#blog – Page 26 – rootedbythewater.blog

Reactivation…baby steps

June 16, 20224 Comments

Today was the day I got to put my Marvel cochlear implant processor back on. It didn’t go exactly like I thought it would. It seemed more like baby stepping stones to take to get towards a goal of better hearing and comprehension of speech. I’m not even close to being there yet. However I went in hearing nothing and came out hearing a little bit so it is a step forward.

Describing this reprogramming eludes me. It was like starting from scratch. I’ve had my implant for 16 years. Since I started having some difficulties understanding speech my audiologist thought perhaps my auditory nerve was over stimulated. All my levels were high although not quite at the very top of the chart. It made sense to go on the “sound diet” so my nerves could rest. I think I went in with higher expectations than I should have. It was like starting back at the beginning, listening to various pitched beeps. They started very quiet and I had to tell her when it was at a comfortable volume. I was mindful of the fact my levels needed to be lower than before. It was super frustrating. As I sat there I started to sweat as I tried to put into words what it sounded like so she could make adjustments. My descriptions ranged from; it sounds like my head is in a tunnel, the microphones sound like they are covered, it’s muffled, volumes seems to go up and down with just a few words spoken. It was so odd.

My take away from today is it’s going to be a process. Progress requires one step at a time. My audiologist wants me to have a week for my brain to adjust to this new programming then I will go back for more changes. Step by step, God willing this will improve. My levels are about two thirds down which is good, we just need to figure out the next changes to make that will work for me. I did some auditory therapy tonight using the iAngel Sound app. I started with basics, food names and animal names. I could understand some of it but it was tricky. My score was down about twenty points from where I scored months ago. I will just need to readjust.

Here are a few reflections during this week and having sound turned back on. Silence is not golden. Not hearing separates you from people. When you have low vision like me, environmental sounds are important. Nothing makes your family work on their signing skills more than when they have to. 😂 Hearing no sound for a week makes you appreciate the little everyday sounds that are taken for granted. Rest is much easier without the noise. Prayer time has been different last week, not being able to really hear myself. I like to pray out loud in my quiet time. It helps me focus and I can speak Gods Word. When I speak the Word I like to hear what I’m saying.

I know things will get better. As the Audiologist was typing and programming, I was sitting there praying for God given direction and wisdom to make the exact changes I need. I go back in a little over a week for some more adjustments. Keep the prayers coming. Thanks for all the support. God bless you all!

If you happen to come across this blog post for the first time. I encourage you to read my autobiography ”Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

‭‭

Are we done yet? I’m ready! Speed it up!

June 15, 20222 Comments

Sound off Days 4,5 & 6

Day 4
Today was pretty uneventful. I’m starting to get a little bit used to this. Silence is NOT golden but it is rather peaceful. Ron has been very helpful. I also saw Joshua and my mom today for the first time since the “sound diet” started. They both sign some so that was really helpful. I do miss the seemingly small and insignificant sounds that people take for granted. Four days down, two more to go but my appointment isn’t until Thursday afternoon. Thank you Lord for making this time go by fast.

Day 5
Today was a break from the usual. My friend Leasa and I went to the Carowinds waterpark. Leasa is deaf and we caught up by the wave pool, communicating through sign language. What a nice break from having to guess what’s being said. She always helps me with things I have trouble seeing as well. It was a day of fun and relaxing. Experiencing Carowinds sound free is quite different.

I have developed a rash around my eyes and on my neck that seems to be spreading. Most likely poison ivy. This has given me and Ron something else to talk about. He has been using the limited sign language that he knows and is being very helpful. Day 5 down with one and a half more to go.

Day 6

There is light or rather sound, at the end of this silent tunnel. Ron and I are both ready for me to have my processor turned back on. He was trying to tell me something this morning but he was signing ( sort of) the opposite of what he meant. After a few frustrating minutes he signed “thank God” then pointed to his ears and signed tomorrow. I took that as “Thank God you will have your processor back tomorrow“. God willing, things will sound much better and we can get my levels turned down and speech comprehension will improve. Keep praying!

Joshua stopped by today and is doing something with his Dad. He is finally signing instead of finger spelling so much. This is one of the silver liners in this experience. I love our son!

I can’t hear the doorbell and can barely hear Joy when she barks so I’m having to keep the front door opened ( but locked) because a friend is supposed to stop by to pick up something and I wouldn’t hear when she comes. I figured I would write this blog while I’m waiting.

Last night I had a strange dream. I dreamed I had been wearing my processor when I wasn’t supposed to be. Realizing my error I said, “ Oh crap I did it again.”. I think I’m more than ready to hear again as are those hearing people around me. Tomorrow…tomorrow… speed it up! I’m ready!

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

‭‭

Sound off days 1, 2 & 3

June 12, 20222 Comments

Day 1
We left the audiologist office laughing. I love a challenge and thought I’d approach this like a game. By this evening my nerves are in knots and I’m ready for “Calgon to take me away”! I will settle for Walmart brand bubble bath. Seriously there were so many times today I wanted to put my processor on! Thankfully it is electronically disabled (I think) so I’m stuck. Life still happens and there are still discussions to have but the communication process is currently broken. Ron has been talking as usual. I can’t blame him as we’ve been doing life as usual for 28 married years. I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and don’t snap. Show grace Shannon!

I received an encouraging email today from my Teacups ministry sister Ronnee. She encouraged me to look at it like a silent retreat with the Lord. What a neat perspective on this current challenge. I’m shifting my focus here. Ok Lord without the sense of physical hearing this week let me be keenly aware of spiritual hearing and grasp all You desire to show me and free me from. Day one down, five more to go. Now for that bubble bath! Good night!

Day 2
This morning when I woke up I went straight to where I keep my cochlear Implant processor but remembered it’s off limits. Putting my processor on each morning is the first thing I’ve done for sixteen years. Ron had a day trip planned so me and our dog Joy had the house to ourselves. After a long quiet time with the Lord, I got some chores done. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to put my processor on. Silence is somewhat disorienting. On an odd note, my balance seemed better today but I was tired by the time I went to sleep. I depend so heavily on my processor and with it off I’m having to depend on the vision I have. With 20/400 vision, I guess I’m milking my optic nerves for every stimulation available. 😳🤣Two days down, four more to go.

Day 3
As the saying goes, “Habits die hard”. This morning when my alarm went off again I picked up my processor to put it on. I was half asleep and the place I keep it at night is close to the bed. After this, I had to pack it away in its case so it’s not easily in reach. It’s in its case and put away for my next appointment with my Audi on Thursday afternoon.

I considered whether I would go to church or not. There is always an interpreter so that wasn’t my concern. Not hearing the environmental noises is so odd and uncomfortable but I knew God would meet me there. It was the most “silent” church service I’ve ever attended. 😂 I know emojis are not for writing but I’m inserting one to keep the humor alive. I’m so thankful for my friend Lauren who interpreted the service for me. It was nice to be able to communicate with someone without all the guessing of lip reading without audio clues. I could feel the beat to the music, probably due to Terry being on the Bass. I also heard Pastor’s voice slightly when he was all fired up. It was a powerful message. I’m thankful I got out of my comfort zone and went. There is blessing in obedience. Depending on all the visuals with low vision wore me out again. A good nap was calling my name when I got home.

Tonight when I go to sleep I will be half way finished with this”sound diet”. While I’m keeping a positive perspective, it’s not really like a silent retreat. I have been on those before and they lasted a couple of days with no talking and no devices, it was just one on one time with the Lord. Worship music and sounds of nature always connect me with God. Right now things are utterly silent. A bit unnerving but I’m half way through.

Lord speak in this silence and renew my nerves so I can comprehend speech better again. With my CI packed away for my next appointment, there won’t be the temptation of the habit of putting it on. Please keep the prayers coming.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

‭‭

Sound off…Sound diet… Uumm okay

June 10, 2022Leave a Comment

Today at my audiologist appointment instead of a sound adjustment or programming changes to my cochlear implant processor, my processor was turned off. I’ve been having new issues with speech comprehension and we aren’t sure why. After testing my new (6 month old) cochlear implant processor and finding nothing wrong with it, we are taking a different approach. My program levels are pretty high which could possibly be overstimulating my auditory nerve. My audiologist suggest a “sound diet” for a week, meaning I won’t wear my processor at all. She even turned it off electronically so I don’t cheat.

This is going to be a real challenge because I am also legally blind. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is put on my cochlear implant processor and when I go to sleep at night, taking it off is the last thing I do. I depend on it for environmental sounds. So this is definitely going to be a challenge but I’ve always been up for a good challenge.

Having a positive perspective is more than half the fight. As we talked with the audiologist we asked if we could pray with her. God given wisdom is a must and we are trusting God for a good outcome, so we prayed together in her offic. Afterwards I turned to my husband and told him he better brush up on his signing skills this week. I also jokingly told my Audi I might end up thanking her next week because Ron is a talker. I’m always listening and trying to figure out what he is saying. Right before the processor was turned off Ron said to me “Bye”. I texted our son later and explained what was going on. He said, “Everything will work out fine and you might just enjoy it.” I remember writing in my book “Sound is nice but silence is golden.” I wonder if I will say that at the end of next week. Prayers appreciated. Ron might need them even more than me. This will be a test of patience. I guess this blog will be continued…..

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other ponline retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

‭‭

Don’t throw it in!,

June 8, 20223 Comments

Sometimes when I write I feel a fire burning inside as I desire to encourage others. This is one of those times. Let’s be honest! Life is tough! You might be tempted to throw in the towel and say, ”Just forget it! I’m tired of the struggle!” Let me encourage you, don’t throw in that towel! Keep pushing forward! Keep believing! Keep fighting!

Yesterday I received some discouraging news about a dear friend who is being moved to hospice. This was pretty shocking! She had back surgery in April but has had complication after complication. The doctors have done all they can do. When faced with situations like this it’s so easy to take the doctors word and let go. A group of friends and I have a group chat going on to pray fervently for our dear friend. Yesterday one of the ladies shared a picture of a note our friends grandson wrote. It was a precious note to encourage, reminding his Grandpa that this was just an obstacle in life. – That dear friends is child like faith. God gets the last word not the doctors. As long as there is breath in her lungs, there is hope that God can turn this around. Join me in prayer for our sweet friend. God knows her name and the exact situation. I choose to believe God.

Last night I invited my Mom to go to a Teacups ministry event. I’ve only been a few times but the ladies are so welcoming and it’s always nice. It was a chance for Mom to meet more ladies from her church. The last few times I went it’s been a larger group. Being hearing and visually impaired, I don’t do that great in groups. Currently I’m having issues hearing with my cochlear implant and last night was way out of my comfort zone with all the voices to try to understand. But I “pressed in my heels” and tried anyway. I’m glad I did! I saw one lady there going through cancer treatment. She was all smiles with a scarf wrapped around her head. She is victorious! I saw other ladies there enduring pain in their bodies. They could have stayed home but they chose to come. Another lady’s son in law is going through some difficulties with his vision. I can relate and plan to reach out to encourage.

My point? Keep moving forward! Keep pressing on! Sometimes we have to live life “moment by moment”. Whatever it takes, don’t throw the towel in. God has us in the palm of His hands. He invites us to bring all our concerns and needs to Him. When the doctor gives bad news, trust Gods promises! When things in society seem to be spiraling downwards, trust God! Speak life and pray without ceasing!

Last night some of the ladies decorated rocks. I didn’t do one since it’s hard to see. One lady made one for me with the scripture Joshua 1:9 on it. I looked it up when I got home. It said, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She will never know how perfect this was for me.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

‭‭

Spontaneous getaway

June 6, 2022Leave a Comment

Blogging in the car right now. Joshua was in a wedding over the weekend in Wilmington, NC so we decided to tag along. Since it was kind of last minute we couldn’t find a dog sitter and decided to just bring Joy with us. This was her first beach trip and we had no idea how she was going to respond. She is such a sweet and loving dog but her one pitfall is she is a “barker”. We took her bark collar just in case but she was amazing and didn’t have to wear it at all.

On Saturday Joshua was dressed for the rehearsal when we left home. Driving east across the Carolina’s we finally found the wedding venue.
When he was finished at the rehearsal we all were excited to take Joy to Wrightsville beach. The beach is my happy place. Anywhere near the ocean is always soothing. I was disappointed when we found out dogs are not allowed on the beach at all. Thankfully it was cool and breezy so Joy could stay in the car with the windows cracked while we took a walk on the beach. We did find a patio where she could have dinner with us.

Once back at the hotel I did a search online to see where Joy could come with us. Fort Fisher state park was the winner being dog friendly year round. We made plans to go the next morning and early afternoon before Joshua had to be at the wedding.

It was not the typical beach day at Fort Fisher. There was a beach soccer tournament going on with lots of people and dogs. There must have been three or four games going on at once. Joy was definitely overstimulated but she loved it. she was curious about the sand, wasn’t afraid of the water and cried when she couldn’t play with every dog that walked by. She loved it and was worn out when we left.

I’m glad we decided to tag along with Joshua this weekend and have family time including Joy. Joshua is grown and family get aways are rare but this was refreshing. A change of scenery and memories made together as a family is priceless.

Take that quick weekend trip. Make memories. Family time is always special. So thankful for this time away.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

Thankfulness

May 30, 20221 Comment

As I sit on the back porch this Memorial Day morning I’m thankful. I’m thankful for the freedom to sit here with my dog Joy and listen to the birds singing. I’m thankful for the brave men and women who serve our country and for those who gave it all for our freedom. I’m thankful for Jesus who renews our hope each day.

Yesterday at church I was reminded to offer up sacrifices of praise to God, even in the waiting and frustrations of life. Lord let me always be mindful to PRAISE YOU anyway!

Lately I have felt so weighed down by life, the world, issues with my “state of the art” cochlear implant processor. As the list of concerns goes on, I can find myself overwhelmed. But yesterday at church as I listened with tears rolling down my face, I was reminded to be thankful in the waiting period even though it seems I’m always in a waiting period. All I can do is pray, praise and trust God to move. Our country, our world, society at large is so broken because it rejects Jesus. I can’t do anything about it but pray and allow God to use me in whatever way he desires to bring about healing in our world. Let’s pause today and be thankful. Let’s pray continually and give thanks because our God is faithful.

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.

Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com

You move me Lord!

April 30, 20222 Comments

Have you ever truly been moved by God? He moves me in so many ways; reading the Bible, listening to worship music, being still in His beautiful creation, time in prayer and much more.

This week God has stirred my heart with a song I heard in church last Sunday. A lady sang In Jesus Name (God Of Possible) by Katy Nichole. I am sure I’ve heard it before but for some reason it really struck me this week. As a hearing and visually impaired person, I learn music a bit differently. I looked up the lyrics and found a video with lyrics on YouTube. As I listened to it over and over I cried at the beautiful meaning of the words and how true they are. This was one of those songs I just had to have in my music library so I bought it. As I played it over and over I didn’t realize I was singing out loud. My cochlear implant processor is connected by Bluetooth to my iPad, so I could hear the music but no one around me could. My husband and I had a good laugh later when he told me I had given him a concert. I thought he was outside but he was in the home study room and just closed the door.

Being rid of distractions can help me to focus intently on Jesus and just savor all that He is. Since I don’t drive due to low vision, I’m home a lot. When I’m alone I sing and pray out loud. It helps me focus. As I worshipped by singing In Jesus Name (God Of Possible), I thought of how this applies to every single situation and person. If you don’t know the lyrics look them up. You won’t be sorry. It starts with “ I speak the name of Jesus over you. In your hurting, in your sorrow, I will ask my God to move”. Let me pause right here for a minute. This world is full of sorrow, pain and people crying out for help. The world is also full of distracted, self absorbed people who are too busy to care. We can and should intentionally slow down and take the time for the sea of humanity around us. Take the time to pray for them and speak Jesus name over them.

Another part of the song goes like this: “I pray for your healing. Circumstances to change. I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name. I pray that your breakthrough will happen today. I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Let’s let those power lyrics sink in. There is such incredible power in the name of Jesus. We can’t even comprehend it. God allows us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Let’s spur one another on to stand firm in faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly speaking the name of Jesus. Let us not be timid or afraid but rather hold firmly to the hope that we have in Jesus. As we speak the name of Jesus and pray in the name of Jesus, we will see God move for His glory. Who is with me? Let’s do this! In Jesus name!

If you’d like to read more of my story please check out my autobiography “Rooted by the Water”. It’s a true story of how God has enabled me to overcome great difficulties, not by my own strength but through His strength made perfect in my weaknesses. You can find it on Amazon and many other online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Target and Walmart.
Www.shannonkenleyhinson.com