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CommentAuthorFran S. - Cochlear Volunteer (Baha)
CommentTime Feb 5th 2010
Mai said:
Why does it take so long after implant surgery for recovery?
The bone and the titanium screw have to integrate in a process called osseointegration. This is the process that any titanium implant - shoulder, hip, etc. - has to go through to be stronger and really react like bone.
The material I received does not indicate any problems in recovery but you say you have had problems. Why?
As always, surgery has its risks. Some of us have topical infections (I did, but it went away with a short course of oral antibiotics), others have trouble with the screw integrating. If you have a problem with your bone growth or retention, I would check with your surgeon about whether there will be issues.
I am 77 years old and have been wearing a hearing aid in each year for more than 20 years with success. However, my ear canals are getting more narrow and I note my hearing is getting worse even with the aids in. But I am apprehensive about any surgery.
Prior to any surgery, you will need to go for a physical. If your primary physician feels you are a candidate for surgery, you should be fine. Like some have said, you can choose to do it without going under general anesthesia. Note that not all surgeons will do it this way. Ask when you meet with the doctor.
Good luck, Mai and let us know what you decide.
Why does it take so long after implant surgery for recovery?
The bone and the titanium screw have to integrate in a process called osseointegration. This is the process that any titanium implant - shoulder, hip, etc. - has to go through to be stronger and really react like bone.
The material I received does not indicate any problems in recovery but you say you have had problems. Why?
As always, surgery has its risks. Some of us have topical infections (I did, but it went away with a short course of oral antibiotics), others have trouble with the screw integrating. If you have a problem with your bone growth or retention, I would check with your surgeon about whether there will be issues.
I am 77 years old and have been wearing a hearing aid in each year for more than 20 years with success. However, my ear canals are getting more narrow and I note my hearing is getting worse even with the aids in. But I am apprehensive about any surgery.
Prior to any surgery, you will need to go for a physical. If your primary physician feels you are a candidate for surgery, you should be fine. Like some have said, you can choose to do it without going under general anesthesia. Note that not all surgeons will do it this way. Ask when you meet with the doctor.
Good luck, Mai and let us know what you decide.
CommentAuthorJan Meyer Benjamin
CommentTime Jan 21st 2010
I had my BAHA surgery with local anesthetic - talked and joked with my neurotologist through most of it - and could have literally walked out of the OR if someone would have let me. My doc's office staff told me that over 90% of his BAHA implant patients choose to have the surgery with local.
Having had a 7 1/2 hour surgery and a 6 day hospital stay for an acoustic neuroma I can honestly say in my experience the BAHA surgery was a piece of cake.
My BAHA site healed rapidly and without complications. I had no headaches except for the afternoon of my surgery and the next morning; I took Extra Strength Tylenol for the pain. I went out to lunch right after my surgery and to my son's volleyball game a few hours later. I returned to work two days post op. The only reason I didn't return the next day was because I was still "sporting" a lot of white gauze wrapped around my head, which would have drawn some pretty strange looks from my colleagues.
Everyone is different. We all heal at different rates, experience different levels of pain, etc., but I know a lot of people with BAHA implants and the ones who've had issues post op are few and far between.
90 days is usually how long your doc will make you wait before you can attach your processor; this is generally the time it takes for the titanium rod to calcify into your skull.
One of the cool things I discovered about a week post op was if I gently rubbed my fingertip over my abutment I could actually hear the sound. Amazing!!!
I'm confident you'll do just fine Mal. Go for it!!!
Having had a 7 1/2 hour surgery and a 6 day hospital stay for an acoustic neuroma I can honestly say in my experience the BAHA surgery was a piece of cake.
My BAHA site healed rapidly and without complications. I had no headaches except for the afternoon of my surgery and the next morning; I took Extra Strength Tylenol for the pain. I went out to lunch right after my surgery and to my son's volleyball game a few hours later. I returned to work two days post op. The only reason I didn't return the next day was because I was still "sporting" a lot of white gauze wrapped around my head, which would have drawn some pretty strange looks from my colleagues.
Everyone is different. We all heal at different rates, experience different levels of pain, etc., but I know a lot of people with BAHA implants and the ones who've had issues post op are few and far between.
90 days is usually how long your doc will make you wait before you can attach your processor; this is generally the time it takes for the titanium rod to calcify into your skull.
One of the cool things I discovered about a week post op was if I gently rubbed my fingertip over my abutment I could actually hear the sound. Amazing!!!
I'm confident you'll do just fine Mal. Go for it!!!
CommentAuthorCharles H.
CommentTime Jan 18th 2010
I had my outpatient Baha surgery in early December under general anesthesia. There was little or no pain following the surgery. I removed the protective "hat" after 2 days, then the doctor removed the "cap" in two weeks, along with the remaining stitches. For a couple of weeks it was uncomfortable to sleep on the abutment side, but that has gone away. There is some numbness in the vicinity of the abutment, but it's almost not noticeable. I don't have much hair, and was a little self-conscious about the abutment so used a band-aid to cover it when out in public. After six weeks, my hair has grown enough to almost cover the abutment. I also purchased an abutment cover from the Cochlear website, which helps make it less noticeable. Although my BP100, when I get it, will not be covered by hair, I think I will be comfortable wearing it.
I have posted some pictures of my abutment here: http://www.hearnweb.com/baha/
I have posted some pictures of my abutment here: http://www.hearnweb.com/baha/
CommentAuthorGRAMMYP
CommentTime Jan 10th 2010
There is a difference between recovery from surgery and implant integration with the bone. The recovery is very quick, with just a few people having headaches or whatever, could be a reaction to anesthetic. I still have numbness after 3 months, nerves regenerate very, very slowly, so I'm not expecting anything this year. But numbness isn't pain, or discomfort, it's just a different sensation. My implant integrated just fine in the three months my Dr. reccommended. And I'm no spring chicken, so even old people can grow bone. I'd do this again in a heart beat. Check my blog. GRAMMYP
CommentAuthorPaul F
CommentTime Jan 10th 2010
Mal
The recovery doesn't take long. The wait after surgery is the time it takes for your implant to adhere to the bone. You mention your age. I am 70 and have no problems with the procedure.
I wish you luck and better hearing.
Paul
The recovery doesn't take long. The wait after surgery is the time it takes for your implant to adhere to the bone. You mention your age. I am 70 and have no problems with the procedure.
I wish you luck and better hearing.
Paul
CommentAuthoranniegirl
CommentTime Jan 8th 2010
In response to mal, it did not take me that long to recover from the surgery. The surgery went well. THe headaches come and go. The first few days were worse with lightheadiness and headaches. I did take off of work for about 3 days/ My surgery was on a Friday Dec. 18th and I took Mon thru Wed off, Thurs and Frid that week was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although we don't celebrate that holiday, I considered my surgery a great Present. I was able to return the following Monday with no problems and am able to drive. My head does itch a little from where they shaved my hair for the implant. I am looking forward to a great recovery God willing, and in March I will get my Baha device. I do not regret for one minute having made this decision.
CommentAuthormal
CommentTime Jan 8th 2010
Why does it take so long after implant surgery for recovery? The material I received does not indicate any problems in recovery but you say you have had problems. Why?
I am 77 years old and have been wearing a hearing aid in each year for more than 20 years with success. However, my ear canals are getting more narrow and I note my hearing is getting worse even with the aids in. But I am apprehensive about any surgery. Any comments will be appreciated.
Peace Mal
I am 77 years old and have been wearing a hearing aid in each year for more than 20 years with success. However, my ear canals are getting more narrow and I note my hearing is getting worse even with the aids in. But I am apprehensive about any surgery. Any comments will be appreciated.
Peace Mal
CommentAuthorTigger59
CommentTime Jan 7th 2010
Hello every one,
I had my surgery on Friday October 9, 2009 for the Baha titanium implant. It took me awhile to get to where I felt well enough so as to return to work. I was fitted with my Baha device Dec. 9th, 2009 .. I am going in for some fine tuning of the BAHA On January 11. I am hoping to get some more volume, as it seams everything is a bit to quite for me to hear. I too Still have lots of numbness in the upper forward quarter of my scalp, or directly over the titanium implant site.
I had my surgery on Friday October 9, 2009 for the Baha titanium implant. It took me awhile to get to where I felt well enough so as to return to work. I was fitted with my Baha device Dec. 9th, 2009 .. I am going in for some fine tuning of the BAHA On January 11. I am hoping to get some more volume, as it seams everything is a bit to quite for me to hear. I too Still have lots of numbness in the upper forward quarter of my scalp, or directly over the titanium implant site.
CommentAuthorSparkysmurf7
CommentTime Dec 28th 2009
My Doctor activated me at six weeks. Maybe you'll be hearing sooner than you think.....:D Trust me it was worth the wait.
CommentAuthorGRAMMYP
CommentTime Dec 23rd 2009
Welcome to the group, Anniegirl! Had surgery Sep 30 and will get my processor next Wed. At first the time seemed to crawl, then I got busy with other things, and forgot to focus on it. Now, I'm getting anxious again. I had a completely uneventful recovery, GREAT!. Still have lots of numbness in the upper forward quarter of my scalp. Doc said it would take a long time to recover. Let us hear from you and how you are doing. GRAMMYP
CommentAuthorKencutus
CommentTime Dec 20th 2009
Welcome and read my profile and blogs. You will be plugged in sooner than you think. Best Christmas gift you will receive like I did last year.
CommentAuthoranniegirl
CommentTime Dec 20th 2009
I had my surgery on Friday Dec 18 2009 for the Baha titanium implant. Dr. House from the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles did my surgery. I can't praise him and St. Vincent's hospital enough for my wonderful experience. I am looking forward to the next 2-3 months to go by quickly so I can get my Baha device and be able to hear on my left side again after 40 years of my 58 years in silence. God Bless these wonderful people. Any imput from current Baha receipients will be greatly appreciated.
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