Thank you BTA contributors

[GDJTAM]

6 weeks into my T and I have just returned from seeing my ENT consultant for the first time to review my MRI scan and then my GP. MRI all clear.

After googling T for many many hours, panicking with these strange sounds and deafness creeping in. no sleep and the end of the world is upon me.

I then came across this site, and after posting my problems out I received replies from members who have been going through this torture for many years. I thought I was alone with my issues, T can't be seen so people must think I'm lying.

Not the case, the feedback, the tips, the support and the experiences from fellow sufferers has been both a relief and educational in my own personal battle.

I had a brain tumour 30+ years ago which left me deaf in 1 ear, now I have T and I wanted a quick cure, I wanted people to see that I was mentally in pain. Google just made matters worse and there's so many 'trusted' clinics offering fixes I could have spent thousands.

However, from pouring my grief out to this forum, I soon realised I wasn't alone and the advice given made me realise that I need to manage my T and not let it beat me.

I have since taken the advice on board and now try to manage the T as best I can. But it's not only the tips and guidance that are helping me, I, where others have been let down and frustrated with their GP's and ENT , went into my consultation with my ENT consultant and then my GP armed with questions that I would never have asked if it weren't for the forum members.

I learned that members had been let down by their GP's and ENT so as well as been honest with how the T is getting me down, I was also blunt with asking for help and support.

I feel that, at this point I have got a lot off my chest and my GP and ENT now know I need professional help to overcome this.

I have been booked in to see a Therapist and audiology to help with my hearing. But I am more happy knowing that the GP has promised to support me.

At this point, that is all I can ask.

So. thank you to everyone connected to this forum site, members may use it to express their frustrations at the T or medical proffesionals or think they just want a good old moan. Well to all those posts I have read, it does make a huge impact on people.

[Xene]

Yay GDJTAM, I'm so happy to read that you've got your ENT consultant and GP on board as it makes a big difference. When you see the audiologist and if after your hearing test they suggest a hearing aid and they might not don't totally dismiss the idea! You can always try it out in the privacy of your own home and if it does or doesn't make a big difference you can decide whether to go public or not. I can get away with not wearing mine if I forget to put it in lol. It's all swings and roundabouts and like I said you may not even need one as what you're experiencing at the moment may be due to something else entirely.

Best of luck, take everything that's on offer as you've got nothing to lose.

Xene

[GDJTAM in reply to Xene]

Hi Xene,

The ENT consultant said i was borderline re having a hearing aid and I actually thought about a conversation i had with you recently. I consequently decided 'why not', better to have the option than not have it.

Had I not found this forum I would have dismissed the idea.

Hope you've had a good day.

[NicBTA Partner]

Thank you for coming back and updating us - and such a positive update too. So pleased that you found the forum helpful.

[Angela-H]

Hi GDJTAM, good to hear that you are in a more positive place. You have come far in a short time. I agree with you about the support and advice given by the friendly, supportive and knowledgeable folk on this forum. It was my lifeline 2+ years ago when I got T. I couldn't believe that others understood and were experiencing the same odd, intrusive sounds in their heads/ears that I was - I thought that I was the only one, as surely tinnitus was just "ringing in the ears experienced by old-time rock musicians"?! No, many unfortunates have to deal with it and it certainly helps to know that we are not alone, though I truly hope that one day there will be a cure, especially for all the youngsters who will be suffering either from the excessive sound levels at music concerts, or the stress and anxiety that is becoming more prevalent in our non-stop 24/7 lives.

Best wishes for calmer times ahead, love, Angela xx

[GDJTAM in reply to Angela-H]

Hi Angela,

You are so right, not only is this forum educational but people on here understand and can relate to our daily torment. I find that if I talk to my mates, family or work colleagues they look at me with the sympathetic 'yeah right' eyes, and I always think how pointless telling them what I'm going through.

So. having had my tumour 30+ years ago, I soon come to realise that people in a similar or same position are worth my moans, gripes and anxiety moments. It also taught me to be pragmatic and get on with daily life the best you can.

I'm 54 now and I'm turning into an old grumpy bloke. I've told my 22 and 24 year old not to have their music on loud or blasting out from there all singing all dancing headphones. Yep I get that look I gave to my parents too!

Thanks for replying. take care

Graham

[Angela-H in reply to GDJTAM]

Hi Graham, no, you are not being grumpy, you are being a loving dad. I am the same with my daughter, son, sister, nieces and nephew! Though I have stopped talking about it directly and now just share the Plug Em campaigns via Facebook, which I hope makes them take notice.

You are coping well after such a short time. It will settle, even though it has to be managed and we have to take care not to irritate it. Best wishes, Angela xx