Less than a week following her evaluation as a candidate for a cochlear implant, Tammy was given the results of her CAT scan. Tammy and the cochlear implant team were stunned at the results, which showed Tammy had bilateral sclerotic mastoids, or buildup of old scar tissue from past ear infections. Not only that, the CAT scan revealed a persistent internal infection that could not be treated with antibiotics.
What does this mean for Tammy? It means that she needs TWO surgeries at the same time: a mastoidectomy and the cochlear implant surgery. It means very complicated, difficult, and even dangerous surgeries. If surgery does not completely eradicate the infection, there is a risk that the infection could spread. Tammy will need to be monitored carefully throughout the entire surgical process.
Pictures and information on the mastoid can be found in the following resources:
- About Deafness/HOH: Cholesteatoma
- About Deafness/HOH: Cochlear Implant Surgery
- Audiology Online Interview
Tammy struggled greatly with her decision, faced with these realities. She decided to proceed.
The implant team has submitted her information to the insurance company, and she is getting a meningitis shot. Due to the nature of Tammy's condition, the implant team hopes to operate sooner than originally planned. As soon as insurance approval and pre-authorization is given, she will have a pre-op appointment to discuss her concerns and the risks in more depth, as this is not a normal CI surgery. Even the surgeon Dr Wiero Shao is apparently worried but trying to remain positive. Tammy's surgery could take place as soon as July.
Update: Tammy is having a canal wall up mastoidectomy at the same time as the implant. Her health insurance approved the surgery. Normally her health insurance approves requests in 30 days but in her case it was expedited. Tammy received HIB and pneumo vaccinations on Friday June 24. The afternoon of the 24th, she received a confirmation letter for the surgery date.
Tammy has been faxed pre-op preparation information. For example, she can not have garlic, vitamin e, no aspirin, ibuprofen, or motrin-like products within two weeks of the surgery. The night before the surgery, she can not eat or drink anything after midnight with the exception of water, apple juice, or ginger ale up to four hours prior to surgery. On July 13 she will have a history and a physical exam. Also on the 13th, she will have an anesthesia appointment. Surgery is set for Thursday, July 14 early in the morning. If all goes well, she will be headed back home within 24 hours of surgery (although she will have staples in her head).
