As some of you know I have been waiting a long time, hoping to have Cochlear
Implant surgery to allow me to hear.

Last July my insurance cancelled the surgery less than 24 hours before I was
due to have it done. And nearly two months after we had set up the
schedule. It cost me the chance to go to Newfoundland with some of my
cousins and the chance to talk to my brother after he became ill and before
he died.

I have been resolutely refusing to even think about the whole thing since
then. Going to my appointments and taking the hearing tests but blanking
the whole thing out of my mind. April 4th I went in for another hearing
test which I failed miserably. That's a good thing. Since last July I've
been on disability long enough to get Medicare and my hearing is bad enough
to meet their requirements for the implant.

I was most surprised when they scheduled the pre-op for April 18 and the
surgery for April 28. Much less lead time than a year ago. And I'm told
there has been a very recent major upgrade to the implants. I didn't say
anything here because I've been sticking to the refusing to think about it
routine.

Until yesterday when they called and moved my surgery up to the 19th. I
immediately went into panic mode. I felt like the room temperature dropped
15 degrees. But I've found ways to stay distracted and at this rate I'll be
busy getting things done that need to be done before surgery right up till
its time to go.

It takes a month after the implant while the surgery site heals before the
turn it on. Until then I won't know if or how well it will work for me.

All purrs and prayers and good thought will be most gratefully appreciated.

Jo