Journey

On Monday Rory, Sean and I flew to Christchurch for the operation to reposition Rory’s right cochlear implant (CI).  The external componentry over Rory’s ear was wedged against the internal componentry due to changes to his scalp from aging and slippage.  There was a risk of skin tear, infection, loss of the implant and his hearing.  The doctors also took the opportunity to take some fat from around Rory’s abdomen to cushion his left CI under the skin of his scalp to provide protection and stability.  The operation was performed by ENT surgeon Mel who did the original CI surgery in 2017 at St George Hospital.  The operation was fiddly as the internal CI componentry under the scalp, including the fine wire, was fused with scar tissue and needed to be dissected.  I went into the operating theatre with Rory when they put him to sleep.  It doesn’t get any easier and is quite distressing.  The operation lasted over four hours and Sean and I were getting anxious towards the end as the time estimate was  3 hours.  It is different now Rory is an adult.  I went down to recovery afterwards to see him and he was calm and composed.  He is always very courageous and stoic.  He keeps reminding me he is a young man now so in some ways doesn’t need mum in the same way he did when he was younger.  Rory spent one night in the hospital with Sean and then was discharged.  He had his CIs tested at SCIP (Southern Cochlear Implant programme) before we left Christchurch and everything was functioning well.  We flew home on Thursday morning.  Now begins the healing process.  Rory has stitches behind his left ear, swelling over his right and left CIs and bruising around his abdomen which is tender. 

In the last three weeks Rory has a session with ACC Physio Josh.  He had a bad fall in the house.  Thankfully he didn’t hit his head but it caused significant bruising down his right leg.  He had a visit from Liz from Talklink who gave him a device to aid communication as the clarity of his speech is declining.  Rory can set the app up with the regular phrases he uses in the community.  More and more people are looking to the adult accompanying him to translate, rather than speak with him directly.  This makes him feel invisible and incapable.  Support Carer Deanne, who accompanied Rory on a Friday, has resigned.  We had a visit from a potential carer Ailie who we are going to trial.  Rory was thrilled Peter has returned and he was able to resume Thursday morning sessions at NP Men Shed.  We celebrated Mother’s Day with Nana – she and Rory rode powered mobility devices along NP coastal walkway on a sunny Sunday morning, followed by a gathering of the family for lunch.