A surgical operation that open up the head (above and behind the ear), drills a small seat in the skull, makes a hole through the skull into the cochlea and then closes it all up. When the doctor tells you there is minimal surgical risk with such an operation, it is hard to accept it at face value.
Our preparation for the surgery started with making the decision on a date, followed by an attempt to understand the exact procedure of the operation. Choosing to bilateral CIs for NI, only added to the risk and complexity of the operation. Must say that Dr. RV was totally informative and reassuring to us - and helped us prepare mentally by relating to examples of other operations he had done. What also helped was talking to my schoolmate, Vishal - about the operation his son had gone through and as we were preparing, was getting ready to go through the sequential bilateral on the other ear.
Getting the funding organized was the other big challenge. Between our own savings, the insurance and borrowing - we had to figure out how to completely cover the operation. The insurance bit wasn't clear - in the sense that I wasn't sure if I would get the complete cover - because the insurance company left it grey in the pre-approval note, since they approved only a part of the amount and mentioning that the rest would be decided upon on the receipt of expenses from the Hospital. They eventually did provide the full coverage, which still worked out to a little over 18% of the total expenses. Looking back, my company who provided the coverage with the medical insurance policy, backed me pretty well in this case and as i found out later, took up this issue with the insurance provider to provide employees with the option to choose higher coverage by paying extra. Thanks to my boss, AP, to take this up and make a difference.
Thankfully, Dr. RV also got us a line of credit with the CI company to pay for one CI over a period of 4-6 months. This helped a lot, because it put less pressure on raising funds in the immediate term. To give you an idea about the money we needed, it cost us about Rs.10L per CI (one ear), inclusive of the operation and hospital expenses. What was an amazing gesture, my team and specifically my boss, helped to raise some money and pulled together a good 12% of the funds - and what do I say, when every penny counts - something like this not only provides comfort but also reassures one and cements the faith in goodwill and notion of paying it back. So overall - we pulled it through with a combination of savings, family, friends (read my team/office), insurance cover and credit. Money isn't the primary thing in an operation - but it is necessary. I am sure everyone who has been through something like this understands.
Back to NI, he still had no clue what was going to happen. We were more concerned about how he (still under 2 years of age) would take all of this in. How will he fare throught the operation and will he be the same again after the operation. What a bubbly and active baby he is, I definitely don't want him to lose that part of his nature. Well, for now - it was just doing the right thing, and what we felt was the best for him - the rest is of course, upto God and destiny. Yes - I believe in destiny - but I also believe that we have got to set it up for ourselves by putting in the effort.
Clinically, the operation was relatively simple. We had to register the day before, run a few tests and procedures for NI and the operation itself would take 3-4 hour per ear and we would need to stay in for about 5-6 days to let the wound heal and to make sure there is no infection. I can write through a lot more about our hospital stay - but want to cut it short and just say that taking a child (more an infant) through an operation is really awkward - because you can't feel the chill in your bone, but you really want to - because he can't speak for himself. Also every time, the nursing staff had to poke him with needles for blood and stuff - I had to hold him tight and let him cry out - and that was the toughest thing I as a parent had to go through. Why should I let my son suffer pain - what will he be thinking as I hold him and don't protect him from this pain. Well all these thoughts drain out, as I focus on just looking into him and pacifying him.
NI is a brave boy. He cries when he is poked, but as we leave the nursing room - he is ok and starts looking around for his next play. My son - you are braver than I ever have been. And this just tells me you are going to accomplish so much more in your life. We are going to help you in every way we can. This surgery is a necessary investment - in our mind, toward making you independent - because we know if you are independent, you have the capability to do anything. That is right - I feel and believe you will represent the best in both of us, your mom and I.
Next: Between the surgery and activation (Happy Birthday)
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