Seems like things just get more interesting every day! I touched base with my hearing specialist today to let him know that the cochlear implant surgery will have to be delayed and why. I also asked him if he thinks there is a chance that my hearing loss is related to the clotting situation (especially with the things that happened back in 2010 that I mentioned in my last post). He told me that he is suspicious that the D Dimer, the clots and the hearing loss are related. I will be talking with the doctor treating me for clots about this at our next appointment (in 3 months). He also told me that everyone is more prone to clots as they get older.

Another thing I asked about is sleep apnea. When I was in the hospital, they requested a consult with a lung specialist to help decide whether I needed the IVC filter or not. She told me that she felt a sleep study was warranted. There are sleep problems that can cause blood clots. I also read an article once that said that SSHL could be associated with sleep apnea (lack of oxygen). I am having the sleep study done tonight. When I asked my hearing specialist about his thoughts on that, he said that he would appreciate it if they would do whatever they feel is right to increase the O2 level. He said that anything that sends O2 down will increase the chance of clots and hearing loss. He also said that if they have any other ideas about this that we should talk. Sounds interesting to me.

Other than that, my stockings are in! I’ll be picking them up tomorrow and soon sporting my new look! My breathing is nearly back to normal. I still have a lot of swelling in my ankles (particularly the left) but that is to be expected at this point. My mom left today. We had a great visit. I am looking forward to seeing her again and the rest of the Oklahoma family in a couple of weeks. Today I have spent most of the day catching up on paperwork and things that needed to get done! It’s harder to keep up when you are recovering and also have someone visiting. Tomorrow is a big day in our household. Kinsey will be home! We haven’t seen her since New Year’s Eve, so we’re ready! She’ll be here until the end of the month.

I guess that’s the news for now. Tonight should be interesting. I spend the night in the sleep study lab hooked up to all kinds of electrodes, and will be video taped and observed while I sleep. Hmmmmm…hard to imagine being able to sleep in those conditions, but I’m sure I will eventually. I’m actually kind of glad I’m having this done. There are enough factors that point to the possibility of sleep apnea that I think it’s time to check it out. I’ll fill you in on how it goes!