World Hearing Day: My Cochlear Implant Story

My brother, Gerard, took me to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock on the day of surgery. I had to put on a gown and some pyjama bottoms. Before I was taken into surgery, I was asked the same questions by several nurses: what’s your name, your date of birth, which ear you’re having surgery on, how I was feeling. I didn’t mind being asked the same set of questions because it was important they work on the correct ear. The doctor drew a marker pen on the side of my neck, drawing an X. I felt assured they knew what they were doing.

When I was on the patient trolley waiting to be taken into the surgery room, they administered general anaesthesia. As I went under, I felt it was peaceful. Everything was bright white until I was out for the count.

When I came to, I was moved into a large room with other patients, in separate cubicles, who were in surgery for different reasons. Not necessarily for a cochlear implant. I was feeling hungry, and I asked for tea and toast. That was a mistake, as I became sick. It was too soon to eat after surgery. Toast and surgery medication didn't mix well.

The next day, Gerard took me home, and I had to rest for a few weeks. I was told not to sleep on my left side to allow the stitches to heal and not to wash my head during my shower. At the time, I had short hair, so my stitches were visible. It was uncomfortable sleeping with a sore ear.