The process of Claire getting a second implant seems to be going smoothly thus far. The staff at Vanderbilt gave her the thumbs up a couple of weeks ago and we received an approval from our insurance company yesterday. I don't want to make this a political blog, but our health care system here in the United States is the best in the world. I love our insurance company, I love Vanderbilt and I love Claire's medical staff. I'll let it go at that.
Claire also started occupational therapy last week. Evidently she isn't using some of her muscle groups properly, which may be affecting her speech. Her therapist thinks that Claire can catch up with around 6 months of therapy. They worked on "licking" the other day. I wondered why Claire came up to me and started licking my arm. Luckily Stephanie was there to explain it to me. I thought maybe I just smelled like ice cream!
Max is well in to his sports camp season. He completed Vandy's soccer camp a couple of weeks ago and finished Vandy's baseball camp today (in the scorching heat!). He earned a special jersey at both camps and I'm pretty sure he was the "favorite" camper at both places! I'm so proud of that little guy. He makes me feel 10 feet tall! By the way, everything that Vandy does is A+ excellent. I recommend getting your kids involved there as much as you can. Thanks to all of the coaches.
We also spoke to Edie Gibson of Advanced Bionics this week about getting involved with their mentoring program. I've never though of myself as the mentoring type, but Stephanie and I are happy to help in any way possible. Advanced Bionics has been very good to us and I have no problem recommending them to others.
Talk to you next time.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Going Bi-lateral
Well. I never thought that I would say this, but it looks like we are going bi-lateral with Claire. I still hate the thought of more elective surgery and I still don't like the idea of the extra hardware, but after much thought, many questions and one last meeting with her surgeon, Stephanie and I feel like the positives of a second implant vastly outweigh the negatives.
Some might say, "What about the science of hair cell regeneration? If you get her another implant, won't you deprive her of that technology?" As I understand it, we are still at least twenty years away from hair cell regeneration being a possibility. If she goes that long without stimulus in her left ear, her auditory nerve most likely won't work properly any more and the new hair cells would be useless (Stephanie, correct me if I'm wrong!) We also must not forget that she will miss out on twenty years of listening and language skills that she can receive with a second implant.
Others might question the risks of surgery. That is my greatest fear as well. However, Claire's doctor eased my nerves during our last meeting and explained to me again that the risks are minimal. He didn't say this, but a CI surgery has been compared to a tonsillectomy as far as risks go. Am I to deny Claire the highest quality of life because of my personal fears of a minor surgery?
Still others might say that we are tempting fate with another surgery. Well, I don't believe in fate. I believe in God and I believe that God blessed us with Claire and Max for a reason. I know that part of this reason is to give them the most love, the best care and the greatest set of opportunities that they can possibly imagine. I believe that a second implant is part of this process for Claire and I know that God will take care of her. I don't mean to preach at you, that's just what I believe.
So long for now. I'll keep you posted. I'm guessing that the surgery will take place late this summer. Keep us in your prayers.
Greg
Some might say, "What about the science of hair cell regeneration? If you get her another implant, won't you deprive her of that technology?" As I understand it, we are still at least twenty years away from hair cell regeneration being a possibility. If she goes that long without stimulus in her left ear, her auditory nerve most likely won't work properly any more and the new hair cells would be useless (Stephanie, correct me if I'm wrong!) We also must not forget that she will miss out on twenty years of listening and language skills that she can receive with a second implant.
Others might question the risks of surgery. That is my greatest fear as well. However, Claire's doctor eased my nerves during our last meeting and explained to me again that the risks are minimal. He didn't say this, but a CI surgery has been compared to a tonsillectomy as far as risks go. Am I to deny Claire the highest quality of life because of my personal fears of a minor surgery?
Still others might say that we are tempting fate with another surgery. Well, I don't believe in fate. I believe in God and I believe that God blessed us with Claire and Max for a reason. I know that part of this reason is to give them the most love, the best care and the greatest set of opportunities that they can possibly imagine. I believe that a second implant is part of this process for Claire and I know that God will take care of her. I don't mean to preach at you, that's just what I believe.
So long for now. I'll keep you posted. I'm guessing that the surgery will take place late this summer. Keep us in your prayers.
Greg
Monday, May 18, 2009
Nashville Sounds Link
I posted a link for something the Nashville Sounds recently did for the hearing impaired community in Nashville. Please look at my links and check out the article. Thanks.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Random Thoughts
I think we have a meeting with Claire's ENT next week. I wonder if we will begin the journey of a second implant? If we begin it with her, I wonder if we will begin it with Max. How do these things creep up on me?
Max is a super reader! His first two years at David Lipscomb have truly been a blessing. I'm pretty sure that Mrs. Felts and Mrs. Seay are angels sent from Heaven. Praise God for their hearts.
Max is signed up for 4 sport camps this summer. Vandy soccer, Vandy baseball, Lipscomb baseball and Lipscomb soccer. Either we are crazy or he will have an outstanding few weeks.
We went to Claire's class picnic and yearly reunion today. We saw Ellie, Jase and Henry. Where does the time go? All of the Mama Lear graduates seem to be doing awesome! Vanderbilt has a great program. Thank you to all of the deaf education teachers.
I am so proud of Max and Claire. If only I had Max's heart and Claire's iron will (Claire has a sweet heart too!). Everyone could learn a thing or two from both of these kids. Max never has an unkind word for anyone and is always eager to include other kids. He knows that he belongs and loves God. Claire has a determination that will serve her well throughout her life. I know that as she encounters trials, she will pass them with flying colors. She is my little trooper.
Institutions blessed by God: Egleston Children's' Hospital, The Auditory Verbal Center of Atlanta, Mama Lere Hearing School, Vanderbilt Children's' Hospital, David Lipscomb Elementary School, Advanced Bionics
Anyway, thanks to all of our readers. I appreciate your comments and especially your prayers. Talk to you soon!
Max is a super reader! His first two years at David Lipscomb have truly been a blessing. I'm pretty sure that Mrs. Felts and Mrs. Seay are angels sent from Heaven. Praise God for their hearts.
Max is signed up for 4 sport camps this summer. Vandy soccer, Vandy baseball, Lipscomb baseball and Lipscomb soccer. Either we are crazy or he will have an outstanding few weeks.
We went to Claire's class picnic and yearly reunion today. We saw Ellie, Jase and Henry. Where does the time go? All of the Mama Lear graduates seem to be doing awesome! Vanderbilt has a great program. Thank you to all of the deaf education teachers.
I am so proud of Max and Claire. If only I had Max's heart and Claire's iron will (Claire has a sweet heart too!). Everyone could learn a thing or two from both of these kids. Max never has an unkind word for anyone and is always eager to include other kids. He knows that he belongs and loves God. Claire has a determination that will serve her well throughout her life. I know that as she encounters trials, she will pass them with flying colors. She is my little trooper.
Institutions blessed by God: Egleston Children's' Hospital, The Auditory Verbal Center of Atlanta, Mama Lere Hearing School, Vanderbilt Children's' Hospital, David Lipscomb Elementary School, Advanced Bionics
Anyway, thanks to all of our readers. I appreciate your comments and especially your prayers. Talk to you soon!
Friday, April 17, 2009
The decisions never end....
Can I just take a minute to feel sorry for myself? I think I will.
Sometime I feel like the responsibility of making life altering decisions for my children will overwhelm me. I thought that Max and Claire had all of their hospital time logged, but now I don't know. Claire is doing better with her implant, but she is still lagging behind Max's pace. Everyone seems to think that the obvious answer to catching her up is a second implant. I can see the benefits of that option, but the thought of subjecting her to another surgery makes me weak in the knees. I know how safe the procedure is and I know how skilled her surgeon is. However, there is always a small risk, even with the least invasive procedures. Will the second implant improve her learning rate? Will it work as well as the first one. If I knew the answers to these questions, the decision might be a little easier. I don't however, so as usual, the decision is not easy at all.
This leads to another question. If we get Claire a second implant, should we do the same for Max? He is doing well in school, but could he do even better if he had a second implant? Am I holding him back because I am scared to do this for him? The thought of putting my big man through another surgery makes me sick. He is vibrant, healthy, smart and loving. Should we take any risk considering how well he is doing? Am I keeping him from accomplishing great things by not taking that risk?
I just don't know and all of these decisions make me weary. I know that I should give the stress to God, but many times that is easier said than done. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. I'm sure that God will lead our family in the right direction. If there is anyone out there that has bi-lateral implants or has a child with bi-lateral implants, I would value your opinion.
Max says he has 5 girlfriends now, by the way!!!
Claire's favorite word is hey-ya!!
Sometime I feel like the responsibility of making life altering decisions for my children will overwhelm me. I thought that Max and Claire had all of their hospital time logged, but now I don't know. Claire is doing better with her implant, but she is still lagging behind Max's pace. Everyone seems to think that the obvious answer to catching her up is a second implant. I can see the benefits of that option, but the thought of subjecting her to another surgery makes me weak in the knees. I know how safe the procedure is and I know how skilled her surgeon is. However, there is always a small risk, even with the least invasive procedures. Will the second implant improve her learning rate? Will it work as well as the first one. If I knew the answers to these questions, the decision might be a little easier. I don't however, so as usual, the decision is not easy at all.
This leads to another question. If we get Claire a second implant, should we do the same for Max? He is doing well in school, but could he do even better if he had a second implant? Am I holding him back because I am scared to do this for him? The thought of putting my big man through another surgery makes me sick. He is vibrant, healthy, smart and loving. Should we take any risk considering how well he is doing? Am I keeping him from accomplishing great things by not taking that risk?
I just don't know and all of these decisions make me weary. I know that I should give the stress to God, but many times that is easier said than done. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. I'm sure that God will lead our family in the right direction. If there is anyone out there that has bi-lateral implants or has a child with bi-lateral implants, I would value your opinion.
Max says he has 5 girlfriends now, by the way!!!
Claire's favorite word is hey-ya!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Ladies' Man...
It seems that Max is quite the ladies' man. When I arrived to pick Max up from school the other day, he came out with a funny grin on his face and told me that he was mad at me. When I asked him "Why?", he told me that he wanted to stay at school longer and play with his girlfriend! (who shall remain nameless) "I want you to pick me up later, tomorrow." he said. Hilarious!
Even more funny, on the way home Max told me that he has another girlfriend on the side. I asked him what her name is. He said that he wasn't sure, but was certain that this girl is his girlfriend. When I asked him how he came to this conclusion, Max said " I know she is my girlfriend, because when I look at her, she smiles at me. That's how you know!" Smart man, smart man.....
I mainly posted this little story because i think that it is funny. However, I also posted the story because it is yet another example of how kids with cochlear implants can lead wonderful and exciting lives, just like any other kid!
Even more funny, on the way home Max told me that he has another girlfriend on the side. I asked him what her name is. He said that he wasn't sure, but was certain that this girl is his girlfriend. When I asked him how he came to this conclusion, Max said " I know she is my girlfriend, because when I look at her, she smiles at me. That's how you know!" Smart man, smart man.....
I mainly posted this little story because i think that it is funny. However, I also posted the story because it is yet another example of how kids with cochlear implants can lead wonderful and exciting lives, just like any other kid!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mama Lere Hearing School
Hi Everyone. It's been a long, long, long time since I last posted. My apologies. The kids had a fun Christmas and I am happy to have a normal life again!
Anyway, Claire turned three on January 10th! I can't believe how old she is and how big she is getting. Claire is one of my greatest challenges (just like her mommy :), but she is also one of my greatest joys.
One of the perks of living in Davidson County (Nashville) is that they have some decent programs for disabled children. One of these perks is an early intervention program for the hearing impaired. This program allows children that are deaf or hard of hearing to begin school at Vanderbilt's Mama Lere Hearing School when they turn three. Believe it or not, the county picks up the bill. How awesome is that?
Well, Claire started school this past Tuesday. I hated to pull her out of the West End Church of Christ program and I was sad that Miss Elsie wouldn't get to spend as much time with Claire. However. Stephanie and I both knew that Mama Lere was the best thing for Claire. They use an Auditory Oral teaching method, which is a little different from Auditory Verbal, but I have seen the school's results and they do a great job.
We already know that we made the best decision for Claire. Before Claire started school, she would talk to her family, but not to people in public. After one day at Mama Lere, she was already turning in to more of a chatter box. Her teacher said that Claire engaged the other children and spoke without being prompted. We do the best we can with Claire, but I know that letting her learn from dedicated teachers of the deaf will be such a blessing.
It is our prayer that Claire will be able to " main stream" by the time she begins kindergarten. We would appreciate your prayers as well. Thanks.
Anyway, Claire turned three on January 10th! I can't believe how old she is and how big she is getting. Claire is one of my greatest challenges (just like her mommy :), but she is also one of my greatest joys.
One of the perks of living in Davidson County (Nashville) is that they have some decent programs for disabled children. One of these perks is an early intervention program for the hearing impaired. This program allows children that are deaf or hard of hearing to begin school at Vanderbilt's Mama Lere Hearing School when they turn three. Believe it or not, the county picks up the bill. How awesome is that?
Well, Claire started school this past Tuesday. I hated to pull her out of the West End Church of Christ program and I was sad that Miss Elsie wouldn't get to spend as much time with Claire. However. Stephanie and I both knew that Mama Lere was the best thing for Claire. They use an Auditory Oral teaching method, which is a little different from Auditory Verbal, but I have seen the school's results and they do a great job.
We already know that we made the best decision for Claire. Before Claire started school, she would talk to her family, but not to people in public. After one day at Mama Lere, she was already turning in to more of a chatter box. Her teacher said that Claire engaged the other children and spoke without being prompted. We do the best we can with Claire, but I know that letting her learn from dedicated teachers of the deaf will be such a blessing.
It is our prayer that Claire will be able to " main stream" by the time she begins kindergarten. We would appreciate your prayers as well. Thanks.
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