ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: NL on May 21, 2009, 12:13:13 am
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Hi All,
Back in March, I posted briefly about a young couple, Beth and Joseph, who Donnalynn had pointed in our direction when they were coming to House for Beth's fourth surgery. Catherine (Jerseygirl2) also met Joseph and his parents when they were staying at Seton last year. They're a remarkable couple, and have been through so much in the last few years.
Beth is NF2, and had lost hearing in both ears a couple of years ago. Last year the docs implanted an ABI (auditory brainstem implant), a surgically implanted electronic device that transmits sound to the brainstem to give a sense of hearing, but it didn't work. When they were here in March for her last translab, the doctors implanted another ABI which was turned on for the first time yesterday.
As you can see from the subject line, this time it worked! We met Beth and Joe today for a celebratory dinner today before they return to Louisiana in the morning. Though it'll take some time for her to adjust and interpret the way things sound, when there was no ambient noise around, she could hear and understand what I was saying. It was pretty amazing, and the docs say her hearing will continue to improve over the next few years.
Here are some pics we took today at The Grove:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3550841296_48347b9427.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3550839668_bf02209530_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3550033797_b2755ab426_m.jpg)
Just had to share this wonderful news - congratulations to both Beth and Joseph!
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What wonderful news! .... and great pictures. Thanks for sharing this .... it gives much hope to others!
Clarice
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Amazing news. Hearing for the first time after two years must be an incredible experience. Best wishes to Beth and Joseph.
Steve
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Wow. That is just amazing. I got goose bumps all over when I read this - how incredible to be able to hear again after two years. Wow - just wow.
Debbi
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That is super for Beth to have her ABI work esp since of her prior experience. I was close to no hearing and that was a very hard time. Having none would be horrible. I am very glad for her and hope she has no more future problems. I can understand how grateful she must feel and happy to have more of a life again.
Cheryl R
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Great news! So happy for her.
Sue in Vancouver USA
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Wow! I didn't even know they could do that! So nice to hear of a happy ending!
Ernie
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What really wonderful news! Congratulations Beth and Joseph -- I'm sure this is a wonderful gift to both of you!
Wendy
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Nancy ~
Thank you so much for the splendid news that Beth can hear again. :) I love these kinds of stories, especially when 'illustrated' with photos!
Jim
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Nancy -
thank you SO much for giving us this good news! Beth - and Joseph - must both be so thrilled.
The pictures - like the news - are beautiful, too!
Jan
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Awesome news for Beth and Joseph. Like Debbi, reading this story gave me goose bumps.
It must feel like a miracle.
Thank you for sharing the pictures too!
All the best,
Kate
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She must be so thrilled! I'm so happy for her - she has been through so much, she's definitely way overdue for some good news.
Thank you for sharing the news with us!
She's such a beautiful woman. I'm so glad you guys were able to be there to support her.
Lori
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WOW! Great news! :)
DHM
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YAHOOO!!!!! congrats and thanks for sharing the news and wonderful pictures with us!
here's to many many more blessings, joy and laughter!
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this is wonderful news.... Beth, continued wellness wishes to you! :)
Phyl