6 weeks

I had my 6 week (actually 38 day) checkup with Dr. Herzog on Monday Aug. 22. I didn’t get any unexpected news, but then again I didn’t get any good news either. Dr. Herzog seemed a little disappointed that I had not been driving more but understood that my dizziness was still pretty moderate to severe for driving. He had me stand straight up while closing my eyes. I felt like a building in Chicago on a very windy day. It felt nearly impossible for me to stand without falling, although Clint said I didn’t look as bad as it felt. Dr. Herzog prescribed a specialized therapy at St. Luke’s. I should begin as soon as the office calls me with the start date.
I had my hearing test. The doctor seemed disappointed with the test results. I have lost all of my healthy hearing nerve in my left side which means I was officially diagnosed with 100% hearing loss in my left ear or “Single Sided Deafness”. My hearing cannot be restored on its own but there are two options.

The first option is a double hearing aid the is applied the back of both ears (not for me).

The second option is a BAHA implant or Bone anchored hearing aid. -Yes it sound intrusive and scary but it is only approximately a 2 hour procedure and I may go home that day. Dr. says I will probably only be out of work for 2 days. When I was at the office Dr. Herzog put a BAHA headband on my head. This device gave me the capability to hear out of my left ear. It was a miracle. It was like a blind person receiving the gift of sight for 10 seconds!!!! Its amazing how much we take our senses for granted. I have been without hearing in one ear for only 5 weeks and have forgotten how much dual audio impacts life. So remember when I promised myself I would never have any head surgery again…. That may change if I can hear once again!!
Dr. Herzog is giving Clint and I6 weeks to consider the BAHA, Considering I promised myself I would never let anyone touch my brain ever again!!! So we have a lot to think about.

Here are a few website to check out about BAHA- its so interesting:
Dr Herzogs website: http://www.stlouisear.com/baha.htm

and this is his(Dr. Herzog's) referral for BAHA resources: https://www.cochlearamericas.com/Products/2013.asp

Dr. Herzog thought the numbness in my leg could have been from the grounding patch during surgery. He was familiar with meralgia paresthetica but did not think it was from being on my side too long since my surgery was only about 4 hours. He believes the sensations should return soon.
My heightened taste buds are from the changes in my facial nerve during surgery. Dr. Herzog said this may take some time to return. He did not seem very concerned. The longer my taste buds are crazy, the longer I will stay away from soda!!! Back to a healthy lifestyle. See, there are good things that result in brain surgery!!!
In conclusion, I am doing well. I am really looking forward to getting back to normal, getting back to work, and moving on with my life. Although I still have a ways to go on my recovery and still need to take it slow and easy, I am ready to take a leap into the next step of recovery!!!! Watch out world, Healthy Kelley is coming out strong!!!