Posts

Smooth roads ahead

 It’s been a long long time since my last post. In that post I had gone for my first post op checkup. A lot has changed in over two years. We are settled in our home that we purchased during my surgery and healing. And my hearing... with several tests after, I am happy to report that my hearing has immensely improved and that I only have minor permanent  loss.  Two years later and I still get emotional over the joy that I can hear rain, car tires and the leaves blowing. That was probably the biggest change to get used to. In the early days of recovery I would look at my husband and be shocked that I was hearing those things. Those sounds which my husband never knew other wise were for me a HUGE deal! My brain felt like it was waking up! Almost like a sensory overload. Fast forward a bit now and I’m used to most of it. I look back now and am shocked at the road I traveled. The jaw, the tubes, the hearing loss, the TMJ, all of it! For my husband, doctors and insurance (my steady job) , I
Post a Comment
Read more

Gratitude

Gratitude... noun the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. So I had my surgery 19 days ago. It wasn't what they expected. When the doctor got into my ear he found some issues. Basically I have Malleal Head Fixation. There was bone blocking my ear bones. My surgery was pretty rough. They had to patch the hole in my ear drum and drill out bone in my ear that was blocking my ear bones. What was expected to be an hour surgery last 2.5hrs. The few days "recovering" weren't really restful as we are in the process of some major life changes and I couldn't really sit still long. I returned to work 5 days after my surgery. The past 2 weeks at work have been very challenging. I couldn't hear at all in my left ear. I was again honest with my clients and most knew I was out for my surgery. I experienced some interesting conversations with clients regarding this process. It was a therapeutic moment too
Post a Comment
Read more

Many turns

Many turns lately..... Hi! In my last post I discussed the possibility of a bone anchored hearing device and or hearing aides. I tried both a while back and was amazed at the difference in sound. I didn't realize that I couldn't hear traffic, tires on cars, my feet moving and the air conditioner. I literally cried when I heard all of the sounds with both devices. Prior to my appointment I had researched and had a lot of questions for both the doctor and audiologist. I found that some of my questions were very important and one especially was "why are you trying to bypass my middle ear?" That question sent the new specialist to the tuning fork test which indicated that I had otoscelerosis. He also mentioned a hole in my hear and thought it best to send me to a new specialist. I was sent for a CT scan and then sent to Penn in Philadelphia, PA. I sat on pins and needles for the past few weeks. The options going in were explained to me as either a stapedectomy (b
Post a Comment
Read more

Losing More Sound.....

👂Update!👂  Hello all!  Thank you so much to all of you that have reached out or shared this blog. Again, my sincere hope is to connect and reach any one that may be going through any of the topics that I discuss.  About 2 weeks ago I had my annual hearing test. This is my 7th year for my hearing test and this year marked my most significant decline yet. After meeting with the ENT and Audiologist I am being referred for hearing aid trial and a Ponto bone anchored hearing system trial. After that appointment I will be meeting with a new specialist in my ENT's office. My ENT is speculating that my decline is due to many ear infections as a child. I also found out that my T-tubes that were put in last year (hoping to last 2 years) are out after only 10 months. I have had pain and pressure again due to my Eustachian tube disorder. There may be more sets of tubes in my future, but we will see after I go see the specialist and possible future testing. For the past 7 years
Post a Comment
Read more

4 months post revision update

Hello! It's been a long time since my last update. It has been 4 months since my revision and I wanted to blog today to discuss the developments. Improvements: Little to no pain and jaw/muscle fatigue. My previous blogs discussed my journey and the pain I have endured for the past 6 years. Now, I rarely, if it all feel pain in that area. Not wearing bite guard any more. Speech has drastically improved. I've had several clients, friends and family members remark in the difference. I notice a difference in the way I speak and express myself. It sounds less restricted and more clear. I don't stumble over my words the way I used to. Singing is so much easier! I have had several clients that I've known for many years remark in the difference and I'm shocked by how little my jaw moves now when I sing. I find myself opening my mouth less to create sound.  I can play my saxophone pain free! Over the holidays especially, my saxophone was out a
Post a Comment
Read more

1 Week Post Revision Update

Image
Hello again! Can I just say what an amazing week this has been? My revision was exactly a week ago. I won't lie, it was kind of painful. The 2 needles and numbing cream stung being that it is in such a thin area. The laser smelled with the ties being removed. The wound looked like a giant hole at first and within 8 hours it had transformed back into new tissue. It was amazing how quickly it healed. They say that happens with the mouth and fast healing.  Immediately my mother noticed that my lisp was gone. I never had a strong lisp and I'm not sure many people would have noticed it, but my voice had a tight sound to it, especially with "the" sounds. I had several people throughout the week comment that they noticed the change too. Probably the best change was the change that happened in my singing!!! I have had a few music therapy sessions this week and was immediately struck by the clarity in my voice. Clients whom I have known for several years also noticed t
Post a Comment
Read more
New Road Ahead........... And here we go! I have a date for my tongue tie removal. I'll be heading in September 9th! Everything happened very quickly. I just completed my second speech therapy session and am noticing some minor changes. I can see the challenges that will face me. My body will have a lot of work ahead to revert from the familiar use with the facial, tongue, neck and jaw movements.  Some Exciting Prospects Decreased anxiety, decreased TMJ pain, possibility in stabilization for my hearing, less pressure on my joints and PLAYING MY SAXOPHONE AGAIN! :)  In my first blog, I discussed the sadness of losing my hearing and the ability to use my saxophone. Any musicians and or parents reading this can identify, after having kids and other issues that take you away from you art form and or hobbies are hard! I've gone through so many times of finding my identity as my art form has stayed in the background. I'm making it a priority after I get throu
Post a Comment
Read more