ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Hearing Issues => Topic started by: kixit on July 10, 2012, 02:43:32 pm
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My Baha surgery has been scheduled for Aug 1st at UVA!!! I called Anthem this morning to double check (again)about the processor. I want no surprises when I get my processor and they say that will be $5100.00 please-- cash, credit/debit or cashiers check. The Anthem lady said all UVA needs to do is call medical management and they will add the processor code to the surgery.
I am sooo thankful my appeal was approved. Words can't express how I feel. And- although I didn't have a big fight (thanks to God and Cochlear), I urge everyone to fight your denials down to the last one. Leapyrtwins (Jan) was so right about insurance companies. If you fight they will cave ;)
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Kix ~
A hearty congratulations to you! Persevering pays!
Jim
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Yayyyy!!! Whoever thought one tiny little blip on an MRI could eventually lead to so many issues, and not just medically!! You will be so happy once your "gotcha" date arrives! Take care!
Jay
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What AMAZING news!! So happy for you, Kixit! You persevered and it all worked out in the end. What an inspiration to each of us. Congrats!! ;D
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I'm giving you a drum role and turning cartwheels for you. Congratulations!
Karen
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Woohoo! Go Kixit! Can't wait to hear how you like it!
Liz
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Very happy for you!
-Tod
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Thanks peeps! It was truely amazing that my appeal was approved the first go around.
I'm wondering what it's going to feel like having the abutment. I had a few subcutaneous sutures pop through my translab incision and they irritated me (I wanted to pull at them) for a spell.
For those that have a "baha" device, I ask- what is it like to have the hardware? Any special way you have to sleep? I sleep on the left side with my head down (the AN and Baha side).
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No worries, most nights I sleep on my abutment. Rarely I am aware of it.
-Tod
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I am never aware it is there. I think the first week or so I noticed it, but not at all after that.
Dale
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I don't ever notice mine. The wound recovery requires you keep it dry...just follow your doctors instructions.
James
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It's crucial that I hear the alarm, etc., so I always sleep on my deaf ear. Naturally my abutment is on that side also. Never been a problem for me.
Jan
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Hi kixit;
Um; No cash here, but I suppose I could try a drum roll and cart wheel. I will this afternoon. Geesh, what more will be asked of us NF-2ers anyhow? :-)
So great you won the appeal!
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Kixit -
tomorrow's your big day! ;D
Hope your surgery goes as smoothly as mine did - most are VERY easy - and that you have quick, uneventful, healing.
Your Gotcha Day (the day you get to attach your processor) will be here before you know it.
Best,
Jan
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I have a buckwheat hull pillow. I sleep on my BAHA abutment side. A buckwheat hull pillow can be manipulated so there is a void where you wound will be, and the pillow will support your head and the wound will basically be "floating" in the void. It worked well for me. Good luck with procedure. Let us know how you did.
James
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Thanks for the well wishes all for they are greatly appreciated ;D
My weeks of excitement for this life changing device has been subdued by the death of my father. He passed the day after my daughters birthday (7/24). His viewing was on my birthday (7/30) and he was laid to rest today (7/31) :'(
I am looking forward to getting the processor. I had a follow up appointment at UVA (7/30) for the AN surgery I had back in May. The doctor said when I get my processor it may take me a little while to get used to the sound. He said it's like nothing I've ever heard before. I'm sure it will be interesting.
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Condolences about your father. I was so sorry to hear about that. I am glad you will have something exciting to look forward to. Best to you and your family.
Dale
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Sorry to hear about your father :(
I found it took a few days to get used to the sound of my processor. At first I was very conscious of the sound of my own voice; but within a week I got used to that.
A BAHA will never give you back your "normal" hearing, but in my book it's pretty damn good!
Best,
Jan
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I am also so sorry about your father ..... it is never an easy time to lose a parent ..... many thoughts and prayers.
It seems to me that often when we are grieving a loss, something occurs to offset some of the pain. So thankful you now have enhanced hearing to look forward to in a few weeks.
I sleep on my abutment frequently with no thought about it ..... although I more often sleep on my good ear because it is much quieter that way. I have no trouble hearing the alarm on my phone (chose the loudest one ::)). There also is a shake awake alarm clock, if you are nervous about not hearing an alarm. See: http://www.shakeawake.com/
Tell us how the surgery went today .....
Clarice
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Thanks for your support for my loss and surgeries. It really means alot to have people support you that have been through the same experiences.
It's official--I have been implanted..lol The pain meds are starting to wear off so I am feeling some discomfort so I popped a pain pill and an antibiotic as well. Hopefully I will have no pain tomorrow.
Thanks again for your words of encouragement!! ;D
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Yaaaay ..... you're on the way to renewed hearing!
Since I had mine put in at the same time as surgery, I did not have the same situation as a new procedure. Hope your pain is gone by tomorrow.
Clarice
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Sorry to hear you had pain; hopefully it's gone by now.
Mine was very minimal post implant - nothing that Extra-Strength Tylenol couldn't handle.
Is your Gotcha Day (the day you get your processor) in 90 days? or does your doc follow the "new" rules and let you get it sooner?
Jan
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The pain is not so bad today. Its more like a stinging sensation. The doctor mentioned 2 1/2 months for processor. I'll double check when I go back for follow up/suture removal on Aug 10th.
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Glad you are doing well and the pain is decreased. Like Jan, I had no real pain and only needed Tylenol. It was "tender" for a few days, but quickly healed. Which processor are you getting? Is it the Cochlear or the Oticon? Either way, I know you will be happy with the outcome.
Dale
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Dale-
I am getting the Cochlear Baha but unsure which processor. I will ask when I return to UVA on Fri for suture removal/follow up. The pain has subsided but returns as the day progresses. It's more like an achy/stinging/pulling sensation around the surgical site. Healing I presume.
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Does sound like healing. All good. I think in a week or so you won't even know it's there. Keep us posted and can't wait for your "gotcha" day!
Dale
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Does sound like you're healing :)
I had intense itching around my BAHA site while I was healing. Still remember it; drove me crazy.
If that happens to you, try an antibiotic ointment with zinc. It will give you some relief.
Jan
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You will probably get a BP100...good stuff. A large area, maybe a 3" radius around my implant stayed numb for about 2 years. Never had any pain. If you are having real pain, see your doc.
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Kixit,
Sorry to hear about your father. I lost mine in 2000. Losing a parent is hard.
Congrats on getting your implant! Can't wait to hear how you like your processor!
Liz
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Very sorry to read of your father's passing.
Prayers for strength.
Millie
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@James E-
You were correct--the BP100 it is in Chestnut brown 8). Now let's hope and pray the osseointergration goes as planned (see my post about poor baha bone growth).