I Thought It Was Just Healing

After I was implanted, I was told the pressure, dizziness, and burning were “normal healing.” I trusted that for too long. Looking back, the symptoms were my body yelling that something wasn’t right.

Caution: If symptoms keep getting worse instead of slowly better, don’t shrug them off. Ask again. Push harder.

 

That’s Just Your Other Condition

More than once, my symptoms were blamed on other things – migraines, my acoustic neuroma, stress, anything but the cochlear implant. It delayed real answers and left me doubting myself.

Caution: When everything is blamed on something else, ask directly: “Could this be related to the device or surgery?” and ask for that question to be noted in your chart.

We Don’t Treat Symptoms

At one point I was told, “I don’t treat symptoms.” I left that visit feeling small, scared, and completely on my own.

Caution: You deserve providers who take your symptoms seriously. If you feel brushed off, it’s okay to ask for a second opinion or a different provider. Although other otolaryngologist will tell you to see your implanting surgeon.  Very hard to get second opinions.

Even When You Don’t Feel Like Keeping Records – Do It

I started tracking things right away because I was having memory issues and knew I might forget details. By February 2022, I told my surgeon I thought something was wrong. I even pulled out my notebook and went through my symptoms. He told me things were okay. I was told that they were all normal - until my explant  

I did my part. I kept notes. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t speak up – it’s that what I said wasn’t taken seriously or documented.

Check your records not once, but twice. Go with your gut.

Caution: Even simple notes on your phone – dates, symptoms, and names – can make a huge difference if you ever need answers later.