About depression Help with depression Help for relatives Society DepNet Community My Depression

Read diary

Tinitus and the blind woman

A page in the diary ""
Written by keller 29. May 2008 05:48 PM

Well the noise seems to be growing and thank you all for the advice on tinnitus but what you need to realise is that the issue is not simply one of getting used to it. I rely on my hearing for sense of direction particularly on street crossings. So if I stand at a road way I need to be able to hear with both ears to get a sense of direction, I usually manage this with a hearing aid in the million dollar ear but the sound I am having is precluding use of my aid. See how rationally I can explain it….what it actually means is if it doesn’t disappear or can be treated in some way I am plain and simply fucked in terms of my independence.

So how do I feel about that? Angry sad depressed overwhelmed defeated suicidal, just pick one and it will be me on any given day.

I trust my surgeon beyond words and if said more surgery or more this or that I would do what ever he says. Its still the unknowing the uncertainty. And it is still the risk.

And I am risking. I traveled to and from the city today and if I go to the building I went to today its OK there are no road crossings. But if I go to the other building there are 4 road crossings two of which aren’t signaled (audible traffic lights).

I am not looking for sympathy here – that would be worse than the condition but I felt I needed to give some perspective to the magnitude of the problem. If this is not repairable or manageable it will mean I never leave my house alone again…EVER

And this is something I cannot do, will not do. I will not live that life…the one of a totally disabled person who is dependant on others for everything.

I feel really sarcastic and angry and when I read other diaries I think don’t you know how good you have it (yes there is some self pity here) but I can only say how it is, depression is one thing but complete and utter dependence is something else.

My noise sits here in the background every moment reminding me of what’s coming IF it is not repairable. But just wait a few weeks they say…I am waiting. I am terrified and I am alone in my fear.

« Prev page | Next page »
 

Comments from the community:

Liz

I can not begin to imagine what it must be like for you in this situation... I am not sure I could be as controlled as you are with the waiting... though I understand your description of the gamut of emotions you are feeling during this period of waiting...

your future as you describe does not sound like a bright one... but there is one element you underestimate... that is you... for you to have achieved what you have achieved so far is amazing... I will not say to you the future is full of possibilities... I just hope you find some support networks for blind / partial deafness that allows you to somehow maintain a sense of independence... you deserve all the support available...

I know there is no easy solution for you... take care...

rgds
cate

Written by cateblack, 29. May 2008 06:18 PM

Oh Liz, I'm so sorry, I didn't stop and think about the magnitude of what it would mean for you to have impaired hearing, please forgive me.

I can understand why you are feeling every emotion known to man (woman) and I don't think I could be as strong as you if I were placed in the same situation. We should never take our eyes and our ears for granted because you have reminded me that they are a gift.

Everytime I see a shooting star now I think of you and not being able to see them and I feel sad about that. I'm sorry I know you don't want sympathy, but I do have a lot of sympathy for you, I can't help it. I do however also have an enormous amount of respect for you and the way you get on with your life. You are an amazing woman Liz.

Fingers crossed for the improvement of your hearing.

Stay strong,

Luv Karen xxx

Written by fly, 29. May 2008 06:39 PM

Keller you have given so much positive help to me.Your posts on my diary by you and others are the reason Im still here.The fear of the unknown of if your hearing can be improved, not wanting to be dependent on some one else just to get through each day. I so understand this. Sure I have a couple of medical problems and only have sight left in one eye but but to be dealing with what you are going through each day shows what a truly special person you are.Please dont give up as I for one need you as many others here do too. TC love grannie

Written by Deleted_User, 29. May 2008 06:55 PM

Keller

More tears from not understanding the million dollar ear and the hearing aid not blocking the tinitus. May be time to go back to the surgeon and see what options there are - perhaps a more up to date hearing aid??

Go Keller!!!

Mrs Studying1

Written by studying1, 29. May 2008 09:49 PM

Keller

Don't know how you are coping with this. You are a brave person and with that strength you will overcome this problem.

Ronda

Written by Deleted_User, 29. May 2008 10:36 PM

You are a fantastic person and it hurts a lot to see you going through this terrible situation. Hoping and praying this will in fact resolve itself, don't give up just yet Liz, hang in there with all you've got.
Fear..I understand fear..it can be completely debilitating and the only way I know for myself how to control that is to tell myself that whether I am afraid or not the outcome will be the same and so try to minimise the fear experience as much as possible...which is pretty difficult I know when prior learning has taught you that fears do come to pass.
Hoping and praying
Love

Written by maple, 30. May 2008 03:09 PM