I am so excited. Kris had the usual monthly follow up today and we asked about the speaking valve. They went ahead and inserted it right then and there. Oh to hear him make noise was sensational. I am so excited and weepy with emotion too. Now he can't use it for a week to allow the swelling to go down so I will have to be patient. Then the practice will start in earnest. Not having a tongue to make the sounds will make this a difficult process, but practice, practice, practice. He wont ever get clear speech and many sounds will be impossible to produce, but any form of speech is surely better than none. He has been very isolated without speech so here's hoping.
Oh and his scope was great. (I'm still scared to say ) NED.
Tammy

Tammy, that is so fantastic! Best wishes to you and Kris.

You already have my best wishes for Kris and yourself on his ability to be able to communicate with time and practice.
Nothing better than to hear the NED and I am looking forward to hearing how he gets once the swelling goes down and he can make a start.
Love to you both,
Gabriele

That's so fantastic!!! Hugs to you both - it's a long road but you're doign it together and will get there!! Take care!

Tammy - great news. When I was in college, I tutored other students in math and statistics. Since I could do it pretty well, I was soon assigned students with physical handicaps. My blind students always felt that deafness was the worse handicap, as it impacted communication. Although we never discussed that being without speech would be like, I think they would consider it equally as hard! I am very glad that Kris will be getting his speech back - for both of you!
Maria