A Life with Tinnitus — How to Live?

#61
jimH said:
.

I've had T for more than 30 years. In 2014 I had the worst and longest spike ever (four months). I also developed H during this time. I felt exactly the same way you described your feelings. It's beyond discouragement. I was in a downward spiral of despair. I had to force-feed myself because I had a constant queasy stomach in addition to no appetite. I lost a lot of weight during that time.I could not sleep for more than 2 1/2 hours. It was more like passing out than sleeping. There were times that it was so bad that I could not remain seated. I had to go for a walk or I paced back and forth in the house. I thought it was a permanent change in my T for me. So, my anxiety level went through the roof!


The ONLY thing that pulled me out of it was an AD. PLEASE!...do not completely rule out the use of one! I only needed it for three months. I had no bad side-effects or any problem coming off of it. They can be a life saver. When my anxiety level came down, the H stopped and my T reverted back to its previous level. I could be wrong but I don't believe
that AD's are addictive. Please go and talk to your doctor about it!
Click to expand...


Thank you, this is giving me some hope to get out of this situation.
What kind of AD did you use and what dosage?

I´m terrified of the side effects, but it cant be much worse than it is right
 
#62
@MiaX

I love your positivity, it makes me smile, thank you :)

I am sorry to hear about your spike, but you are doing so well in coping, and I am sure you have the strength and skills to get through it. I will use your energy to make it a little easier for me as well.

I did see an ENT not long ago, and my hearing has not been affected more in any way.
At the moment I am being treated for BPPV, and I am lying in bed because I am soooo dizzy and nauseous :/
But, as you say... with time I will be better. I must be better :)
 
#63
Makrohn said:
@MiaX

I love your positivity, it makes me smile, thank you :)

I am sorry to hear about your spike, but you are doing so well in coping, and I am sure you have the strength and skills to get through it. I will use your energy to make it a little easier for me as well.

I did see an ENT not long ago, and my hearing has not been affected more in any way.
At the moment I am being treated for BPPV, and I am lying in bed because I am soooo dizzy and nauseous :/
But, as you say... with time I will be better. I must be better :)
Click to expand...

I am sorry about your BPPV! I know someone who had it, it is really annoying!

I am happy you're being treated and that your hearing isn't more affected!!

I hope you get well soon! :huganimation:

Is your t related to BPPV?
 
#64
Makrohn said:
Thank you, this is giving me some hope to get out of this situation.
What kind of AD did you use and what dosage?
I´m terrified of the side effects, but it cant be much worse than it is right
Click to expand...

When we are in a very dark place, we all need hope in order to be able to cope! To answer your question, I took Effexor (generic Venlafaxine) 75mg. The only side-effects I had were some night sweats and a dry mouth which lasted only a few days. Coming off it, I cut the dosage in half for two weeks and then stopped completely. I had no side-effects at all coming off of it.
If you read billie48's success story "From Darkness to Light - How I recovered from Tinnitus & Hyperacusis" you will see that He also used an AD (Prozac) during his darkest period. Also, take note that in the following paragraph things began to turn around for the better for Him. It was the turning point in His story. I don't think that's a coincidence. I believe it played a part in His recovery.
That's why I asked you to reconsider using an AD rather than completely closing your mind to using one.
What you've done so far isn't working. For your sake and the sake of your family, please go and speak with your doctor regarding the use an AD.
Good Luck!....(y)
 
#65
@jimH

Thanks mate!

I will have a talk with my doctor and see what he recommends me.
Obviously there are some good examples in this forum regarding this issue :)
 
#66
MiaX said:
I am sorry about your BPPV! I know someone who had it, it is really annoying!

I am happy you're being treated and that your hearing isn't more affected!!

I hope you get well soon! :huganimation:

Is your t related to BPPV?
Click to expand...


No, most likely I got BPPV this summer some time, but it has been good for periods but lately it was really bad and I had to check it out. Of course, having BPPV is also exhausting and just one more thing eating my energy levels.. I hope the treatment I am getting will make this better, and fast. For now, I am chained to my bed because of strong vertigo :/
 
#67
Makrohn said:
No, most likely I got BPPV this summer some time, but it has been good for periods but lately it was really bad and I had to check it out. Of course, having BPPV is also exhausting and just one more thing eating my energy levels.. I hope the treatment I am getting will make this better, and fast. For now, I am chained to my bed because of strong vertigo :/
Click to expand...

Ahh.. :(

Do you get exercises for your BPPV?
 
#68
MiaX said:
Ahh.. :(

Do you get exercises for your BPPV?
Click to expand...

Yeah! I do whats called a BBQ-roll maneuver. Did it for the first time today.
Feeling a little better than I did yesterday, but the bed is still the best place to be right now.

Hopefully it will continue to improve quickly
 
#69
Makrohn said:
Yeah! I do whats called a BBQ-roll maneuver. Did it for the first time today.
Feeling a little better than I did yesterday, but the bed is still the best place to be right now.

Hopefully it will continue to improve quickly
Click to expand...

Yes, improvement takes time!! Wish you the best, let me know how everything is going!!
 
#71
Elfin is right, it's like you have to stop caring about it. I have good days and bad days. The last few weeks have been bad and my anxiety is higher than normal. I read a post on here a few months ago that said when you hear it, just say to yourself that yes, I hear the ringing/buzzing in my head but there are things I need to do today ( like go to work) so I choose to not let it overtake me? I don't know if that makes sense. I wish I could find it for you, it was a really good post. I hope you are hanging in there. You're not alone.
 
#72
So, back here again, and I am still here.
Starting to slooowly recover and get back to life, at least keeping a positive mind but it is really hard. My anxiety really messed me up the past 3 months and made my T much worse by adding a sound and being more intrusive than ever.

So, now that I am trying to not let it get to me I really need some good advice on how to keep it on an acceptable level. I still think my body is slowly recovering from the extreme time of anxiety and it might take time.

The strange thing is, that during this time, I have had several periods where my T just havent bothered me, just to kick back in the day after, causing me extreme anxiety again. I am struggling on how to cope with the spontaneous spikes I am having.. they just appear out of nowhere any time of the day.
 
#73
Makrohn said:
I am struggling on how to cope with the spontaneous spikes I am having.. they just appear out of nowhere any time of the day.
Click to expand...

HI @Markrohn,

You have had tinnitus for quite a while and seasoned to it. When was the last time you had tests done on your auditory system at ENT? If it was over two years ago, it might be a good idea to get some done. As you know stress can play havoc with tinnitus and this could be a factor? Do you listen to music through headphones? It is something I don't recommend someone do that has "noise induced tinnitus". Have you tried relaxation therapy or thought about seeing a Hearing Therapist for counselling? Many things can cause tinnitus to spike. If it's happening on a regularly this is something that needs to be addressed. Please click on the links below and read my post that you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-mental-health.21978/
 
#74
Hello @Michael Leigh

Yes, I have had tinnitus for a long time and it has pretty much been on the same level until this summer.
The spike I am having appeared this summer when I suffered a lot of stress and anxiety so I am pretty sure it has a connection. But, now that my anxiety level has decreased I am finding it hard to cope with the fact that my spike still bothers me and is very much present. I have really loud T but my right ear is the one making it hard these days.

The spike I am having is also very different from my usual tinnitus.. It´s like a pulsating sound that appears to be worse around noises and it fluctuating very much. My hope is that it is still related to my anxiety and that with time it will settle more and more. But for now, I struggle with keeping myself positive.

I have recently seen my ENT since I do check ups every 6 months or so regarding my hearing loss and I use hearing aids for this. I am of course terrified that I have to live with this spike, but at the same time I am trying to be calm about it and use every technique I know. I meditate on a regular basis and I try to stay away from certain food types etc. But for now nothing is helping out :(

I will read your posts, thank you!
 
#75
#76
Happy to hear from you! I wish you would feel better, but it takes time as you know.

How is your BPPV? And are your neck and shoulders still good? (sorry my English is soo bad, I mean to say if they still not hurt or something).

I really think that it is important not listen to the sounds you hear. For example: I really feel like my T is spiking the last couple of days, but I refuse to listen, care or panick about it. I know it is easy to say, but I know T isn't something dangerous. If I would tell you that everybody in the world hears the seem T as you, would you freak out?

A week ago I was talking with a girl about T and she told me that she also hears a beep sometimes. She thought it was because she went to clubs where the music was way too loud. She didn't really care about her T. This kind of stories make me realize that there are a lot of people with T who are able to ignore it, so why wouldn't I be able to do that?

Note: I know everyone is different and it is possible that her T is not as loud as your T, I know. But for me, it really helps to hear from people who are relax about it :)

I really wish you the best and it is going to be alright!!!
 
#77
@MiaX

Thank you for your kinds words :)

My BPPV is much better than it was, but I am still having some dizzy spells at times. Trying to do as much activity as possible, but I get over stimulated really quick and then my anxiety kicks in. It´s a tough spiral, but I am doing what I can to overcome it all. It will take some time, and my patience is not the best, I want to feel better now.
My neck and shoulders are also better, but they do need some treatment as well.

Yes, I am trying the same as you are, not to panic or get frustrated about my T. Hopefully, when doing this for a while it will become easier to ignore it. At the same time, my body and mind has been through a really tough time lately and I think I need more time to heal it all and come back to life in a way. My anxiety is most likely draining me for energy and this affects my T and general state of mind.
 
#78
jimH said:
When we are in a very dark place, we all need hope in order to be able to cope! To answer your question, I took Effexor (generic Venlafaxine) 75mg. The only side-effects I had were some night sweats and a dry mouth which lasted only a few days. Coming off it, I cut the dosage in half for two weeks and then stopped completely. I had no side-effects at all coming off of it.
If you read billie48's success story "From Darkness to Light - How I recovered from Tinnitus & Hyperacusis" you will see that He also used an AD (Prozac) during his darkest period. Also, take note that in the following paragraph things began to turn around for the better for Him. It was the turning point in His story. I don't think that's a coincidence. I believe it played a part in His recovery.
That's why I asked you to reconsider using an AD rather than completely closing your mind to using one.
What you've done so far isn't working. For your sake and the sake of your family, please go and speak with your doctor regarding the use an AD.
Good Luck!....(y)
Click to expand...
When choosing a AD just remember that SSRI's mess with your sex life Benzo's don't, usually.
 
#79
So, I am having some really tough days right now, this day has been like torture.
I wonder.. This spike I am having first started to appear when I started having severe anxiety and stress. Is it possible that this spike i caused by my stress and anxiety? I have not been sleeping, eating or exercising these 3 months and the spike has just grown in this periode. There have been days where it is really mild, but like today, I am having serious trouble in coping with it.

I am trying to have a positive mind, focusing on positive things etc. but it is like I am frozen and cant cope.
What I am doing is just trying to ignore the sound... keeping myself occupied, and not giving it as much attention.
But it is really hard as the spike just keeps on singing.
 
#80
Sorry for my late reply!

I really think that you need to stop asking yourself why your T is spiking and just ignore it. Ans yes, stress and anxiety (and thinking all day about your T) can make T worse.

I have not been sleeping, eating or exercising these 3 months and the spike has just grown in this periode.
Click to expand...

This may also play a HUGE part. Last night I slept not really well (like 5 hours) and my T today is soo bad, so imagine if you have a lack of sleep of 3 months... And maybe your neck and shoulders play a part in your t?

I really really wish you the best!
 
#82
Oh btw: you don't have jaw problems, right? Do you forse your jaws at night (or day)? (sorry, I really don't know how to say it in English)

And are you a good sleeper? Like: do you wake up fast when you hear a noise or something?
 
#83
No jaw problems as I know of no, and my dentist has not mentioned anything about it.

I do not sleep well if thats what you mean? I am a light sleeper that wakes up many times each night. This is something I have struggled with for years
 
#84
Makrohn said:
No jaw problems as I know of no, and my dentist has not mentioned anything about it.

I do not sleep well if thats what you mean? I am a light sleeper that wakes up many times each night. This is something I have struggled with for years
Click to expand...

So you don't grind your teeth?

And yes, I mean light sleeper! Mm, I am also a light sleeper (I think I have been my whole life) and maybe it plays a part with T? It wouldn't surprise me. There may be techniques to learn how to sleep better!
 
#85
@MiaX

No teeth grinding here no :)

Yes, I am a VERY light sleeper and I have all my life tossed and turned in bed and waking up several times during the night. It is more intense now with the anxiety, but luckily my T is not the one keeping me up.

I am trying to meditate daily, and I also know that exercise also should give better sleep.
This together with a sleep routine, many things can be done. I have also been trying some herbal tea, but I cant say they are doing anything really. And I do NOT want to take any sleep meds.
 
#86
Makrohn said:
@MiaX

No teeth grinding here no :)

Yes, I am a VERY light sleeper and I have all my life tossed and turned in bed and waking up several times during the night. It is more intense now with the anxiety, but luckily my T is not the one keeping me up.

I am trying to meditate daily, and I also know that exercise also should give better sleep.
This together with a sleep routine, many things can be done. I have also been trying some herbal tea, but I cant say they are doing anything really. And I do NOT want to take any sleep meds.
Click to expand...

Sleep is so important and I think it might play a part when T seems louder. I am happy you try all sort of things, I am going to do that too! (T is louder lately and I think it is my neck and shoulders) I understand you dont't want sleep meds, I am also not a fan of meds.
 
#87
@MiaX

Yes sleep is really essential.. I think, if I make some real changes to my life like keep on meditating daily, eating healthy and not least EXERCISE 30 minutes every day I will probably see an improvement overall.
I have been really bad at these things for many years, so I need to build some strength both physical ant mental.

My T is somewhat better since yesterday, maybe I am starting to see a small improvement.
At least I will be happy for all the good hours, minutes, days I have.... Keeping positive is a struggle, but it does help.
 
#88
So I might just have jinxed myself by writing things were getting better.. This afternoon my T went crazy and I started to get really bad anxiety. How ever, I actually managed to calm myself down and the anxiety left.

The T is still screaming from the top of its lungs though.
I am trying to stay strong!

I wonder what causes the T to be so fluctuating.. I wish I knew more about why and how to prevent it. Surely there must some chemical imbalance or other factors involved in the variations!?
 
#89
Makrohn said:
Good question and I have asked myself the same... It seems like I just did not care (enough).
And all of a sudden, its like the center of everything. Just like.. taken control in some way.

Well, we all have our ways to cope, and I really hope to find something that helps me through this storm I am experiencing right now. Its the worst ever.... A teddy bear, thats cute :)
Click to expand...
 
#90
It is weird that your T changes so much. Is it possible to go back to the doctor and ENT?

Didn't you change something in your diet? Or did you stop smoking?

It is possible that it is anxiety. Or maybe it is normal that T changes so much? When I think about it: my T also changes a lot!

How are you doing today?
 

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