I Can Hear Clearly Now the Rain Has Gone

 

As you can see in this photo I took this morning, the sun is out and it's going to be another beautiful spring morning. This makes me happy. Today is Thursday, April 17. Today is also the day we drive to Portland to have Terry's cochlear implant surgery done. 

We load the car and begin the long, boring drive. Traffic is not too bad today and that is a real blessing. The drive was uneventful and without a hitch. Pulling into the parking lot of the inn, we check in and find our room. 

Our room was a two bedroom this time. We're not sure why other than there may be a possibility that they were out of rooms so we got this one. 

This is the main bedroom area when you walk into the room. 

We had the dining room table, the television, the bed, the heater and AC in this room. 

The second bedroom was untouched but it sure opened up a lot of space with this being a two bedroom. 

Off of the bedroom we had a large spacious room with the shower, refrigerator, a table with coffee maker and a walkway to the toilet. The toilet was in a room of its own. 

Large suite and very comfortable. Thanks to the VA for making this happen. Terry was able to relax before the big day. After watching a bit of TV, I passed out. At 4:45, it was time to get moving for the surgery. We were to check in by 5:45 and surgery is at 7:30. 

***

Now that the drive was complete and we were feeling more comfortable, it was time to feed Terry before his fasting was to begin. Right across the street was a Muchas Gracias restaurant. Off we went. 

If you've never been to a Muchas Gracias, I describe it as being a fast food Mexican restaurant. It's not like Taco Bell or Taco Time though, providing better food than that. But the idea is about the same. They are quick at getting the food out and it tastes good enough to complete your day. 

I ordered a combo plate with beans, rice, and a couple of chicken tamales. Terry got a combination plate with carne asada tacos, beans and rice. I found my dinner to be very good. 

Terry wanted a diet Coke while I sipped on ice water with a couple of lime slices. 

My tamales were great!

Terry seemed to enjoy his carne asada tacos too. We ate our dinner and headed back to the room. Terry grabbed a couple of chairs to go outside and have a cigar to relax. I played a game on my phone, then fell fast asleep. 

***

My Terry was poked, prodded, pinched, and prepped until there was nothing left to do. He relaxed for a few moments before they came to get him. I felt good about the surgery. A time of 7:30 to 9:00 AM was allotted for the procedure but the doctor said he likes to go about 50, sometimes 60 minutes at the most. 

7:30 rolled around and in came the team, ready to take Terry into the operating theater where, when complete, he would emerge with an entirely new way to hear. He has one cochlear but with a second one we are hoping his hearing will improve. His hearing aid is not working as well as it used to because of his decline in hearing in that ear. 

After giving my husband a kiss on the cheek and telling him I love him, he was wheeled out. I was left in the prep room by myself and felt completely lost and alone. We all definitely take being together for granted. I closed my eyes for a few seconds to picture him covered in light and bright hopes for a safe return. 

***

Sitting in the waiting room, I looked out among the big city activity to recall my time residing here when I was young. I lived in Portland for about two to three years and ended up with a love-hate relationship during my stay. The city was brutal, filled with too much noise and not enough space to call your own. My hometown of Eugene was much more peaceful and that's what I love. 

Time ticked on. Watching the board, I waited for the code to turn to yellow, meaning Terry was in closure in the operating room. It seemed as though it took forever. I spent time playing a game on my phone, but wasn't able to concentrate. 

Looking up, the clock read 8:45. My stomach turned. It was past the time the doctor said he likes to complete the procedure. Horrible thoughts rushed through my mind. What if they couldn't bring him out of the anesthesia? What if something happened on the table? I fidgeted back and forth in my chair. People in the waiting room were beginning to annoy me. The room felt like it was getting smaller. 

I cleared my head and listened to my gut. I knew my man was okay. I could feel him. He was there, with me, in only a way the intuitive side of us can understand, especially if you are soulmates, as we feel we are. We miss each other during times we are apart. We can feel each other when we are in separate places during the day. Intuitively, I knew he was okay and would be with me at any moment. 

I looked at the board. Time was moving along, still with no Terry in my sight. Swallowing, I could feel a lump in my throat. "Come on baby. Come back to me. Let me hold you again." 

8:50. This was too much. I hate the wait for loved ones to come out of surgery. Suddenly, a movement across the room caught my eye. Yellow! It was yellow! He was in the closure stage now. I took a deep breath and relaxed. Now I wait until he is placed in a recovery room and pulls out of the grogginess the anesthesia leaves behind. 

***

The doctor arrives in the waiting room. He's headed straight for me. I swallow hard, wondering what he will say, hoping it's not bad news to match the serious look on his face. He sits in the chair beside me and opens his mouth to speak ...

"Terry came through like a champ. He's waking up now and a nurse will call you back in a few moments. The surgical procedure went as planned and all is good. Do you have any questions?" 

Oh, my God. All I heard was that Terry came through and all is good. Questions? Am I supposed to have questions? My mind had a million things rushing through it and all I could think of was how relieved I am to know he's okay. I guess I can ask questions later. 

I thanked him for the great job he did. Just as I got the words out, the phone rang. It was a nurse. She informed me the same thing the doctor had just said and stated I would be able to come back in just a few moments. 

I waited. And waited. And waited. In all actuality, it was probably only about 20 minutes, but it seemed like a lifetime. I just wanted to see him. The door opened. A nurse appeared and I heard my name. Grabbing the bags and my personal items, off I went. As I walked in, there he was. My big, tall man. He was fine. 

I smiled at the sight of him. More vitals were taken and then he was asked to sit up. He seemed to be steady in his movements. With that, we were ready to leave. He was placed in the wheelchair and off we went into the parking garage. I wanted to get out of this city traffic and chaos but Terry wanted to eat. We compromised with a trip to Denny's in Salem. Our three hour trip home had begun. 

Terry was ready to go home. His ear was packed with gauze to protect the surgical site and catch any residual blood. The gauze was held tightly to put pressure on the site as well. Gauze and the wrap could be removed the following morning. Now that he is okay, I had to get this hungry man to the restaurant to feed his appetite. 

***

Arriving in Salem was a good thing. I was almost falling asleep at the wheel. With very little sleep the night before, it was making the trip difficult. Terry was exhausted. I was hoping on the way home he could put his seat back and sleep for a bit, but no such luck. 

We ate our meals with very little talking. The tiredness had hit. After a Denny's American Slam meal, and a steak with potatoes and broccoli for Terry, we reluctantly hit the road again. 

***

Walking into our house, we saw an incredible sight ... 

Our new baby, Esme, and older kitty Kit were curled up on the chair together. Five minutes later they were hissing and pissing at each other again, but at least this is a start. 

I am grateful for our home, our babies, and all that we have. We are blessed. Terry relaxed outside for a while. I rested inside and actually fell asleep for a bit. Feeling a bit groggy from what little sleep I got plus I've been put on a couple of new pills, an hour nap was what I needed. 

***

Terry was able to remove the wrap the following morning. He is on antibiotics to prevent any infection but the wound site is looking good. No swelling or redness. 

It was a good adventure and I can't wait until he has the entire setup ready to go. I believe it will open quite a world to him again, being able to hear close enough to how he used to. The depth of hearing may not be there, but he will be able to hear everyone and everything around him. 

Technology can be an amazing thing. Without his first cochlear, he would not be able to hear most everything and definitely not as clear as he can now. It's not a 100% perfect match to natural hearing, but it is a great thing. I'm so happy for him to be blessed with a solution to his hearing loss and the medical team at the hospital who made this happen. It's a wonderful gift. 

Until our next post, take care and thank you so much for reading the blog. We appreciate all of you. With love and gratitude, 

Terry and Vicki Macrae