Mr. Fantastic has fasted and prayed (along with Popeye and myself) to know if getting him a second cochlear implant is a wise choice. We went to the doctor for a consult, talked with the surgeon, had a CT Scan, talked with the audiologist & went away with the knowledge that while operation isn't completely optimal, it is possible for the surgeon to get in there and get everything hooked up.
Below is a picture of how the implant is set up, courtesy of Advanced Bionics. The doctor will make an insiscion (spelling?) behind his left ear, drill a hole, scrape out any remaining bone inside the cochlea, thread the tubing that houses the wires through the cochlea and attach it to the auditory nerve. He will also carve a small area out of his skull so that the implant will lay flat under the skin. The procedure takes about 4 hours and the risks are there. Facial nerve damage and meningitis are two of the biggest ones. And since Mr. Fantastic is a 'meningitis patient', those risks are higher.
But he wants it. And he wants it bad. So here we go.
Pretty cool stuff, huh? Isn't technology amazing?
We've been very blessed since the very beginning. I learned sign language when I was just a child. I taught that sign language to Mr. Fantastic as an infant and toddler. Before his 3rd birthday is when he lost his hearing from meningitis. The insurance company didn't want to pay for the surgery (neither did I) because it was a new insurance company and they thought it was a pre-existing condition. While we were at Children's Hospital they did a hearing test and it came back normal. That was our proof that he was hearing. We were approved for a CI and the rest is history. He was told that he wouldn't have balance. He can do headstands better than most gymnasts his age. His speech is better than some with no hearing impairment at all.
He's a special little guy and I'm so excited for him to have this opportunity to learn directional hearing, music, and having the capabilities that we all take for granted.
So I got a call from the surgeon's nurse today and we discussed it. Now I'm waiting for Insurance Lady to call me and give me the okay from the insurance company (which hopefully won't be a problem since he's now on Medicaid) and then we schedule the surgery & then do it!
Maybe by Christmas he'll be hearing in both ears. Won't that be exciting!
Quote of the day from Mr. Fantastic himself: "Mom, now I'll have FOUR ears!"
He's so funny!
9 comments:
Wow! So cool! I'll pray that all goes well!
I didn't realize about the meningitis risk... Huh. As a former meningitis person, we got to stick together! I'll be praying & rooting for him that all will go well!
Btw - tell Mr. Fantastic that I really admire his fasting & praying about the implant. It shows real maturity.. both on an emotional & spiritual level.
Yay! That is exciting!!
What a special little boy you have. As someone with hearing loss I know how it must be for him to want this so badly. I will be keeping him in my prayers and hope all goes well. Your little guy also has a very special mom and dad. You two are wonderful.
Amazing technology. An an inspirational little man!
I'm hoping and praying for him, that all will go well with this, and that it will prove to be a success and a blessing in his life.
Best wishes!!
That is great!! We will keep him in our prayers.
That's amazing. We're so blessed to live in such a medically and technically advanced era. What a great Christmas present for your family!
Good luck with everything! I am impressed with his sweet personality. Let me know if you need anything...
WOW! That's so awesome! We will keep you all in our prayers!
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