Sam's Story: How Tinnitus Isolates

[Tinnitus Talk]

Many of you know @Samantha R as a well respected member of this community. She has been a great support to many, and has on multiple occasions volunteered to help out with our awareness raising efforts.

As part of Tinnitus Week, we put out a call to all of you to submit your stories about how tinnitus has affected you socially. Unfortunately, only a small handful responded to our call - demonstrating once again how hard it is to raise awareness for tinnitus when so few people are willing to talk about it publicly.

This is why we're all the more thrilled with the excellent video Sam has produced. Her story makes clear that tinnitus can have a profound impact on the lives of even those of us who do not fall in the "severely suffering" group. Thank you, Sam, for putting yourself out there for the cause!

 

[Ed209]

Sam, I've told you via PM what I think, but thanks again for putting yourself forward and telling your story. This really does have an impact and it's very brave if you to expose yourself in this way. It's very honest and heartfelt.

You and Dave have both done a great job in my opinion.

 

[Starthrower]

Thank you @Samantha R. This video of your story is an excellent example of our cause to bring a better understanding of how we live with tinnitus - be it more mild or severe.

 

[TuxedoCat]

This video of your story is an excellent example of our cause to bring a better understanding of how we live with tinnitus - be it more mild or severe.

Indeed. Thanks @Samantha R for telling your story.

We need governments to invest more money in research for effective treatments leading to a cure. If those existed Samantha could put their mind at ease and be the best mom, wife and friend she could possibly be without the threat of worsening tinnitus always hanging over her head. Quality of life matters. Our quality of life matters.

TC

 

[glynis]

@Samantha R,
Great video.
Well done for doing it.
You're a star!
love glynis x

 

[GregCA]

@Samantha R - Great video! Thank you so much for doing this!

 

[Jazzer]

@Samantha R
Thank you very much for doing this video.
Very well done - you're a natural xx
Dave x

 

[Samantha R]

Thank you everyone, I hope it makes a difference. It wasn't that hard to do, other than getting some time away from the kids and work!

I don't mind putting myself out there if it helps, I hope this encourages others to do the same.
It's absolutely the least I can do for the community.

@Markku @Hazel sorry about the Aussie slang - it wasn't until I read the subtitles that I realised I slipped in a couple of "gonna's". Lol... I'm mortified.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

@Samantha R Thank you so much for sharing your story.
{{{Big Hug}}}
Once

 

[Manny]

@Samantha R, just watched the video.
As a fellow sufferer, a big thank you for doing this!

You also mentioned many things that I as a tinnitus sufferer am affected by as well. Especially the thing about constantly worrying about loud noise :/

I hope we will have a treatment soon!!

 

[Jcb]

@Samantha R great video, thank you so much for sharing this. We are very similar in terms of what we have given up socially due to tinnitus, much respect.

 

[Starthrower]

I am proud of you @Samantha R! Never underestimate the important message in your story. You live life well with your tinnitus but there are things that are adjusted (in my life also) because of tinnitus.

You are a great mom and wife to your husband.

When someone injures a knee they stop running and find other ways to work out or they risk not being able to even walk without pain.

 

[Samantha R]

I am proud of you @Samantha R! Never underestimate the important message in your story. You live life well with your tinnitus but there are things that are adjusted (in my life also) because of tinnitus.

You are a great mom and wife to your husband.

When someone injures a knee they stop running and find other ways to work out or they risk not being able to even walk without pain.

Thank you Starthrower, I really appreciate your kind words and I love the knee analogy!
I do live my life well - I'm running a business, raising three small children, and maintaining as much "normal" as I can.
Things have changed in my life and I'm actually OK with not going to loud places, I don't feel like I'm missing out, I feel comfortable with my decisions and life can still be wonderful.
x

 

[Starthrower]

Things have changed in my life and I'm actually OK with not going to loud places, I don't feel like I'm missing out, I feel comfortable with my decisions and life can still be wonderful.

@Samantha R my experience is the same as yours. I don't feel I am missing out or over protecting or fearing things. I have found what is okay for my life and my husband like yours is supportive.

Like you I now concentrate on the positive - but our explanation(s) seem to get lost in translation elsewhere.