One of the CI websites that I frequent religously is Hearing Journey. This is a CI networking community sponsored by the manufacturer of my CIs, Advanced Bionics. I have been a member of this community ever since its inception in 2007. To date, I have posted over 200 replies to topics from various folks ranging from the mom whose child needs implants but doesn’t know where to turn to the Coloradian whose true passion is talking about, and eating, grits. In between, there is a wide variety of characters…Abbie in NJ who graces the cover of the current issue of HLAA magazine, Mike who was featured in the prior issue of the magazine, Evelyn whose inspiration and poetic grace is a pleasure to read, Tom who hates grits - Greg the Coloradian who loves grits, Kim who was my first contact and helped me tremendously while I was debating getting activated with the Auria or the Harmony, the lovely Meeeez Jennifer whose bubbling personality keeps us all on the “up and go”, and the Queen of them all who started Hearing Journey and is the sole reason we all are family…Gloria! And in between, all of those others whose contributions warrant consideration but at my advanced age and lack of politician skills I have a hard time remembering.
This is a story of a deaf man in Minnesota who was told by his insurance company that he is approved for bi-lateral implants yet two days he was turned down…but some clerical bureaucracy at the hospital that the “what if” scenario may be too much of a financial risk for the hospital. Here is Michael’s post…
I could write a very long post here but instead I will keep this short… I received an email yesterday afternoon (two days before scheduled surgery) saying the surgery is canceled because the hospital’s insurance coordinating office is concerned that if something should go wrong and I have to stay for more than 24 hours, the procedure woudl then be classified as IN-patient surgery and my medical insurance plant specifically limits impatient surgery to $10,000. Therefore they would not pay for the CI in that event. So the news is, after all of your wonderful help and support and my fretting over one or two CIs, etc… nothing is going to happen. I do intend to press this and continue to hope it is something that can be overcome but for now… surgery is off. the single most disturbing thing is that I have an email form the same person in the hospitals’ insurance office (dated January 24) saying that the surgery IS covered and explaining why the $10,000 cap is NOT a problem, I have a letter from the insurance company authorizing the surgery, (and more). so after three and a half months of getting OKs and planning, NOW they say here could be a problem so call it all off? THAT is the very worst part.
So just need to get this info out to you because I have received so many kind words and good wishes regarding the surgery that will not happen tomorrow.
Within 24 hours, the entire HJ community has rallied around Michael and on top of which, Advanced Bionics has mobilized their insurance department to make sure this human being gets what he truly deserves..the right to hear! Each and every one of us is ready to stand behind our comrade and Gloria has taken it upon herself, like a dog with a bone, to make sure that Michael is not denied what he truly deserves.
As of this writing, the wheels are in motion hopefully, with confidence Michael should once again realize his dream of what each and every one of us already have…the ability to hear. To all of those who dream of something, no matter how impossible or impassible…please remember three words that are the driving force behind everything I do….the 3Ps…Patience, Persistence and Perseverance.
My line….
38. Sam Spritzer 0:21:54 0:07:03 3/M50-54 33/M
And the course…
click on photo to enlarge
It was a cool, cloudy humid day with a breeze that pushes you out the first half of the course to the Buffalo Harbor. The challenging part are the “humps” - two sections of the course that are like mini-hills in both directions. Both of my running partners were elsewhere - Tony did the Indianpolis Mini-Marathon and Darlene did the GBTC Half Marathon. So, I was left with running against the clock and as good as I felt, I probably got a little lazy during the last mile otherwise, I would have done a lot faster. But hey…3rd place for my age group aren’t bad! With a prize consisting of the world’s famous Chef’s spaghetti sauce. That should make for a nice supper tonight.
Next up…the 2nd annual Elephant Run benefiting the Marcena Lozano Memorial Scholarship Fund. What makes this race so special is the Lozanos go all out to make this a truly family fun filled Mother’s Day morning. The race starts at the Delaware Park Casino and lasts for 4 miles through one of the more beautiful neighborhoods of Buffalo. This is one race and post-race party that is not to be missed!
Monday night, we picked up the new car…a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L, Polish Metal Metallic with a Gray interior.
click on photo to enlarge
click on photo to enlarge
click on photo to enlarge
Many of you who know us, this is the 2nd Accord we’ve had. The first one was a 1991 LX in Rose Silver with a Burgundy interior. That car became Mike’s first car before he finally sold it to a friend who drove it a couple of more years until it finally died. Now I am itching to get one…black on black. Too bad they don’t make it green on green. That would go just lovely with my Checkers jacket.
What a week and weekend it has been. For the most part, I am glad it’s over with.
First, lets start with Saturday’s race. I stunk the joint, plain and simple. The fact I did the first mile uphill ahead of a couple of guys that I usually finish behind, was the kicker. By the time I got to the halfway point, I was just about out of gas and had barely enough to make it to the finish. So here is my line…
27. Sam Spritzer Williamsville NY 0:23:14 0:07:29 6/M50-54 24/M
In other news…
We sold the Maxima and made a nice profit off it. It really does pay to have someone like Steph who cleaning skills and dedication are legendary in the family. You could eat off her kitchen floor, if no other place.
click on photo to enlarge
click on photo to enlarge
We bought a new car - 2008 Honda Accord EX-L, Polish Metal Metallic with a Gray leather interior. Even paid below invoice for it. Mike bought his new Civic there last week. So, if you ever need a new Honda, look no further than West Herr Honda in Lockport. And be sure to ask for Phil. Pictures will be up later in the week.
I am going to be featured in the next issue of the B.I.G. (Buffalo Implant Group) magazine.
I have a mapping session coming up this Friday. I am not sure what changes I’ll be looking for but maybe give the right side one more chance at Fidelity 120 without the dreaded twitching.
Ok folks, thats it for now…time to get ready for work!
Like NASCAR, a down weekend is good…taking a breather from a routine as physically and mentally exhausting as running can be, is very beneficial. Instead, I volunteered at the UB Track Invitational Track and Field meet. Checkers members have volunteered at this track meet for a number of years and Checkers President, Roger Roll, is a board member of UB Athletics Development. And Checkers is honored to be able to hold their Tuesday Night practices at UB Stadium.
On a beautiful mid-80s day (and yes, in April!) I was assigned to the pole vault event along with 2 other Checkers members. I have to tell you this was one heck of a education. The pole vault by all means is NOT an easy event. A pole vaulter has 3 minutes to decide how high they want to go, and how far from the pit the bar should be plus consider the weather conditions, and their own. When I looked up at 11 feet for the women and 14 feet for the men, I said there is no friggin’ way I would even try this. Trust me…I rather be 30 some thousand feet in the air in an airplane than in some split second twisted upside-down spiral using a fiberglass pole for assistance, to get over a parallel fiberglass bar. But in the end, credit has to be given to the athletics who train countless number of hours for something that not even less than 1% of the population can accomplish.
On the other, or CI hand, I was almost sure I had quite a few moments worth mentioning. On the top of the list, the sounds of all different kinds of birds…sparrows, gulls, crows, and those dreaded canadian geese. Second on the list was the hip-hop and rap music blasting from the speakers. I don’t ever recall hearing them even when I had one implant, last year. Third on the list was picking up conversations out of the blue without facing the person. “Have you seen so and so?” “Help me with the names” “You have to make sure they are at the blue bar” All of these are some of the things I heard without facing the person or without an advance notice that i am being addressed. Plus being able to carry on a conversation while watching the various events is so sweet as I remember in the past, I would nod my head in agreement even though I had no clue what was being said. (And to mom…trust me, I will definitely know what you are saying the next time we talk so don’t even ask me “What did I say?” while I sheeplishly assume what you said is what you said)
Next week…the FAMA 5K for the benefit of the Maryvale School District Athletic program in Cheektowaga. This is suppose to be Steph’s return race but we’re taking a wait and see attitude because of her ankle stress fractures.
Ok…I am overdue on Saturdays race and I am waiting for Steph’s turkey meatloaf….so here is my line…
26. Sam Spritzer 0:21:41 0:06:59 5/M50-54 24/M
Yup, I am getting faster and faster but still, T-man is beating me to the finish line. Except for the last quarter mile, the course is generally flat. The last quarter is an uphill, not an upslope…but an UPHILL. I can assume this $&^$%^#@$# little up, up, up and away blip on the map is worth at least 20 seconds.
Next weekend is going to be a break from racing. I’ll be volunteering at the UB Track Invitational Track and Field meet. Its a good way of helping a local running cause and at the same time, helps pay for the track fees that Checkers incurs in using the UB track for its Tuesday Night track practices. You see, one of the perks of being a member of Checkers is being able to use a top notch track facility, coached by a top notched track coach, Bob Carroll. The testimonial to this is an ever increasing improvement in my times ever since I started taking up running in 2005 and along the way, collecting dozens and dozens of “dead rabbits”.
There are quite a few number of people on the dartboard for this year but I won’t reveal who they are out of respect for their talents in helping me become a faster runner (Tony, Darlene…relax, I am counting on you to help me achieve my goal).
My line…
25. Sam Spritzer 0:21:44 0:07:00 6/M50-54 25/M
Mike’s line…
71. Michael Spritzer 0:25:42 0:08:16 5/M20-24 58/M
And Steph has finally gotten over her stress fracture and is back to running. Look for her at the FAMA race on the 26th.
I need to check the past races but I believe this is Mike’s PR. Way to go, kiddo…hope you catch me! And if you’re female, in your 20s…check out his pictures on the Checkers website. He is the one with the bib #96.
It was a beautiful foggy morning, low 40s. The course is basically flat except for the slight upslope around the 2.25 mile mark. It runs through the neighborhoods of the west side, starting and ending at D’Youville College. The post-race party was phenomenal especially the homemade chili. Can you say…”seconds, please?”…”thirds, please??”
One interesting observation…this race was PR #2 back in 2006 with a time of 23:11.
Next up…Feel the Spirit 5k at the Infant of Prague Church in Cheektowaga. The race director is Checker’s member, Tim Zelasko and the course is one of those “turny” ones where you’re making a left here, right there, short straight, left, right…..
Normally, I don’t write about or comment on other CIer’s website but this one definitely takes all the marble…Grendel’s Kitchen.
Tomorrow is yet ANOTHER race - the 5th annual Friends of the Night People 5k. The weather promises to be nice even though it rained all day today. I am feeling good…dinner is salmon with rice. And a nice glass of Pinot. And the chili at the race is something to RUN for!
Today was mapping session #4 for my left ear. This time, we took a copy of my everyday program and made it Fidelity 120. This mapping strategy allows for a more finer programming and would be akin to going from a regular color TV to a high definition TV. The differences are much more pronounced with music.
I noticed the difference right away. Sounds were much more clearer but without sharpness associated with impact sounds. It’s almost as if the sharp annoying sounds in the high frequency range are buffered. This would be like banging on metal, up-close rattling, clapping, etc. And music does sound more fuller. One thing I did notice right away when driving home…background sounds, such as road noise, were not as significant as with my old program.
Although it will take some time for my brain to get used to the new programs, I am fairly optimistic the improvement will be even greater than if I stayed with the original program. And, I am really looking forward to that day when I finally get over the psychological hump of using the phone!
My line…
16. Sam Spritzer 0:22:02 0:07:06 2/M50-54 14/M
Yup…the green short sleeved one. Actually, I didn’t lose it…I’ll get it back along with one from Lancaster Striders and any other club that competes in the 2nd and 3rd leg of the Trinity Triple Crown on August 3rd and November 22nd. After discussions with Pastor Seefeldt of the Grace Lutheran Church, it was decided that a club competition would be added. So Bridget, Mike, Craig, Ed…bring your best stuff BECAUSE CHECKERS AC ROCKS and we’re gonna blow away the competition!
Ok…about the race. The course is basically flat although one needs to be careful on McKinley Pkwy and Clark St. where the traffic is oblivious to the runners. The weather was a “cool for running high” 30s and sunny. Proceeds from the race benefited the Buffalo (Cochlear) Implant Group. To the 134 other runners plus the spectators and wonderful volunteers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please do come out again on August 3rd and November 22 when the 2nd and 3rd legs of the Runnin’ with Jesus Trinity Triple Crown Race Series also benefits B.I.G.
IT FINALLY arrive…HLAA’s interview of fellow CIer, Mike Royer who hails from somewhere near the White House…and that is his lovely wife in the middle. Maybe the dude will raise enough money to fly me out to Reno! Click here to go to the article about Mike.
AND DON’T FORGET…the first of a three race series called the Runnin’ with Jesus Trinity Triple Crown Race Series in Hamburg. Proceeds from this series will benefit the Buffalo (Cochlear) Implant Group. The weather promises to be gorgeous so come on out and support this wonderfully worthy cause (and me!!).
Last night, Steph and I saw the Dave Brubeck’s Quartet at the UB Center for Performing Arts. The quartet consist of Buffalo’s own Bobby Militello on the alto sax and flute, Randy Jones on the drums and Michael Moore on the bass.
Click here for a review of the concert. In short, it was another brilliant Brubeck concert despite the fact that Dave is 87 years old. Although Militello’s sax was quite lively and overpowering in contrast to Paul Desmond of the “classic” Quartet, it was still vintage Brubeck. Most concert-goers all concluded the same thing…the hands on the piano were those of a young Dave Brubeck. Close your eyes…there was no way it was a frail elderly pianist past his prime. And of course his signature song, Take Five, concluded the evening. I don’t think there was one dry eye in the place.
For me, this was a defining moment. Dave Brubeck was my father’s favorite jazz musician. I have many of his albums and recently upgraded my collection to include a CD version of Time Out and the Dave Brubeck Live at Carnegie Hall. I have been listening to both on my way to and from work.
Although the right side CI has one setting mainly due to the twitching problem, the left side has a program specific for music. This means it is most sensitive and allows for the broadest frequency range. For that reason, the only time to listen is when its quiet and boy, what a difference in contrast to the hearing aid. Keep in mind, all the hearing aid does is amplify sound, limited to whatever frequencies my unassisted hearing was capable of. For me, that would be starting at 500 and slowly deteriorating before dropping off the chart at 4,000. The CI is a whole different animal and goes across ALL frequencies starting at 500 and continuing consistently up to 6,000.
The most noticeable sound of the evening was the drummer’s tapping the edge of the snare drum with his drum stick. This “music” was very different from when he hit the cymbals. With the hearing aid, it sound the same.
While watching the maestro work his magic across the keys, I could distinctively pick out the notes to a point where when I eventually closed my eyes and know exactly where Dave was on the piano. With the hearing aid, I was only able to hear the middle part of the piano.
I could hear (and I mean HEAR), the strumming of the bass. With the hearing aid, I basically had to press up against the speakers and “feel” the beat.
The sax was a whole different ballgame. As Militello “roller coasted” through the notes, it was very easy to pick out the “screech” from the “fog horn”. With the hearing aid, it was basically “toot your horn”.
The best part was being able to control the volumes to be as comfortable as possible while absorbing every note. The hearing aid would sound like it was cutting out if it got too loud. I wasn’t sure if this is by design or not but it was a reason why I didn’t go to many concerts especially loud rock.
This essentially brings me almost full circle with the cochlear implant. It’s as if one needs to wonder if this is really what music is suppose to sound like. And, it made it much more enjoyable especially from someone who I grew up listening to. When Take Five came on, it wasn’t as if it sound like “I was there”…it was…”I WAS THERE”. Bru’ was just awesome….man….just absolutely awesome!
CI batteries changed; fresh ones in pouch on key-chain.
Time Out CD.
Sharpie fine point permanent marker.
Tickets.
Camera with batteries (fresh ones, of course!).
One hour to go!
ALL OF THE ABOVE….A PRICELESS MasterCard (but paid for with AMEX) moment!
Time Out is the name of the album where one can find Dave Brubeck’s famous song Take Five and tomorrow night, I hope to hear it UP CLOSE and LIVE. This is going to be the first time I am attending a live concert since being implanted. I am really looking forward to it especially Bru who has been mine, and my dad’s, favorite jazz musician and considering the man is 86 years old. I am going to bring my Take Five cd and hope I can get his autograph on it.
Oh and I am making another plea to all of you Western NY runners…please sign up for the first of a three race series called the Runnin’ with Jesus Trinity Triple Crown Race Series in Hamburg. Proceeds from this series will benefit the Buffalo (Cochlear) Implant Group. So mark your calendar and come out and support this wonderfully worthy cause (and me!!).
My line…
98. Sam Spritzer 0:22:30 0:07:15 10/M50-54 82/M
One of the things dedicated runners like to do is compare their dietary habits. As I was talking to Diane and commented on how well her husband, Tony, has been running (he is the subject of many earlier posts and has successfully fought multiple myeloma). The beer does help but when asked what they had for dinner the night before since she keeps bugging me and countless others about “spare tires” around the mid-section, the answer had to be the kicker and the reason he almost broke 22 minutes…BRUSSELS SPROUTS…THE NEW VEGGIE OF THE CHAMPIONS! For some reason, Tony seemed to have disagree but it was a good laugh while it lasted.
Me, Diane, Tony
Meanwhile…onto the Bunny Hop. Over 500 rabbits dressed up as human beings braved the rolling hills of East Aurora. It was a beautiful sunny morning, mid 30s, NO snow and NO wind. Since my most esteemed running partner, Darlene, is busy sunning herself in Puerto Rico and Steph is enjoying a rare weekend with her family downstate, I decided to run and pace with Tony who had been training outside all winter and was in much better shape than me. We ran a steady even pace although he was able to pull away for good over the last half mile. The lack of outdoor running did me in but I was extremely pleased with my results since they were 50 seconds better than last year and the year before. The one story the map below doesn’t tell you…the elevation. Since this is an “out and back” course, the net elevation will be almost be zero. BUT, the first mile…the net elevation is PLUS 227 feet! Try taking the average stairs, reduce the angle in half and run that for over a mile. Brussels Sprouts does have some mysterious powers!
Next up…the first of a three race series called the Runnin’ with Jesus Trinity Triple Crown Race Series in Hamburg. Proceeds from this series will benefit the Buffalo (Cochlear) Implant Group. So mark your calendar and come out and support this wonderfully worthy cause (and me!!).
Finally…the last part of the video. I hope it was well worth watching because I have no more ears to implant although a few suggested the middle of my forehead. I can just imagine the smiley face cap there…
A week and a half has gone by since since the mapping. Each day brings new challenges and new sounds. In the morning, I tune the radio to NPR. It’s not exactly my favorite channel but the voices are clear and understandable. Every day, I hear and understand new words…Clinton, Obama, gas up 61 cents since last year, global warming, McCain, recession…just to name a few. And in the office, I can make out the names being called over the intercom.
On Saturday, while running seven miles throughout Chestnut Ridge Park with Tony, I was carrying a conversation with him. This is the first time I have ever done that. Obviously, I was like out of breath only because I wasn’t used to synching my talking with running. And the CIs held up quite well under sweating conditions.
Just like an infant learning the walk, my brain is learning to listen. Sometimes I wish it would hurry up but considering a year ago, I only had one ear and the year before that, basically none. So I have to be grateful and pleased with the progress I have made to date.
The next race on the calendar is the Bunny Hop where the prizes are a large, medium and small bunnies for 1st, 2nd. and 3rd place, respectively. This is definitely the ladies’ favorite race of all. When I asked Chuck Tokarz what was up with that, his response was since there are usually awards left over in many races, the easiest way to get rid of them is to eat them! Smart guy!
And then the week after is the first of a three race series called the Runnin’ with Jesus Trinity Triple Crown Race Series in Hamburg. Proceeds from this series will benefit the Buffalo (Cochlear) Implant Group. So mark your calendar and come out and support this wonderfully worthy cause (and me!!).
Ok…enough of the commentary and commercials…here is the second from last part in the CI Activation Video series. Grab the popcorn and enjoy!
I just received the bill from the hospital. Have a look…
click on image to enlarge
The part that gives me a laugh…the hospital charged $55,000 for a device that costs approximately $8,000 retail and was nice enough to give a 50% discount and yet managed to walk away with close to a 400% markup. No wonder our health insurance is so expensive. No wonder so many people are getting initial denials when they decide to go bi-lateral. If you knock the cost of the implant down to what it truly costs with a reasonable markup, the bill would probably be around $15,000. And this doesn’t include the surgeon which is a separate bill. Unreal…
Ok, ok, ok…enough of the commercial; here is part 4….for those of you who get feeds but the link doesn’t show up, here it is to this video and the first 3…Sam Spritzer’s YouTube channel .
Welcome to Sam Spritzer's Web Site is about the mindset of a 50-something Amherst/Buffalo, NY male who enjoys running and collecting PR certificates and, will become became part-bionic on January 12 2007.
UPDATE: On January 15, 2008 he will become became fully bionic.
