Making progress . . . .

[ChrisCoulthard]

I've suffered from tinnitus for 28 years now, with the tinnitus being severe for the last 7 years. Had some spells off work, including four in the last 12 months, the usual anxiety and depression with some really dark thoughts at times. Social life has been very limited to say the least. However, following referral from my local ENT, who have been great, to the ENT at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, I feel I am now making positive progress for the first time in a long while. I've stopped taking amitriptyline and am now taking 20mg of citalopram daily and this seems to be having a really good effect. The audiologist at the Freeman also challenged me to accept more noise into my life, which I am trying to do, so far with good results. Music and telly a little louder, cycling without earplugs etc, going to the pub more frequently, though at times of the day when it's relatively quiet. Small things, but overall life feels like it's really on the up; something I never thought I'd ever say. I suppose I'm saying if you're feeling down don't give up, you can get back to something resembling a normal life.

[Hidden]

So glad you are feeling a little better. 28 years and hear is me moan at only having it 9 mths, like you have dark thoughts but always manage to through the day how i do it i just no idea hope you keep feeling better. have a good evening x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

here and moaning lol sorry didn't have glasses on

[Dave-G]

Hi Chris

Nice post to read, and it gives the newbies hope, but more important never ever give up as you're living proof that the more you put into helping yourself the better quality of life can be had, it's so easy to just throw in the towel and give up, that's the easy way out

Thanks for posting.

Dave

[Hidden]

Welcome to the BTA forum and sharing your tinnitus journey with us.

It just goes to show,never give up the fight.

Thank you for your encouraging post for others to read.

Love glynis

[Lynne-H]

Well done Chris - I totally agree - never give up hope that things will get better.

Your post is exactly what I would have wanted to hear when I was at the beginning of my tinnitus journey.

I too have reached the point where I have my life back.

All the best. Love Lynne xx

[LuverlyLucie]

Hi Chris. It's great to hear that you're making progress. Thanks for posting for posting such a positive message it gives hope to the rest of us. Luverly Lucie x

[momo33]

Hi Chris, do you find that loud noises like an ambulance siren or ice-cream van passing make your tinnitis worse? I find that mine gets louder. I try to avoid loud places- maybe I should try not worrying so much. Thanks for your post.

[Highwycombe]

Omg 28years is a long time I wonder if I lost my hearing would I still hear or have tinnitus.