6 weeks post op!

Happy summer everyone! I couldn't be more thankful that the beginning of my favorite season and my six week milestone are just two days shy of each other. The fact that I'm able to get out and do some of my favorite summertime activities has truly been the icing on my cake. This week I managed to go swimming, biking and tubing all without any adverse effects (and very little fatigue). The plan is to continue challenging myself by gradually increasing my activity level and the variety of activities. I'm thinking maybe a hike for this coming week?

My MRI came back with excellent results. Iggy appears to have left the building for good and I won't need another scan until next May. My follow-up with Dr. Woodson went almost as well. She very impressed with the improvement in my balance and was nearly as happy as I was that my smile had returned fully. The only wrench in the works was my right eye. It still doesn't blink properly, tear, or close completely. So instead of coming back in a year, I'm due to go back in four months just to be sure that it has resolved. I'm not sure what steps will have to be taken if it doesn't, but I'm trusting that it will heal in good time.


Now for the exciting news. Dr. Woodson finally gave me the all clear to pursue hearing aid options since I've reached a satisfactory level of recovery. Let me just say that after five months of waiting, I wasted no time in scheduling an appointment with a local audiologist. I've already decided against the BAHA or any surgically implanted device (having Iggy removed was enough) and am planning to trial the Phonak CROS. They recently updated this product and their latest version has been met with great reviews. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about the prospect of hearing "normally" again. There will definitely be plenty more on this to come so stay tuned. 

ȍȌȍTURTLE TRACKSȍȌȍ

• Not only did I drive in the dark this week, but I also made the hour and a half trek to and from Cleveland on I-71. Oh, and I rode shotgun while my permit-carrying little brother went out for his second drive. Ever. Yes, I'm living life on the wild side.
• My balance continues to improve by leaps and bounds--I now resemble a normal person when I move my head while walking (still not quite ready to whip my hair back and forth though). Wes has been really impressed with my progress and I'm thinking I'll only need a couple more therapy sessions.  
• You know the deal with my arms--not much progress.
• My stamina is increasing. The only time I really felt fatigued this week was after biking. 
• My hair is growing in nicely. I haven't decided what to do with it yet once it reaches that awkward stage where it's too short to do anything with and too long for it to lay down nicely. Updates to come...

As I mentioned last week, this will be my last weekly progress update. I was planning to do "Turtle Tracks" on a monthly basis from here on out but I've decided I'll simply post a new entry for any newsworthy items over the next few months. I'll still be posting regularly and if there is something specific you'd like me to address in an entry or a question/concern/comment you'd like answered let me know and I'd be happy to oblige. 

Happy turtling!