Tuesday, August 12, 2008

All went well

Kate's implant was successfully activated Monday afternoon. The only real problem of the day was that our appointment was not really scheduled until Wednesday. The office staff was great, and knowing that we had driven in from out of town and stayed in a hotel worked very hard to accomadate us.
The actual activation was a lot different than I expected. Kate had very little response to sound, except for some tears here and there. Although you could tell by the look in her eyes that she was hearing something.
Since coming home, I have already been able to move her volume level up a few notches very comfortably. She has also pointed to her ear several times to indicate that she has heard something. She also seemed to have found her own voice last night. She had been doing a little crying, I was watching her and all of a sudden her eyes got a little puzzled look and then she began to play with the sound of her voice. She had a little grin on her face the whole time. It was fun to watch.
The only trouble she has had has been when the device is first turned on, or when it falls off and needs to be reattached. There have been some tears, but even that is getting less and less. In fact, this afternoon it fell off, and she reached right around and reattached it herself. She looked pretty proud of herself. I have been surprised at how quickly she has gotten used to all the things that are now attached to her... something on her ear, her head, and her shirt. She has not seemed bothered by any of this at all. She has also been very tired, even though we have tried to play it very low key. Her little brain has got to be on sensory overload.
I am so proud of my girl... she has been such a trooper through all of this. I am so excited to see what the coming month and years hold for her. It will not be easy, but this little girl has got lots of fight in her.

9 comments:

kim said...

So glad it all went well! I'll be praying for the whole family. Praise to God for what He has done!

Carol said...

Oh Beth, it just makes me mist up to see all that God has done in little Kate's life. She is so much fun to be around and she always makes me smile with her animated expressions!

It will be really fun to hear the actual words come out of her mouth that go along with those expressions! ;) I know that is a ways down the road, but I am really looking forward to it =)

I hope the rest of your summer is restful and that you are able to really enjoy some quality time with your girls... See you soon!

Tricia said...

Beth, I am so happy for Kate!!! It looks like she's doing remarkably with all the change not only going on in her hearing,but it her mind just realizing there is a world of sound! Amazing! I will keep her in my prayers.

randi said...

i am so excited!

Every good and perfect gift said...

So happy all went well! Congratulations!

Wendi said...

I am so excited for Kate, I wish she could here us now but I know it will take time. I know its a big adjustment for her. Shes doing great!!

Jill said...

I am so glad that the adjustment to wearing the contraption is going so well. I can't imagine the sensory overload that she must be experiencing. Keeping you all in our prayers. Doesn't it seem like this whole year has been one change after another?

Abbie said...

I just read about her activation and it sounds so normal. I want to suggest to you to come over to my blog Chronicles of a Bionic Woman and watch my activation video. It might help you understand what the cutie patootie is hearing. Things will get better!

Ginger said...

Beth, I am so happy to hear that everything is going well. I'll keep praying for you and your little family. I miss you!