Welcome

Thanks for joining me.

I am not sure where this journey is going to take me, but I've a sense from others that it isn't going to be an easy ride. There will be setbacks, periods of slow progress, maybe even lapses into depression, and moments (I hope) of reward and elation. I can't tell what, when, how quite yet.

I'm going to be writing quickly and when I can, so don't expect great prose!

Thursday 28 February 2008

The long and winding road...

So here I am, after several months, and still waiting for a confirmed diagnosis and - after that - a commitment to a CI if that is the best solution.

On Friday I am getting a new hearing aid since the one I have, I am told, is 'totally inappropriate for you' (thanks!) and on 19th March I am having....a grommet inserted. Yes, after an initial diagnosis of barotrauma in August was rejected, we've been going toward the CI highway, only to pull back over to the lane marked for the middle ear pressure 'B' road.

Meanwhile, I am gearing muyself up to - at some point - get on with a CI if all else fails. I have to admit that the pressure waves in the ear that were, until very recently, slight affairs and happened once a week (if that) have now become MUCH more frequent (40-50 a day), the shape of the ear canal has changed and other slight changes consistent with pressure effects seem to suggest that investigating it makes sense. But now? After all this time?

On a positive note, my University has been very helpful in trying to accommodate my new found disability. I'll be using an FM receiver device for use with an input shoe. In addition, I'll get speech-writing assistance (no, not as in George Stephanopolous or Alistair Campbell) and continued support from colleagues. Up to me, then, to ensure that I keep delivering the goods.

2 comments:

Alison C said...

Oh, Mark, what a rollercoaster all this is for you and your family. It's great that Middlesex are doing the right things by you. The confusing changes of direction in the diagnosis and treatment make it hard for an ignorant outsider to know what to wish for you - so I'll wish you whatever you are wishing for yourself. Thinking of you. Alison

Mark Gray said...

Thanks Alison. It is strange that the diagnostic side seems to have faltered a bit. I have faith in the team at RNTNE Hospital, but I think we need to sketch out the evidence to rule out alternatives to straight SNHL depletion.