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Offline Rennhack

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Lisa Rennhack
« on: Nov 21, 2006, 01:21 »
I don’t often post a lot of information about my family on the website for obvious reasons.  I did announce my wedding, and the birth of my first child.  I’ve also shared pictures in the member’s gallery of my family.

I will once again share with you a little about my family.  My daughter Lisa is deaf.  She is about 19 months old. We have known that she was deaf since she was about 5 months old.  We (mostly her mother, as I have been on the road) have fought with the doctors and the insurance companies, and more doctors, and other red tape for over a year in the hopes of getting Lisa a cochlear implant.  It turns out that Lisa has bilateral cochlear aplasia (both cochlea’s missing) and bilateral vestibular displasia (both vestibules present but severely deformed).  Lisa is missing one and perhaps both of her balance nerves.  Lisa’s cochlear matter is completely missing and the vestibules are small and deformed on both sides.  The right side is slightly larger than the left and at this point, The Dr.’s do not feel comfortable attempting to implant the left side.  Perhaps as technology advances and the devices become smaller, it will be a possibility.

The cochlear implant would actually be wired up to her sole auditory nerve, sending pulses directly to her brain.  The cochlear implant is an electronic device that will restore partial hearing for Lisa. It is surgically implanted in her inner ear and activated by a device worn outside her ear. Unlike a hearing aid, it does not make sound louder or clearer. Instead, the device bypasses damaged parts of Lisa’s auditory system and converts speech and environmental sounds into electrical signals and sends these signals to Lisa’s auditory nerve, allowing Lisa to receive sound. The implant consists of a small electronic device, which is surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear and an external speech processor, which is usually worn on a belt or in a pocket. A microphone is worn outside Lisa’s body as a headpiece behind her ear to capture incoming sound. The speech processor translates the sound into distinctive electrical signals. These 'codes' travel up a thin cable to the headpiece and are transmitted across the skin via radio waves to the implanted electrodes in her auditory nerve. The electrodes’ signals stimulate the auditory nerve fibers to send information to the brain where it is interpreted as meaningful sound.

The cochlear implant does not reproduce sound as a hearing person perceives it, but it allows enough hearing that, with proper training, Lisa should greatly benefit by it. The typical person who knows nothing about deafness or the deaf world, often see the cochlear implant as a miracle technology that will give their children their hearing, which it won't.

Lisa’s implant surgery will be performed under general anesthesia and should last from four to six hours. An incision is made behind her ear to open the mastoid bone leading to her middle ear. The procedure may be done as an outpatient, or may require her to stay in the hospital, overnight or for several days.

About one month after surgery, we will have to return to the surgery center where they will place the signal processor, microphone, and implant transmitter outside her ear and adjusts them. They will teach us how to look after the system and teach Lisa how to listen to sound through the implant. We will then need to return to the surgery center for regular checkups and readjustment of the speech processor as needed.

Cochlear implants do not restore normal hearing, and benefits vary from one individual to another. Most users find that cochlear implants help them communicate better through improved lip-reading, and over half are able to discriminate speech without the use of visual cues.  Lisa is expected to get 30% hearing in one ear, as a best case scenario.

More expensive than a hearing aid, the total cost of a cochlear implant including evaluation, surgery, the device, and rehabilitation is around $40,000.

For more information, visit this site: http://www.medel.com/ENG/US/10_Understanding_CI/000_ci_intro.asp

Here is the news:  After over a year of fighting for her, we finally have a surgery date.  December 12th, 2006.

Those of you that are religious, please say a prayer for Lisa.

Offline Marlin

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #1 on: Nov 21, 2006, 01:51 »
Lorie and I will keep her in our prayers and thoughts.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #2 on: Nov 21, 2006, 02:00 »
goodluck and Godbless

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #3 on: Nov 21, 2006, 02:42 »

Here is the news:  After over a year of fighting for her, we finally have a surgery date.  December 12th, 2006.

Those of you that are religious, please say a prayer for Lisa.


You've got it my friend. 
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #4 on: Nov 21, 2006, 03:07 »
     Mike,
may allof your friends here on the site and those of us that have worked with you in the past extend to you and your family our thoughts and prayers as your daughter progresses with her surgery.

Offline TENN-1

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #5 on: Nov 21, 2006, 03:29 »
The prayer will be put in the church daily basket. Good Luck, Lisa!
Things come to those who wait, but usually it's stuff left over from those who hustle!

Offline elwood

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #6 on: Nov 21, 2006, 04:00 »
Me and my family will be thinking and praying for her and your family. 
Hope all goes well.

Offline Mike_Koehler

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #7 on: Nov 21, 2006, 04:24 »
Even those of us who aren't particularly religious will keep her and your family in our thoughts...
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #8 on: Nov 21, 2006, 04:41 »
Mike,
  I just read your post and I'm sorry to hear about the struggle that you and your family have been going through.
  Me and my family will keep you and your family in our prayers.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #9 on: Nov 21, 2006, 04:49 »
Mike,
The prayers of my family are being sent on behalf of you and your family.
I know this has not been an easy decision, but we pray for your peace so that you can enjoy your daughter during this difficult time.
« Last Edit: Nov 21, 2006, 04:50 by Roll Tide »
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Offline ChiefRocscooter

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #10 on: Nov 21, 2006, 05:53 »
Let me add a prayer and let you know that as I read your post I am not ashamed to admit that I felt tears in my eyes.  Not tears of sadness or sorrow for the hardships you and your family have face but rather the tears that come from the swelling of joy I can feel toward the love and effort you have obviously put into making this happen!  For all that we do in life it is when we do thing from love that we do them best.

You, through your efforts here, have I am sure brought much into many lives.  Thank you yet once again for sharing with us in this different way, your love shhould inspire us all to think about being just a little better human every day

God Bless Lisa and the rest of your family and please let us know how thing go

Rob
Being adept at being adaptable I look forward to every new challenge!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #11 on: Nov 21, 2006, 05:58 »
what you have done with this site means much to many...god bless you and your family...

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #12 on: Nov 21, 2006, 06:29 »
The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man or woman availeth much. Will be praying for a good report.Hang in there.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #13 on: Nov 21, 2006, 06:46 »
Mike - 12/6/2006 "The Day of Body Language" - karmically good sign - when you get an op time - post it.

Offline PWHoppe

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #14 on: Nov 21, 2006, 07:21 »
A prayer for Lisa and for you also my friend, may God watch over Lisa's surgery and recovery.
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Offline Carolina Jethro

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #15 on: Nov 21, 2006, 07:27 »
Mike, I will also put Lisa and your family in our prayer list. God does wonderful things and you have to have the faith that he will guide the doctors and Lisa through this procedure. God Bless and hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #16 on: Nov 21, 2006, 09:29 »
Mike, Since working with you I know that you love that little girl so much. You'd be showing me the newest photos on your desk or computer whenever I went in the office! I couldn't get my papers until I looked at all  of the photos, and heard a story or two.   You get on that plane for home and have a Happy Thanksgiving week with Lisa and Kathy!  Marty & I and our family will be praying for the best for Lisa and  for Kathy & you. Sharon

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #17 on: Nov 21, 2006, 09:46 »
Mike,
I wish you and your family the best and prayers during this time. There is nothing harder that watching/helping a child through surgery, a hospital stay, or just getting poked and prodded by the Dr's and nurses.
Just remember that you and your wife ned to support each other as much as you need to support your little one. And remmeber to take a break for yourselves every once in a while, even if it is going to McDonald's to get a burger.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #18 on: Nov 22, 2006, 02:10 »
Mike
Thanks for sharing the news with all of us and giving us the chance to do you a favor after all that you have done for us.
As Carolina Jethro has said, prayers will be sent for Lisa and her family, and to guide the surgeon's hands and intuition in his work.
Keep the faith and know that even if things do not come out as you expect, it will be right in the end.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #19 on: Nov 22, 2006, 07:50 »
Mike, you and your family are in my prayers and I will add Lisa to the prayer chain.  May God bless you and your family and hold you near during these trying times! 
                                                                                                             PK

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #20 on: Nov 22, 2006, 08:09 »
Even those of us who aren't particularly religious will keep her and your family in our thoughts...

Mike said it for me and all I can say is Amen.
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #21 on: Nov 22, 2006, 09:16 »
Mike,

I will be keeping your family in my thoughts.  It has to be a good day for the procedure, it's my youngest sons birthday on the 12th.
Best of luck and know that people care.
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Offline Laning

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #22 on: Nov 22, 2006, 09:41 »
Mikey,

Its hard to believe that after so many conversations, visits to your home, card games, etc...I never had a clue you were going through something like this. I've never once heard you complain..amazing. Many would be consumed by their anger...overwhelmed by the unfairness of it all. Life is full of ups and downs, happiness and tragedy. Bad things happen to everyone, but how we deal with it says alot about who we really are. You're a much better man than I ever knew. Thanks for the reminder of what Thanksgiving is actually about. I won't be praying for your family since thats against MY religion (I'm a heathen!), but after I hug my kids tonight, I'm gonna tell them about my friend Mike's little girl so they understand how much they have to be thankful for.

Hang in there Dude!!

Eric
If you're gonna be dumb, ya gotta be tough

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #23 on: Nov 22, 2006, 10:06 »
Mike, somewhere I once read that special chidren are born to special people. I have always held that in my heart as not only was our oldest daughter born blind in one eye, but as most of you know her daughter, Dorie has the same birth defect and is blind in one eye and sight impaired in the other.

I know the worry, stress and yes anger that you both have felt, and I feel it for you now. Without doubt there are a lot of prayers heading upwards for your family and my family will certainly join in and pray for you all.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #24 on: Nov 22, 2006, 03:40 »
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rennhack:

Christmas reminds us of the joy and wonder of miracles. I too pray that the miracle of hearing her first sound will soon be visited upon your daughter Lisa. May God Bless each of you.

Sincerely,

Michael E. McConnell

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #25 on: Nov 25, 2006, 05:00 »
My prayers are with you and your family Mike.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #26 on: Nov 25, 2006, 01:25 »
In our thoughts and prayers. 

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #27 on: Nov 26, 2006, 08:38 »
Mike:
She and your entire family will be in our prayers daily.  We ask the Lord to guide the hands of the doctor and give this child the wonder of hearing.
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #28 on: Nov 27, 2006, 11:50 »
keeping yinz in prayer.
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #29 on: Nov 27, 2006, 12:17 »
My prayers are added to the pile. I'm sure God won't ignore such a large stack. Keep the faith and strength. We're all behind you and if you need any help, ask!
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #30 on: Nov 27, 2006, 12:52 »
She'll be in my thoughts and prayers as well as you & your Mrs.  Please let us know, and if there is anything those of us around here can do, let us know.  We're a rascally bunch, but there are a lot of good hearts here too.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #31 on: Nov 27, 2006, 01:09 »
I wish you all the best Mike and family.I copied your post and gave it to my friend who's mother works at the convent here on long Island. The Nuns come here at retirement and they say it is their job to pray,so I sent your post to them.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #32 on: Dec 09, 2006, 10:27 »
Mike, I just wanted this topic to come back to the top. Know that I and my family are thinking of you all daily. Could you please post an address that we may send cards or small gifts to?

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #33 on: Dec 09, 2006, 12:37 »
Please see the "click here to contact me" link below for our address.

Cards and gifts really are not needed.  Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Dec 12th is fast approaching.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #34 on: Dec 09, 2006, 02:55 »
Dear Mike,

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I have added Lisa to the prayer list at my church as well.

God Bless,

Kathleen
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #35 on: Dec 11, 2006, 12:21 »
Prayers going up in W-KY ......
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #36 on: Dec 11, 2006, 02:26 »
Will be thinking of you and yours and praying for good things tomorrow

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #37 on: Dec 14, 2006, 05:50 »
Lisa’s surgery is finished.  There were some complications, but everything seems to have turned out well.  It was a long day, night, and day for Lisa, her mother, and I.  Lisa and her mother are back home, and doing well.

The procedure was performed at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, in Nashville TN.  The facility is three years old.  I have to admit that it was a very impressive experience, and I would suggest that hospital to anyone.  The staff was very attentive.  During the surgery, some one contacted us once an hour to give us a progress update.

We left home in Knoxville at 6 am eastern time to get to the hospital in Nashville at 10:30 am.

When we got to the hospital for the surgery, the Doctor ‘changed’ which side looked better as the implant candidate on the MRI.  When we got there, the right side was the side to be implanted, but was changed to the left side.  Last minuet changes like that don’t instill confidence.  The Doctor then told us that the location in the MRI looked bad, and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to do the implant when he opened her up.  I imagine it is standard hospital practice to prepare you for the worst scenario.  But it was a little nerve racking to her mother (ok, and I).

The surgery took over 4 hours to perform.  We were placed in a very nice waiting room with other people also waiting for their children to have various operations.  A nurse names ‘Sid’ came to us once an hour to update us on Lisa’s progress.  The surgery took over four hours to perform.  One of the updates was to tell us that they had accidentally cut a blood supply and that Lisa had lost a lot of blood. Her blood pressure had dropped, and the heart rate had risen due to the loss in blood.  She needed a transfusion, and was receiving liquids to keep the blood pressure stable until they were able to type her blood, and get some to her.  (It couldn’t be an easy, smooth surgery, could it?)

Eventually they stopped the bleeding, typed her blood, transfused her, inserted the implant and closed her up.  It took a few hours after the surgery to get her stable. 


We arrived at the hospital about 10:30 am central time.  The surgery started about 1pm, and was finished around 6pm.  Her mother and I were able to see her for the first time around 8:30 pm in post op.  She refused to be laid down, and was being held by a nurse when we were taken to her.  We traded positions with the nurse, and began a strict regimen of TLC.

The extra ‘fluids’ they put in her while waiting for the blood created a situation where she had too much fluids in her little body.  She had bloody mucus in her nose and throat, as well as a breathing tube in her nose that descended into her throat.  Her breathing was laborious, and congested.  She was on oxygen, and fighting just to breath, her little chest moving up and down in hard angry strokes.  In addition to being born deaf, Lisa has my allergies, asthma, and weak immune system.  (I had to give her something besides my good looks.)

By 11 pm Lisa had expelled most of the extra fluids, and her mother tried to take a nap.  We knew it was going to be a long night, and we would need to attend to Lisa in shifts.

At 1:30 am, a room opened up in the Critical Care Unit.  We were moved there, and settled in for the night.  There was a cot in the room, and Lisa’s mother and I took turn trying to get a few winks of sleep.  Lisa was held and cuddled by either her mother or I from 8:30 pm until we left the hospital about 11:30 am the following day.

After the exhaustive day and night and half day at the hospital, we were discharged from the hospitals care.  We started the three plus hour drive back to Knoxville, tired and sleep deprived.  We arrived home around 4pm eastern time.  It had been a long 34 hours, but everyone was home and safe.  The girls went to bed, and I got ready to fly back to Massachusetts the next morning.

All is well that ends well.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #38 on: Dec 14, 2006, 06:23 »
Long ago when I was in the canoe club I had heard that God takes care of sailors, drunks and little children... :-\

I proved the first two personally...now I am convinced of the third...God does indeed watch out for small children  ;D
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #39 on: Dec 14, 2006, 06:24 »
Thank you for the update, I will continue to remember you all in prayer.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #40 on: Dec 14, 2006, 08:29 »
Glad to hear the outcome, sorry for what ya'll had to go through to get there my friend.  We'll keep all of you in our prayers and look forward to the picture of Lisa when she hears her first sounds.  ;)
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge."

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #41 on: Dec 14, 2006, 09:46 »
Look for a bag of cookies on your desk Friday.  Happy all is ok.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #42 on: Dec 14, 2006, 10:28 »
ptL, 'n maintaining y'all in prayer.  glad to hear that the procedure went as well as it did.  even with reading between the lines, it sounds as though lisa came through it well, with her parents close behind.
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #43 on: Dec 15, 2006, 07:48 »
She needed a transfusion, and was receiving liquids to keep the blood pressure stable until they were able to type her blood, and get some to her.  (It couldn’t be an easy, smooth surgery, could it?)

I am furious! No conservative surgeon does surgery without knowing blood typ.? No, I am not a doctor, but family members that are will back me up on that.

But I am thankful that Lisa, Mom, and Dad are doing well. Still in our prayers.
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #44 on: Dec 16, 2006, 12:12 »
I'm glad after all that happened your daughters is ok

I will continue to keep you and your family in my Prayers

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #45 on: Dec 16, 2006, 11:52 »
Look for a bag of cookies on your desk Friday.  Happy all is ok.
Cookies were yummie

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #46 on: Dec 18, 2006, 11:25 »
Mike,

  I was overjoyed to read that everything turned out good with the surgury and your all back home.
  Me and my family will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
  If there is anything you need drop me a line.

Kevio


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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #47 on: Dec 19, 2006, 12:50 »
Mike
I know what you and your wife are going though. My grandson has a hearing problem also. He had 4 operations and still needs more. I'm praying for you and hope she will have better luck.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #48 on: Dec 20, 2006, 02:02 »
My wife just informed me that Lisa's hearing will be turned on Jan 10th.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #49 on: Dec 20, 2006, 03:06 »
This is indeed wonderful news. I hope that Lisa continues to improve, please keep us informed.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #50 on: Dec 24, 2006, 11:33 »
that is wonderful news..what a great beginning to the new year !!!!!! :)
It is better to light one small candle..than to curse the darkness

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #51 on: Dec 27, 2006, 10:31 »
Yesterday Lisa's implant was tested.  It's working perfectly, so the turn on and results should be good.

Now we are starting the long road to pushing them to implant the other side.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #52 on: Jan 09, 2007, 11:01 »
My wife just informed me that Lisa's hearing will be turned on Jan 10th.

We're looking forward to that picture of her face when she hears for the first time Mike and we're keeping ya'll in our prayers.   ;)
« Last Edit: Jan 10, 2007, 12:18 by Marlin »
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge."

  -Bertrand Russell

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #53 on: Jan 10, 2007, 05:02 »
She cried, not much of a picture.  She hasn't gotten used to it yet.  It is a bit overwhelming.

I'll keep you posted.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #54 on: Jan 10, 2007, 09:39 »
She cried, not much of a picture.  She hasn't gotten used to it yet.  It is a bit overwhelming.

I'll keep you posted.

 :)  i kin only imagine how loud the world would seem after not having a clear audio input for your life.  sum times ya gotta realize that tears are a necessary part of life.  tell her that i still ain't used to everything i hear, 'n i got a cupla years on her.  still keeping her 'n yinz in prayer.
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #55 on: Jan 11, 2007, 12:43 »
What he said, OK maybe not quite as smoothly as Slo said it.   ;)
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge."

  -Bertrand Russell

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #56 on: Jan 11, 2007, 01:15 »
Turns out they were stimulating the wrong nerves, and it was causing her pain, not hearing.  Everytime she cried, it responded with electroshocks.  This caused a cycle where she would cry, recieve pain, cry more, recieve more pain... Lisa cried so hard once that she threw up.

We took her back today, and had them turn off the first 4 electrodes of the 22 in the array.  I'll take her back next week for some more fine tuning.  I'm about to post some more technical details for everyone.  And pictures.
« Last Edit: Jan 11, 2007, 01:24 by Rennhack »

cbramsey

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #57 on: Jan 11, 2007, 05:11 »
I have come to the realization that doctors practice medicine..... until they get it right.  Lord knows, they have practiced enough on me.

Best of luck with the fine tuning.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #58 on: Jan 11, 2007, 07:33 »
Lisa and your family continues to be in our prayers. I have seen the Lord work some amazing miracles in the past year and have the faith that he will do the same with Lisa. Best of Luck!   

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #59 on: Jan 11, 2007, 08:40 »
She is good now, she doesn’t cry when the magnet is attached to her head, she claps (which means “It’s Good”.)

I personally feel so much better.

I took her to toys -r- us tonight and got her a xylophone.  (While we were there, she also found a little ball her size that she liked... and I found this totally cool bubble maker that makes like 5,000 bubbles a minute... which I bought... it should be real fun this summer.)  She also liked a Dora doll. But I figured she had enough dolls and bears.

NOW Lisa is ok.
« Last Edit: Jan 11, 2007, 08:46 by Rennhack »

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #60 on: Jan 11, 2007, 08:44 »
Three weeks after the surgery, the audiologist tested Lisa’s implant.


Animations that help us understand:
http://www.cochlear.co.uk/Experience/809.asp

Actual product Lisa has:
http://www.cochlear.co.uk/Products/447.asp


"MAPping" is a term used by audiologists to describe how they have set the speech processor of a cochlear implant to provide sound to Lisa.  Lisa went for her first MAPping appointment 4 weeks after surgery (Jan 10th). This is the first time that Lisa heard sound through the cochlear implant.
Lisa wears the device, and it is connected to the audiologist's computer. This tells the audiologist how the electrodes in Lisa's inner ear are working. Lisa and the audiologist now work together to set the sound levels presented to each electrode within the cochlea (inner ear).
Even children who have had a lot of experience with sound may have trouble at the beginning of this first MAPping. Because the sound/sensation may be so new, Lisa may not recognize it as the sound she should be responding to. The audiologist will watch Lisa's face to see if the signal is being heard. Some signals might be quieting, focusing their eyes, tensing their brow, needing a hug from mom.

Imagine the internal part of the cochlear implant as a coil with a string of electrodes. In fact, it is sort of like an electric organ keyboard. The audiologist has to set each electrode to play a particular note loud enough for Lisa to hear and to make sure it is never too loud.
The softest level for Lisa to hear is called the T level (threshold level) and the upper level is the C level (comfort level). The T and C levels are different for Lisa. The audiologist sets these levels over several sessions. The way that a particular speech processor is set for a particular child is called his/her "MAP".
Lisa on her first day of MAPping may not yet be used to hearing, and T levels will likely change over the first few sessions. The new sound may also be overwhelming and C levels may be reduced and increased gradually over the first few sessions. Over the first year Lisa's MAP will be fine tuned and monitored for any changes.
Parents and therapists tell the audiologist how Lisa is hearing, to help the audiologist adjust Lisa's MAP.  Some typical things to look for include Lisa complaining of sounds being too soft or too loud, unclear speech, and decreased listening distance for the softer sounds of speech.
When Lisa passes her first year with the cochlear implant, her MAP becomes relatively more stable. Children usually only return every 6 months for a MAP, after they have had the implant for one year.
The first day of MAPping is sometimes not as exciting as anticipated. This first MAP may be conservative so that Lisa can get used to the new sounds. New sounds usually have no meaning to Lisa at first. Lisa requires many experiences with sounds before they start to have meaning.  There may not be many observable differences in Lisa after the first day of MAPping, but the new potential through hearing makes this an exciting moment for each family.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #61 on: Jan 11, 2007, 08:52 »
way cool, mike!   glad to hear they got the tears to stop.  betcha yinz gots a gazillion night time stories to tell, huh?  have a good time telling them.   :)
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #62 on: Jan 11, 2007, 09:28 »
awwwww..... she is so cute and sounds like dad is gonna spoil her rotten! That is the best thing about being a dad! Great news!

raymcginnis

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #63 on: Jan 11, 2007, 09:53 »
Oh wow Mike.  Thanks for sharing the photos.  The Lisa gallery is spectacular.  The recent photos made me cry with Lisa, but also gave me hope, when I saw her life in context (gallery from beginning to end).  I just shared the gallery link with my prayer group, who have been praying for Lisa ever since you shared this with us all.  I loved going from "in the womb" with Lisa up until now ( gallery backwards).  I always knew that you were an fantastic nature photographer, but your people photography skills, including self-potrait made me stand up and notice.  Your use of the new javascript photo presentation technique was rapid.  How did you do that so fast for 193 photos, in just a few weeks?

Prayer for Lisa is ongoing.

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #64 on: Jan 12, 2007, 06:13 »
Glad to hear the doctors figured out she had a problem and fixed it so she's not in pain any more. Your daughter is a real cutie and your a blessed man to have her (which you already know :).

You and your family are still in my prayers.

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #65 on: May 01, 2007, 01:32 »
The my daughter Lisa is doing well.  She turned 2 on April 28th.  Her implant was turned on in the middle of January, and she is just now really starting to get it.  She made her first "oh" sound, which we consider a major milestone.  Until now, she only made the "Ah" sound, which she has been making even without the implant. 

Here are some pictures:
http://www.nukeworker.com/pictures/thumbnails-222.html
« Last Edit: May 02, 2007, 02:00 by Rennhack »

navytwinmom

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #66 on: May 01, 2007, 01:52 »
That is so great to hear…I have been wondering how she was doing. I have a cousin that is older than I am (and I was on the planning commission for dirt  :-X) and is deaf...back then there was not such thing as implants or even good hearing aids and not much education for parents.  I know there are all sorts of opinions about to implant or not but as a parent we can only do 100% by our kids and it is wonderful there are at least more options than there were for my cousin.

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #67 on: May 01, 2007, 08:34 »
That is super news Mike! and she is a Little Cutie  ;D

You and your family will continue to be in my prayers

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #68 on: May 01, 2007, 09:26 »
excellent.  excellent!!!!!
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #69 on: May 06, 2007, 03:13 »
I'm so happy for you & your family Mike. Lisa is a precious little girl. God Bless.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Dr. Martin Luther King

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #70 on: Aug 24, 2007, 09:19 »
How is Lisa doing?

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #71 on: Aug 25, 2007, 12:12 »
Lisa is doing well.  She is starting to respond to sound and babble a little.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #72 on: Aug 25, 2007, 10:22 »
very good!  very, very good!!!
quando omni flunkus moritati

dubble eye, dubble yew, dubble aye!

dew the best ya kin, wit watt ya have, ware yinze are!

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #73 on: Dec 12, 2007, 08:39 »
1 year later...

Well, it’s been 1 year, so an update is in order.

Lisa had another surgery yesterday, to have the other ear (right) implanted with another cochlear device, in the hopes of her having hearing in both ears.  The Dr. learned her unique anatomy last time, and had no major 'near death' complications this time.  She is back home and recovering.

The first ear (her left) has been turned on for 11 months, and at its 'fully on' setting for 10 months.  At her last hearing testing Lisa passed (that’s what her mother says, I wasn’t there… on the road working and all).  Lisa is doing a lot of vowel chatting, and is doing well according to her speech therapist.

That’s the annual update, see you next ear… err year… she is out of ears to do.

Offline Marlin

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #74 on: Dec 12, 2007, 09:16 »
Last I heard the right ear may not be operable, I'm very glad to hear that was not the case. Hopefully she won't experience the same trama she experienced on the last one when it was turned on.

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #75 on: Dec 12, 2007, 10:20 »
Last I heard the right ear may not be operable, I'm very glad to hear that was not the case. Hopefully she won't experience the same trama she experienced on the last one when it was turned on.

Well... we still don't know how 'good' the right one will be.  But anything is better than nothing, right?

Yeah, lets hope they don't start stimulating any pain receptors this time.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #76 on: Dec 12, 2007, 10:55 »
Mike (& Kathy),
Give Lisa a big hug from the fuzzy faced burger cooker.  That's one great Christmas present.

Peace,
Tom
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge."

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #77 on: Dec 13, 2007, 08:24 »
 :) :) :) :) :) :) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D !!!!!!!!!!!!!
"I won't eat anything that has intelligent life, but I'd gladly eat a network executive or a politician."

                                  -Marty Feldman

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #78 on: Dec 13, 2007, 08:48 »
 :) ;D Good News  :) ;D

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa, Kathy and you!

Pat
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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #79 on: Dec 13, 2007, 06:51 »
Thats Great News!!!! Thanks for the update.

I'll be keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers

RNN

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #80 on: Dec 13, 2007, 08:11 »
The power of prayer is awesome. Great to hear the news. Will continue to pray and hope for more blessings to your family.

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #81 on: Dec 14, 2007, 11:13 »
THIS IS FANTASTIC NEWS! I'm excited to know that your Lisa has received the gift of "Hearing", and can now experience the sound of her Mom and Dad's voices, as well as her own! THAT'S EXCELLENT!

Merry Christmas to the Rennhack Family!

nukerecruiter

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #82 on: Dec 17, 2007, 08:45 »
1 year later...

Well, it’s been 1 year, so an update is in order.

Lisa had another surgery yesterday, to have the other ear (right) implanted with another cochlear device, in the hopes of her having hearing in both ears.  The Dr. learned her unique anatomy last time, and had no major 'near death' complications this time.  She is back home and recovering.

The first ear (her left) has been turned on for 11 months, and at its 'fully on' setting for 10 months.  At her last hearing testing Lisa passed (that’s what her mother says, I wasn’t there… on the road working and all).  Lisa is doing a lot of vowel chatting, and is doing well according to her speech therapist.

That’s the annual update, see you next ear… err year… she is out of ears to do.

Oh, this is such great news! She sounds like an absolutely amazing little girl!

Offline Rennhack

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Re: Lisa Rennhack
« Reply #83 on: Dec 17, 2007, 08:53 »

 


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