Here is a recap and wrap-up of my attempt to replace some of my aging parts.

Dental Surgery

About three weeks ago, I discovered that I had a massive infection in three of my molars. I had no symptoms and only learned about it during a routine teeth cleaning. Such a large infection could have had serious consequences. Two of the molars were in my upper jaw, and the infection could have spread into my sinuses and then to my brain. I am very thankful that it was found in time.

I had a three-hour surgery in which these teeth were extracted. It was not fun, but somewhat interesting because my own blood was used to create growth factors that were then combined with bone, with the hope that my stem cells would generate additional bone. In four to six months, I will have implants placed, followed a few months later by crowns. The result should be a much stronger mouth.

A few days ago, the stitches were removed. I no longer have any pain, but I must say, this part of my visit to LA has been intense.

Hearing Aid

I decided to get a hearing aid after realizing—while using the hearing aid function on the AirPods Pro—that I could no longer hear high frequencies. As a result, sounds were duller (something I hadn’t noticed). More importantly, this caused difficulties in learning new languages. I was always complaining that I couldn’t understand people when they spoke Hebrew or Italian, and I assumed it was because my vocabulary wasn’t strong enough. Now, when I listen to Italian, I understand it much better. I need to try Hebrew again.

I also had trouble enjoying restaurants if they were noisy (and many are). With the hearing aid, I no longer have this problem.

No one seems to notice that I’m wearing a hearing aid, and I hardly notice it myself. Often, I only realize I still have it on when I’m in bed, and I get up to remove it and place it in the charger.

Cataract Surgery

I had a cataract on my right eye that greatly reduced vision in that eye. After months of research on cataract surgery and the types of lenses available, I decided to have the procedure done in LA. I had considered doing it in Genoa, where I even met with a leading surgeon, but once I saw the approach in LA, I chose to have it done here.

Yesterday, I had my second eye done. The first eye was set for distance and intermediate vision. The second was set for intermediate and near distance. This way, I should be able to function without glasses at all. So far, that seems to be the case.

I am still adjusting to the second eye, since the surgery was only yesterday. My brain also needs to adapt to the differences between the two eyes, but I think it will work out. If it doesn’t, I can wear glasses, or corrections can be made with a small laser procedure.

So there we are.  Frankly, it took a lot of study, thought and even courage to get the hearing  aid and cataract surgery.  I am still adjusting but I think it will work out and significantly improve the quality of my life.