie Bickley who was my audiologist. I will never forget the kindness I was treated with when she told me that she could not help me anymore that my hearing loss was "profound" and aides would no longer help me. She did say in her opinion, that I might be a good candidate for the implant and pointed me in the direction of MUSC in Charleston, SC. The office made all the arrangements and that was the starting point. Bless you Natalie for showing me the way.