Thursday, August 7, 2008

One Year, Tears, and a Belly Laugh!

Taken July 20, 2008, Look how yellow.

One short year ago, I was unable to carry on a conversation without the what....haaa..repeat...go write it down, with my family members. I lost interest in the important "stuff" in life. I sat and just watched TV with caption and forgot to live. Yes, I know, there is no reason why! I just felt helpless. I had been battling my insurance for a year for approval for surgery. After this long frustrating time, I came to a point, either cochlear implants surgery - one, two, or both by summer, or I will have to give up teaching! (Thank you Let Them Hear)
Fast forward a year.......Approval June 3th, Surgery July 19th, and Activation August 8th....
A year!!! wow a year! What a year! I can't believe it has been a year....Does it get any better than this.

So I went to my one year activation anniversary. Got to get the CIs tuned up. Boy, they needed it. 6 months is too long for me to go without a tune up. My dear friend, Vanessa noticed that I have been losing sound discrimination over the last few weeks. Thank goodness for a friend like her, I don't know what I would do without the patient and understanding. All people should have at least one person like Vanessa. Okay, I'll save it for another day....I'll get a picture of her too! Well I went to Vandy to get these fantastic hanging tools of dynamic sounds adjusted. I feel so much better.

BEST NEWS - I got my dream program....the one that filters out squeaky sneakers. My audie adjusted something to -3 and adjusted the high frequency down. So bring on those squeaky sneakers...I'm ready!!!!!
Tears - My dad has been moved to Emory in Atlanta. He is having every test to find the reason behind the jaundice. Mom is right by his side and staying at the hospital. So far no worst and no better. I am so blessed to have parents like them. The love they have shines though the cloud of yellow. I hope I am blessed with a caretaker as strong, compassed, and loving like my mom.
Belly Laugh - I need a good laugh. It's back to school time for us, tomorrow the big day. As an educator, I am going in circles. I can't get anything done. Nothing!!!! I want that laugh..so the other night my loving family decided to watch "I survived a Japanese Gameshow." Oh, my we laughed all evening. Those people are insane. Jenna's laugh infected the whole room. She starts we can't stop. So finally, the tears are replaced with laughter. I also remembered, Dad is in a safe place being taken care of and he won't want tears, but laughter. See Dad knows what is important in life - a good steak, grandchildren, a hug, grandchildren, his girls, and most importantly love...so Dad, I love you and in my heart I remember the real you!!! Get well.

9 comments:

Shari said...

Congrats!! One year CI-versary. That would be great to get the sqeaky noises filtered out.

Sending thoughts and prayers your way for your dad.

Take care.

VBnBama said...

Glad you've enjoyed the implant that much...hope your dad is comfortable, wishing him well...
Val

Anonymous said...

A very happy 1st for you -- here's to many more CI moments and belly laughs to come ... and lots of good thoughts for your dad, too!

Anonymous said...

Hi Valerie -

Hang in there, (as I know you will) :)

How confusing about your Dad health. I trust that the move to a new medical facility will provide the answers and care that is needed. Positive thoughts and prayers to all of you!

loml

Anonymous said...

Valerie - Congrats on the 1 year and the positive changes your CI has brought to your life!

What is the science/reason behind the need of new mapping?

*trying to imagine this here*

Thanks.

loml

Valerie said...

loml,

I found a great page that explains mapping. http://www.hearingpocket.com/mapping.shtml I hope it explains it.

They found the blockage in the liver and they will find out Monday what they are going to do about it. Dad can not make it through surgery, so they are exploring other options.

Anonymous said...

Hi Valerie - Thanks for the link. I will certainly ccheck it out.

Good to know that the reason for the jaundice has been determined, I hope this news is providing some relief. Definately on the right track now! :)

*positive thoughts to all*

loml

Cyborg Queen said...

the way that I can tell that I need a new map (aside from things starting to sound like crap), is when Roy tells me that I sound different, not as clear.

Kind of interesting. He would say, "Damn girl, you need a new map! You sound weird".

Anonymous said...

Yes, I can't believe it has been a year either. It has been great and you have been a blessing to my family this year. Thanks for all you do. I hope we can be there for each other many years to come. Love ya! Ness :)