My Cochlear Implant Re-Implantation Journey
October is my birthday month, and this year, my birthday wish is different.
I'm not wishing for expensive gifts, a vacation, or anything extravagant. I'm wishing for something far more meaningful: a successful surgery, a safe recovery, and the opportunity to move forward with my life.
But my birthday wish isn't just about me.
Even while I am searching for hope, I want to give hope to others.
On November 19, 2026, I am scheduled to undergo right cochlear implant re-implantation surgery. This will be another major chapter in a medical journey that has already tested my strength, patience, and determination.
I'm sharing my story not only because I need support but also because I believe that our most difficult experiences can become a source of encouragement for someone else.
Sometimes, the people who are trying to give others hope are also the ones quietly searching for it themselves.
This October, I am one of those people.
A Journey I Never Expected
On July 3, 2025, my right cochlear implant had to be surgically removed after I experienced serious complications.
I endured severe pain, swelling, headaches, and facial paralysis. These complications affected my everyday life and eventually made removing the implant necessary.
After the implant was removed, I finally experienced relief.
However, that relief came with another difficult reality. If I wanted to pursue a right cochlear implant again, I would eventually have to face another surgery.
After everything I experienced, that was not an easy decision.
As a Deaf woman, I understand that cochlear implants are a personal choice. My Deaf identity does not depend on technology, and my decision to pursue re-implantation does not change who I am.
This surgery is about my personal needs, my experiences, and the opportunity to move forward.
I know that no medical procedure comes with guarantees. After experiencing serious complications, I also understand that recovery may not always go as planned.
Nevertheless, I am choosing to move forward with hope.
My previous surgery was a painful chapter in my life, but I refuse to let it become the ending of my story.
November 19: Another Chance for a Better Tomorrow
My right cochlear implant re-implantation surgery is scheduled for November 19, 2026.
The surgery center is approximately four hours from my home. I will have someone accompanying me for my medical trip and recovery.
Because of the surgery center's requirements, I must travel the day before my procedure and stay overnight in a hotel.
Following surgery, I am required to remain at the surgical facility for approximately 23 hours for postoperative recovery and observation.
These arrangements create additional expenses that I cannot avoid.
I must prepare for hotel accommodations, gas, meals, prescriptions, recovery supplies, and any remaining medical expenses that insurance does not cover.
I have also been advised to take approximately one week away from work and avoid heavy lifting for three weeks.
After everything I experienced with my previous implant, I want to give myself every opportunity for a successful procedure and a safe recovery.
My goal is to arrive at the surgery center prepared, knowing that I have done everything possible to take care of my health.
The Financial Reality Behind My Surgery
Preparing for surgery is challenging enough without the additional uncertainty of medical expenses.
Although I have primary and secondary health insurance, I am still waiting for confirmation of how much my coverage will pay toward the procedure.
Having secondary insurance gives me hope that my remaining medical expenses may be reduced. However, until everything is finalized, I cannot know exactly how much I will be responsible for paying.
Meanwhile, November 19 is approaching.
My hotel accommodations, prescriptions, and other necessary preparations cannot simply wait until every insurance question is answered.
Like many working adults, I have regular financial responsibilities that continue regardless of medical circumstances.
I am doing everything within my ability to prepare while avoiding additional financial hardship.
That is why I have decided to share my journey and ask for support.
Asking for help is not something I take lightly. I believe in working hard, taking responsibility, and creating opportunities whenever possible.
But I also recognize that unexpected medical challenges can place even the most determined person in a difficult position.
Sometimes, accepting support is part of finding a way forward.
Writing My Way Toward a Better Future
In addition to working full-time, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree and preparing for the next chapter of my education.
I am also an independent Deaf author.
Writing has become an important part of my life. Through my stories, I explore different genres, create characters, build fictional worlds, and express ideas that I hope will connect with readers.
I also create educational materials, emergency-preparedness resources, ASL-inspired artwork, seasonal products, and other digital creations through my online business, Still Earth Studio.
Every book I publish and every product I create represents another step toward building something meaningful.
My long-term dream is to continue growing as an author, complete my education, and create greater financial stability.
However, publishing income takes time.
Amazon generally pays book royalties approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which sales occur.
With my surgery approaching in November, royalties from books purchased today may not arrive in time to help with my immediate expenses.
For that reason, I am also focusing on my Payhip store and Ko-fi fundraiser.
My Payhip store allows customers to purchase my digital products directly, while my Ko-fi page provides an opportunity for anyone who wishes to contribute toward my upcoming medical and travel expenses.
I am continuing to work, study, write, publish, and create while preparing for surgery.
I am determined to do everything I can to help myself through this challenging period.
Giving Hope While Searching for My Own
There is something important I want people to understand about why I am sharing this journey.
I do not want my story to be only about hardship. I want it to be about hope.
Throughout my life, I have experienced challenges that required determination, patience, and the willingness to keep moving forward.
Being Deaf has shaped my experiences, but it has never stopped me from having dreams or pursuing opportunities.
My previous cochlear implant complications were frightening and painful. Preparing for another surgery brings uncertainty, especially knowing what happened the first time.
But I refuse to allow those experiences to define my future.
I want my journey to encourage others who may be experiencing medical challenges, financial difficulties, hearing-related struggles, or unexpected setbacks.
I want other Deaf individuals to know that their stories matter, their goals are worth pursuing, and their dreams do not have to end simply because life becomes difficult.
I want people experiencing financial hardship to understand that their circumstances do not determine their worth or their potential.
I want anyone facing another surgery or an uncertain medical future to know that they are not alone.
Through my writing, educational work, and willingness to share my personal experiences, I hope to give others encouragement.
I cannot promise that every difficult situation will have a perfect outcome.
But I can share my journey and demonstrate that determination, creativity, and hope can exist even during the most difficult chapters of our lives.
Even while I am searching for hope for myself, I want to give hope to someone else.
That is what makes this birthday wish especially meaningful.
I am not simply hoping for a better tomorrow for myself. I hope my story inspires someone else to believe that better days are still possible.
How You Can Support My Journey
If my story touches your heart and you would like to help me prepare for my upcoming surgery, there are several meaningful ways to show your support.
Support My Surgery Fundraiser
I have created a Ko-fi page where supporters can contribute toward my upcoming medical, travel, and recovery expenses.
Every contribution, regardless of size, helps me move closer to being financially prepared for November.
Support my journey:
https://ko-fi.com/sandrasloatbooks
Shop My Digital Products
Through Still Earth Studio, I offer digital products, educational resources, emergency-preparedness materials, ASL-inspired artwork, holiday designs, and other creative items.
Purchasing a product is a wonderful way to support my independent creative business while receiving something useful or meaningful in return.
Visit my Payhip store:
https://payhip.com/stillearthstudio
Explore My Books
As an independent Deaf author, every book purchase helps me continue writing, publishing, and developing new stories.
Although Amazon royalties may not arrive before my surgery, book sales remain an important part of my long-term journey toward financial independence.
Visit my Amazon author page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Sloat/author/B0G1HR2CND
Share My Story
I understand that not everyone is in a position to contribute financially.
Sharing my fundraiser, recommending my products, purchasing a book when possible, or simply sharing this blog can make a meaningful difference.
Every share helps my story reach someone who might otherwise never discover my work.
Your encouragement and kindness matter, too.
Sometimes, the smallest act of support can create an opportunity that someone desperately needs.
My Birthday Wish This October
As I celebrate another birthday this October, I find myself thinking about everything I have experienced and everything I still want to accomplish.
I want to complete my bachelor's degree and continue pursuing my graduate education.
I want to grow as an author, publish more books, and develop my creative business.
I want to continue working, supporting my family, and building a more secure future.
Most importantly, I want to recover successfully from my upcoming re-implantation surgery and move forward without experiencing the same complications that brought me to this point.
I hope to enter November knowing that I have done everything possible to prepare.
I want to arrive at the surgery center without the overwhelming worry of how I will afford my necessary expenses.
I want to focus on healing.
But beyond my own recovery, I want my journey to mean something.
I want someone reading this story to realize that they still have opportunities ahead of them.
I want someone facing a difficult medical decision to find encouragement.
I want someone struggling to achieve their dreams to understand that progress is still possible, even when the journey takes unexpected turns.
And I want to remind myself that asking for help does not prevent me from giving hope to others.
My birthday wish is to receive a little hope today so I can continue giving hope tomorrow.
Thank You for Being Part of My Journey
To everyone who has purchased my books, supported my creative business, shared my work, contributed to my fundraiser, or offered encouragement, thank you.
Every act of kindness reminds me that there are people who care.
As November 19 approaches, I will continue preparing for surgery, writing my stories, pursuing my education, and working toward the future I envision.
I don't know exactly what the next chapter will bring.
But I know that I am not finished writing my story.
And if sharing my journey helps even one person find the courage to keep going, then I have already given something meaningful.
This October, I am holding on to hope, sharing hope, and believing in a better tomorrow.
With gratitude,
Sandra
Deaf Author | Educator | Independent Creator
Upcoming Surgery: November 19, 2026
Support My Journey: https://ko-fi.com/sandrasloatbooks
Shop Still Earth Studio: https://payhip.com/stillearthstudio