Hello, my first post.

[Curlew]

Hello,

I developed severe loud constant tinnitus about 6 months ago. For the first 6 weeks or so I was in a very bad way, lost weight, felt destroyed by it etc. etc., but as time has gone by I have been quite amazed at how I am now coping and even though I hear it 24/7 and it's very loud I am managing to get back to a more normal life.

I have read a lot about habituation, but so much of what I have read seems to be conflicting, such as ignore your tinnitus, don't ignore your tinnitus and so on that I feel quite confused at times. To me when I look back at where I was 6 months ago and where I am now things are so much better wether I have been doing the right things or not just trying to get through each day as normal seems to be working for me even though I still feel a sort of shock sometimes that this has actually happened to me and it is more than likely to be permanent now.

I really don't want to feel there are things I should not do because of this, but of course, Christmas is coming up and I am going to what will be a loud dinner dance next weekend and even though I have bought some 'party plugs' I am feeling quite anxious about it.

I look forward to any advice from any of you lovely people who are further down the rd than me.

I wish you all calm times even if they can't be quiet ones😊👍

Thankyou.

[Curlew]

Whooops, don't know what that big photos about, I thought it would be my little recognition thingy😂😂 Sorry.

Just sending you all a cheerful bunch of flowers then!!

[sammie888]

Those tulips are beautiful, Hello curlew so glad to hear you have got to grip with the dreaded "T" and you are showing it who is boss, I to was a bit confused at the beginning with the habituation thingy so many different theories but I believe its having a positive outlook and attitude then it will happen, 5 years ago I was introduced to my noisy pest and at first it destroyed everything I lived for, health fitness interests etc but gradually over time you realise that only you can help so you do your best to get back on track back to living and sod tinnitus that's where I am today living life as normal ok its there but I'm in charge

[Curlew in reply to sammie888]

Hi S,Yes, I think the thing that has got me to this point has just been sheer determination not to let it get the better of me, it certainly isn't easy but neither would the alternatives be so we may as well take as positive a route as possible.

There is so much in life to live for and I certainly don't intend to let a stupid noise rob me of any of it, no matter how loud, and it's loud!,

C

[Keoni]

Hi, Curlew,

Love the flowers! I get what you say about the conflicting information. I think it's because there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. We all suffer in varying degrees and intensities. My advice is to keep trying different things - even a short respite can be beneficial. Just take it one day at a time and always remember you are not alone.

Respectfully submitted,

Keoni

[Curlew]

Hello Keoni,

Thankyou for your kind reply especially 'remember you are not alone'. This is such a bizarre condition to know you are not alone is a huge help. Initially I was told not to go on the internet re T, but you soon realise how many kind and supportive people there are out there in spite of their own difficulties. This made quite literally ALL the difference to me in the early days, and still does for so many of us I'm sure.

Hope you are having 'calm times ', I think about us all with this condition, being invisible you never know how many people whose paths you cross are also coping silently.

All my best to you,

Take care,

Curlew