Tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow I am going bilateral with a second cochlear implant (the left ear). Here is how it all went down:

I took an ENG in December so that the surgeon could determine that a second implant would not be detrimental to my balance. I passed with flying colors, and had been waiting since that time for a call to schedule the surgery.

I was told then, in December, that the only thing we needed yet was approval from the insurance company. With the first surgery this all seemed to happen fairly quickly, so when March rolled around and I hadn’t heard anything, I was concerned. I emailed my audiologist to find out what the status was, and she told me that the surgery had been approved some time ago (probably around the holidays), that it was sent to my surgeon, and who knows where it went from there. In the meantime, the approval had expired. When she tried to get another approval, my insurance company denied it. She told me it was because my insurance changed, but I know that wasn’t true because I got the letter – they forgot to get a proper referral from my primary care physician. Anyhoo, attempt #3 was successful, and I got a call on Good Friday with a surgery date of April 13! Now this was the only date available for the surgery, so we had to take it or leave it. I had to reschedule an appointment with my optometrist to get new glasses, and my husband was able to get his jury duty postponed, and just like that we are ready to go!

All of this to say, I am excited. Losing my hearing was the scariest thing I have ever been through. I lost a lot during that time, but every day I feel like I gain a little bit back. Life will never look like it did before, but I am okay with that. There have been some good changes through all of this. And I know cochlear implants aren’t right for everyone, but it was the right choice for me. Having regained a level of hearing with my right ear implanted has given me back relationships I thought I had lost. Conversations I never wanted to miss. Sounds I never fully appreciated before. From talking with other bilateral recipients, I am hopeful that this second implant will enrich all of that and bring back more conversation and newly appreciated sounds.

If you have read this in time, please be praying for my surgery and subsequent recovery. I hope to recover quickly and get back to blogging within the week!

Edited to add this important link. Please consider helping me reach my goal and donating to the HLAA Walk4Hearing event in May! Go <<HERE>> and read my story and see my progress. Thank you!!