Another hurdle

We have another set-back with Kevin's implant. I am so frustrated because before his fall, everything with both sides were just 'perfect'! So, when we put the implant on last week, he liked it for about an hour and then started fussing. After trying for another day to have him wear it, we noticed that his implant site was swollen. The Dr. said it might not be fully healed, so we had to wait another 2 days before putting it on. 2 days later (last Sunday) we tried it and it worked just fine for 2 days. We had the volume back up to full volume and he didn't mind it at all. Then, yesterday, when I put it back on, he screamed out in pain. I took him back to the Dr. (another 3 hour drive one way) and he said that Kevin has fluid in his ears. He has a TERRIBLE cold right now and with all the fluid in his ears compounded with his incision being a bit sore still and him still getting used to having his right side hearing back, it just was a recipe for disaster. The Dr. wants me to wait another week, go back and see him to make sure his ear is dry and then try it back on again. I am really nervous that there is more to it than just a bad cold, but all signs lead to this simple solution. After all, it DID work for 2 days! So, we are in a wait and see mode. I am sure I will have a hard time getting him used to wearing it again. He is going through a difficult phase right now where he doesn't want to do anything you ask of him, and getting the implant to stay on will be tough. I'm really not looking forward to it.

I'm ready for something to come easy for him. Let's just have the implant heal, have him like the sound and move forward again! I know this note sounds discouraging, but I too have a cold, am extremely tired from driving back and forth many times, and just want things to be back to 'normal'.

For all the anti-CI people who read this, please don't take this as an opportunity to bash CIs and say what a terrible thing it is to put your child through this. Until you see the difference in your child when they can hear compared to when they can't, you will never know what a blessing these devices are, despite some challenging times. Kevin just lights up when he puts his CIs on in the morning. Sure, he could go through life without one and be very happy and content, but he truely comes to life with the CIs on! Even after having to deal with this, I have never doubted my decision to implant Kevin!