Introduction

Hi all. My name is Ann. My tinnitus is relatively new--it started about a month ago. Since this seems to be a safe space, I think I can be fairly open and honest about all that has happened before my tinnitus. I'm opting to share some background to provide some context.

In August of 2016, I started a PhD program. It was a rough transition--I had worked as a clinical social worker for about 10 years prior to starting the program. I gave up a lot to come to school. I had to move, and my main support system is just over an hour away from where I am now. I gave up hobbies due to time, distance, and money. I was about three months into my program when one of my best friends and biggest cheerleaders suddenly died. I've since lost touch with her wife who was by far one of the closest friends I have ever had. Then a few months after that I had to end the relationship with my therapist for reasons outside the control of either of us. Then family drama started. My mental health started to suffer from all the change and stress. I was supposed to use this past summer to get my mental back on track, but that really did not workout. My pet parrot suddenly passed away this past August, and that was the last straw. My blood pressure got out of wack--I have hypertension. Eventually I cut back on my coursework and was only doing the bare minimum for my program. The new term started in January 2018, and things just got worse. The tinnitus started. My insomnia flared up as a result, and my mental health continued to decline. I ended up withdrawing from school, which means that I lost all my income and health insurance (both were tied to being in my program). I am looking for work, but my health, including the tinnitus, is getting in the way.

I'm lucky that my PCP is continuing to work with me. She and I are not sure why the tinnitus started. I have a suspicion, but I don't want to get into that here. Seeing a specialist is not an option since I am without health insurance for the foreseeable future. My PCP things the tinnitus might resolve, so I am still hopeful at times.

So that's it.

 

Wow, you been through the ringer, you poor thing. I feel your pain and i have had tons of bricks hit me non stop many many times too. Just hang in there and things can get better.....

I understand how music and a stress reducing/exercise routine(s) is/are your outlet(s) right now, I know this first hand and I wish you the best of luck