Willy TechnoEducation

Eric Wilson is finally letting go of the web and use Tumblr and use Blog technology.

[wilsonep]

Online Presence Changes

This year I am making changes in my web presence.  My Facebook will shut down April 13th and I am using Twitter at ericp_wilson.  I just don't have time to use Facebook and there has been mentions n the news of employers and employers perspectives can use these as research on you.  I have nothing to hide, but I do think that is going too far.  I actually have another Twitter for work to announce Training schedule at occITTraining.  

My WillyTaught site has been closed and cancelled and my 18 years old ewilson.net will also be closed.  I plan to continue using Tumblr simply because it is easy and fun to use.  Stay tune for more information....Eric

[wilsonep]

Anonymous Movie

Today I took some down time and watchedAnonymousmovie on my AppleTV.  It was excellent.  Powerful performances from the cast, including Shakespearian actors Derek Jacobi and Vanessa Redgrave.  Brilliant.  The movie does a good job thinking if William Shakespeare actually wrote his plays and sonnets.  I would highly recommend showing in college English classes and maybe Theater.  It is rated PG-13 and runs for 2:10.  Not a dull moment...in fact, you need to watch it closely to make sense. Two thumbs up!

[wilsonep]

Love the Goat...started the new year right!

I know this is hard to believe, but ever since I had my cochlea done, I happen to fall more and more in love with the sound of the cello!  I don't know why.  Then of course I turn to my favorite, Yo-Yo Ma...one of the world's renowned virtuoso cello musician.  If course I do like Ofroy Harnoy too, but Yo-Yo Ma is incredible.  I have many of his classical pieces, including Bach Suites, Simply Baroque and many others.  Yo-Yo Ma is also into various international music projects and of course Bluegrass.  His recent group recording on the Appalachian albums are outstanding... last year just before Thanksgiving, the same group of the Appalachian series released Goat Rodeo Sessions.  OH MY WORD!  Simply incredible awesome recordings.  The group includes Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Mayer, and Chris Thile.  They played not only for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, but they also played for Yo-Yo Ma when he was recipient for the Kennedy Centers Honors 2012. It was mind bottling.  

Do yourself a favor - keep an open mind, listen to Goat Rodeo Session from iTunes, Amazon or even on CD and just be prepared to be blown away.  Awesome music.  Enjoy...

http://www.myplaydirect.com/yo-yo-ma/the-goat-rodeo-sessions/details/25962963 

[wilsonep]

In October of this year we lost a genius: Steve Jobs.  We all knew it would come with his illness, but it did come to a surprise.  Steve Jobs was one of my idols and I absolutely loved his brilliant creativity, marketing strategies, and business world.  He impacted computers, music, movies and technology.  In addition to his number 1 book by Isaacson, this wonderful DVD PBS produced right after his death gives you an overview of the brilliant man.  I highly recommend this 1 hour program.  It is available on DVD as well as Apple iTunes. - Eric

[wilsonep]

Last Rehab

Hello my friends!

Apparently you found our new home online.  I decided to combine my blogs and just keep in one place.  A good friend of mine told me about Tumblr Blog System and how it is so easy and fun to use whether I use it on the computer or my iPad....it is easy, simple and fun.  Thanks for being patient...

Well yesterday was my last visit.  I should tell you that I had a tweak visit a week ago, only this time my wonderful Dad and good friend of his came with.  They were fascinated with the whole visit.  Dr. Mills was excellent in explaining everything to Dad and Barbara.  Dad asked great questions and Dr. Mills was a great teacher!  On the same visit, Dr. Mills confirmed with Dr. Luxford that we will be holding off the left ear for now since the cochlea in both ears have the same deformity.  We will revisit the right ear later and still work on the left ear.

The visit this time, on December 20th, 2011 was with Daunine and Patrick and Dr. Mills.  This time, we tweaked the CI back to last time since I could not hear my voice well.  We did about an hour of testing.  The numbers were not great but not surprising either.  I need to work more on rehab worth the computer.  Now that break is here I should be able to do that off and on each day.  We also met with Maeve Brown from Cohlear American and she went over details of the system, services and ideas for training.  She also mentioned about user groups and families.  I mentioned to her that I would not mind being an advocate for cochlear and she was just thrilled.  I will get in touch with her after the holidays and we will go from there.  There is a gathering in San Diego, January 21st  so I might attend and maybe talk with some folks.  

Our next visit is May 7, 2012.  If I need some more tweaking I need to let Dr. Mills know ASAP.  She wants me to work hard on rehab, staying with my settings and use my remote control for different environments.  Maeve also reminded me of the special microphone and cables to use with my device.  I still need to find a good quality headset since I am using a hearing aid in my right ear and CI in my left.

Personal Note: How do I feel of the outcomes?  Ever since Dr. Luxford mentioned of the deformed cochlea and also the use of forceps when I was born, I was sinking in the reality.  I know that I am hearing differently yet better in my left ear.  I still have a ways to go and I know I have a strong support system at home and at work.  I am still a believer of "there is a reason for everything."  Am I sad?  No  Am I upset? Absolutely not! I am thrilled and excited and look to a new adventure of hearing today.  - Eric

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[wilsonep]

My Dad treated us to a holiday spectacular I will never forget.  Theater and musical buff, I loved every minute of the 2-hour holiday pageant.  The cast had 40 + young kids and it was amazing.  We saw it at their home, La Mirada Theater for Performing Arts.  Need to get tickets in advance and worth every single penny.  We adopted this concert as a new family holiday tradition.  

[wilsonep]

Rehab Number 3

Hello Everyone!

Today, Daunine and I went to rehab number 3 with Dr. Dawna Mills and Dr. Luxford for check up.

Dawna was pleased to hear the progress report...well sort of:

Since last visit, I was able to hear the beautiful rain, certain music with high notes, especially with Kenny G Christmas music, and other sounds.  She was very happy about that.

My primary sound processor broke.  The first time the system came off of my was when I was hugging someone and the system landed on the carpet.  All is ok.  2nd time the system came off was at a restaurant and hit a hard floor.  The ear hook broke and the sound was not the same.  Dawna placed a request for repairs.  I am wearing my back-up and it is working well.  

I wore a SnugFit Thanksgiving day and it worked ok.  By the end of the day, the SnugFit curled up my ear lobe and sounds like it was trapped.  I removed the processor from the SnugFit and the sound was much better.  Dawna suggested to get a partial ear mold to hold the system in place.  Will think about it,  It is nice to not have my ear plugged!

Overall, I think my hearing is a bit ahead of schedule.  We had another hearing test and Dr. Mills was happy with the results and that my hearing with the implant is performing well since I am only on 5 electrodes active.  I am also to start using the remote control for the device so that I can control the sound my ear is taking in.  It is a smart remote control and I have 4 hearing programs to choose from.  It is also expensive.  

The programs include:

Everyday - normal use

Noise - to surpress background noise, ideal for conferences

Focus - allows me to zoom in on a person whether it is at a table or at a meeting.

Music - to be used for plays and at musicals.  Was warned it might be really loud so be careful.

We made more tweaking and sound improvements.  Stronger and more adaptable.

We saw Dr. Luxford and he was very happy with healing of my ear.  We discussed my right ear and he said it is just like my left one....deformed cochlea.  We are not ruling out the surgery.  We decided to see how left one performs with the hearing aid in the right ear and without it.  I am listening to Johnny Mathis Christmas and it is coming in beautifully on the new cochlea and its new settings; better than my hearing aids.  I will need to see Dr. Luxford after Christmas and go from there.

I guess we can saw it is moving along...maybe a head of schedule a bit.  Next visit my Dad is coming with so he can meet everyone and see the system.  It is getting more and more exciting and the sound is unbelievable.  I also felt my Mom presence today in Dr. Luxford's room - don't know why or how...but I did feel she was there.

So much for now...Eric (aka Bionic Ear Man)

[wilsonep]

Coming Along for the Experience

Hi everyone, 

Since my 2nd day of tweaking with Dr. Mills, I am doing reasonably well.  As a matter of fact I think this is gonna scare the heck out of some of you and Dr. Mills.  Let me share with you in simple format:

Day after 2nd tweaking, I was overwhelmed and had a horrible headache.  

Worked sound processor off and on with different tasks but did not want to take it off!  When I started taking it off during a TV show,  I was amazed at the sound difference with my hearing aid in the rich ear alone.

We had rain over the weekend and for the first time, I got to hear the rain clearly and beautifully in my staircase with a skylight, my master bedroom with just windows, and then my master bathroom and skylight.  It was a simply beautiful.

On Sunday morning, I listen to my new Country Christmas music and for the first time, I hear my favorite, Eddy Arnold singing Up on the Housetop with the beautiful marimba and back up vocals on the 3rd verse.  

Kept the device on when my wife, son and I went out to dinner on Sunday night.  While the restaurant was not too busy, I was able to keep my processor on without any problems.

On our way back home I checked our mail with the umbrella in one hand and getting the mail in the other.  The umbrella and magnet of my coil linked and the umbrella was pulling my processor off of my ear!  

Tonight one of the most sound came to my learning process!  Kenny G!  My Dad, Patrick and I love Kenny G's Christmas collection.  I made my playlist from Kenny G's holiday collection and it lasts 3 hours.  The sound of Kenny G's sax is so pure wonderful to listen to.  I got goose bumps listening to Kenny G again.  It was a sight to behold.  Love every minute of it.  Crisp, pure and shiny sound. 

I am sure more and more to come....

Eric

[wilsonep]

1st Round Completed

Well, the first round is done!  On Tuesday's visit, Dr. Mills did some great tweaking and now I can make voices out of my left ear.  (Notice in the picture you can't even see the device!)  I can not make complete words yet but will do some at home therapy with a computer program I got from the House Clinic.

Yesterday, I had the device on all day and I am actually loving it.  I can hear sounds I have not heard.  I can hear people typing on the computers, the air conditioning working, the sliding doors by my office open and close, and it is great.  Last night, Patrick and I had Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on again and this time I could hear some of the bells and high notes.  The best way I can describe it is high sounds are synthesized yet becoming clear.  I know I am suppose to take breaks from it but I was loving new sounds that I did not want to take the new device off....

Lesson learned!  Today I am exhausted and tired.  Daunine thinks not taking the breaks probably worn me out and I think she is right (she usually is).  I have a couple appointments today and when I have lunch, I am going to take the device off.  I was going to go to a voluntary meeting for the union but I am not going.  Not worth it right now.

By the way driving is interesting.  When driving on the freeway it is nice.  I can hear voice and sounds in the car nicely.  On the surface street, I hear more of the engine.  Dr. Mills said that is because the sound of the engine on the freeway is constant and so the device filters it out.  It is still too early to have music on in the car though since it is too high.  Was told to give it time.  No problem.

Conclusion:  coming along very well.  Dr. Mills is impressed and is very happy with the results thus far.  She said that my enthusiasm plays a role in this since many people turn away by this point.  I said they need to give it a chance...nothing is overnight.  Daunine said it is no different for me when I got new hearing aids, except this is more powerful...thats for sure!  Work has been great supporting me this week...biggest support from Jill Golden, my partner in crime in Online Learning.  She noticed a difference in my speech already.  She came to see me yesterday, gave me a big hug, and we just talked for a bit.  John Fawcett and some of the worked in the Computer Center welcomed me back.  They missed me.  And of course the faculty in the Computer Center checked up on me.  So nice....I am lucky! - Eric

[wilsonep]

New Device Hook Up Tomorrow

Below is a clip from an email I sent to my colleagues at work regarding my device hook up tomorrow.  I think it explains everything well.  Enjoy!

I will not be in next week Monday and Tuesday.  I will be receiving my new device called Cochlear Nucleus System.  The system will include an ear piece behind my ear and a special cable and pug or "coil" attached to my head via magnets.  As part of the surgery 2 weeks ago, a small piece of metal and thin wires were inserted just above my ear and under the skin.  (This also means I can not have MRI and have to go through screenings a the airport when I travel).  So what happens is instead of the sound going in the ear like you, mine will go to the brain through electrical impulses.  Talk about technology!  So Monday I get the device and wear it for a day with the settings based on the results from the surgery.  From there, I have 4-6 rehabs for tweaking to bring the settings to my hearing loss levels which has to be done very slowly so not to overload the brain and cochlea.  Tuesday, Daunine and I go back for the first rehab.  So the first round people will sound different to me…more like Chip and Dale!  So it will be interesting.  I can not drive Monday and Tuesday but can drive Wednesday. My doctors wanted everyone here and even my family to be patient if I don't hear well for a few weeks.  I am in good hands with OCC and my family.  Everyone has been supportive and I appreciate it.  Makes a big difference.  I will also be on a very strict schedule as to when I am to wear the device and hearing aid, hearing aid alone, and even take both off for break.  I will work my schedule around it.  The doctors and I feel this should have little impact since I have so much work to do in my office with manuals and projects. For more information on the system I will be using and what is involved, go to http://products.cochlearamericas.com/cochlear-implants/nucleus-system. Just an FYI – we are looking at April 2012 to do my right ear.

[wilsonep]

A Breathing Lesson Learned!

I wanted to take time out to share with you what I think saved my life from this whole experience.  While weight always plays a role in different things with our bodies, the key factor is the way we breath or respiratory system.  On my last night at the hospital, I had a fascinating 1 hour lesson from Maria, an outstanding Respiratory Therapist at the hospital.  I had 4 other ones but all they did was switch my treatment and then leave.  Maria took time out and we talked and practiced a lot of things.  Our lungs are like rubber balloons and they expand and constrict yet they have to be done in a very delicate way.  It is very common that everyone forgets to breath properly which leads to various health issues.  She taught me how to do proper deep breathing which was never introduced to me until that night.  When I was in ICU, I was given a breathing measurement tool (which I called my Tonka) and was told to do deep breathing every hour.  What they did not tell me was how to do it properly.  Before Maria, I was inhaling quickly and exhaling quickly - WRONG!  Which explained why my lungs were soar from the exercises.  Maria taught me without the tool first of course, inhale deeply slowly through the nose, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale through the mouth, slowly.  WHAT A DIFFERENCE.  I practiced that with Tonka and what a difference it made.  I practiced throughout the night, and when it came to the test to go home, everything was in normal range.  (Of course I also walked the floor 35 times that morning too and felt SO GOOD!!!!)  My point is, yes we have variables and conditions for our own health, but what Maria taught me was so valuable and something I will never forget: (Proper deep breathing, and need to learn to relax while doing deep breathing.)

[wilsonep]

The Run Down from the Hospital

I am sorry I did not updated this site.  Let me give you up to date information:

I was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 and was home by 3:00 PM.

Surgery went well yet had some respiratory complications and to this date, we still don't know what caused it.  Biggest concern was water in the lungs.  Took 3 days for that to heal.

Was loaded with 18 antibiotics (3 different ones - 6 rounds) and it is very tiring.  One of them burned my hand and arm towards the end.  Switched to antibiotic by mouth until Tuesday morning.

On Friday, October 28th, I visit my PCP (Primary Care Physician) for follow up and he was impressed with everything.  We also learned that since July 7, 2011, I lost 29 llbs.  My goal is to go another 20 by my next physical which is in April 2012.  Once I hit that goal, we will begin the process of my right ear. (NO - I am not going on any diets.  They do not work.  Just need to use moderation like I have been doing and working out.)

I am cleared to return to work October 31, 2011 and can also drive again.  I am NOT allowed to go long distance drives or rides for another week.

I can begin bike riding Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

November 14th is hook up to new device.

November 15th is tweaking with new device.

What is amazing is I am hearing and doing very well with my right ear only.  Again as Daunine thinks because Dr. Luxford (the best!) reported my cochlea in my left ear was more deformed than thought, it is possible that I was not able to hear well at all with the digital hearing aid I had.  At the same time, having less "noise" is allowing me to hear better.  Yesterday I listened to my music and was able to hear just fine.  One less ear, but still can hear it.

I wanted to show you - not sure if you can see it - but stitches Dr.Luxford did were beautifully done.  My ear is healing very well.  Sometimes I can feel it, especially when I am chewing food.  It gets better each day. I have to admit, the first day it was a bit painful but after that - no big deal.  Thinking of the positive outcome.  Worth it. - Eric

[wilsonep]

Still in Hospital

Hello everyone,

Today is Sunday, October 23 and I am still at the hospital. The surgery itself was successful except for one thing: the doctor learned that my cochlea was well deformed so they were able to do a partial implantation with no impact of the hearing. If nothing else like Daunine said, the hearing will improve more because the hearing aid could not work with the deformed cochlea fully. On the bad side I had some kind of upper respiratory incident where they had to put a tube down for he surgery. After surgery, they took it out and there were some concerns for breathing and other stuff. All the tests came back negative (which is a good thing). So this means 1 of 3 things: Reaction form drug, surgery infection, or I may have picked up some thing a day before surgery. Nevertheless I have been well cared for. The staff at the hospital are awesome and are very caring.

One thing that is surprising is because I am overweight but lost 25 lbs in the last 4 months and still going, the first thing everyone said was sleep apnea. While it is possible, to me is an assumption people make and this reminds me something that is against my own rules that my Mom taught me: Do not assume and make sure lot have answers.. In fact, non of the nurses here have not asked that question at all! I know they are not qualified, but to make assumptions while not in the best of moods does not constitute to good bedside manners. On the same note, me being here may just also save my life. One way or another we will know more, in the time n my stay here, I had so far, 8 blood tests, EEG, 2 EKGs, 2 chest x-rays, chest CAT scan, and breathing treatments. My breathing is almost normal today, fever is gone (had a minor one yesterday). I know the doctor being caution. On the other hand, the are so many reports that healing at home is faster and safer than in the hospital.

I had wonderful visitors and today is my first time online in a few days. I am also told to do some walking around the floor but need or hide my booties in my gown. Wew...cold draft! In any case I am ready to go home. I know my wife and son want me home too.

Will keep you posted. Thinking positive! Hope to be home tomorrow. Eric

[wilsonep]

Twas the Night Before Surgery

I know some of you are going, "oh brother" but for me it is something. Tonight is the last night I will hear what I have been hearing the last forty something in my life. The way I hear is about to change...for the better of course. So tonight I stopped everything...teaching, studying, working and so on. I sat down and listened to some music while I am drinking hot chocolate. I listened to Enya's And Winter Came and Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas Symphony before I take my hearing aids off tonight.

I am looking forward to a new way of listening to my music. I know the way Streisand, Mannheim, Enya, and other favorites will be different. I am hoping to hear more higher stuff like better violin from Anne Sofie-Mutter and Isaac Stern. Who knows. I know I have to be patient.

Most importantly, I hope to hear my son better even when he does not speak clearly. I know he makes us laugh...and maybe I will understand him better. Again I have to be patient....and so does everyone I come to associate with. Goodnight all...Eric

[wilsonep]

Green Light Visit

Hi All...

Well my wife and I drove to Los Angeles and once again, barely made it.  We were there 3 hours but we got to see the doctor for 10 minutes.  We saw a different doctor, but he was a delightful character. He was making sure that I was healthy and I am ready for the surgery.  He then tattooed my ear with the word YES!   This is so the surgeon operates on the correct ear.  We then visit the Surgery Counselor and she went over everything.  So we are set. - Eric