tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31081722851492677172023-11-16T09:17:35.889+02:00Sound of Cochlear ImplantViviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-89816916709252654272015-05-17T23:53:00.001+03:002015-05-18T01:52:38.684+03:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it's been a while since I last wrote here.<br />
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A very LONG while. I've been so busy the past three years. And I dropped off blogging in favor of FB .<br />
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You can't beat the instant interaction there. But also something else snuck up to me. This Friday, is my SEVENTH surgery day. It's been seven years since I got my robot ear.<br />
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A long time, isn't it?<br />
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But it's also my fourth cancerversary. Few friends know that I found my tumor on my own, on a day that for me was a happy day. A day that started my journey into something new. And a day that I had to swallow a bitter pill as well. Because, yes, I have a surgery day for my mastectomy, but I consider that journey started from the moment I touched it.<br />
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You can't describe the joy of hearing.<br />
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You also can't describe the panic of the what if it's cancer?<br />
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You can't describe the thought of feeling like your life started with hearing better than before.<br />
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You can't describe the thought of death - because that's what you think when cancer comes in your mind.<br />
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Yes, I can hear. Yes, I'm here. Yes, I love hearing. Yes, I found the tumor early and I've had a happy ending with that.<br />
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But...I've gotten to both wanting for May to come here, and dreading it as well. It's a bitter thing to have.<br />
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Before, I ignored it. I used to say, "so, what? I'm not the first, and neither I'll be the last one"<br />
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Today, I'm facing it, and I'm embracing it. Because the day will always hold both sweet and bitter memories for me, but, I'm lucky.<br />
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I've gotten a lot of amazing things.<br />
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I've gotten some amazing friends. Some are near, some are far, some are in the far flung corners of the world. Some have a robot ear or two , like me. Some are just genuinely hearing. Some wear HA's. Some have been through the same breast cancer journey as me. And , I've gotten some amazing friends, whom I consider my second family. Wherever they are, they're in my favorites list on my phone. I always reach out to them.<br />
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I've gotten some amazing trips. Some memories that I'll hold dear. Some conversations I'll hold dear. (Hi Kasigirl , whenever you are! )<br />
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The biggest gift I have is the love I receive, and it's the most beautiful gift!<br />
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I thought I'd start this blog with describing how I found my tumor, but it ended up in a completely different vein. And that's ok.<br />
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Just try to be happy, each of you, K? and do your annual check ups. They're done for a reason.<br />
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Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-38644310930861873042012-07-23T22:35:00.001+03:002012-07-23T22:38:45.411+03:00Nearly there...<div><p><p>Hello everyone. As I type this I'm enjoying a crepe at some restaurant. I've been neglecting this space due to my health issues plus I had a lot to think about. </p><br>
<p>My hair is growing, I've gone to a vacation (and saw a lovely friend getting hitched) and am already planning another one. </p><br>
<p>I hope I can be back because I enjoy writing here and maybe I will, soon. </p>
<p>I miss the blogging interaction to be honest. </p>
<p>I'm sharing one of the lovely sunsets that I have on my phone(yes I'm blogging through my phone) </p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIb8AtQewFzDJOwst4-UeR0p7PP6SMWvAcUrDQ7IF3fsF7Y_NfgO3B1zk44g2vPI3f7CX2efhF5ROiAuysFhyphenhyphenF2qaTKpzTzL8GGaGvELgL_LPdsKYTC4-xHjI3xOS6u9qQrYyxo1B1tOK9//' /></div>Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-48701367157252993212012-05-12T02:26:00.001+03:002012-05-12T02:26:10.378+03:00Cottonbud<div><p><a href="http://instagr.am/p/KgS-nXzg7l/">http://instagr.am/p/KgS-nXzg7l/</a></p>
<p>Getting there but not yet....</p>
</div>Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-45338198794821838252012-01-07T02:25:00.000+02:002012-01-07T02:25:05.939+02:00About time to update something that is called my blog...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh my god , I haven't blogged for four months.<br /><br /> But you all know I had a very good excuse ( THIS time. dunno about next time )<br />
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From my last post , you probably know I'm undergoing chemo..To say it was smooth sailing , it would be a lie though.<br />
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Always something crops up.Some problem will rear up.But I've managed to do my best with what I was given with.<br />Plus , I'm blessed with some friends that I'll never forget.I even received some fabulous Christmas cards that I loved! Oh , and cookies!!The box will be a keepsake...I'll pull it out again next Christmas.<br /><br /> So , you wonder..what's I'm writing in the blog for? Ok , let's get the most exciting thing out of the way first!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> This coming Tuesday , 10 January , will my my LAST Chemo treatment!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can I get a cheer for that? I've made it! I thought I couldn't make it , and I had lost heart halfway through the treatment.It's not all cake and roses you know.<br /><br /> At the last treatment with the first medicine , I had quite a bit of throwing up that left me with a serious nerve headache that nothing could get it off.And I had a messed up arm from a blunder nurse ( blood draw ) that managed to go through my vein and get a nerve.I couldn't straighten my right arm or reach high bc of that , and always kept it bent.I still favor it btw.It wouldn't have been a big deal as I'm a leftie , but it hurt.And my left arm hurt in the SNB scar area in my armpit.<br /><br /> Painkillers and exercise helped a lot , but I was grouchy for a time about that.And I started to get scared of any vein needles , and am very nervous about them still.I think I always will be nervous and never will blow off a blood draw like it's no big deal..because I learned it IS if it's not done right.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> The second chemo medicine , was a bit more brutal at start..I wasn't throwing up , but I had some serious bone pain.</span></span> Really.I ended up taking some heavy painkillers that also messed with my stomach.After that , it was just being tired.Thank god for that.<br /><br />
But by then , I learned that nothing is smooth sailing.Red cells were lower , they just decided to accompany white..so , now I'm on a weekly injection regime to see if they'll come back up.<br /><br />I would never have made it though , without the support and love of my friends and family.Really.Even my nephew , unwittingly helped , as he seems as devoted to me as I am to him.When I hear Vivie from him , I always smile and get excited.He loves anything I'll get him , and he was all over his Christmas present , or so I hear.We also went to the carousel together , and made memories.I have some pics , but not going to post , you understand.Just imagine me though , with little guy on my lap.<br /><br /> Now on to Christmas , it was a really low key no-present holiday , but that's okay , as long as I don't get any more pajamas! I have quite a few pairs of them , and I'm kinda sick of them now! I used to not wait to get home , change into pj's and relax..ummm that can change! Changed into 2012 with family! Really nice , a nice meal , a LOT of desserts ( birthday cake for my cousin , vasilopita , saraiglakia just to name a few ) and just chatty family.I did get some holiday cash in , that can be either spent on a new alarm clock for the deaf , save up for a trip I want to make , or save up for an iPad that I've been coveting...hmmm decisions , decisions!<br /><br /> On to hearing news - since I was into bed much of the time , I got into the (bad) habit of not wearing my ear again.I really don't like it , but I have to cope somehow.I am trying to get into wearing it again and upping the time from there , but it's hard bc my energy is fluctuating like crazy.One minute I'll be bright and alert and suddenly , I'll crash and burn.I've stuck to mostly movies , FB and some rare outings with family or on my own , keeping it low key.Fortunately , most of my family and friends are VERY understanding and they say all that I have to finish chemo and then have a stab again.I'm thinking of e-mailing my audiologist and come clean , and ask to start over.I did manage to wear it for a couple hours today.It's a start.<br /><br /> I don't admit it on Facebook because I'm ashamed , but some people privately know about it , and are very supporting.I'm hoping everyone will not gossip my decision , because it was my own decision and it's my own life.I do not take kindly to orders, and if you do , you'll experience my rather bitchy temper..<br />
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After my last treatment , I will be considered PFC (= Post Final Chemo ) and will move on to my next stage of treatment.Hormonal treatment.I'm not looking forward to that , not much , but at least that means I'm moving to the right direction.I'll do hormonal treatment for 5 years , be monitored , and after that I'll be declared officially cancer free. <br /><br /> My immediate plans after I recover is to go on a trip to recover from the shit year I had.I thought I had kicked it off nice , last year..but , no , I didn't.So , my plans are to go somewhere in Europe..my possible destinations are England ( for the 3rd time ) , or somewhere Northern Europe.Maybe Austria , or Iceland? Finland? We'll see.<br />
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My dream destination would be either the US or NZ but the tickets are too expensive.And I've never been in a long-haul flight.And flight changes make me a little nervous..plus , maybe if I win the lottery , I'll go bilateral , I'll pay off my condo loan , I'll travel , I'll...you get the drift.Oh , and get a proper DSLR.Yeah , the things you can get IF you had the money.<br /><br />Oh well. Time to wrap up this missive.<br /><br /> See you in the next few months , I guess? or whenever I get off to blog again.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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</div>Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-30591483920943788942011-09-04T02:16:00.003+03:002011-09-04T02:16:48.093+03:00A new twist...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't written here for over three months.<br />
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My reason was a simple one.A health crisis.<br />
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My hearing birthday was on May 22nd , and it was my 3rd Hearing Birthday.Three years since activation.Wow.I was feeling great.I have friends all over the globe through FB , and I was feeling very loved and supported.<br />
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I just had experienced my first travel abroad , even with all the mishaps ( that might be detailed in a later post ) in February.Visited a friend , got surprised , had a fantastic birthday!<br />
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All that can be turned over in an instant.The night of my hearing birthday , I was feeling great.Had dinner outside ( treated myself ) had a good walk , and was chatting with friends , when a pain that kept coming back for a few months , came again.I rubbed it to relieve it.<br />
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A lump.My mind froze.<br />
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A month later , under the know of some close friends and family , and with their support , I had gone through all the testing.Result of the lump : Breast Cancer. ( DCIS , Stage II ). Every other organ in me was clear.And I was heading again to the OR , for removing the whole breast. I had decided on a left mastectomy , and reconstruction.The reconstruction wasn't going to happen if the lymph nodes were positive though.SNB ( Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy ) was going to happen halfway the surgery.I had raced through all the doctor appts , breast surgeon , plastic surgeon , everything , did every scan , every exam that I was ordered to.<br />
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My mind was on survival mode.But...I have to thank friends , dear friends that I've had either before the journey , or made while I started the journey , that supported me , laughed with me , heard me , and helped me keep my sanity.One in particular , was ALWAYS there for me.Won't name, but.....she knows who she is.<br />
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Fortunately...I survived the OR..And now , I'm halfway through chemo.Doing treatments , recovering from breast surgery and reconstruction , learning to live with a new normal.And feeling sometimes , very grateful , for friends.And for my own luck to have discovered it early enough.<br />
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I'm doing treatment #2 on Tuesday.And today I'm officialy a bald head with a CI on.<br />
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Voila! <br />
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My ear ( aka my CI ) wasn't affected at all.There were some risks , but I weighed it out..and I just followed my own gut.<br />
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- NO MRI - even if I could with my Freedom , under certain provisions , but I didn't trust that the guidelines would be followed closely.Not Going to Risk it.<br />
- I did not want to do radiation therapy.There was not much evidence on the radiation therapy affecting the CI or not , so I decided instead to avoid it all together ( there were also other reasons for that decision ) and did instead mastectomy surgery.<br />
- However , I did bone scintilllation , which was completely safe - nuclear medicine , but it was clear , ( not totally , I found another underlying problem , but cancer-clear , which was all I cared about )<br />
- I did an CAT scan two days ago , and that one was CLEAR too.<br />
- Chemotherapy was completely safe for the CI , as all it affects is the cancerous cells.So , I felt safe doing that, even if it was a poison.Loss of hair did not interest me.I wasn't excited to lose my hair , but I preferred being able to have a long life , rather than hair! <br />
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Why did not I say it publicly before ? Mostly because I wasn't ready. but also because I needed to process it.It's hit home for me now, that I've had chemo once , and I feel like I can do it.<br />
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Also , I felt like I was ready to share.It's a hard and personal decision.Not everyone shares , and I wasn't thinking on sharing...but..there has to be someone that might need this , someone that I can help in the future with this admission...<br />
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And I'm helping myself too in this process.I found it early , cancer is off my body , but because of the staging , I have to do chemo.So what..let's admit it.And be loved.<br />
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Life's too little to care about petty things.Just go and hug your loved ones.Find friends that you haven't caught up in a long while and talk to them.<br />
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Just spread love all around you.I'm fashioning my new do with caps , rags , skullcaps , and I love the versatility! <br />
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Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-63851521006913922272011-05-22T22:58:00.002+03:002011-05-23T01:28:41.747+03:003 years post surgery...In honor of my surgery anniversary ( already 3rd one?? Time sure FLIES ) I'm reposting below an excerpt of my Surgery diary that corresponds to the day of surgery...<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday 22th May 2008<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span><br />Nurse's aide wakes me up at seven , and she gives me a calming pill.Which never WORKED.I was SO nervous.I started again walking all the ward , and when I get kicked out , the hallway.Does that make you remember something ? :P I get some last pre op stuff done , and around 8 or so , my parents come in..A nurse brings in the surgery clothes..uuuuh , how do you wear these?<br />I start joking that with these I'm all ready for psych ward , and everyone laughs!<br /><br />I got in OR around 8:45.I feel something pinching my left hand..Ouch!The team's trying to put the cardio monitor stuff , but I get shy and hide my chest.Well they conked me out a bit earlier.<br /><br />Deep breaths...count to ten..OK..one , two , three , five ( I remember skipping 4 and everyone laughs ) I start getting dizzy , I say six...I see this huge mask...and..I don't remember anything else!!<br /><br />I saw SO weird dreams , I still remember them.Suddenly , I feel hands on me ..Wasn't I in cloud nine ? someone pushing me , slapping me gently...I want to sleep some more mum, I wanna say..but I notice , my mouth can't move much..I try to open one eye..I see something green ( I can't see without glasses much! ) then , my brain feeds me with memories..Jolt awake! The op , the running off , EVERYTHING.I think..I DID it.I pick up my free hand..and I pat myself , yup , bandage here.I start grinning.The doctors wanted me to frown , smile , do some expressions , to see if my side was ok , and , I was grinning.LOL.I did it!<br /><br />I got disconnected from all the paraphernalia , and get wheeled in my room.While I try to crawl in my hospital bed , I think..whoa , I'm in a HIGH.No wonder druggies are ADDICTED!LOL.I couldn't make a coherent word.Nurse says that I'm not allowed to sleep for two hours , and that I should keep the oxygen mask on my face.They connect me with some saline , and I HATE that.I want my hands free , but I can't protest at all , seeing that I'm completely out of it!<br /><br />Mum , in an attempt to keep me awake , gives me my cell phone , to start texting..I give it back , saying I can't..since I hadn't paid it.she gives it back , and gives her phone too.LOL! ( afterwards she complained of a high bill! ROFL ) I send the first text , but it was completely blank.Wow.I'm too out of it.she texts back with a question mark.I manage to stumble a response.I'm out.I'm ok.I'm drugged up.She replies back with a LOL, and goes to alert some common friends via net.I managed to text everyone , LOL, and by then , I was allowed to sleep!<br /><br />Dad left straight back for his work , and mom stayed with me at the hospital , to look after me.I got in a 2 hour nap , and then nurse wakes me up in the attempt , to put some IV medicines.She also brings me some hot tea to drink.I DETEST tea.I drink some though.I couldn't feel the taste.My tongue is completely NUMB.<br /><br /><br />I even had some visitors the same day.I was feeling better by afternoon , but I didn't dare get up, I was feeling VERY weak ,very dizzy.<br />Kept napping and waking up and texting...and feeling nauseus!!</blockquote><br /> Today , I wanted to do something special..<br /><br /> I ended up going to the Salonica Pier where there is always something happening along the length of it , and walked it twice over , and while walking I was hearing other people talking , kids yelling while playing...<br />*thwack**thwack* Oooh , here's the tennis court!! I should sign up for lessons...<br />*aaaaaah* I look up...Airplane coming in to land in airport...Cool , I've never heard an airplane! *music* accordion street players!!<br /><br /> Later , I went to eat out..at Savvikos , a restaurant that is open since 1947 , passed from generation to generation , to celebrate..I do my order , and the waiter is a FAST talker , I can't lipread him at all..But I HEARD him and I gave my order and I could communicate...Nice!<br /><br /> As I was paying..another waiter that decided to carry more than he could slipped...and glasses , bottles fell from his hands..*smack**crack**tinkling of glasses being walked on* everyone was annoyed with him ...except me..I could appreciate the sound...all it takes is appreciation...<br /><br /> So , three years later..I've developed an appreciation for music , for sounds , and for voices..( my favorite thing is listening to my nephew 'talking' to me..)<br /> I've gotten friends with CI all over Greece and the globe.<br /> I've travelled.<br /> I've gotten to host friends and tour other friends.<br /> I'm expecting more friends to come over..<br /> I've gotten more confident in myself.<br /> I've realized more things about me..<br /> I've accepted some things too..<br /> I've become a DV moderator<br /> I've gotten some amazing friendships that I think might last...at last :)<br /> I'm happier<br /> I'm so appreciative of everything<br /><br /> But..<br /> I still slip and fall<br /> I still have lousy balance<br /> I still forget things<br /> I still sometimes do slip ups and blunders<br /> I still am deaf...as a doorknob<br /> I still need some accomodations<br /> I still am the same person I was before , I just changed in some ways.<br /> I still want to know more<br /><br /><br /> So..here's to a 4th year full of listening , full of more laughter , full of fun and also , full of knowing myself more , and opening myself to more travelling and more options to me..*raises ice cream bowl*Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-72426994041469288012011-05-20T17:25:00.002+03:002011-05-21T04:00:53.054+03:00Knocking on doors.After reading <a href="http://www.ehwhathuh.com/2011/05/as-hoh-person-i-get-nervous-about.html">this</a> post , I understood one more thing about me , that leads back from HA days.<br /><br />I'm known to blunder into rooms , seeing not the best situations , and even with CI , I can't decipher sometimes the come in/wait a minute as in Greek they are roughly the same syllables and it's a hard to decipher sometimes , as I already said.<br /><br />My most recent and most embarassing situation was ....nope , not going to tell you :) who do you think I am???<br /><br />But , on the other side..sometimes , when you're deaf/HOH , you have to cut yourself some slack and recognise that sometimes you ARE going to be embarassed/embarass other people , or both.Happens to everyone, hearing or not.<br /><br />I try to be respectful , but it's a hard balance , especially with friends that say I act like a hearing person ( I can hear a lot better , and I'm quite a good lipreader. ) so they almost always forget to come and open the doors for me , so , if I decide to not open , I will usually walk away after 5 minutes or so , thinking nobody is in the office/room/apartment/ house/ whatever.<br /><br />We recently had a talk about that with my brother , as I managed to walk in on him in the BR , thinking it was empty ( in my defense , I was still NOT awake , and the only thought in my asleep brain was to relieve my bladder, plus I'm used in living alone and NEVER have bathroom holdups ) and he did realize that yelling he is in when the handle got turned wouldn't get my attention , as I was totally deaf.He did say that I should check the keyhole if there's light out of it , but that's impossible if the key is in , which it was.We actually had an argument of sorts about it , trying to find a solution.<br /><br />One solution we had when I was a kid , was a sticker at the ON position for the bathroom.That indicated that bathroom was occupied.Another was locking the bathroom door , but if you're in the stage of almost peeing your pants , you don't have time to do that, plus , what if the key was lost ? Kind of defeats the purpose.A third , was usually , to check if everyone was present in whatever room we were usually ( living or kitchen room ), and then go.<br /><br />Another incident was in the office of an acquaintance's.I was walking home , after a dentist appt , and thought to drop in and say hello, as I hadn't seen that certain person for quite a time, preparing myself to the fact if he was busy , I'd leave.The person WAS quite busy *ahem* , and to boot it , they forgot the door a couple inches open , so I got in the foyer , "Hello ____ , are you here?" and for response I heard what I thought was , Come in...*ahem*<br /><br />What do you do in these instances? You just beat a hasty retreat.VERY hasty , and pray they did not see/hear you.<br /><br />What if you've been ordered to see the principal?<br /><br />My own principal always forgot I was deaf ,and he'd shout my surname , in a NOISY hallway , to get me in ( I wasn't in trouble THAT often , don't worry ) , and he always had to realize he had to tell someone else to get my attention it was my turn.<br /><br />Or EVEN when you're on a break in a bus trip and you don't hear the announcement to get back on the bus?<br />There are many possibilities to get embarassed/stranded/felt awkward , and sometimes , being deaf isn't just that we can't hear or hear properly.It means planning ahead , thinking of any possible hazards , and above all , have a sense of humor.<br /><br />Sarcasm on ourselves , helps quite a bit :)Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-23127070522366890812011-03-31T20:32:00.002+03:002011-03-31T20:35:16.504+03:00Help little Luca to hear!A few days ago , I was browsing in FB aimlessly , as I was on a short vacation at my parents'.<br /><br /> I stumbled on this Greek note , which I've translated in English for my English-reading friends.<br /><br /> Poor kid..I'm copy-pasting here my translated note off FB , in order to help him as much as I can.<br /><br /><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">HELP LUKA TO HEAR</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Little Luka is a 3 year old kid from Bulgaria , Europe , that was born deaf.The past two years he got implanted with cochlear implants in his both ears so he can hear.Unfortunately , he lost one of his processors the day of his bilateral surgery , and the company told them there is no loss warranty for his cochlear implant processors and no warranty.If the money aren't collected , little Luka will not be able to hear from his new ear ( he currently wears the new processor on his old ear ) and the processor costs 5,000 € which is an insurmountable amount for the family.Help however you can , every donation will help.</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> I personally verified his family's story, and it is a genuine plea for help.His new ear's activation is April 15th , and he needs it to start therapy and mappings!</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The account number is :02/0000000019288077</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">IBAN: BG85STSA93000019288077</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BIC: STSABGSF</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Name:LUKA LUBOMIROV TODOROV</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">DSK BANK bulgaria</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The money is in a closed account that will be accessible for withdraw only from the cochlear implant representatives in Bulgaria , so Luka can get a new processor.Please share and help , even 5 euro will help to get to the goal.</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> FYI - the Bulgaria's currency is the leva , which is weaker than the euro, which is to the kid's advantage!</p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></p><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> I wish he can hear...!<br /></span></span></blockquote><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></p><blockquote><br /><br /></blockquote><br /><p></p></span></blockquote>Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-68396617078093759122011-02-24T18:16:00.002+02:002011-02-24T18:46:45.848+02:00An updateI'll do a bullet list since it's been so long without an update..almost three months...ughhh..<br /><br /><ul><li> I made my first trip on my own.Went to London , to stay at a CI friend , who also is a very dear friend to me , but the trip was both exhilarating and scary.Had to face myself in a few ways , and some of my biggest fears had to be tackled head on.I'm glad I did the trip , but I also feel half-regret that I did it.Does that make sense? I'm still processing it...I've learned some very HARD lessons, and I have to reinforce them so some things won't happen again...<br /></li><li>Also , when I was on the trip , I made a point of visiting Chinatown and the Chinese parade.While I did not see it - too much of a crowd , and me and one friend were very unnerved from that, it was quite the hearing moment to hear the fireworks and the crackers!I also tried Chinese food.It was DELICIOUS.<br /></li><li>While at the trip , I could understand almost everyone except my host , which had me frustrated to the highest point.We made it work , communicating via other ways , but I was resenting myself for that the entire trip.Feelings were run a big high...</li><li>Since the trip though , even if it was in London , and I talked almost exclusively in English with a few exceptions , I've seen a LOT of improvement in my speech and my hearing.The most scary was today's speech session : I had to do my usual exercise - where speech recites from a text , and I have a xerox of the text and I follow along and repeat..well , today I did not have a xerox , we did a new text too , and other than having a few repeats, I could hear her..I had to look at her for a few new words , but that was it.That was scary and exhilarating , and when the session finished , I was feeling like it was something I must be dreaming..</li><li>My laptop broke when I got back...since it wasn't worth it to get it fixed , I acquired a new one instead , but meanwhile , I had to make do with loaners for two weeks..I was TIRED of loaners.I got my new laptop yesterday , activated the warranty and I've set down to work that has been neglected for a LONG time.</li><li>I celebrated my birthday while in London , twice.It was a very nice birthday , and actually the kind of the birthday I wanted - even if I never told my friends that , they DID ask me though what I'd like , but I would evade the issue.I always feel embarassed when they're putting attention on me , that's why.But , it was just what I wanted , with an additional surprise :)<br /></li><li>I have a new sound : I don't like hearing myself type on this laptop , it's a bit noisier.But , again , my old laptop was an store-brand that lasted 3 yrs , while this one is a well known brand , and I hope it'll last me for at least 4-5 years , if not more!<br /></li><li>My telecoil link broke last week , and I had to order a new one.I went today to get it , but they told me at the courier site , that I should have gone to a different shop...HUH?but yours is the closest to my home? I got confused.She told me to call...ummm, HELLOOOOOOOOOOO? she got it after a few repeats , thankfully.She told me , but you can't be deaf! You have impeccable speech! LOL.She decided to get it delivered in her shop , and I'd get there tomorrow to get it.<br /></li><li>Braces are going good.I was afraid they'd break while in London , and that wouldn't been the best thing , but they lasted ,and now I'm on a bit of a different regime..put some retainers myself , every morning.That one is clearly hard! Every time I remove one to replace it , I can't help myself but yawn really hard , lol!<br /></li><li>Today it's Mardi Gras day in Greece , which is a tradition to bake or fry things , mostly meat and whatever else we will deny ourselves in Lent.We're also in the swing of pre-Lenten Carnival.While walking to speech I saw several families in the pavement having meat on coals , the smell preceding them a block or two.Meats , sausages , steaks , bread , fries , souvlakia , whatever you'd want to eat , was on coals.I also saw SEVERAL motorbikes that were from delivery food places all over the way , one nearly mowed me in the way back! ( In my defense , he was going the WRONG way in an one way street! ).The Mardi Gras harks from the olden days in Greece , where we used to bake meat in fire , and the smell was the food of the Twelve Gods.<br /></li><li> Since I was ill the last few days , I'm not going to celebrate Mardi Gras , but stay in , and make a cake for the Carnival party I'm going to , tomorrow.Yummmm.I haven't decided what I will dress up as.</li><li>I've been reading a book about American history , and it was VERY interesting..I haven't finished it yet , but I keep underlining things , googling details , and also , using my iTouch's dictionary apps for new words.I also have been catching up on news, and it's been quite the thump on earth.</li></ul> That's it...Off to make the cake for the party :)Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-28231171525874811092010-12-14T11:25:00.002+02:002010-12-14T11:48:19.905+02:00Which part of not hearing , they don't get?WARNING : a mini rant ahead.Yes.so , if you are officially disgusted from rants , please go elsewhere.Duly noted.<br /><br /> You still here?<br /><br /> Gosh..well , let me start...( and tell me if I get out of hand , please )<br /><br /> So , last night I was enjoying my chatting online ( as much as I could , that is , as I was feeling a bit miserable from something else ) and generally having a blast in chatting and surfing..When a chat popped up in Greek :<br /><br /> " (name removed ) : Hey , how are you? "<br /> " Me : I'm good , but been better.What about you ? "<br /> "(name removed ) : I'm good , just tired from yada yada yada.Hey , check out this song! "<br /> " Me : I'll save it to listen to it later , probably tomorrow."<br /> " (name removed) : Why? this song is pretty awesome! "<br /> ( me in the background , trying to not gnash my teeth )<br />" Me : well , my ear's off , as I'm not feeling too well , plus I always remove it by 11 pm ( it was closer to 1 am then ) and stick it in the dehumidifier.So , I'll get you back on that."<br /> " ( name removed ) : But I thought you were hearing now.What's the point of having the op if you do not hear"<br /> ( what ? I DO hear , I just did not want to hear THAT particular moment , plus , CI isn't THAT sort of a miracle that will let you hear at all times.I'm still deaf )<br /> " Me : ( insert a long winded explanation about the limits of CI , but explaining it still is a miracle and I have choices when to wear it and when not.Insert example of next doors construction which has been driving everyone batty but me , as I can plop my ear off , yada yada.Plus still deaf as a wall.I just hear a heckuva better than pre-CI.)"<br /> " (name removed) : but just hear the song.it's awesome"<br /> " Me : (irked) which part of my explanation did not get?(choice word here , as I'm losing my patience ). "<br /> " (name removed) : uhhhh , why are you pissed off with me?Did I do anything. "<br /> ( me just goes offline at that particular person.Gotta love the appear offline at THAT person in MSN Messenger )<br /><br /> At that point I ranted to a CI friend , who calmed me down , but I still am annoyed with (name removed).<br /> Maybe if I pretended to my friends that CI doesn't work , they would leave me alone.Yeah.Problem's that I'm too honest.And that I always celebrate every little sound.And I want EVERYONE to know it.<br />When will I get over my ire?Who knows?Which might be , ten minutes later , a day later , or a week later , or never.We'll see.<br /><br /> You see , I can forgive pretty much a lot of things , but being thick , isn't one in my list.Sorry.<br /><br /> rant over.<br /><br /> And since I'm talking about loving to hear.What I'm loving this time , is just talking with my nephew.I'll talk to him , and he'll babble back to me.When he does that , I just want to eat him up.<br /><br /> And , I just know he'll accept me , deaf or no deaf , as I'm his auntie and he knows , even now , in his baby-ness , that I love him entirely to bits.<br /><br /> Good morning to you!Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-85079776005623015442010-11-17T21:33:00.002+02:002010-11-17T21:37:48.032+02:00Rain rain rainHaven't written lately...<br /><br /> I've been a bit frustrated with my CI lately..<br /><br /> But since I changed in the higher , louder map ( the one that I avoided for a bit , since it was giving me headaches after 2 days ) I've been able to listen more!<br /><br /> Today , I really LOVED listening to the rain!<br /> I also am able to hear the buzzers even if the buildings I'm out of , are in BUSY roads.That has me dancing in glee!<br /> Yesterday , I had two very nice phone chats , one with my aunt , and one with my mom! I could understand a LOT more..it was just a matter of letting my brain get used to the higher map , and after a couple of weeks I'm doing really well!<br /><br /><br /> I've been busy , since I'm organizing a trip next week , and also another one , hopefully in February.<br /><br /> I'm off to hear my favourite song , and hear the patter patter of rain!Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-11167227339018595422010-10-25T08:31:00.002+03:002010-10-31T15:32:19.869+02:00News , finally :)Haven't posted since start of the month...well , I got snowed under with work, even if I don't have a proper job yet.<br /><br />Still have speech 2x a week , it's been slow but sure work, I'm really seeing a difference lately , and I might stop it later this year. I don't mind going to speech therapy , it's something I always had to go to , I view it as a staple of my obligations, but it sure is a money eater! I've started watching parts of greek shows , and to repeat what I catch there..It's hard work , but I've kind of outgrown the Rosetta - it's EASY for me now ( two years ago , it was the bane of my existence , it was SO frustrating! what a difference two years make! )<br /><br /> I also had to go and spend a weekend with my family , helping them with notary/elections stuff.Sunday was really long too , I had to write a LOT , and it's been tiring.<br />I also am going to college - last semester I tried reading from home and doing online material.Didn't work out much , so I'm going as normal again.I've noticed a big difference though in my hearing.In the labs , I used to hear all 25 pc fans whirring away and it drove me completely CRAZY.This semester , I don't even notice it, they also installed silentier fans , but I do hear them , it's just when I concentrate to the professors talking or to my own work that they fade out completely.And I also can understand the professors a lot better ( still relying on lipreading ) but I can get more than before.And it's not as tiring as it was with my HA.I guess I'm just a slow achiever, and I had kind of been disappointed in the CI at first , but two friends said to me " Give it time , you're only two years post op " and " Every person progresses differently " and they were right! :)<br /><br />Braces are going great :) My teeth have straightened a lot now , still going to appointments every month, last month I got the lower braces tightened a lot , and it was really annoying for the first week , I had been surviving on whatever soft I could eat.<br /><br /><br />Also , a greek channel decided to caption one of its GREEK shows.It was a surprise for me , as I didn't expect that :) it's a weekly show , and I'm on episode 3.LOVE it , even if it's on the sad side.I love stories.Histories.Everything.It's based on Hislop's book "The Island" which is sold on amazon :)<br /><br />Sorry for not blogging that much , but I've been busy - I also have been made DeafVillage moderator , which keeps me busy , plus I prefer Facebook and chatting to catching up with my friends rather than blog , but I really don't want to neglect it either :)<br /><br /> Did I mention that I love my alerting system? It's been totally worth it's money.<br /><br /> till next post.<br /><br />ps , I installed Disqus for comments under , I was fooling around.Do tell me if you like it or not :)Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-55034538962615989612010-10-05T01:32:00.003+03:002010-10-05T01:56:18.302+03:00Coping at college with CIOoookayyy..another post :)<br /><br /> I've been busy since August , to be honest..and every time I'd get a blog started , I'd get sidetracked.<br /><br /> Hmmm , this seems to be a popular excuse in the CI/deaf blogger community lately! :P<br /><br /> I've been trying to restart college duties ( lessons started this week ) and to remember everything I've forgotten.<br /><br /> But I've been seeing progress.<br /> Pre-CI , I used to have this professor in some lessons , and he'd had a stroke from an accident I think , and the result is that one side of his face is paralyzed , or at least not functioning like it used to.<br /><br /> Problem is, these sort of people aren't lipreadable.At ALL.I remember I used to struggle.I remember I'd curse my bad luck - he's a good teacher really , it's just that I needed clarity.Ugh.<br /><br /> Well , this semester I got alloted in one of his lab classes ( every Friday ) and I had the first class this Fri.<br /><br /> I was in for a surprise.<br /><br /> First , since it was the first day , he had to get roll.I used to keep close attention on roll , trying to not miss my cue , but I usually failed.I'd have to stay behind and ask for him to mark me.<br /><br /> Well , not this time.I was distracted , typing away on the lab computer.I hear my surname , and my hand goes up automatically.Then I realized , WTF ? Did I just do THAT like a hearing person?<br /><br /> Wow.I smirk to myself, feeling like I was in cloud nine.<br /> <br /> Lesson starts ( and no , I don't have any FM ) and he starts talking , giving out his email , laying out lesson guidelines.I used to get nil with him, and I'd go by the whiteboard cues to try and orient myself, or take cues from anyone that was beside me.<br /> Another surprise.<br /><br /> I could get 50% of what he said , as long as I had even a sideways view of his face.IF he walked around , I'd be totally lost.<br /><br /> Is there a cloud higher than nine , people ? I'd like to know.Because it was where I was! It still was hard.I still struggled.<br /><br /> But it was easier than pre-CI.A.helluva.lot.easier.<br /><br /> I still got out with the usual headache and a paper that is due next Fri.But I was feeling better than usually am feeling.and not as lost.<br /><br /> Cue in today.I had another lab class today.<br /><br /> It was a total disaster.Three professors , the two mumblers , the one that wasn't was talking all the time on his cell phone.And I didn't advocate for myself.Not good.<br /><br /> But the tail end of the lesson was completely hilarious.<br /><br /> I was trying to get started on the paper that's due for the 18th , when professor's phone started ringing, bothering me.At the same time , my iTouch dinged , alerting me on something off FB.Professor asked me to turn off my cell phone.I told him it's not a cell phone ( my real phone was on vibrate anyway ) and that his phone was AGAIN ringing.He did not believe me.(He had it in his briefcase , and the ringing was muted in the classroom noise , but my CI picked it up )<br /><br /> I insisted he goes and check it.He did.It was indeed his phone.He eyed me , a bit suspiciously.As he answers it , his eyes go wide , and he realizes I'm the one that I <a href="http://greek-ci.blogspot.com/2010/07/diary-of-surgery.html">walked out</a> on him almost two and a half years ago , when I was suddenly alerted for surgery on my ear.<br /> I think he realized that I hear a lot better.Ha!Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-18935575427467932722010-10-05T01:04:00.002+03:002010-10-05T01:32:06.063+03:00Alerting SystemsFor a long time , I've been researching alerting systems to install in my flat.<br /><br /> I might have the CI , but essentially , I'm deaf . I do hear enviromental noises , and speech ( and my speech discrimination is going up slowly but surely.<br /> Also don't forget..when I'm sleeping , or in the shower , or even just taking a break from hearing..what happens ?<br /><br /> At first I thought I'd get the cheaper option - <a href="http://www.geemarc.com/eng/product/prodspec.asp?id=17">a Geemarc alerter device with a remote doorbell</a>.It was only 100€ in Greece.<br /> I was told that the remote doorbell might be stolen , and anyway , I couldn't drill anything outside my door.There was still also the downstairs door buzzer to consider.So that was discarded.<br /><br /> Back to square one.<br /><br /> It was only this or the <a href="http://www.bellman.se/web/page.php?catid=379">Bellman Visit 868 system</a> in Greece.<br /> The latter works a different way.The Door transmitter is hooked up beside the actual doorbell , programmed and it 'remembers' the sound of the doorbell to transmit an alert to the Bellman 868 receivers ( it also can be expanded with a baby monitor, fire alarm , telephone monitor , etc ) and has a host of receivers to get what suits you better.A friend loaned me the grey small pager to try out , and I got the Door Transmitter , hooked it up and I tried out the whole system.It works beautifully, dispelling all my doubts that I had initially , since it was completely wireless.It works like a charm ( had it for two weeks now , works better than I even thought! )<br /><br /> A thing that Bellman should make is a plug option for the travelling people ( in the age we live , where everyone travels , it's a must ! ) and also something that would be installable in the bathroom without needing any plugs. ( I , for one , do not have ANY plugs in the bathroom , or , at least any that are working , LOL ) And it would work with a battery ( with the ability to be switched on when you get to the bathroom to save up battery juice ! ) but maybe I'm dreaming.Who knows.<br /><br /> I'm researching my next options to be honest.I'd love to have money to fully outfit my condo , but I had only enough money for one door transmitter , and I'm planning to get another for the buzzer , sometime soon.Then next, who knows , it'll be based on what I'll learn.Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-29055597306385066782010-08-05T14:23:00.003+03:002010-08-05T15:30:12.375+03:00Sea urchins,snorkeling and ear!Hello!<br /><br /> This summer is progressing quite well for me, and I'm currently at my parents , having completed another yr of speech therapy. *smile*<br /><br /> I loved every min of summer so far , doing late night chats with my online buddies , catching up with some long lost friends ( thank you FB! ) and in general enjoying all that summer has to offer.<br /><br /> On August 1st , we celebrated my father's birthday , it was just a simple meal on our boat , wishing him happy birthday , and doing a lot of swimming.I even snorkeled with my dad to get <a href="http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Sea_urchin/1">sea urchins</a> for him and mom to eat their gonads , which are a delicacy here.We also got mussels , and few other sea things that I don't know the name of! Also , we learned that it's kinda uncomfortable to step on them..<br /><br /> I also found that a frustration I had last year with snorkeling has been somewhat eradicated.I couldn't wear my mask last year bc the back portion was directly over the implant , and it allowed my mask to leak water , leaving me very frustrated.This year , it was almost non existent , probably my implant has settled a little more in my skull , or I got more muscle over it , who knows? There is still some minimal leaking , but it's not THAT annoying.I got a new annoying thing though..The lower portion of mask that covers the nose , is a bit tight there to not leak water in my nose , but , with the braces , leaves my lip a bit numb! it's not a big problem , but I did manage to get myself drenched when I attempted to drink water immediately after removing it! LOL.Well , the wet people fear no additional drenching! I also decided to get an <a href="http://www.earbandit.com">Ear Band-It</a> if I can to see if I can resolve even that minimal leaking!<br /><br /> While snorkeling , I did see some woods and I deduced they were probably from something getting sunk there.Stones and stuff were partly obscuring them.I also saw some fishes , and I dove to scare them away , LOL.<br /><br /> In the afternoon I went to visit two of my aunties up at nana's house , which now is summer house for mom's siblings , and we had fun visiting , and later , I walked to another house , to see my primary school aide ( she was tutoring me after school ) that I had till 4th grade ( she was vacationing there with her two kids ) and , my , how time flies.It was a bit emotional to catch up with her , but , I was deaf as my battery had died , and I tried to change it ...and I let it fall! Oops , old clumsy me! It wasn't switching on after a fresh battery , so , I was like , hmm I probably forgot to charge it.Out comes a battery holder and disposables ( I always have a six pack for emegenercies , I'm kinda forgetful sometimes ) .Nada.I start panicking.<br /><br /> I had to send it Monday to the office for repairs.Ick.I was deaf until yesterday , and , my , it was a hard time for me.I couldn't hear , I couldn't hear music , and communication was quite the struggle.A lot of misunderstandings , and when it got dark , I couldn't lipread much.It got really lonely quickly , but my CI friends in FB rallied and tried to lift my spirits , and everyone was really happy when I announced I got my ear back on yesterday.Now I've double taped it on my ear , and I'm not going to change batteries again when I'm on the go.I'll try to sit down and be careful , as I don't want to go through THAT again.<br /><br /> I did make some observations though.While deaf , I lost all control of volume of my voice, I was speaking quite worse , and I was having some words muddled.Mom's patience was REALLY tested since Sunday! Not to mention I missed listening to music.Haha.<br /><br /> The problem was that the contacts in the controller , that are for getting power from battery , were dislodged, and they fixed that.Thank god it wasn't something more serious , as I do not have a back up ear.Plus , four days without hearing were a bit much for me!<br /><br /> I also decided that using long coil for when I'm out and about will solve some problems , like the likelihood of falling off me , esp when I'm on boat , ick.I do have one of Kyley's long coil <a href="http://ci-pouches.blogspot.com">pouches</a> but mom decided to wash it , and , um , washing machine decided it was a tasty morsel and ate it.LOL.But before that , a week ago , we went calamari fishing , and I was wearing my ear with long coil , and it was just...nice , to not worry about my ear , and worry abt my balance ( it was really rocky that day , we kept swinging constantly. ) and abt getting inked from calamari.<br /><br />I should add that babyworn option doesn't work too well on the boat , for two reasons.One , I know that Freedom's somewhat water resistant , but I do not want to take ANY risks.My head gets sprayed unless I stay in the cabin , where it's hot and stuffy.Second , I don't have anywhere to pin the battery portion so that the wire won't bother me , as I usually I am only with swimsuit on there.I do use all three options where I see fit , and it's just nice to be able to have that flexibility.<br /><br /> I do want to file a bit of a complaint though.What was Cochlear THINKING when it designed Freedom? it's been quite a host of problems for me.My most recent complaint was with the battery prongs breaking off easily.UGH.Also , I tried to get a solar charger for my things so I'll be able to charge them on boat ( ipod , phone , etc ) and , the one I wanted , had only an USB option , and I thought , no problem , it fits all of my needs...except..yup , Freedom batteries.UGH!The N5 charger does charge from USB however , so when I get upgraded it'll be one less hassle!<br /><br /> I also am going to purchase a new battery , with the hope that it'll be my last Freedom one and when I need new ones , I'll have to get N5 ones! A girl , can dream though..I can't upgrade till I'm 5 years post surgery , and every 5 years since then!Another 3 years...*mutters*Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-17091902417417127472010-07-13T14:14:00.003+03:002010-07-14T04:01:43.192+03:00Diary of Surgery<span style="font-family:arial;">Hmmm..Better late than never ? Consider yourself warned from the title!!<br /><br />I've had my surgery , 2 years ago..and , today , as I was tidying up , I found the surgery diary I was keeping the first few days..which also is up at my Greek blog.<br /><br />I've had some friends that are getting surgery or gotten it and are awaiting activation ( a mixture of Greek and abroad friends ) and since we've been talking a LOT abt pre-op , and post op, I decided to translate - with edits here and there , my Greek surgery post diary , for the people here that might want to see the differences, and know my history! ( it's heavily edited though , to protect some people , sorry )<br /><br />1) Here , we do at least some days' stay , post op.When I heard that some of my friends abroad left the same night , I was SPEECHLESS.Wow.<br /><br />2) Post op care varies from surgeon to surgeon.Mine forbade me ALL summer of any water activity.<br /><br />3) Names , and other stuff that is a bit more private for me has been edited out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday , May 20th 2008</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br />College...in lecture..I had been trying to set a op date , but my parents' interfering had me , pull my hair out, and I had given up..So , instead of thinking abt the op , I decide to set my mind to the lesson ( almost completely deaf though , there wasn't much hope of it.My HA wasn't helping me much. ).I notice the professor giving me the evil eye.What did I do now?I notice also some violent vibrating.UGH.Mom?Doesn't she know that I'm in a lecture?I press reject button.She'll get the message.Professor gives me the evil eye.I know I've been blacklisted.*sigh*<br /><br />Life doesn't go well for me lately, I think.I try to do the coding exercise ( Java treeing , amazing how I STILL remember that , even 2 yrs post op! ) when my cell phone starts up again.I reject.Doesn't she knows that I CANT pick it up , since I can't hear?!?!?! I sent a silent prayer that she'll send a text message.Then I recall its spring.Uh-oh.Something's up with my family??What?<br /><br />Ding.Text message " Audie just called.Your op is day after tomorrow.you have to be at hospital before 2 pm TODAY."I gape at the phone.WTF! I look at lab pc's clock.12 pm.And my home is 2 hrs distance via bus.GREAT.I'm starting to hyperventilate.I get up and collect everything pell mell into my bag, and professor comes up.Thankfully , I had warned him abt the op some days back, so he just nods and reminds me to bring a notice from doctor.<br /><br />At the bus homeward where I have to pick up my insurance things , I realize two things.One , I hadn't paid my cell phone bill ( what else is new , I'm a bit terrible w bills ) so I can't text mum back , and everyone looks at me with my ringing phone , mum thinking I didn't get the text.urgh.I get beet red.Fortunately the driver sees pity at me , and picks it up , tells my mother I'm already homeward , and going to hospital ( I knew him ) and that stops stupid phone ringing.Also , in my panic and hyperventilating , I forgot some of the books , and my USB flash drive.urrrgh.Oh well , no time to go back!<br /><br />I get a taxi straight to home from railway station , leave my things ,get what I need and I get the same taxi ( told the taxi driver to wait ) to the hospital.I arrive just as the admission office is shutting down.Ack.A quick explain , and some jotting , they tell me they'll do the proccess first thing tomorrow and to bring my papers then.I go up to audies, tell him I've done admission, and he tells me , fast up , come first thing tomorrow at nine am.<br /><br />I then , get on a ride bus back to college , which , with a lot of people getting off work , was three hr drive just to get there , and , thank god for small mercies , I find ALL my things.<br /><br />Home.Exhausted.Beyond belief.And I have to warn in.Have to send emails.Too exhausted to think though.I manage to phone my parents , arrange college affairs , warn my online friends( Greek , back then , I never had thought to research on CI abroad community back then ).<br /><br />Pass out.Dressed.In front of laptop.I manage to wake up , eat something , put away laptop and change for bed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday , 21st May 2008</span><br /><br /><br />I wake up with a jerk , and I see the clock.( it always vibrated at half past six , to get ready for college )<br /><br />I remember it's my godmothers nameday , I have to phone her later...then it sinks..OH MY GOD.I have to be at hospital later.So , no breakfast.Uh.And I haven't packed.I feel a bit nervous.I start packing , but in my nervousness , I don't even recall what I put in.I'm close to throwing up, it isn't only CI , but my first operation in general , so I was scared.I wanted to call the whole thing off.Deep breaths.Don't think abt it.<br /><br />I recall my list.I had planned to prepare meals , and freeze them.Well , no time for that.Maybe mom can do that.I boot up laptop , load it with LOTS of viewing material.While it downloads it , I'm off for a shower , and to pick up bread & milk , my parents were going to come in , but they didn't know where bakery was , or they wouldn't have time.The morning walk to the bakery and back calmed my nerves a bit.I also have picked up breakfast - cocoa milk , sesame bread , to eat after my blood draws.I get home , freeze the extra bread , grab my bag , and I get going.<br /><br />Bus stop , waiting for bus to go to the hospital , I realize I forgot my insurance papers.Urgh.I backtrack.Again at the bus stop , I realize I am without my overnight bag.Ack.Leave it , I'll tell my parents to bring it.Or someone will bring it...My mind is playing games with me ?<br /><br />Hospital.Admission and pre - op stuff.Know the staff that will operate me.Anesthiologist.Cardiologist.Nurse ( he was male ) , doctors.I get my pressure taken.I tell them I have LBP.They don't believe me .Well , I was stressed , and it hasn't sunk in yet , but I don't talk.( Yes , now that you know me , you'll find it strange.But back then , I was more shy. )<br /><br />I was feeling scared.My parents haven't arrived yet , they got stuck.Everything LITERALLY last minute.<br /><br />First blood draw.Ouch.Well , at least I can eat something now.Uh , no time.Resident ENT comes in , and says , I'll show you where you staying.Women's ward , ENT wing , 8 beds.Most are full.I leave my papers and some other things , and I get my breakfast and pocketbook , to his office, where I reply all his questions while eating.He asks me , are you worried, stressed abt the op.I say , well yes , but also with the time frame you've given me , I 'm run off my feet!! He laughs.<br /><br />He walks me back to my ward , and says , wait here for cardiologist.I finish my milk and throw it in the trash.In the meantime , the other patients want to know what I'm in for.We start talking , when I find another CI patient , with who we've talked over the net.I get excited and camp out to see if I can meet her in real life.Cardiologist comes in , does her stuff , says your pressure is fine.I try to compose an answer , but she's already gone.ack.Oh well.doesn't matter I though ( apparently , I was WRONG! )<br /><br />My parents arrive and , at the same time , CI patient who is discharged so , I introduce myself and my parents to her.We talk for awhile , and we're excited.Lots of advice.My parents talk with Head ENT , who takes me in to examine me , and says everything is clear.It finally starts to sink in.I want to panic , hyperventilate , but I suppress it.I don't want to cause a scene.Plus , it was my own choice.Wasn't it?<br /><br />I still hadn't done the chest x-ray to confirm I'm not sick, and to see anaesthiologist and surgeon.That is SLOW.My parents get impatient, and I tell them , go home , I can handle it here.<br /><br />They leave , and I'm starting to get antsy.I can't sit still even at home ( yeah , you know it ) so , stress , and anxiety made me even more so.I start walking all over the ward , and when the other people complain , I go for a walk at the hallway.LOL.<br /><br />Oops.Some of the blood draw got wasted , they dropped some of the vials , and needed some more.Sit down.Yes ma'am.<br />I talk with CI friend , she's talking my ear off , haha.She probably tries to make me sit.LOL.Uh , oh , another blood draw? What are you nurse , draculas ? Your sugar was a bit high , so we're retaking blood.OF COURSE it would be high , I had eaten breakfast.Nurse replies , you didn't tell.Well I hadn't time , you came in sat me down and left again.<br /><br />Anaesthiologist comes in, cross checkes history , takes his leave after asking some extra q's.I say the other patients at the ward , I'm going for a walk , I'm getting nuts , plus , I wanted to think.<br /><br />I get back , and go for X-ray , and I talk with the surgeon.Pre op finally done , and it's already past lunchtime.I manage to persuade resident doc to let me go , and I get home , finish packing , make some dinner , and I get back to the hospital at 8 pm, after some more internet talking , and I feel calmer , I talk with mom too.I tell her its no point to come with me , come tomorrow for surgery around seven or so?<br /><br />The hospital bed is hard , plus , I keep waking up , with the nurses constantly coming in the ward to tend to the other patients.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday 22th May 2008<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span><br />Nurse's aide wakes me up at seven , and she gives me a calming pill.Which never WORKED.I was SO nervous.I started again walking all the ward , and when I get kicked out , the hallway.Does that make you remember something ? :P I get some last pre op stuff done , and around 8 or so , my parents come in..A nurse brings in the surgery clothes..uuuuh , how do you wear these?<br />I start joking that with these I'm all ready for psych ward , and everyone laughs!<br /><br />I got in OR around 8:45.I feel something pinching my left hand..Ouch!The team's trying to put the cardio monitor stuff , but I get shy and hide my chest.Well they conked me out a bit earlier.<br /><br />Deep breaths...count to ten..OK..one , two , three , five ( I remember skipping 4 and everyone laughs ) I start getting dizzy , I say six...I see this huge mask...and..I don't remember anything else!!<br /><br />I saw SO weird dreams , I still remember them.Suddenly , I feel hands on me ..Wasn't I in cloud nine ? someone pushing me , slapping me gently...I want to sleep some more mum, I wanna say..but I notice , my mouth can't move much..I try to open one eye..I see something green ( I can't see without glasses much! ) then , my brain feeds me with memories..Jolt awake! The op , the running off , EVERYTHING.I think..I DID it.I pick up my free hand..and I pat myself , yup , bandage here.I start grinning.The doctors wanted me to frown , smile , do some expressions , to see if my side was ok , and , I was grinning.LOL.I did it!<br /><br />I got disconnected from all the paraphernalia , and get wheeled in my room.While I try to crawl in my hospital bed , I think..whoa , I'm in a HIGH.No wonder druggies are ADDICTED!LOL.I couldn't make a coherent word.Nurse says that I'm not allowed to sleep for two hours , and that I should keep the oxygen mask on my face.They connect me with some saline , and I HATE that.I want my hands free , but I can't protest at all , seeing that I'm completely out of it!<br /><br />Mum , in an attempt to keep me awake , gives me my cell phone , to start texting..I give it back , saying I can't..since I hadn't paid it.she gives it back , and gives her phone too.LOL! ( afterwards she complained of a high bill! ROFL ) I send the first text , but it was completely blank.Wow.I'm too out of it.she texts back with a question mark.I manage to stumble a response.I'm out.I'm ok.I'm drugged up.She replies back with a LOL, and goes to alert some common friends via net.I managed to text everyone , LOL, and by then , I was allowed to sleep!<br /><br />Dad left straight back for his work , and mom stayed with me at the hospital , to look after me.I got in a 2 hour nap , and then nurse wakes me up in the attempt , to put some IV medicines.She also brings me some hot tea to drink.I DETEST tea.I drink some though.I couldn't feel the taste.My tongue is completely NUMB.<br /><br /><br />I even had some visitors the same day.I was feeling better by afternoon , but I didn't dare get up, I was feeling VERY weak ,very dizzy.<br />Kept napping and waking up and texting...and feeling nauseus!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday , 23rd May 2008</span><br /><br />I was feeling a LOT better , I could again talk , text , but I didn't dare get up.I was trying to sit up and getting really dizzy.It was a bit frustrating for me.<br />I was feeling really out of it , and my apetite was coming back , so I managed some soup.I even got a visit from my brother , and we did a walk around evening , with him supporting me.after that walk , I was feeling FINE , just I tired more easily!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, 24rd May 2008</span><br /><br />I finally was back to my old self..exhausted , but back to normal.Except one thing.That bandage was driving me TOTALLY up the wall , TOTALLY bonkers.It was SO tight , and I'd had already developed sores.I was feeling so normal that I told mom there isn't point of her staying all day anymore , just visit me in afternoons , bring me books etc.I even requested the laptop to see my movies , etc.I was getting BORED.<br />IV was also driving me up the wall , I kept changing positions in the arm since my vein kept blowing.UGH! I wanted to be DONE with it and OUT of the hospital.<br /><br />I even managed to go to toilet without ANY help.Even shower.I even was feeling some taste back.( it completely came back after two months )<br /><br />I didn't request a painkiller that night , bc I was feeling overdrugged! Well , I came to regret it! By two am I was hurting quite a lot , but I didn't talk , just tried to sleep.They had told me when I wouldn't need IV painkillers I'd get the bandage removed.And I wanted that thing OFF!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday , 25th May 2008</span><br /><br />I woke up really early , around 6 am from some noise , which I translated in an Enduro motorbike.LOL.I was wondering why I was hearing that , ( I didn't know abt tinnitus , or the need of brain to make ghost noises back then ) and my back was KILLING me , so I got up for a walk , and I even did some gym routine , see if I could relieve my back.I had seen myself , and I was looking like an extremely sad puppy.aaah...*sniffle*<br /><br />I made it back and slept some more , and when I woke up , I requested to get the bandage removed.No, wait till head doctor gives say so.UGH!I was so sad and annoyed I didn't want to talk with ANYONE.<br /><br />This afternoon I had a visit from the kiddos and their mother..they weren't expecting to see me like this.S , even brought me a painting ( which I still have! ) , I give them juices and sweets from other visitors and we talk.I get up for a bathroom break , and in the hall way , I meet the resident doctor , ad I grumbled to him abt the bandage.They told me then that I had some serious bleeding , and they were keeping me in and bandaged as precaution.Um , nice to know THREE days later.NOT.I even learn they were thinking of doing something , but I proved not needing it..I asked some questions , and it ends up , if they listened to me , we'd avoided the whole mess.I grumble again and they said I'd get the bandage off Tuesday.I get annoyed and walk back to my ward , and start joking with my visitors , etc.<br /><br />Around evening , they leave off , and mum comes in half hr later, with my laptop.Finally , I wouldn't be bored out of my mind!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday , 26th May 2008</span><br /><br />I had resigned myself that I wouldn't get that bandage off till Tues.BOTH my ears were in pain , I had operated the left , but they had tied the bandage behind right so it wouldn't slip , so I was feeling CRAP.Not to mention I had gotten sores.urgh.<br /><br />I was trying to see House MD on my laptop , when audie comes in for a visit.He asks me what I'm doing.I'm dying of boredom I say.His answer..lets get your bandage off.Needless to say I followed him!<br /><br />I get that off..when I smell antiseptics with clear spirits I almost fainted..I managed to hold on...Whew!!<br /><br />Activation...WTF ? Four days early...but back then , I didn't knew..<br /><br />he shows me how to assemble it , how to wear it , and he starts the activation proccess..it was an experience I will NEVER forget.Never.Even my stomach vibrated!<br /><br />Mum was beyond herself.Almost crying.Walking back to my ward..I could hear a lot of things..after awhile , it got a bit too much , and pulled it off..but I was glowing!<br /><br />I even could hear myself kissing my brother...wow..what a SOUND!<br /><br />I got discharged from hospital two days later.*smile*Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-66419565459120442752010-06-26T13:55:00.002+03:002010-06-26T14:26:52.768+03:00Friendship, iTouch-ing and call-ing!Boo!!<br /><br /> Haven't posted for awhile , been busy!<br /><br /> A happy busy though..<br /><br /> I'm two years post implant , and just day before yesterday...I heard the phone ringing as I was expecting my mom for a weekend visit.<br /><br /> It was her sister.:)<br /><br /> Ayup , I picked it up and had a brief chat.A VERY understanding chat.and I didn't realize it until later.<br /><br /> I finally feel like all my hard work has paid off.I finally realize I've FINALLY taken off where I wanted to be...<br /><br /> For awhile I was feeling struggling , but I can't be more thankful than I am to my friends , my CI friends , who were happier than I was! They kept me going and they kept encouraging me , even when I grumbled.I feel sooooooo happier now , and as if a circle is closing here.<br /><br /> I also watched a greek show , the other day , and could understand at least 70-80% of it!! I was laughing , and shared it with a couple of my friends.<br /><br /> Three years ago , I realized I was losing my hearing,I realized I couldn't phone or call my parents.I couldn't feel anything except tired and struggling.<br /><br /> Yesterday I was just relaxing , and I could differentiate from when it was my turn in Scrabble ( was playing a game with some gals and lost. ) from when my MSN messenger or Skype dinged.Or FB chat ping.And it felt NORMAL.<br /><br /> I could hear the word curtains being shouted from outside , someone in his van was selling curtains and bamboo furniture - I think also carpets , but not sure - and it was a bit flooring!<br /><br /> I also got an iTouch , and loving it.Listening to music ( I've even loaned it to my mom y'day to listen to her talk radio show that she missed. )<br /><br /> it's been a charm!<br /><br /> I also realized , that I've got some friendships for at least this long , two years.Others are a year long , or just under the year mark.<br /><br /> And yet.<br /><br /> I just sit back and think...I've hosted a friend :) , am preparing to see another , am hoping to see yet another implanted , few are going bilateral , and yet.I'm still here.<br /><br /> CI didn't only gave me the miracle of hearing.( and it's the most profound miracle! ) but also the miracle of having all these friends.My mind is scrolling with all the friendships I've made online.My heart bursts with every single one , and some for me , are the dearest of all.<br /><br /> It gave me the miracle to know who is my true friends , who is happy with my triumphs , who is with me when I get down , who is kicking my butt when I over do it!<br /><br /> I can't wait to hear my nephew crying in my ear , or hearing him snuffling and fussing( sorry cousin! you'd want a peaceful son! LOL! ) and my honorary nephew's doing the same ( sorry Kara! )<br /><br /> I can't wait for more adventures , hearing or not.<br /><br /> Back to my iTouch...WHY doesn't it has a blogger app ? ! ? Hmmmm....Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-67335332452237120602010-06-02T04:41:00.002+03:002010-06-02T04:53:36.474+03:00Friends<span style="font-family: webdings;"> Friends...<br /><br /> Some friends I see almost every day.I say good morning to them.We exchange pleasantries , smiles , how's you , small talk.<br /><br /> Some I was seeing every day when I was a lil kid.We still catch up from time , either when we visit each other , or via text , emails , to time.With some , I've lost contact , or have frozen our relationships.Childhood memories make me think of them as friends though.<br /><br /> Some I talk to them every day online.Commenting on each other's FB walls.Most of them I've almost never met them , except our online chats.Some I've met , some not , but I care for each of them.I'll think of them , even if they're at the other side of the globe.Or in far-flung corners.I don't care.Or in different time zones.We make it work out.<br /><br /> And there are friends , either here , or online , that really 'get' me , or me them.Some have a CI as me.Some have two.Some have none ,but they try to understand.<br /><br /> I have friends very near and dear of my heart.And I'm glad I have them.Because they're here.For me.Either in the same town , or in a far flung corner.<br /><br /> It's all that matters.<br /><br /> This post , is dedicated to all of you.We come from different walks of life , have different views , beliefs , values.Some are the same , some slightly different , but , we are working together to build this bridge that is called <span style="font-weight: bold;">FRIENDSHIP</span>.<br /><br /> My wish , that this bridge , from me to each one of you , never crumbles.Or to each from you , to your friends.But , never let it crumble if you can help it.<br /> If you are reading it , sit back a moment , and think about your friends.and smile , revel in their caring and love for you , and in your caring and love for you.<br /><br /><br /></span>Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-77801403559293703702010-05-29T03:18:00.005+03:002010-05-31T03:58:51.115+03:00Summer is coming...<span style="font-family:times new roman;">I haven't posted for 3 months..bad me! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> I'll do a bullet update again </span><br /><br /><ul><li> Braces : I get them tightened every month.Got the last tightening yesterday and it's been the most painful since I got them.Orthodentist ( is that even a word? ) said since I was doing really well and they got straighter so soon that he'll tighten them a bit more than last time.And I let him.What was I thinking?!?! I couldn't even eat my soft spaghetti.Thank god for ice - cream!!!<br /></li><li>CI : I recently got toupee tape from <a href="www.texaskennys.blogspot.com">Tammy</a> ( she also included some cables that Aiden didn't need any more , aww , I want to thank her so so so much! ) and since then it's been a charm.The sunglasses pose a problem though sometimes.I don't like lopsided.Oh well cant have everything I guess.On the battery issue I posted a while back - my brown battery got broken the same way - grey prongs off!And it's off warranty.And...I don't have any money to get new one...*sigh* it does work though if I tape it.<br /></li><li>Speech therapy : We're doing some oral motor stuff , and AVT stuff.So far , I can pick more things , but I can tell I need a mapping , and soon.Haven't gone since last year ( at my 8 month actually ) , and I celebrated my 2nd hearing birthday few days ago..But , again , I don't like change much , and I don't want to go to my audie since I don't like him.Other people here love him , but it doesn't take much in my book to dislike someone. Phone exercise gets frustrating though.I don't have anyone to exercise at home , and speech's phone ( a wireless one ) sounds really tinny sometimes.Plus , on my previous mapping I could understand my mom on the phone.Nada now.And I don't speak up as often as I should.My online friends will find that weird ,but in life I'm terribly shy.I speak yes , but I don't stand up for myself and let people talk/walk over me , claiming they know best for me.</li><li>N5 : It finally came to Greece in late April , and I went to see it up close 2 weeks ago.it seemed so TINY and thin!! I tried it on my ear and it was like , whoa , I feel like I don't wear much.it was a welcome change from bulky freedom.I did ask a lot of questions at private CI centre , and they told me that it won't get approved since my insurance will not do it till warranty on my Freedom has run out, and they take the extending one too,so it won't be for 5 yrs(I've done 2 of them though..another three to go, and by then , Cochlear might have something better anyway... ) .urgh.I asked the price of one , to get it maybe privately.Not gonna happen since the price is 10,500€ and it's a bit too much.I maybe could get a loan , but not possible right now since I don't have a job.I really wish I could do it though.</li><li>Blogging : Sorry I slacked , but I follow all your blogs faithfully , and follow most of you through FB and I prefer to comment on there.Or Skype,emailing :) I do have a story to tell , but sometimes I feel shy and don't write.Maybe I should do write.We'll see.</li><li>CI art : There was some wanting on FB for CI art , and I made some clay items and submitted them , which are posted <a href="http://cochlearimplantonline.com/site/?p=1880">here</a>.</li><li>CI moments : I've had a lot of them , but the most profound one was when I skyped someone on video , and I heard her asking me " How are you ? " in English, when my first language is Greek , and I haven't trained in English since , I want to master Greek first.It was a bit overwhelming to catch that , even if it was a bit crackly.</li></ul> But even if I don't respond..or be as involved in the blogworld as I used to be..I still share my moments with CI friends , people that were with me since this long journey started.Since I got in this...I've done amazing things.I changed , and let myself wonder at the miracle of hearing BETTER , listening, reconnecting, connecting with people.I've made a great network of great friends , and some closer ones.I value each one's friendship , and be amazed abt that too.Amazed for hearing a sound, and few moments later , FB-ing it , only to get cheered up , and feel more happy thinking , I've got people that they 'get' it.They care.And they're in corners of the world.Singapore, USA , UK , Germany , NZ , Australia.Far flung corners( at least for me! ).<br /><br />Hugz!Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-61050410346721185392010-02-03T13:50:00.004+02:002010-02-03T15:36:33.216+02:00Nameless post.Or , rather a lot of posts rolled in one.Wow, I really let time slide without blogging....So , I rolled all the posts I should do in just one post.I'm SO lazy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5dCih2GXC9ksGM:http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/braces.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 90px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5dCih2GXC9ksGM:http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/braces.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br /> Braces are going good.I've gotten used to them , and I've already seen a BIG difference , my teeth are straighter , and nicer.I really love it now.And I want to thank all the honest opinions that did tell me that I definitely need them.Although having to eat spaghetti with braces is annoying.Um , and lets not forget that I still have four gaps where I used to have four teeth.I also couldn't get used to that I should be careful when eating , and I had a wire popped off once.Yeah.Oops.Around Christmas too , when everything was shut off for holidays, so the wire really irritated me.Lesson learned.I'm more careful now.<br /><br />I go back on the 9th to get them hopefully tightened.For the last few appts all I got was to change brace things.Oy.But , EVEN with them I've seen a difference.<br /><br /> Speech therapy goes too well.<br /><br /> Last session we tried something , don't know how to call it , I turned my back and my therapist said random words from random categories , without telling me first.I got almost all of them , and that kept me happy , because I thought my auditory memory had ground to a halt.I used to struggle in the computer program.Uh , apparently not so.I can listen to short excerpts of books while I have it in front of me and reading , so apparently that helped my word recognition.The words that I missed I had said something approximately close in pronounciation , and the same syllables so I'm coming close to hitting it.<br /><br /> Apparently it's harder for prelingual.Something I also noticed is that my lipreading skill is a bit more rusty as I don't depend on it as much as I used to.I also don't get fatigued if I lipread all day like I used to.I used in the end of the day to be really exhausted and I was always in bed by 11.Um , lets say now that my bedtime is around 2 am.*grin* it didn't click till now.<br /><br /> The one thing that really annoys me is that when CI battery dies , I'll always yawn in the 5 first minutes.Um , isnt that kind of rude ? Plus , it never happened with my hearing aid unless I was REALLY tired.<br /><br /> Apparently my brain works much more hard than I originally thought.Good to know , although I don't want my lipreading skill to fail, so I've been really concerned about it.But one thing I noticed is that a big change.<br /><br /> Before I'd just focus on the lips and sometimes ONLY the lips without reading the whole face/body thing unless it was something really obvious.<br /><br /> Now though it's another story.I feel like I know some people a LOT better.Um , lets say that now I know when I'm about to be pranked , as I can see the twinkle in somebody's eyes.<br /><br /> Or when they are about to cry , I notice eyes shining with unshed tears.And that makes me reel.For obvious and not so obvious reasons.The obvious , because I don't want anyone to cry.The not so obvious is that I reel with myself , recognizing depth of emotions , just from a more open look.I used to have tunnel vision and now it's broadened with just having the CI.<br /><br /> Sometimes when I think back on HOW MUCH I really struggled with my hearing aid , I wonder how on earth I did it.<br />But I didn't know any better , so I got on with WHAT I knew I had.<br /><br /> I got sidetracked, so , about lipreading.How to preserve that?<br /><br /> So far my solution is to have Sundays as deaf days , even if I go out ( although I do have my CI in my bag just in case. ) And I notice I struggle.But I want to keep my ability , because even if I cherish my CI and I marvel at my progress , I want to keep all tools in my belt , just in case.<br /><br /> And I noticed with some rest time I tend to function better on the hearing days.<br /><br /> One other thing , not so CI wise , but related is to CI anyway is this.<br /><br /> My purse got stolen the other day.Someone got it without me even knowing it.And I had all my bank cards and money in it.Which I got them cancelled and replaced , even if it was a drag.But my Cochlear Patient Card was in my purse too.With my phone numbers and address on it.And doctors phone and hospital.Um , yeah.I don't know how to replace THAT yet , although I'm trying to find out.<br /> I used to have the hope that they'll contact me with it or at least mail the purse.Um , not so happening.<br /><br /> We also started our pre-Lent Carnival thing.I see a lot of kids dressed up.Little princesses , and spaniolas , pint sized Zorro's and Spidermans.Superman , Snow Whites.Carnival ends on the 19th and on the 21st I have my nameday celebration.<br /><br /> On the 8th I have also my birthday , and in anticipation , I ordered something for me.It's the Western Digital Media Streamer Live.Can't wait for it to get here.Plus , the latest expensive things I got lately always had to do with CI.<br /><br /> Speaking about CI.Around Christmas holidays , I actually mentioned that my battery broke.Well , it got replaced through warranty.And speedily.I was actually impressed with the service QUALITY I got from Ci-shop.Especially when I am used to the sometimes terrible and dodgy service on other things I am subjected every day.<br /><br /> Also , I decided after a bit of debating , to let my hair grow longer.So now they're kind of longish , so I pulled out a hard headband to wear , like I used to.<br /><br /> Um , big fail.The tips of the headband really bothered the skin over the internal implant.I was a bit dismayed , as I don't really like pins to keep my fringe in check.<br /><br /> I was really disappointed.They weren't long enough for a ponytail even.Then I decided to use a soft headband.That doesn't only works good , but it also helps to keep my coil in place.And my hair.Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-13922654773317550972010-01-03T14:24:00.003+02:002010-01-04T02:27:48.640+02:00I seem like I've fallen off the blogland..*sorry*<br /><br /> Lately I wasn't in a mood for writing , and I seem to prefer more FB'king or instant messaging over the internet..<br /><br /> So , first of all I want to wish you a happy TwentyTen.Another decade passed.Yikes!I feel a bit old now that I'm on the latter side of my twenties..<br /><br /> I've been also busy..<br /><br /> Braces : I got them put on , and they felt REALLY weird the first few days.Then one day I felt like I was wearing braces most of my life.Weird how adaptive the body is sometimes.They occasionally hurt a bit and I can't bite anything with my front teeth now , it is uncomfortable.Let's say I really remembered what is the purpose of a knife..Yeah , that's explanation enough! <br /><br /> I had a pretty decent time this Christmas , just relaxing and enjoying time with my family.I just wanted to spend time with family and relatives.I also am questioning the point of my impending trip to Athens, where I'll see some friends, but I'm not sure if I should go - I can afford it ,but I feel like I shouldn't go.<br /><br />CI : Yesterday I noticed my long coil had stretched out and the cord was exposed to the elements.That isn't good , so I asked in FB.It still works , I just am worried about it stopping working suddenly as I'm depending on it 50% of the time( and 100% these holidays as I managed to sit on my nice pair of glasses.And broke them.Eek.I do have backup frames , but they're BULKY.The repair is going to burn a bit of a hole in my spending money.).<br /><br /> Maybe other CI users wear it on the ear only with maybe an earmold for not losing it , but I beg to differ.<br /> After years of having earmolds in my ear I'm not keen on putting anything on my ear at all, and anyway I've seen a BIG improvement on my allergy/breathing issues since I ditched the hearing aid I was wearing on my implanted ear pre - CI, so I refuse point blank to get even a skeleton earmold.<br /><br /> So the long coil that <a href="http://ci-pouches.blogspot.com">Kylie</a> and Lissy sent me for me it was a godsend - when I got it on early April I used to have earaches all the time from the weight , so I wore it exclusively and attempted to have it on my ear occassionaly to see if the pain had changed.Then I got thin wire glasses which were rimless so I started wearing it on the ear but when I was home I'd switch - but my mom wanted me to have at least the microphone part on my ear , so she got me a babyworn cord - which made a difference in making my life easier ( picking up the telephone , listening to my PAC etc ) but I didn't see any change in quality in quality of hearing.it just is plain convenience I think.Changing the batteries from shoulderworn long coil CI is tricky to say the least.But my observation is that I feel safer that way when I'm doing chores , or when I'm driving my motorbike ( can anyone imagine the CI falling on the road and being driven upon ? Eek! ) or when I'm at my dad's boat..where I get wet with spray at my front and head...but the CI is quite protected at my shoulder most of the time.<br /><br /> My observations from wearing the babyworn are few but I'm left with some questions.<br /><br /> 1) The Accu holder is BULKY.I'm starting to wonder how toddlers and babies tolerate it.I'm said that it's slimmed down with the N5.I solved this problem with putting the Accu into a pouch ( yeah , it was ideal ) and I reduced a LOT of the bulk.I can understand people wanting to just see the LCD screen , but for older children that still wear the babyworn I think is ideal.Also , it is made from plastic , which breaks often.Yes , you can replace it , but not everyone can afford it.<br /><br /> 2) The babyworn is one fixed length only.That certainly puts me into wondering what was Cochlear thinking? I am aware they have bodyworn cord that is more lengthy , but they have a different controller for that - I like to be flexible.I like the ability that my small box I have stored everything in gives me so much freedom.I'm going to some nice do? I'll wear the full BTE for few hours.Going for some shopping or to college with my everyday clothes ? ( In winter I dress only with turtlenecks ) I'll put the babyworn and hide the Accu in my bra.And the brown cord tangles with my hair and most of it is hidden from the turtleneck anyway.Going for driving or doing chores?Or , even , wearing my old prescription glasses that don't leave any space for a CI on my ear? I'll put the long coil and put the BTE in the pouch.<br /><br /> Another observation that I didn't make on my own.I used to be hyped about the new N5 which is seeming to be better , but after reading a long post that said that essentially the N5 has the same weight with the Freedoms , I just was kind of put off after that.Not to mention of the kinks that were listed.What certainly got me interested was the remote control though.But I'm in a wait and see approach.<br /><br /> As for the rechargeable batteries...The one I got 11 months ago..it broke.Yeah.it broke.Thankfully , CiShop said it was under warranty so it is going to replace it after I mail it in.I should have a new rechargeable in few weeks.And , thankfully , I have some spare disposables and battery cage with me.( Needless to say I had bought two rechargeable batteries so I still have the one , and when it dies I used to put the other , but now I have disposables in instead. )Apparently , the top grey prongs came apart from the main body of the rechargeable.<br /><br /> Plus , since having some of difficulties with my CI and not having everything on hand , I turned a small Strawberry Fruitcake coin purse in a CI purse for my own purposes.I can fit a six pack of disposables in the bottom ( with the top cardboard folded or cut though , a spare short coil , and my long coil , a battery cage for disposables , pouch with alligator clip and the cochlear battery holder with the spare rechargeable battery.Plus an microphone cover.That will cover almost any problem , and I don't have to "remember" anything.Oh and I have an EarGear too , although I don't use it anymore.<br /><br /> As for storing the CI when I'm out and want to store it somewhere ( VERY rare , but it happens sometimes )it goes in my sunglasses case.I just don't see the point of hauling around the bulky case that Cochlear gave me.Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-59033552632216335872009-12-16T22:50:00.001+02:002009-12-16T22:53:07.392+02:00Bullet list - an excuse to jump from topic to topic without preamble!I haven't written anything for awhile..I've been a bit busy , and when I had time I wasn't in a creative/writing mood...plus , I didn't have anything to write about..<br /><br />So I'll bullet some things...<br /><br /><ul><li> I got my braces in two weeks ago.They feel a bit weird.</li><li>I decorated my Christmas tree a week ago.I usually do it a LOT earlier usually it is up by Dec 1st , but it was really warm , and I was feeling like an Australian ( no offence to my Aussie friends! ) so I didn't decorate earlier.</li><li>I didn't even had layed the carpets , but I did one this weekend with my mom helping.And promptly falling over it.I tripped.Yeah.Carpet rash is unbecoming.Not to mention that without glasses I can't see where the CI went.Stupid living room carpet.Now I''m in no rush to do the other rooms!<br /></li><li>I'm not in a Christmassy mood - usually I am the biggest fan of Christmas..just because I like the trees the music , the mood.Even the family visit for a week and a half with them , then going up to Athens to see my friends there and celebrate.But this year , I'm not in the mood.I just want to stay in my apt and pretend there is no holiday.Hope that changes in few days.</li><li>CI moment #1 I could hear creaking floorboards in the laundry / guest room combo.And it drove me nuts.And I was chuffed I was hearing it.And chuckling because it drove me nuts.</li><li>I broke my nice pair of glasses.and I can't find a place here that can fix them.</li><li>CI moment #2 I can hear the doorbell consistently now.No whining about it anymore. Turned out that I accidentally turned up my Sensitivity and that was the trick.What was going on.Also , my mother was getting up every time the doorbell was rung , so I could assiocate the sound.Weird thing , my brain!</li><li>I had some troubles lately.I'm tired of always having something urgent to do.</li><li>Speech therapy gets easy for me.I 've started getting a little bored with the repetitive pattern.But I try to do my exercises and move forward.Plus I can hear counting in Greek and distinguish up to 100.I can hear the bus stops even when I'm zoned out.Now we're working on correcting my pronounciation.That has a downside to that.When my mother used to correct me , I'd always get annoyed.And I still get annoyed.I have to work on that if I want to improve my pronounciation.That's not the best job to do over the holidays.<br /></li><li>CI moment #3 I can always now tell when my phone goes off.I can hear landline phone fron ANYWHERE in the apartment.I'll try to turn down the volume and start over..Neighbours don't complain much abt the sound as they know I need it.I can hear my cell phone from my bag if it's ringing.I can hear the text ping if I have it on the coffee table.</li><li>I tried the other day to make some recipe with pita bread.The only edible thing was the pita bread.LOL.Then I smiled as I remembered a friend that LOVES pita bread...Hi if you're reading this!</li><li>I'm having a row of bad days...I don't know..and I'm astral-challenged.I don't even read my horoscope.Some of my friends claim that is because Venus or Zeus or some planet or other is in a bad position and that won't shift until end of January next year.I.just.give.them.the.look...</li><li>The last week I inevitably make something that will be with pita bread.Apparently steak goes pretty well with pita bread baked 5 mins on the oven , sprinkled with oregano and some olive oil.Forget french fries.it's just so easier throwing the pita bread in the last 8 mins of steak cooking.Forget about having to get at 9 am to get proper bread.I just get frozen pita breads from the store.That's Alexandra's fault.Hmm I'm going to go bake some more pita bread.(Plus , you know , pita bread doesn't stick to braces , you know ? )<br /></li><li>I'm again addicted to a tv show.That is usually an on and off relationship with the tv.I can go days without even switching the tv on , and to me it's just one more decor on the corner of the living room.Then I happen to just want some hearing company..and ..WHAM I'll get hung on some show..This summer was Extreme Home Makeover with Ty.After September I wasn't so keen on watching it anymore , partly because I had always something to do.Now it's December and I'm hung on some show they imported from Turkey.Good old drama soap opera ( I used to hate soap operas , what's that? ) but something about the different ways they do things addicts me.Plus , the place I grew up has quite a bit of Turks.I don't know much words but I'm used to hearing it in odd snatches when I went out with my family.Let's see when my interest will drop off that.</li><li>Today I'm crass with my CI.I just wore it for speech therapy and the walk to there and back home.As soon as I got in I threw it on the hallway table.But it's not a mapping issue.it's that I'm in bad mood as I explained above.Today the random receiver was my CI.</li><li>I'm just annoyed.With my building neighbours.They decided to get a new carpet for the entrance stairs.And to change the tiny lift which needs apparently replacing which didn't ever break down.I don't use that thing regularly , but I do notice when they have notes on it that it doesn't works.Hello , we have credit crunch?Plus , the torrential rains and leaking umbrellas are absolutely going to stain the new carpet.</li><li>I just watch all the CI blogs and I'm happy for any progression/funny stories they share.I just am kinda jealous too because my own progression is slow as snails.</li><li>Plus , my laptop needs a serious formatting on its hard drive , but I just can't face it.But in the meantime it's slow as anything and it's tedious work.You know..first saving up stuff , bookmarks , uncluttering too in the way, then doing the format/reinstall OS , then you go and install everything else.Then you realize you forgot some vital program , and you have to install it and reboot.install and reboot.Gets kinda repetitive , isn't it ?</li><li>CI moment #4 I can now hear without looking what two particular tv commercials say without looking.Both of them are about adult beverages.Erm , maybe I need to get out more?<br /></li></ul> That was quite a long bullet list , isn't it?Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-73342509082691960062009-11-22T00:13:00.003+02:002009-11-22T00:27:58.047+02:00Just Smile and LaughAs soon as I hit publish , I noticed it was past midnight.<br /><br /> I'm officialy 18 months post implant.Post surgery.Wow! Time sure flies.<br /><br /> As I've been noticing it , I recalled a conversation I had awhile back..it was when I was 6 months implanted.<br /><br /> I was at speech therapy , and there was a boy with an implant and we chatted with his mom.<br /><br /> Me : How old is he?<br /> Her : He'll be nine yrs old.<br /> Me : ( Genuinely curious ) How many months does he has the implant?<br /> Her : Erm he's had it six..no , seven years.<br /> Me : ( getting a surprised face ) Wow , I can't imagine even having my implant THAT long!I can't even imagine myself hitting the one year mark.<br /><br /> She laughs along with everyone else in there.I did make myself sound stupid, yeah , but I simply couldn't imagine something like that.I couldn't wrap my mind around that.<br /><br /> Now I can.:) perspective has sure changed in a year! <br /><br /> Where you ever in my position , not imagining having the implant THAT long , or it's just me?<br /><br /> Also I want to say..<br /><br /> 18 months ago I was waking up from surgery and feeling my head...and was feeling so confused.I felt like I was DRUGGED.Saw weird dreams.LOL.<br /><br /> 18 months ago I can remember the hope I felt.and I still feel it.only that now it's accompanied with a sense of achievement.<br /><br /> I'll make a long list with what I can hear and can't maybe tomorrow.Now it's time to sit back and smile.<br /><br /> Smile at my blunders.Smile at my successes.Smile at my nerves I had 18 months ago.Yeah I was a bundle of nerves and was walking ALL OVER the hospital.NO KIDDING!!Smile to the new friends I made bc of the CI ( Hello Laura , Mei Mei , Char Char , Tammy , Rachel to just name a few ).Smile at my apprehension of using Facebook but I did , wanting to connect with the CI community more.Smile because after hospital I did try to research every website.Smile remembering my first chats with everyone.No I don't keep logs , but I have a good memory.<br /><br /> Most of all I'm smiling down to the sweetest faces I can finally hear.*smoooch*<br /><br /> And I'm laughing.To life.To me and my blunders.I did drop the kitchen curtain y'day , did I tell you? well it did an awful clatter!and I had to laugh , first for me being clumsy , second for hearing it , third for just the joy of hearing myself laugh.<br /><br /> And I do hope I made you laugh!Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-52077837879112533932009-11-21T19:51:00.002+02:002009-11-22T00:13:09.545+02:00In Which I've been letting the blog slide waaaay back..Oooops..I sure forgot I have blogs to maintain..well life gotten busier..<br /><br /> And anyway I didn't have much to post about lately..Plus my weekend started out early as I've been knocked out from the spacers..<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5dCih2GXC9ksGM:http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/braces.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 90px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5dCih2GXC9ksGM:http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/braces.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <br /> I did say I'm getting braces sometime this month , but , they had to put spacers first and they bloody hurt..Not to mention that I'm always flexing and tightening my jaw , a bad habit that I always was said that I have to stop..well with the pain I had to cut it right back...<br /><br /> It's weird , with four teeth removed , I certainly thought the worst was behind me..not so..apparently moving your teeth and irritating your gums isn't too cool either! I certainly was getting to get cold feet last night , not to mention day before last.On top of that I had back pains.Yeah , this time of month always decides to come when I'm most miserable and glee on me.Weird , I know.so the last two days I've been complaining non stop on FB and to my friends , so I think they all cleared off me till I manage to say I'm back to normal.lol! <br /><br /> I'm not really normal , but I'm feeling better as long as I keep my mouth a bit open.Next Thursday I get the braces fitted I think, so there's a sure fire way of cutting my bad habit! I hope I get back to normal real soon , I'm sick of wondering what to eat and try to munch without hurting.<br /><br /> I also became a bit lazy around here and I didn't picked after myself , so my apartment looks like a tornado was through it! I have to get through a LOT of laundry and ironing.<br /><br /> On speech therapy , I'm going better and better , although I should get a mapping sometime soon as I'm starting to notice a decrease.I'll have to schedule that after I'm finished with the braces.Maybe sometime before the holidays.Phone calls sure are easier.The weird thing is that I hear pretty well when I'm with my cellphone , when my landling I can't hear crap.and I have a special phone from my HA days..Go figure.I'll have to get a normal landline and make comparisions.I was bummed though to cancel speech yesterday but I was feeling really miserable.I'll have to reschedule that appointment and I expect I'll have to cancel next Fri too.I don't know if I'll go on Monday either , I'm waiting to see how I'm feeling and if I can talk and eat normal.<br /><br /> Also with braces we'll have to stop the oral motor exercises for a little while , dunno how long.we'll see.I've been trying them now and they don't cause me any discomfort except that one I was failing anyway to do, so I think I'm good to go.Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3108172285149267717.post-18853902618657275352009-10-27T17:07:00.002+02:002009-10-27T17:28:25.212+02:00Nucleus 5 and the Cochlear StoreI might be late but at first I wanted to make my own post when Nucleus 5 is going to be in Greece.<br /><br /> But I can't wait! *smile*<br /><br /> I want to place my musings on that..<br /> <br /> - After some asking around ( I even asked Cochlear offices here by email and they didn't know anything about it , will ask my audie when I next see him ) I deduced that anything that gets approved at US will be two years down the line for Greece.Freedom has been in the market for US around to five or six years ( can't recall exactly ) and it got approved in Greece two years down the line.Maybe this one will be speedier ( I hope so ) but I won't hold my breath yet.<br /><br /> Oh ok , everyone knows that I am holding it.<br /><br /> Frankly - lighter processor ? with all the trouble I keep having with my Freedom for me is a reason alone to upgrade!<br /><br /> A remote control ? it gets better! I like being flexible and not having to remember all combinations of buttons for this and that ( I remember them yeah , but that is not the point ) and have instant troubleshooting.<br /><br /> LiteWear? that gets me even excited.Granted , it might not be for me ( I hope! ) <br /><br /> Seperate cable coil and cable button ? Wow.Just even better.And the lengths are the same money!I peeked into Cochlear Store..they're all $95 regardless of the length! And the coil button - you can have just the one and change the lengths however you like.a definite plus as I utilise shoulderworn a lot.And these cables can easily be tucked away in a small pouch that I have for most cables ( mp3 , cell , etc ) <br /><br /> The two battery option even has me hooked.Although there IS going to be a rechargeable sold and soon as it gets FDA approved it is going to be available<br /> online.<br /><br /> What was most dissapointing though was that there weren't much pictures.The only thing I managed to see was the Remote Assistant and the magnets for the coil ( they remind me of a clock by the way ) <br /><br /> Also - the Freedom Cochlear Store has O-rings for sale for the rechargeable batteries and they are...a WHOPPING $2!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! My brown battery became useless a few days ago..and I put an O-ring from a battery cage I had lying around.<br /><br /> Greece , approve it already so I can start insurance authorization to get the new one...Yea , I'm impatient *grin*<br /><br /><br /> I also need to shout out to <a href="http://www.texaskennys.blogspot.com/">Tammy</a> who sent me some Topstick tape for free to try it out! She's the best!Thanks dear ,and do give a big kiss to Aiden!He is a precious!<br /><br /> *sigh* I am going to order some Freedom things I need and I wish it would be my last order..but it wont..Viviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392288497351450072noreply@blogger.com1