Getting screwed on the 27th, lots of ???'s

[skamper]

Hello all,
I know many of you have already had the Baha implant surgery and I'm hoping you can help me with some questions or at least be able to send me in the right directions of a link or website that might help too.
I am scheduled on the 27th at 12:30 and the ENT's office did suggest I take off the 28th as well.  So I am currently off of work that Wed and Thurs.  Is this for the beautiful look I will be supporting (nut cup, bandages, etc) or for pain?  Do I need to take that Fri off as well?  I have a desk job at a doctor's office if that makes a difference.
Will there be a lot of pain following the surgery?  After my AN surgery I always stayed on top of my pain meds, just wanting to know if I will need to do the same with this one?
I've heard so many of you say it's just a local.  I'm a real nervous nelly and don't do good with drill sounds, oozing out of the head, etc.  Will I be offered a twilight or can I suggest a twilight?  I'm guessing I shouldn't move during this procedure at all? 
Will there be follow up appt's to check the screw?  Just more time off work I guess 
Will I go home with the actual Baha and info that day or do they have you go back for all that at the Doc's office?  That's just a curiosity question!
Do I get shaved again?  My hair is just finally coming back in that spot    How do I wash my hair afterwards and when?
Then as far as the Baha thing.  Will I need to stock on batteries or something?  Are they like watch batteries?  I'm sure we take it off for bed and showers, etc, do we store it or just turn it off?  See I'm getting ahead of myself 
Okay, I think I've taking up enough of everyone's time.  I'm just so excited, the 90 days or so will seem like forever
Thanks for always helping me out!!
Susan

[lori67]

Susan,

I didn't need any pain meds after my surgery.  I got by on just tylenol.  I had general anesthesia, but like I've said before, I have 4 kids and will use any excuse to get in an uninterrupted nap.  I'm sure I would have been fine with local.  I took it easy the night of the surgery and the next day we had people over for a bbq and I took my daughter to gymnastics.  I didn't have a huge dressing or hat on mine, I just had a small bandage that was easily hidden under my hair, so no one even knew about the procedure.  I don't think you'd need to take much time off work.

As far as removing your bandage or washing your hair, that will depend on your doctor.  Some people are told to wait a day, a week...whatever.  My doctor said I could wash my hair that night if I wanted to.  I didn't really feel like it, so I waited til the next day.  All the doctors seem to have a preferred way to deal with things like that and I'm sure he will make it clear to you that day.  Also, some doctors will give you the BAHA and tell you to take it home and not wear it until you come back in and they tell you it's okay.  Mine just held onto mine until it was time to snap it on.

Yes, you will need batteries.  You'll get a few with your BAHA but you'll need to buy more for when those wear out.  I buy mine at Sam's Club or I watch for coupons in the Sunday paper and get them at the supermarket.  They are like watch batteries and the doctor will tell you what size to get.  You take it off for bed and showers and your kit will come with a little jar of beads that you can store your processor in that will help remove any moisture build up.

Oh, and the hair thing - my doctor just had to revove a little bit wasn't even noticeable.  It grew back fast.

Hope the 90 days flies by for you!
Lori

[Goldie]

I just had my BANA implant yesterday and am happy to report no pain!  I did fill the pain med prescription the doctor gave me "just in case" and took one when some pain started after the procedure, but I've needed nothing since (not even a Tylenol)!  I'm not sure if that's unusual, but I've gathered pain isn't usually a big issue for many.

I just had a local and it was okay.  If you're concerned about the noises and sensations, I think a light sedative would help.  As I was lying there, there were a couple of times I wished I had taken something.  They had me lying on my back with my head turned and I had no problem lying still.

I was able to wash my hair today and what little they shaved off is not noticeable at all.

I didn't take home my BAHA yet and am not sure how that works.  I see my surgeon for follow-up on Tuesday and don't really expect to see him again until closer to the time of using the BAHA unless I'm having problems.

I plan to order batteries from www.SimplyBatteries.com.  I use them to order for my mother's hearing aid at a discounted price.  They come in the mail quickly and it's very convenient.

Like Lori said, every doctor is different and I would just follow his/her advice as far as after-care.  Good luck!  I hope it's as easy for you as it was for me.   

Denise D.

[leapyrtwins]

I had very minor pain the evening of the implant and the next morning - handled it with Extra-Strength Tylenol.  Doc gave me a Rx for Vicodin that I never had filled.

I went to lunch and my son's volleyball game immediately post op, but I skipped work the next day because I was sporting my lovely BAHA "hat" http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=6035.0

I had local - no sedation - but know that my doc also does general and twilight if the patient wants that.

I had two followup appts after the surgery.  The first one was 7 days post op where the doc removed the "cap" and gave me instructions to put bacitracin on the site.  And I had an appt. 90 days post op where the doc made sure the site had healed and I received my processor.  I may have had an appt. 30 days post op to check on the healing, but I don't recall. 

Whether you get your processor the day of surgery depends on the doc; mine holds onto it until the waiting period is up.  Guess he just doesn't trust patients not to wear it prematurely - and in my case, at least, it was a good call on his part 

Shampooing is also a doc decision.  Mine let me shampoo 24 hours post op - when I removed my hat - if I held a cup over the site.  After a week of this, I was able to shampoo without the cup.  But I've heard of other docs with other shampooing rules. 

Batteries can be purchased just about anywhere you can purchase hearing aid batteries.  BAHA processors take size 13 (orange) hearing aid batteries.  I get my at Walmart, but you can also find them at Walgreens, Costco, Target, etc.

When you are not wearing your processor, you should remove the battery and put it in the jar of drying beads that Cochlear gives you.  You can also purchase a dry and store http://www.dryandstore.com/ online or from your audiologist. 

Jan

[Paul F]

Jan,
The BAHA Intenso takes a 675 battery.  It is needed for the extra power for those with moderate hearing loss on the "good" side.
Paul

[leapyrtwins]

Thanks, Paul, good to know.

I guess I just assumed that Susan was getting a BP100 - not an Intenso.

Jan

[skamper]

I am getting the BP 100 according to the doctors office.
Thanks everyone for their answers and the help.
Susan

[james e]

No pain. No need to take time off. Batteries are inexpensive and available at lots of stores. The worst part for me was my head stayed numb around the implant area for months...probably because they really scalp you, removing flesh under your scalp, and your nerves are growing back or reconnecting. Small price to pay. Technology is great stuff! Have no fear...this is a great day in your life!

[moe]

This post was from "Another NY postie" ,who just had the BAHA. Has a good description, and a picture too

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=13578.0
Maureen