i fear operation

[e]

this is..... my first time ever to open up myself about c.i in here!
my hearing has been deteriorating for a few years and hearing aides are becoming useless to me. i still could hear with it but it kept messing up. i've been thinking about getting c.i. for past several years on and off. did some research here there, but need to get depth as if i become more serious about it. there is only ONE thing that prevents me from getting c.i., my fear of being in operation. not before nor after, i meant during in the operation room. im VERY senstive about seeing a drop of blood, or extremely senstive about getting blood test/being cutted up open. because ive never had that before. i know im probably making a couple of hours worth in operation sounded big deal to me. seriously, im so senstive about that!
im so frightened about how i can trust the doctors to do their job on me. how can i overcome the fear? i want to know if theres someone here whos totally like me (or almost) have gone through this. i need them to tell me how did they manage it. i feel that i can do this. the other things that im concern are getting infection and headach/dizzines if accidentally drilled through my head lol.
im definiately not a "hearing-head" lol. i only want to have this c.i. as my tool to improve my speech/hearing skills so i can communicate with anyone without having difficulties. my speech skill has changed alot ever since my hearing started deteriorating. its getting me frustrated for not able to understand each other better.
well feel free to go little off topic such as suggestions, recommendation on what kind of implants, etc etc. thanks!

 

[deafdyke]

Hi E. Did you by any chance have a lot of medical intervention as a child? Do you have an anxiety disorder? Maybe you could go see a therapist and talk to someone about this or take some anti-anxiety meds when you go in for the surgery.
The CI surgery is quite simple...I would totally go for it! (especially as aids aren't working for you)

 

[e]

i had ritalin for very short period time (less than 1/2 year) during in my high school. i only had mild a.d.d. other than that it was nothing. no allegrics nor anything else. i remember i was kind of nervous most of time when i was young. sometimes it kept me from doing things for a little bit. but i think it absolutely was not serious at all. i think ill be fine and possibly candidate to get c.i.

 

[GalaxyAngel]

this is..... my first time ever to open up myself about c.i in here!
my hearing has been deteriorating for a few years and hearing aides are becoming useless to me. i still could hear with it but it kept messing up. i've been thinking about getting c.i. for past several years on and off. did some research here there, but need to get depth as if i become more serious about it. there is only ONE thing that prevents me from getting c.i., my fear of being in operation. not before nor after, i meant during in the operation room. im VERY senstive about seeing a drop of blood, or extremely senstive about getting blood test/being cutted up open. because ive never had that before. i know im probably making a couple of hours worth in operation sounded big deal to me. seriously, im so senstive about that!
im so frightened about how i can trust the doctors to do their job on me. how can i overcome the fear? i want to know if theres someone here whos totally like me (or almost) have gone through this. i need them to tell me how did they manage it. i feel that i can do this. the other things that im concern are getting infection and headach/dizzines if accidentally drilled through my head lol.
im definiately not a "hearing-head" lol. i only want to have this c.i. as my tool to improve my speech/hearing skills so i can communicate with anyone without having difficulties. my speech skill has changed alot ever since my hearing started deteriorating. its getting me frustrated for not able to understand each other better.
well feel free to go little off topic such as suggestions, recommendation on what kind of implants, etc etc. thanks!

If you like to talk malfoyish, who did brave and doing for ci..

 

[Malfoyish]

Hello E...

I sure can understand your fears about being on the operating table. I have been there twice recently...for first CI in April 2002 and then for re-implantation in March of this year.

Both times, I was conscious enough to move from the gurney onto the operating table. I was of course, dressed in my hospital gown and nothing else...my hair was underneath the cap, etc...and ah, the first time around, I was actually awake when they administered the anesthesia. I only remember seeing the doctor walk in. Funny, I remember thinking, "I'm not going to fall asleep. I refuse. Oh, yeah, I absolutely refuse. This is going to take hours, and hours, and hours...they're going to KILL me because they're going to keep putting more and more anesthesia in and they're going to overdose me and put me into cardiac arrest..."

...and then I woke up and everything was FINISHED...LOL. I was doing all of that worrying for nothing. I do not remember even being given anything the second time around. I only remember transferring beds, then waking up in recovery.

It might help you, E, to tell your doctor your fears. Perhaps they can administer the anesthesia shortly before you arrive into the O.R. and you will already be somewhat "out of it" before you get the chance to see anything that would scare you senseless. I was the same exact way about blood tests, especially before I became pregnant. You can ask Mike. He has literally seen me freak out while they poked around for veins. UGH. But I eventually got over that fear because I became anxious for each and every blood test - because they would be my way of learning more and more about my baby and his condition. I was only afraid that something would turn out to be wrong. I still hate needles and blood work, but I've learned to tolerate them. You would have to go for some preliminary tests, too...a blood test too if I remember correctly...but hey, Alex can go with you and help distract you. No worries, my friend. You won't go through it alone.

Good luck, E....whatever you decide, I support you 100%. You should do whatever you feel comfortable with - and ah, truthfully, soooo many people (even big, bad old me!) are scared of operating rooms and seeing all those gadgets and shiny instruments and masked doctors. :::shudder::: But there are options...please do not allow your fear of the operating room to alter a decision that you feel might benefit you more in the long run. Oh and hey, if you go for this, please do let me know...I would like to come see you afterwards...or even beforehand. We've "met" before, so why not? I might be able to ease your mind, or bring ya some flowers or something.


Hugs!!!

 

[Malfoyish]

Also curious - are you seeing a specialist? If not, I do know someone (the guy who did my CI. He is in Manhattan/NYC) and I would be more than happy to pass you along his information. He is affiliated with Beth Israel. He's a great guy...known him for all of my 25 years.

 

[e]

Malfoyish-
LOL thanks for replying! yeah youre right, after getting blood tests ill probably get sort of used to it. and that makes sense, ill talk to my future surgeon to put me sleep before heading to operation room. i know its probably gonna be just simple and quick operation while im asleeping. i need to reduce my fear and able to let myself go through this thing without freaking out. whew, when you described about things in the operation room you already gave me a butterfly in stomach! lol thats something i dont often think about.
im wondering which hospital did you went for operation? manhattan? most of people i know from around here went to manhattan's eye ear and throat hospital or ny eye & ear infirmary. so i thought i should try visit one of clinics there.
about anesthesia, did your doctor gave you options to get inhalation or injection? im hoping they'll be able to give gas instead injection!
and lastly, i'd love to meet you again. hopefully, you'll remember me lol. thanks again.

 

[Malfoyish]

Hi, again!

I went to the Beth Israel Hospital...it's on I believe 15th Street...? I'm not sure if memory is serving me correctly right now. LOL. It IS close to midnight and that's where my marbles go out the window until replenished via 8-9 hours of sleeeeeep. But yes, it's in Manhattan. My surgeon is located in a high-rise office in Union Square. The hospital is not too far from there.

But the anesthesia for me was administered via injection. I'm not even sure if the gas is an option, but if it is, then terrific!!! You can ask for that... It might alleviate some of your anxiety over getting up on that table. I am so so so sorry if I scared you any further with my first response...I didn't mean to. I was just telling you how it was for me - the thoughts that ran through MY head at the time. Oh, golly, I was terrified, but I do admit, I felt nothing until I woke up in recovery. (I had one hell of a headache!!)

The pain eventually subsides and they do give you something for it. But you will NOT remember much beyond being brought into the O.R...and of course, during surgery, you'll be in dream-land. (Maybe. I don't remember dreaming, but we could hope!)

I would love to get together someday - maybe we can talk about this some more in person...of course I would remember you. LOL. I'm normally very good with faces...but ahhhh...it's been QUITE a few years, LOL.

 

[VamPyroX]

They will put you to sleep before the operation so you won't see a thing. Not even a drop of blood.

 

[Tousi]

......and you don't want gas(ether), believe me, that procedure went out the window 500 yrs ago! LOL! You'd be sicker from the ether than anything else when you wake up.......Oh, man, the memory............

 

[Liebling:-)))]

Hi e,

I understand your fear over “drill through head”.
I’m surprised that you never been on operation table in your life… wow…

Well, I had been through at operation room several times. I must admit that I hate that smelly of operation room but I know it will get over after an operation.

Like what Malyoisch said: Best is talk openly with your doctor how you feel like what you did told us here.

True, It’s beautiful “dreamland” during deep sleep… Nothing fear… You will be surprise when it’s over after beautiful dreamland…

Mayolisch, I love your wonderful description & also advice, too what you had been through. I’m agreeing with others that you are a great writer!!!

E, It’s a big important is following your heart if you really want to receive CI or not because it’s your body, you choose to live with.
I support you 100% fully with your decision. Best of Good Luck…

Keep the post with your news….

 

[Cheri]

Hello E

I wanted to say Congs. For Deciding your'e ready for a CI.

I can feel for your concerns of getting infection and headach/dizzines,(((Hugs))) It will get better before you know it. :P (That's what I am hoping)

I never seem to like Blood either Even if my Boys get in an accident from playing or riding their bikes or playing basketball there some blood of course I panic and Run to them..(My 9 Years old son already had his accident at school Yesterday from Playing basketball part of his side face skin peeled off and his part of his neck also and it was bleeding too eeek...) But, the Point is I Feel for you about the bloody part nobody wants to see that.

I am sure at the Recovery after the operation, you'll finally have peace and positive thinking.

Wish You the Best Keep Us Post on how things went.

 

[ideafspy]

Hi e,

True, It’s beautiful “dreamland” during deep sleep… Nothing fear… You will be surprise when it’s over after beautiful dreamland…

the beautiful vision from the dream world? What if you have horrible and daymare during the operation. You want to get out that nightmare, how can you handle?

Hello E.

I want to share with my processing to get cochlear implant went trouble insurance plans. First advise, contact your health insurance to see if they are pre-approve benefit for that coverage plan because you will taking the CAT or MRI scanning on your head and some test aren't cheap. Because I used to have Blue Cross (not group plan) and went cancel all the sudden due my deafness. So if you have Aetna then should be no problem. United Healthcare depend on the group if they plan for cochlear implant includes. It also depend on where you live. The doctor might or suggust you to attending the speech to working on your skill a little. Also practicing listen the sounds because I heard many time that cochlear implant sound different than the hearing aids can.

About recommand for implant, it depend on what you needed. For example; Clarion has pick up the words and Nucleus has pick up the field of sounds due different switch mode. In my option, I think Clarion is best because I like regular BTE instead what Nucleus looks. However the Clarion design the digital sound on the box not the BTE. I assume they are working on that BTE and they still working on the water proof (such as sweating or mist from outside). Nucleus the lastest has upgrade since 2002 I think.

About operation and I am still scare about it. I was scare about fixing my teeth due surgery that something need fix near my jar. I told them about that I was scare to see any equietment of silver shining on the table. So they put the IV on my arm and then put a strange purple color into that IV that surely knock me out that fast but my doctor told me.. "When we put you sleep please say and repeat , "I feel it." So that way doctor know I am pass out due doctor know I am deaf. So I just say it and then I don't remember. One time I woke up during the operation and they put me back to sleep. I saw all the tube around me and everything.. boy it scare me.. I have to deal with that image of all tube around me and silver was hanging on my face and stuff.. So when I am going to get CI and will tell them about that purple thing I want to knock me out first before they put me in operation room.

Good Luck, E!

 

[WBHarley]

E


I wish you the best in researches with hospitals... With Malfoyish helping out with some hospitals names sound great.
Also be sure go to few hospital you will feel better by having some choices on who to go to, and which hospital you prefer to use etc...

When I had my surgery for my CI I asked Dr if he could prescribe me something to relax on way to hospital since I get panic when I go into operation room ( I did got panic when I had my wisdom teeth pulled out)..
Some doctor will give you medication before coming to hosp.. Or give you the anest. right before wheel you into room.


Wendy

 

[Liebling:-)))]

the beautiful vision from the dream world? What if you have horrible and daymare during the operation. You want to get out that nightmare, how can you handle?

Please read my post carefully.

What I saying is:

After an operation... what I had been through at operation several times... I had an experience with dreamland after an operation until I wake up with strange atmosphere, ... & think back & try to remember what I had been dream... ... began to pain .... understand what I mean.

You will say the same after an operation... It's beautiful dream, not like you had it every day... it's something different like "paraisde"... Understand what I mean.

Before an operation: fearing & scaring... like what E & Malyoisch said is an exactly... I had been through the SAME as them...

 

[Liza]

E, I wish you luck with whatever decision you make that you feel to be the best for you! I'm really glad you are getting support and good firsthand info here.

 

[DeafSCUBA98]

i have been into surgery room before for my removal of hernia when i was 7 yrs old.. And. I still do remember entering the room and leaving the room. To me, it seems like nothing. however when i wake up.. i was inside the paitient post-surgery waiting room. so i got up and look around saw all those lights, and was confused where was i? then my mom came right straight to me and i was confused where am i.. Probally will get confused where you are.. since its in different room but will get used to it after a few couple minutes.

Anyway, Myself also wanted to get a CI, and i'm soon will start the steps.

 

[Mistyrose]

I fear surgeries...ugh i hate it!!
So whenever i have surgery, they get me ready for it and then a nurse
would ask if im scared or nervous, i say both! the nurse says..ok i will give you something to calm you down! It works wonders for me! cuz i get so mellowed out that i didnt care what is going to happen! When the doc came in and he says..how you feel? I said..whoo i feel great so lets get the ball rollin! he laughed! next thing i know, i was out! LOL! works for me every time!

 

[deafdyke]

and you don't want gas(ether), believe me, that procedure went out the window 500 yrs ago!

I had gas back in '89 when I had foot surgery....they do still have gas (and use it at reputable hoispitals) they even have flavored gas too! (I remember this from back in '96 when I had my ear surgery)

 

[ideafspy]

Please read my post carefully.

What I saying is:

After an operation... what I had been through at operation several times... I had an experience with dreamland after an operation until I wake up with strange atmosphere, ... & think back & try to remember what I had been dream... ... began to pain .... understand what I mean.

You will say the same after an operation... It's beautiful dream, not like you had it every day... it's something different like "paraisde"... Understand what I mean.

Before an operation: fearing & scaring... like what E & Malyoisch said is an exactly... I had been through the SAME as them...

I was kidding about it.. Sorry if I sound rude...