Things People Say When You Tell Them You Have Tinnitus

Yeah, I know... It's because people compare things to what they know, which works well in most cases because a broken bone is a broken bone, a toothache a toothache, a papercut a papercut, ... So it's only logical that they would resort to this very pattern when it comes to tinnitus, too. Unfortunately, the only way for them to learn about the nightmare that is severe tinnitus is to experience it themselves, which is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

 

After 4 years of this constant noise, and trying to explain the condition and what goes on in the head, I finally realized it's not worth the time or trouble to explain. It's not for sympathy we explain.

 

"Have you tried those gummy bears yet?"

 

"Cool!"

 

I have chronic prostatitis as well and sometimes need to take Doxycycline to deal with flare ups. Doxycycline does sometimes seem to spike it but not permanently. Remember that the stress from pelvic pain causes stress that can also worsen tinnitus.

The thing with chronic prostatitis is that it's hard to treat but between flare ups there is no pain. You don't really need antibiotics most of the time but sometimes you do as the bacteria can swarm out.

Usually treatment of chronic prostatitis is unpredictable and long. My urologist wants me to take Doxycycline for six to twelve weeks! This cures 75% of people with this illness but even than there are no guarantees so I simply refuse to take it so long even if I risk the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

Even without antibiotics you can go years without major flare ups, but, due to some recent poor life decisions, I suffer from another major flare up right now, unfortunately.

 

Wow!

 

Believe it or not, I was given - ANOTHER - $$$ bottle of the hearing and tinnitus "miracle cure". Oh Boy! SAME shit, but different colorful sticker-name for 2022-2023. Happy New Year!

A pattern is, no one even bothers to READ the labels, which basically contains the same ingredients e.g., Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E etc. as in their "low energy" and sexual dysfunction bottles. Aaaand of course, when tried to point this out for the umpteenth time, to be labelled as being negative, not trying hard enough and comparing me to the joyous "honest reviews" from dancing seniors in their ads. "If it works for them and they can do it, you can too"! Well, the best thing again... I've gone "back to silence".

 

Chronic prostatitis - what are the symptoms? I sometimes have a slight brownish colour to my semen (what little I produce) which I have had for years. I sometimes think there is some infection which comes and goes.

 

I don't really tell people.

I told my son - as I wanted to urge him to avoid night clubs etc.

My mum I told - she said - oh that's just the sound of your heart - I get that too.

I told my doctor when he gave me some anti-inflammatories for a tendon issue I have and I asked if it might help my tinnitus. He said no, it won't help and added "I have it too - damned nightmare."

I asked my son not to tell my ex wife as she will say "you see - god is punishing you for not staying with me."

 

At my GP's a few weeks back, I was trying to explain the desperation people have & lack of real resources. I mentioned how it was accepted as a condition to end one's life by VAD, how 3 to 4 people on a forum I frequent has taken their own life, and that I need help with this. All he could respond with was "should I be worried about you?", completely missing the point.

 

For me, mostly just pelvic pain, which can be severe at times, that comes and goes.

 

The last ENT I visited asked me if I was hearing voices.

 

In my opinion most people won't feel too deeply about others' issues because they're so focused on their own. Honestly, myself included. We can give to charity and feel briefly for others, but if it's not any issue affecting our children, spouse or immediate family then we don't generally put a lot of effort in to understand and console.