tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338919382012-02-16T22:30:09.241-06:00Welcome! This blog reflects more or less my description of living with Usher syndrome, my CI (cochlear implant) journey, and any random thoughts I may want to post.Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.comBlogger2761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-15292403902944303322012-01-22T20:08:00.002-06:002012-01-22T21:24:38.220-06:00

glitter-graphics.comMany people assume the handler of a guide dog is blind. Some are visually impaired and have some vision. This is also true of white cane users. They are not all fully blind. Some think when they see a guide dog, it's called a "Seeing Eye" dog or "Leader Dog" but that is only if the dog came from that guide dog school. Not all come from Seeing Eye or Leader. So, in general

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-48962900127036457142011-10-24T14:51:00.004-05:002012-01-22T20:26:48.119-06:00

Warwick LocksmithDoing the right thing isn’t always easy. Pride gets in the way sometimes or it is more that we are weak and want to ignore what is right for whatever reason. It is in our nature. And while it is in our nature, we can fight it, but just choose not to.I knew I had retinitis pigmentosa (20) in my twenties. I should have given up driving then. But I didn’t. I wanted to keep driving.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-20654166665069161122011-09-17T13:44:00.005-05:002011-09-18T19:55:19.384-05:00

Sighted GuideNotice how the blind/visually impaired person in the above picture is holding on to the elblow like a claw? They are also a step behind the sighted guide. It is really a big help in big crowds and unfamiliar places. :) Over the past few years, I can see my own personal growth, though at times I can still go through moments of prideful, narrow-minded selfishness of not wanting/

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-14463045993429986262011-08-20T14:00:00.005-05:002011-08-20T15:05:52.964-05:00

Glittergrapics.com Where did my baby go? Driving already? Flare got her driver's license early this summer. She has her own car. She's so glad not to have to ride the bus or taxi again. For me, it's nice that there's another driver in the house, at least temporarily, considering she's a senior and will be moving on to college next year. So while it's nice, I know it's not permanent and I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-91290016071885665322010-11-14T17:10:00.005-06:002010-11-30T08:53:54.147-06:00

glitter-graphics.com Another mapping appointment for the CI (cochlear implant) came up fast. This was for the one month map of the new CI, "Repeat," and 2-year map of the first CI, "Pete". (The next map will be the 3-month map.) A map is the mesurement of sounds that are comfortable to you and what is too soft and too loud. You can increase or decrease volume and sensitivity when you want for

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-87975496710050922232010-11-05T08:34:00.010-05:002010-11-06T15:12:16.525-05:00

Comparison of the processors I couldn't tell you whichone I liked better. Both are great products for me. In this picture, both coils and cables with the magnet is not shown.“Shari,” I heard my name being called while Hubs and I were in the waiting room. I was in the middle of looking at my left processor, the older one, the Freedom, to double check that I had the T-coil on because it did sound

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-72263112518972104092010-10-16T00:01:00.002-05:002010-10-19T17:27:01.576-05:00

The Nucleus 5 drf.com One month post-op, my new implant gets mapped for the first time-the hook-up, switch-on, turn-on, activation, etc. It’s called different things, but it all means the same thing: It’s being mapped for the first time in the newly implanted ear. A map is the comfort zone of the cochlear implant (CI) recipient. It is the adjustment of how the certain low to high tones and

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-24772037264760732062010-10-02T18:15:00.004-05:002010-10-02T18:33:06.956-05:00

Wednesday nightAfter coming home a few hours after surgery (yes, it is considered an outpatient procedure),I was only able to sleep 1 ½ to 2 hours at a time. I slept downstairs on the couch for the next week and a half.Hubs cut up some watermelon and made cucumber salad. That was pretty much what I ate for the next two days.I did not have any bouts with nausea since leaving the hospital, except

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-9225071920734719322010-09-16T18:49:00.008-05:002010-09-17T21:46:02.586-05:00

Evening after Cochlear Implant SurgeryPre-OpI went to my local doctor for the CI surgery. I needed a physical, blood pressure (BP) check, chest x-ray, and CBCs (blood count) for anemia, kidney function, and infection. Within two hours, I got a phone call from the doc. Everything looked good. The info was faxed to Froedtert.PreppingI got two phone calls the night before. One was from the nurse

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-19862957937032525062010-06-22T22:19:00.009-05:002010-06-23T07:08:20.134-05:00

Hotel-Room With a View (Lake Michigan) Wednesday, June 16-(the day before)I had gotten a crash course on cellphone usage. I never used a cellphone before. The landline phone was much better for me to hear with than the cellphone is. Angel added all the phone numbers for me.So, the most I remember is how to send text, just barely.I was done packing and was ready to head out to Milwaukee for the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-1477860525581720132010-06-07T17:52:00.005-05:002010-06-07T18:08:05.463-05:00

Sound boothEr…the sound booth. Actually, the sound booth at this center isn’t as small as others are so it didn’t feel like “jail".Went to get a second evaluation for the other ear to see if it was a candidate for the cochlear implant (CI).Tests galore (single word, sentences, sentences with noise in the background, sentences with a million conversations going on in the background, and on top of

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-48098533404331687522010-04-19T15:42:00.002-05:002010-04-19T15:56:32.368-05:00

The morning of my 18- month 20-month mapping (my mappings are two months behind because my audiologist was on maternity leave last summer) was going to be a long one.Why? Because I was asked to participate in a research on bimodular people like me. Bimodular means that I wear a hearing aid (HA) in one ear and a cochlear implant (CI) in the other. How effective is it? How much of a difference does

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-75504968126309618292010-04-05T19:34:00.003-05:002010-04-05T21:36:31.752-05:00

From this blogger's desk:Hello, guys. I thought it was about time to put you up to date with what’s going on since the last time I posted.Let’s see…I have been febrile with cabin fever and I am enjoying the early “summerlike” days we had last week. Shorts. Sitting on the front porch relaxing, watching (but not really staring) at cars that whiz by (sometimes I get a little anxious when I see a car

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-12402907396832900692010-02-14T14:35:00.005-06:002010-02-15T06:16:06.003-06:00

CCTV from Independent Living AidsSorry. I am repeating myself here, I know, but I’m sorry I that I have been neglecting the Blogosphere. I apologize to my regular readers. That said, here’s an update:Now that I “graduated” my caning lessons back in July or August, I have been gaining more independence. I can walk with my head up and for the most part, ignore curious glances. And it’s been nice

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-87970884159234806792009-11-04T16:59:00.003-06:002009-11-04T17:51:44.950-06:00

From the University of Maryland School of Medicine website This picture is similar to the hearing testing room I was in, except that to me, the rooms were very dim..Well, I had my one-year mapping last Friday, Oct. 30. Actually, it was postponed two months because my audiologist was on maternity leave. So now all my appointments will be two months behind. For the not-so-cochlear-implant (CI)-

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-4298027121267172112009-10-14T15:48:00.001-05:002009-10-14T16:06:06.489-05:00

I thought I'd poke my head in the blogosphere doorway and say "hi" and get you caught up a bit.As I made this post, I did a lot of walking down that proverbal memory lane. Take a walk with me....Here is "Onyx" at four months old. We just got her at the shelter. She had an ear infection, eye infection, tummy troubles, and since she was just dropped off that day at the shelter, she was spayed. The

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-27132699395848649162009-08-19T14:43:00.003-05:002009-08-19T16:05:37.898-05:00

As a young child, I remember seeing a person use a cane and thinking to myself, I am glad I just have a hearing problem. Blindness must be worse.Of course, little did I know that I would have a vision deteriorating disease that would slowly eat away at the edges of my peripheral world. But I often think of my thoughts and how I may have cursed myself. But maybe that’s what everyone else thinks,

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-63082143503705154112009-08-02T20:33:00.003-05:002009-08-02T21:21:01.222-05:00

glitter-graphics.com I’ve been going for walks to the waterpark, library, nearby stores, and just walking the dogs. I’m not regularly doing these things, but they add up. I just grab the cane and roll.About a week ago, I was walking Onyx and I usually, by habit, look ahead as I walk to make sure nothing’s in my path. But I was distracted by Onyx’s constant stops to sniff at something. (I really

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-23850791904612924282009-07-03T07:01:00.003-05:002009-07-03T07:17:51.000-05:00

I know it’s been awhile. I keep saying that over and over, I know.glitter-graphics.com There isn’t a whole lot I can add to the caning lessons except that I’ve crossed a six-lane road at a busy intersection. That was scary. I learned that it’s good to time the traffic lights to see how long it takes to cross the street and how much more time you get when you press the button thingy to get the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-23712613441462646942009-05-23T07:55:00.000-05:002009-05-23T07:55:00.415-05:00

glitter-graphics.com It’s funny where thoughts lead meRemember how I came up with a name for my CI (cochlear implant) ?. I was thinking about rabbit ears, then I remembered Peter Cottontail, a children’s book about a rabbit. So Pete (or Petey) was the chosen name, and as an added bonus, if Pete were to have a brother…a CI in the other ear…it was going to be named “Repeat”. Pete and Repeat... (I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-5222166853673756352009-05-05T16:13:00.002-05:002009-05-05T17:14:32.900-05:00

rehabmart,comThe most recent session (No.3) was even better than the last two.I learned some going up/going down the stairs techniques with the cane.I still had a problem with my start up. No, not like a person who doesn’t know how to use a standard stick-shift vehicle, but I tend to take a big step with my left foot and swing too far to the right. That made me “off-beat”. (Now, now, be nice. I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-47786645640657024192009-05-01T17:07:00.001-05:002009-05-01T19:37:32.561-05:00

I have session two behind me. (I used “raising cane” in the title in reference to learning…kind of like raising kids. You make mistakes and learn.)First thing we did was to go a few blocks away, to an area nestled out in the neighborhood jungle. I felt self-conscious, hoping that no one would recognize me from my “good weather” jaunts with the dog(s). (Yeah, “coming out of the closet” is a hard

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-58380836800665867512009-04-26T21:30:00.007-05:002009-04-29T07:26:08.724-05:00

You hear that all the time.How do you do that? Whether it’s bowling, shooting darts, playing certain sports, it’s what they say. It sounds a bit cliché. But true.I just had my first O&M session. For those of you who don’t know what that means, it stands for orientation and mobility. You need to know how to use a white cane effectively and accurately. It isn’t as easy as it looks. Barnard College

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-65543107421918778942009-04-03T18:11:00.001-05:002009-04-03T18:23:32.316-05:00

Sorry I've been gone so long! I didn't think it has been almost two months??? Whoa.glitter-graphics.com Update:I cannot believe it’s been over a month since I last made a blog post. I guess it happens.Angel just celebrated her 9th birthday. She got an alarm clock that she’s always wanted (as an added bonus for this mom, it’s child-friendly to boot). She also got a summery dress, too. She’s just

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-80040480582567115322009-02-06T11:09:00.006-06:002009-02-06T11:54:22.119-06:00

Topaz's back. For good.A little girl (okay, she's not "little" anymore-Angel always corrects me...) was very happy to have her puppy back.Yep, he’s done with “training camp,” where his hunting skills were honed by a trainer. German Shorthairs are pointers and he showed potential of being a good hunting dog by the way he sat and put one bent paw up and perked his ears while sniffing a scent. Hubby

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-25304948837310062012009-01-21T14:06:00.000-06:002009-01-21T14:06:00.376-06:00

This is a post has two different sections. First I’ll cover the topic about my new toy, and then I’ll close with some pictures. Does that make up for my absence in the Blogosphere?? Amazon.comI just got a digital camera. FINALLY. Yay!! It’s a Canon PowerShot A470. It's simple to use and I don't need anything fancy or complicated. (No, my poor brain couldn't handle too much information. LOL) I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-59514148048293633322009-01-05T19:06:00.008-06:002009-01-05T19:54:30.992-06:00

Off and on I talk about my FM system, a Phonak Zoomlink. It has the microphone and settings (surround sound or omni-sound, partial focus, and very focused (directly aimed at the speaker’s voice or object I want to listen to). This new receiver is custom-made for the Cochlear Freedom. It really puts the sound of the speaker, who may be thirty feet away, directly in my ear, as though as if I am

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-59590546599348031482008-12-29T06:56:00.001-06:002008-12-29T06:56:00.435-06:00

glitter-graphics.com The other day, I went to Flare’s Christmas concert at her school. Since Angel, my youngest, was sick, she stayed home with Hubby. It was strange for me to be going there by myself, without one or both of the girls with me. They are almost always with me wherever I go.Unfortunately, the gymnasium was dark. I could barely see the chairs lined up from the lights reflecting off a

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-55737076130197129152008-12-17T14:00:00.002-06:002008-12-17T14:05:18.050-06:00

On the 12th day of Christmas my CI gave to meTwelve sneakers squeaking,Eleven singers singing,Ten bells a-ringing,Nine children laughing,Eight birds a-chirping,Seven leaves a-rustl’ing,Six dogs a-barking,Five Tickin’ Clocks,Four chugging trains,Three ringtones,Two ringneck doves,And a wondrous smile on my face. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!!

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-43056841211496491592008-12-12T14:40:00.004-06:002008-12-12T16:25:38.796-06:00

I finally got a new Mircolink receiver for the cochlear implant (CI). I mentioned to the vocational rehab counselor that I would need to have a new receiver because the old one with the HA (hearing aid) would not be made to fit the CI. Every receiver is made for a certain HA or CI. This receiver will be used for my wireless Phonak Zoomlink (pictured below). This is my FM system.At the last

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-15391422876760268342008-12-05T11:18:00.003-06:002008-12-05T11:36:53.682-06:00

Glitter GrapicsThere are some sounds I knew were there. I’ve heard them before, but I had no IDEA that they were as annoying or as loud as they were.The other night, Angel wanted me to blowdry her hair. I complied. I didn’t want to have her go to bed with wet hair and wake up with “bed head” or worse.Who knows what it might look like in the morning?glitter-graphics.com The moment I turned on the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-23229460633443775332008-11-29T14:36:00.005-06:002008-11-29T15:34:43.028-06:00

Hello, everyone. It’s been a while so I thought I’d post something so you know I’m still around. :) I hope everyone (in the US) had a great Thanksgiving.Last week I had my 3-month mapping (the personalized adjustments made to the CI-cochlear implant-that helps me to hear in all kinds of situations).The first thing the audi (audiologist) did was put me in jail, that is, the sound booth. I am

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-51769088637582932722008-11-13T18:06:00.002-06:002008-11-13T18:49:00.725-06:00

glitter-graphics.com I am surprised at myself. Off and on, I may only wear the CI (cochlear implant) and not wear the HA (hearing aid) for various reasons. I still have the high-pitched edge to the voices when I wear the CI alone. It never ceases to amaze me how both the CI and the HA compliment the other and make things sound “natural.”Sometimes the phone rings when I am fresh out of the shower.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-12531790127452589422008-11-04T15:48:00.003-06:002008-11-05T19:11:12.058-06:00

Just thought I would talk about the components of the CI (cochlear implant) and how it works.After I ran into two people who thought that once I had the internal implant in, I was going to automatically start hearing "normally." It's not like a pair of prescription glasses-presto-your vision is corrected. The internal implant alone does not work by itself. It needs the external components of the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-6049711113744715602008-10-30T05:38:00.004-05:002008-10-30T13:08:45.041-05:00

I just had to share this!! Grin.I finally got around to getting out the accessories. It was one of those things I kept putting off and forgetting about (we all know how that goes: You have good intentions and just don't follow through because you keep postponing it...)I switched the CI (cochlear implant) to the music program. For those of you who aren’t too familiar with CI jargon, this is a

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-21010025880905965512008-10-27T18:16:00.005-05:002008-10-27T18:42:26.041-05:00

Hubby peeked through his eyes at me as I popped into our room to do something (obviously not quietly enough, LOL) and then he pointed at the dresser saying, “Didn’t you see that yet?” I follow the direction of his finger and look at the dresser. On top of it was a card and a small package of M&Ms.Oh, it was Sweetest’s Day. (I forgot. He’d have gotten away with it…LOL)After reading the card, he

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-27175558031780546352008-10-20T07:58:00.002-05:002008-10-20T08:20:56.155-05:00

glitter-graphics.com Through the years, I have always been open about my hearing loss. The last ten years or so, I’d put up my hair into a ponytail whenever I could. I was “comfortable” with that. That way people could see that I was wearing hearing aids, that is, if they were paying attention. Then I didn’t have to explain why I didn’t hear them. I could point to my very visible evidence of my

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-38025562652657809602008-10-15T16:03:00.002-05:002008-10-15T16:20:23.061-05:00

Google Images"The Thinking Man"Sometimes when I think, I come up with weird observations, such as the fact that the girls’ birthdays are exactly 120 days before my husband’s or mine. How cool is that? I started thinking about their birthdates and how it was two numbers higher than one of ours and bingo, I started counting the days from one girl’s birthday to my husband’s and the other to mine.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-21700689914971911912008-10-07T15:32:00.005-05:002008-10-07T19:52:49.232-05:00

glitter-graphics.com The other day, when I got out of the shower, I decided to let my hair air-dry. That meant no CI (cochlear implant). It’s water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you can take a shower or go swimming with it or anything, and that includes hair that is wet. I even took it off and put it in my pocket when I got caught in the rain. I'm not taking chances. (I even go sans CI and

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-6536796246261442172008-09-30T18:25:00.004-05:002008-10-03T21:48:42.437-05:00

Remember when I mentioned my pre-implant audiogram that verified my candidacy for a CI (cochlear implant)?The ones marked with the Xs is my left ear, the implanted ear. Note how some of the areas of hearing loss was off the charts (120+ dB). No one likes the feeling of failure, failing tests, even if you really couldn't help it and couldn't really "study" for it. Look at the audiogram below, one

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-89686005179737826762008-09-23T18:08:00.008-05:002008-09-23T20:59:49.921-05:00

glitter-graphics.com Today was the day of my third map. Already!! So much progress, so much time. I am holding on just fine and dandy.Dreading the word comprehension testing as I always do, I knew I just had to do what I could. (Really, no one likes to fail a test!!) First the audie put me in the sound booth (a short jail term of maybe 1/2 an hour. I can handle that...) to hear tones. High ones.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-29372024328516789552008-09-18T21:35:00.004-05:002008-09-18T22:54:22.773-05:00

Just wanted to quick drop a line (or two or three...)....glitter-graphics.com All Hubby had to do was walk in the house and startle me. I'd jump, I'd scream, I'd gasp and clutch my chest like I wanted to make sure I could catch my heart if it popped out, or all of the above. He would look at me and say that he doesn't mean to sneak up on me. He didn't have to try.I could be anywhere in the house

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-58242269403293324992008-09-16T20:19:00.004-05:002008-09-16T21:03:15.104-05:00

We had rainy weather all weekend. There was moisture in the air, but I am not sure if I should call that humid, because it was a cool humidity.Saturday was rainy all day. Since Hubby couldn’t really do much because of the rain, he offered to take us to the grocery store. Since I know he likes corned beef and cabbage, I simmered that in the slowcooker as soon as I got home.A kind of "fun" race was

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-17407042639509183562008-09-12T20:47:00.003-05:002008-09-13T07:41:36.041-05:00

glitter-graphics.comAlvin and the ChipmunksThis, I think, is more like what some of the others have said about their activation. I had a lower volume in my first map. I’m glad I did, though. Weaning is good. I honestly don’t know how I would have done if it was so loud right away. I did have traces of heliumized voices during the past two weeks, but with the new map (increased volume) I really

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-88255731712566979652008-09-09T19:22:00.004-05:002008-09-09T20:32:40.077-05:00

glitter-graphics.com Sorry, guys. I've been so behind. I'll try to do my blog rounds when I can. It seems lately that I"ve been playing catch up with my emails and not my blogging. I'm here.I've been getting into a routine with Petey (my cochlear implant) along with some adjustments at home with the girls back in school.I've also been enjoying the nice autumniod weather we've been having the past

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-24263735217131281812008-09-05T17:07:00.006-05:002008-09-05T17:55:54.239-05:00

There's really not much to report with my progress with Pete, my CI (cochlear implant). Everything still sounds robotic/mechanical and hollow. It still has that "heliumization" to the voices.I've been using program P4 a lot lately. All the programs P1 to P4 have ADRO settings with no sensitivity yet. Each program is the same, with increased volume in each program. Today was the first I've been

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-53088640969330472682008-09-03T16:51:00.002-05:002008-09-03T17:21:27.184-05:00

glitter-graphics.com I got tagged by Breazy.TAG RULES1.) Link to the person that tagged you.2.) Post the rules on your blog.3.) List six unspectacular quirks you have.4.) Tag six bloggers by linking them.5.) Leave a comment on each persons blog to let them know they've been tagged.Six Quirks about me:1. I feel self-conscious when people stare at me. I am paranoid, I guess. I worry too much about

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-8158734932658210752008-09-02T05:26:00.001-05:002008-12-09T07:23:45.057-06:00

At each family gathering,There is a void that is hard to fillYet we keep our memories alive.We know that it was His will.We have to move on.With joy our hearts sing,Knowing that you areNo longer suffering.You left an imprint on us.We will not forget you.We have learned so muchAnd it shows in the things we do.Thank you, Dad. We love you.It's been ten long yearsSince He took you under His wingAnd

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-3026479451542980912008-08-31T10:55:00.003-05:002008-09-01T13:41:09.108-05:00

Glitter GraphicsThe past two weeks has been a whirlwind of activities besides the CI activation.The girls had back-to-school orientations and shopping to do. We covered the supplies they needed. I got extra looseleaf/filler paper because they always use that up during the year and it’s nice to have that on hand rather than to run to the store for more (i.e., plan to get a ride or get Hubby to

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-78902089682974443662008-08-27T18:14:00.005-05:002008-08-27T19:13:36.853-05:00

All day Monday was really no change from that whistling, motorized whine I got from the CI (Pete).Tuesday I tried to turn off my hearing aid for a while just to see if I could sort out anything.CI Moment: I took a sip from my cup and set it down. I heard a mechanical “clunk” as I set it down. And later on, towards the evening, I tried it again. I clapped my hand. I could hear the sound from the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-3011370289953735372008-08-25T19:27:00.003-05:002008-08-26T09:55:03.224-05:00

Glitter Graphics From the moment we met, I felt this instant attraction to Pete. I was drawn to his magnetic personality. We butted heads almost immediately. We aren’t on the same level yet. He sounds funny right now, but, you know, every relationship takes time...Meet Pete, my Cochlear Implant. That’s his name. Why? I was thinking about rabbit ears and thought about Peter Cottontail. Why not

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-80645671656269966132008-08-23T05:30:00.001-05:002008-08-23T05:30:00.531-05:00

glitter-graphics.com In the back of my mind where I keep a drawer full of anxieties and “what if”s,” I try to stuff some of my fears back into it. I don’t know what to expect for the re-birth of my ear. Many questions flit through my mind.Will I hear beeps? Will it be aggravating? Will voices sound “heliumized”? Will I feel like I am walking around in Toon Town? Hi, Daffy. Hi, Alvin. Hi,

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-21590855531285139882008-08-21T05:48:00.001-05:002008-08-21T20:15:37.249-05:00

Let’s Talk.Glitter GraphicsMy ears are weapons of mass confusion.A little history:I never spoke a word until I was about 18 months old. I was fitted with lame-o hearing aids, the kind that was like a portable pager with two wires extending out of it to the earmolds. I had to wear a special elastic harness or a vest with a pocket to hold the boxy deck of card-sized processor. I recall pulling them

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-62535682580228387842008-08-20T05:08:00.003-05:002008-12-09T07:23:46.704-06:00

Warning: Tear-jerker. Keep Kneenex nearby. Warning Two: Long postWoman-child She’s almost fully grownThis woman-child of mine;The years flew by so fastFor her babyhood days I pine.Thinking of herAs I gaze at the sky;Snapshot memories flitThrough my mind’s eye.She was my little miracle.Sweet, blonde, and fair.I long for the fresh smellOf baby-scented hair.Her many firsts;First steps, first day of

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-42321024253764605702008-08-18T19:48:00.003-05:002008-08-18T20:16:19.930-05:00

My heart broke on that black day, March 4 when Number 4 retired.Favre? Favre? Wherefore art thou, Favre?I was so sad. Instead of Alley Sheedy’s character in Short Circuit crying out for “Number 5,” I let it go and moved on. I did not cry out for "Number Four." I belted out a few wails of "waaahhs" and got over it. Or so I thought.glitter-graphics.comIf he wanted to retire, then let him. He’s had

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-10089493791620651512008-08-16T20:57:00.003-05:002008-08-18T22:46:23.573-05:00

My previous post about my "identity crisis" (not knowing how to label myself as HOH-hard or hearing or deaf) prompted me to explore more about when a person can say they are hard-of-hearing or deaf. (It can be a personal preference how they label themselves, too.) I caught it in Wikipedia's Deaf Culture page.I googled a bit and found some information about a 90 decibel (dB) loss of hearing is

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-47041846447404515072008-08-11T19:17:00.000-05:002008-08-11T19:17:58.221-05:00

BadgeWhen I was growing up, I used to always say that I am hard-of-hearing (HOH) or just said I didn’t hear that well or had a hearing problem. I didn’t think of myself as “deaf.” I had classmates who were deaf and I knew I could hear better than they could. To me, “deaf” meant not being able to hear a thing. Nada, zip, zilch.I had a really good friend who was Deaf (capital D-means part of the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-78025853165302037502008-08-09T08:22:00.004-05:002008-08-09T19:45:31.365-05:00

Glitter GraphicsOkay, I am sure that some of you are curious about the CI brand I chose.First of all, I want to thank everyone again for their input, knowledge, and experience with the CI brand of his/her choice, even if he/she was given one choice from the ENT. The feedback really helped.Both AB (Advanced Bionics) and CA (Cochlear Americas from Cochlear Corporation) are very good brands. I had

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-61066373376335830252008-08-05T21:04:00.004-05:002008-12-09T07:23:48.289-06:00

I have been given a couple of awards and I am now passing them out..,This award was given to me about two months ago. (Sorry, Kacie.) I didn't mean to let it take so long to mention this. With all the insurance denials, appeals, and approvals, I had a lot on my mind.There are no rules with this award (my favorite kind). So everyone who reads this post and/or is on my blog roll, is welcome to copy

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-49496538738317913122008-08-04T12:31:00.003-05:002008-08-04T19:29:42.340-05:00

glitter-graphics.com I am doing better every day. I still am waiting for the de-numbing of my tongue. I find tart items taste better (i.e., lemonade) and I still have that unilateral face-lift tightness around the ear. There were times I had to remind myself that it’s normal after a CI implant. I am starting to have dry skin around the area of the implant. Ugh. I never heard anyone saying

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-69432827000690040572008-07-31T14:54:00.001-05:002008-12-09T07:23:50.228-06:00

Angel with Onyx:Me, squinting in sunlight. I had taken off my sunglasses for this pix:Onyx, lazying in the sun:Grampa and Hubby on our deck (see the gazebo?) last weekend:Graduation Day. Gramma M with Flare and Angel:Graduation Day. Flare's BF, Mom (Me), and Flare:Onyx, lazying by a flower bed as if to say, "What, it's a comfortable BED!!"Graduation Day. Flare's BF and Flare:Long awaited CI

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-55902475827188749902008-07-30T06:24:00.001-05:002008-07-30T06:24:01.086-05:00

Today marks one week since the CI surgery. My baby's a week old already. Glitter GrapicsTime FliesIt hasn't kept me awake every two hours like it did the first three days. :)I am feeling more like myself now. I still have some tightness by the implant area, but I am able to move my neck more without turning my back. I am feeling so much better. The tongue still feels like I sucked on a Sucrets

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-69868210984905836122008-07-28T09:26:00.005-05:002008-07-28T10:17:06.343-05:00

Glitter GraphicsAfter I literally let my hair down after the de-gooping shower, I made my Unveiling post. Then, because I really haven’t eaten a lot the last few days, I looked for Hubby.Hubby was watching TV upstairs. I sit on the bed and didn’t even have to use my feminine wiles (batting my eyes or anything) to convince him to get me what I craved. “Honey,” I say hintingly, “I am hungry for

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-53058408819316306572008-07-26T09:32:00.008-05:002008-07-30T13:17:32.308-05:00

Two days after surgery:I had been sleeping about two hours at a time during the night. The recliner isn’t exactly the most comfortable place to sleep all night with a tight mastoid dressing (head bra). My head felt heavy.I took a painkiller around 5 a.m. and then took my antibiotic around 7 a.m. My stomach was churning a bit, but I wanted to post an update. Then while typing, my nausea took

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-44560941618515506912008-07-25T08:26:00.003-05:002008-07-30T13:19:14.811-05:00

Summing up the last two days in one word…OWIE. WARNING: Long post...Day before surgery:I got a call from Froedtert (pronounced Frayed-ert, I think.)Hubby called out to me, saying that the doctor from Froedtert wanted to talk to me.I opened my eyes wide, “He got fired?”Hubby smiled and shooked his head, “No. From Froedtert.”It was the anesthesiologist. He wanted to know if I had any false teeth or

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-21899301819838702542008-07-24T09:15:00.001-05:002008-07-24T09:18:39.942-05:00

Hey people!!!!!FYI, this is Flare posting for Mom. CI surgery went smoothly, no complications or problems. Yay! So’s now’s the recovery.Mom says thanks for all your support and will be back online when she can.Bye people!!!!!

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-29765008105631533902008-07-22T19:30:00.000-05:002008-07-22T19:30:01.110-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~glitter-graphics.com Last Saturday we went to Wal*Mart to get some stuff I might need, such as antibiotic cream, along with some groceries (quick-fix-it meals).I saw one of the interpreters from the college and told her about the upcoming CI surgery. She was shopping with her daughter. (Hi, waving at her when she reads this.)I saw my hearing sister and her husband

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-52670221446042033902008-07-20T11:03:00.004-05:002008-07-22T08:27:09.144-05:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Glitter GraphicsI have been known to talk to a person on the phone thinking it was someone else, so I like to make sure that I am talking to the right person.In the past, when Hubby called me from work to inquire about the contents of his mail, I’d rattle off the names on the return address of the mail only to find out it wasn’t him. When a caller calls around the

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-15902483897027588452008-07-18T06:02:00.008-05:002008-07-20T11:14:06.460-05:00

No innuendo meant by the graphic's phrase "Have you ever played doctor?" It was meant as it would be in a child's innocent eyes. Well, I took the muggy 30 minute walk to the clinic for the pre-op stuff.Stepped into a puddle of water halfway to the clinic. Make that a nice foot-sogged walk to the clinic.I saw the nice splothes on my socks from aforementioned mishap into a puddle. Hmm, no time to

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-44552544934573313092008-07-16T07:48:00.007-05:002008-07-18T12:02:25.707-05:00

Glitter GraphicsWho am I kidding? I’m TOTALLY freaking out.Breathe.Inhale…exhale.Nope. That didn’t work.What if the ENT accidently pokes my brain as he inserts the internal part of the cochlear implant? Instant brain damage. Or drills too far into the mastoid bone? Oops.What if I can never taste food again? Or have a facial tic for the rest of my life on the implanted side? I’ll have to pretend I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-31220146269875378902008-07-14T09:01:00.008-05:002008-07-17T14:01:36.639-05:00

Nothing much happened during the weekend. Hubs went fishing and got a few walleyes. One was bigger than the one he mounted two years ago. He's waiting for a specific size and that wasn't big enough. LOL.Since Flare had her weekend with her dad, we didn't have a babysitter for Angel. So we took her along with us for Hubby's birthday. We had fish. I was surprised because he wanted prime rib. (I

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-38738385489177050542008-07-11T10:09:00.009-05:002008-12-09T07:23:50.730-06:00

When I returned home from my mini-vacation, I guess I needed a vacation to recover from my vacation. Hee. That's one long road trip.The girls had fun. Jetskiing. Motorcycling. Hubby brought along the game he bought at the "Man's Store" that's gaining popularity called "Lasso Golf." It's a backyard-type game that looks like a vertical ladder with three rungs and a two-ended golfball-like balls are

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-73584632776309846512008-07-09T09:43:00.004-05:002008-07-11T10:09:19.111-05:00

The girls and I were done shopping at a store that sold religious-related things and had to cross a boulevard to get the mall. Once we stepped outside, it was sprinkling lightly. I started walking faster and said, “Let’s walk faster so we don’t get wet.”Angel says wryly, “Mo-om, we ARE getting wet.” I had to laugh at that.“Yes, but if we hurry, we won’t get as wet as we would have walking slower.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-6913772851566025552008-07-05T20:55:00.004-05:002008-07-05T21:20:29.440-05:00

Okay, some of you have been anxiously waiting for my CI (cochlear implant) surgery date.I need it like I need another hole in my head.Wait. I AM getting another hole in my head when they drill a hole through my skull to insert the electrodes.Soon I will be joining the ranks of other CI users (a.k.a cyborgs or bionic women).Okay, hang on to your hats and stay on the edge of your seats.Envelope

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-64609700289362382172008-07-01T18:00:00.000-05:002008-07-01T18:30:21.083-05:00

I posted this last year, but I wanted to share this again. Independence Day is coming."A crab pinched her!!" My youngest, Angel, was standing to a little to my left, waving her hand at me.We were at my sister's for the Fourth of July celebrations. A lot of kids were swimming in the lake.Angel, my explorer, liked to collect clam shells and snail shells. As usual, she was wading in the shallow

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-46042877193058856152008-06-30T23:31:00.005-05:002008-06-30T23:53:31.639-05:00

glitter-graphics.com For a long time, I've had to fight falling asleep during the day. Sometimes I give in and sometimes I don't. I thought I was narcoleptic.This article says that sleep problems are pretty common among RPers (people with retinitis pigmentosa).Since my late twenties I've had a hard time sleeping through the night. I'd wake up around 2 a.m. Sometimes I can fall back to sleep;

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-68202003185626103242008-06-26T17:04:00.010-05:002008-06-26T19:16:35.479-05:00

glitter-graphics.com Yes, I am playing with words. Tubo-sclerosis isn't a real word. It has nothing to do with TB.In Medical Terminology (I LOVED that class!!-except for the pronunciation part-how can a severely hard-of-hearing person pronounce all these medical words? I had to really concentrate on them) atherosclerosis (ather/o=fat/plaque, -sclerosis= hardening) meant fat was thickening inside

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-38922834929598764612008-06-23T09:10:00.010-05:002008-06-27T09:17:23.965-05:00

Since the CI (cochlear implant) has been approved last week, I emailed the facility, but they have not received a letter yet. Nothing has been set up. I will have to send them a copy of my letter and fax it to them. I'll have to go to the library to get it faxed. I'll keep you updated.It makes me wonder....if this is common procedure to mail a letter to the insured right away and have a carbon

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-33855518290888496532008-06-20T11:57:00.006-05:002008-12-09T07:23:51.004-06:00

Glitter GraphicsThat is the question.I've mentioned this before and I'll mention it again. I have an on-going personal struggle with this topic. It takes an emotional and mental strain on a person to take up the cane. It's going to brand a person for life. I might as well slap a large sticker on my back for all to see. BLIND.Once I start to "raise cane" (pun intended), it's going to be an

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-8467815267576461512008-06-18T07:41:00.003-05:002008-06-18T14:37:35.139-05:00

This is a video from YouTube about a young man's RP (retinitis pigmentosa) journey. It may give you a better look into the "blinding" world. Remember, everyone has a different story to tell and while they are similar, the progression is different, too. There is a demonstration of tunnel vision in this video, but it is not what I see. I have a bigger "tunnel" so I can see more centrally and it's

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-21940733641241918662008-06-16T15:34:00.008-05:002008-06-20T12:39:01.191-05:00

Glitter GraphicsWe experienced a rare storm (the storm of the century) with catastrophic consequences. First there were tornado sirens going off in the late afternoon. Angel told me about the sirens. I don’t hear them unless I was outside (with hearing aids on, of course).We bolted for the basement. I had to carry Onyx. She’s scared of the basement and wouldn’t budge. Once we got situated, we

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-9487789920715801592008-06-12T19:43:00.004-05:002008-06-14T08:10:53.141-05:00

Cataracts...Sounds like the Broadway musical, Cats. Cats and acts. Cats are acting...(okay, that was BAAAD...moving on...)glitter-graphics.com Seriously, though, there are three kinds of cataracts:Nuclear cataracts-This is the kind that is most commonly found in the elderly from the aging process. It starts in the middle of the lens.Cortical cataracts-This is the kind that is found in diabetics

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-71902799720083847292008-06-10T15:20:00.009-05:002008-12-09T07:23:51.279-06:00

An appeal was made on my behalf for coverage of a CI (cochlear implant). It was sent around May 22. The appealer informed me that she contacted the insurance company to see if they got the letter. They said they got it, but sent back a letter saying that the information in the appeal letter didn't really "make a case" so to speak. My appealer told the person on the phone to take a good look at

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-34129016876727017412008-06-08T22:23:00.005-05:002008-06-10T15:19:57.005-05:00

glitter-graphics. The last few days have been a whirlwind of activities. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to get family swimming passes for the summer yet. The girls loved going swimming at the public pool last summer. Sure, it was crowded, but they had fun. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that this week.Flare played Four Square with the neighborhood kids. I told her I thought she only “hung out”

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-31959033075816765032008-06-05T08:40:00.006-05:002008-06-05T15:06:42.490-05:00

glitter-graphics.com I had to do some “internal construction.”I realize I have some history with some of you. I deleted the other blog. I want to stick with one blog now. Sometimes I'll post d/Deaf or Usher related stuff, and sometimes I'll post updates about life in general.For some updates (note Family Cast in sidebar-screen names):Flare took communion with me for the first time last Sunday. It

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-71000147724948678582008-05-22T18:32:00.003-05:002008-12-09T07:23:51.663-06:00

A book written by Ryan Knighton. Cockeyed: A MemoirThis book is about bits and pieces (pun unintended as to the remaining vision he has) of his life, before and after being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and how he dealt, and still deals, with it.Within the first chapter, there was profanity. Oh, no, I thought, not another Jim Knipfel (Slackjaw, a memoir). I’ll finish the book, but is

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-25246505548652629452008-05-20T19:16:00.008-05:002008-12-09T07:23:52.076-06:00

I first heard of CapTel from my DVR counselor back in October 2004. It was my first real semester I went back to school and a Support Service staffer at the tech college thought it was a good idea for me to sign up for VR services.CapTel is a captioned telephone. The caller can dial the number of the person he wants to call and hear his or her voice as well as read the caption at the same time,

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-41179498894162038922008-05-17T13:07:00.013-05:002008-12-09T07:23:52.927-06:00

Of course, there’s more to the title than that. We were riding high and low-on air and water.The day started off with a nagging wake-up call from my trusty Sonic Boom alarm clock at 4 a.m.I woke up Flare at 4:30. Gramma M. was going to pick us up at 5:15ish. Everyone going to the field trip to Chicago included all the 8th graders and their parents. Almost all had parents coming along on the trip,

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-67901549077707453922008-05-12T21:55:00.004-05:002008-05-12T23:02:17.880-05:00

Today was the first I've heard of CART (Commincation Access Realtime Translation) or "realtime captioning."Am I out of the loop or what? It's been around for a few years.I just had to investigate this topic. I love the Internet. (Are libraries going to become obsolete? I still like to check out books for free, so maybe not.) ;)Anyway, CART is mostly used by the hard-of-hearing and d/Deaf (even by

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-23002118895595679552008-05-09T20:59:00.014-05:002008-12-09T07:23:53.129-06:00

My kids are always ready to give me a helping hand, especially in the dark. (Though they do need firmness when it comes to household chores, but that's a different story.)If I am in an unfamiliar, darkened area, one of them will grab my hand and lead me a designated spot (chair, bathroom, car, etc.).It's like they are on autopilot. It's second nature to them. They know Mom doesn't see that well

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-19645904102301539192008-04-28T19:31:00.001-05:002008-05-01T16:54:25.483-05:00

Glitter Graphics(To the tune of New York, New York... )Start spreading the news. I'm excited today.I want to be a part of it, A cure, a cure. We've paid our dues...I've heard some great news. Will this be a cure? Only time will tell. I try to stay positive that there will be a cure for us. It always seems that a "cure" that is a few years away ends up too far from reach. We've been hearing about

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-55388109372881725092008-04-26T11:42:00.003-05:002008-04-26T11:52:01.060-05:00

I wanted to share this video clip with you. It is CC (closed captioned) for those of you who don't know ASL. This is about CI implantees who are still Deaf (as in capital D-culturally Deaf). The CI didn't take them away from the Deaf culture.

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-10752186792198481762008-04-23T14:47:00.002-05:002008-04-23T16:06:46.112-05:00

Glitter GraphicsFirst of all, I would like to say that I wasn't as disappointed with the movie as much as I was with Andy in C Minor (Cold Case episode) and Silencer (Law and Order episode), but (yes, there's a but) there were some minor discrepencies.First, I would be po'd if my husband went ahead with an appointment without telling me. So score one here.I wondered what was the etiology of

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-34983353024655281962008-04-16T22:28:00.003-05:002008-12-09T07:23:53.260-06:00

Just a reminder...The Hallmark movie, "Sweet Nothings in My Ear" starring Marlee Matlin will air on Sunday, April 20. Check your local listings if you are interested in seeing this movie. It's another cochlear implant debate kind of show about a deaf mother and a hearing father with a deaf child. The father wants to have his son implanted with a CI, but the mother doesn't. I hope I am not as

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-71445882479576307992008-04-11T10:59:00.008-05:002008-12-09T07:23:54.112-06:00

Hubby and I had discussed getting another puppy. When we met, I had Krissi, a Lab/Golden Retriever/Collie mix and he had a Black Lab/Beagle mix. Soon I had to put my Krissi down. She was getting old and sick. I grew up with dogs. I was never without a dog. When my youngest was two, Hubby's dog was outside on a hot June day. We just installed central air and it was not compatible with our water

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-4530617223976854262008-04-09T10:58:00.014-05:002008-06-10T20:36:05.149-05:00

glitter-graphics.com During the past week, there was a heavy discussion in an RP support group about independence issues with RP. Is really about losing independence or being inconvenienced? Is it about mobilty? What's the difference? I'd say it's interrelated.Let me describe what I felt after giving up driving before we move on to independence, inconvenience, and mobility.At some point, some

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-3948559315817089612008-04-03T09:19:00.003-05:002008-04-03T09:35:46.599-05:00

Whoa. I thought there'd be a lot of buzzing among the Deaf community about the Cold Case episode. I do not know all the "rules" of Deaf Culture.I learned some things, like a suspect of a murder cannot interpret for other suspects (conflict of interest). That does make sense.As usual, we know that the media thrives on drama and TV/movies are no different. They aren't going to do a lot of digging

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-25135313217471613582008-03-31T07:58:00.006-05:002008-12-09T07:23:54.660-06:00

Cochlear Implant (If you want, click the link for more information about CIs)Andy in C Minor.My take on the show:I kind of thought it was Andy's best friend all along.I liked the part when Andy says "I hear with my eyes."I totally understand that being deaf, one is more "visual". They have a visual language.For those of you who didn't know what the detective signed to Andy's friend (forgot his

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-51464539743805620522008-03-28T20:09:00.004-05:002008-12-09T07:23:54.786-06:00

Reminder Just a short note here to remind you all that if you are interested, a Cold Case episode about a CI (cochlear implant) controversy is on Sunday night.And that the show, "Sweet Nothings in My Ear" may be aired on April 1, with a second airing on April 20.Check your local listings for exact times. Sometimes it's easy to forget that we all live in different time zones. :)

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33891938.post-54648712035987458092008-03-27T15:17:00.008-05:002008-12-09T07:23:54.946-06:00

Off and on through the years, I've been asked, "What are the odds of getting Usher syndrome (US)?" or "What is the prevalence of US?"According to Boys Town (scroll down the webpage to find US in the link provided), the prevalence of US is 3½ out every 100.000 people. About 10% of children with sensorineural hearing loss have US.NIDCD says: About 3-6% of deaf children and an additional 3-6% of

Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14743533586969447238noreply@blogger.com1