Group meeting

[Sandy4444]

Morning Everyone,

Next week will be my first 'Group meeting ' at the Norwich hospital ,has anybody else had the experience of such a group session,for tinnitus.

Kind regards Sandy

[Freddy17]

I live in Miami Florida and there's no support groups that I can go to..

[Lynne-H]

Hi Sandy,

I have had tinnitus for nearly four years now and I started to attend the Stoke-on-Trent Tinnitus Group which was newly formed about six months after I first experienced tinnitus. It was one of the many things that helped me on the road to recovery. At the time I was in a bad way but going there and meeting others who also had tinnitus, but who were coping and who were getting on with their lives, helped immensely. It was one of the things that gave me hope.

I still go there every Wednesday and although we have lost a few members - recently it has started to pick up again.

I know groups aren`t for everyone but I think it`s worth you giving it a try.

I wish you all the best.

Lynne

[Sandy4444 in reply to Lynne-H]

Morning Lynne,

Thanks for replying,I've only just noticed,so sorry for late response.

Yes the meeting as arranged by the audiology team at the Norwich hospital,the first week was maybe 8 of us ,led by a young audiologist,whom I've met several times ,she gave a talk on tinnitus,using a PowerPoint,and her professional knowledge,we intercepted using our

experience of living with tinnitus. I found the meeting extremely important, especially tinnitus and the autonomic system.

Needless to say ,this one NHS group session has lead me to meet ( the following week ) a very ,very special chief audiologist ( that was the title on my letter ) , during my one to one ( in which my daughter sat in ,and a ENT

nurse ) , she spoke to me for over an hour ,about tinnitus and my balance problems ,now she had more empathy and understanding than anyone

in a professional capacity l have ever met in the six or so years that I've had problems , I must say, I had a few tears, but they were joyous!

I am scheduled to have balance tests and hypnosis with this lady and her team , so feeling hopeful.

Sorry to go on , do hope your meetings continue to give you some ...breathing space !

Kind regards Sandy

[Lynne-H in reply to Sandy4444]

Hi Sandy,

I`m so pleased that your experience of your first group meeting turned out so well. It sounds like you`ve found something there where you will receive a lot of help and understanding.

I too had a few counselling sessions through the NHS with a Hearing Therapist which I found really helpful and my husband sat in with me. She occasionally comes to our group meetings to talk to us and give us advice.

I look forward to going to our tinnitus group every Wednesday. My husband also comes with me to the meetings. He suffers from balance problems but doesn`t have tinnitus so he also finds it helpful. We talk about all types of hearing problems - and some weeks we just put the world to rights !! I`ve been going there for three years now so it`s become part of my life.

I hope you continue to find it helpful - I do think it helps to be with others who know exactly what you are going through.

All best wishes.

Love Lynne xx

[Sandy4444 in reply to Lynne-H]

Good evening Lynne,

So pleased you have your husbands support and understanding,

I do believe one of the emotions /challenges I have found very difficult since experiencing tinnitus/vestibular problems is feeling isolated ,with little understanding from professionals ,and friends and family ,it's not their fault,it's so complex , and also Lynne ,they can't see anything can they , not like having a broken bone !?

Well ,I wish you both happy Wednesdays

Kind regards Sandy