ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: zeek on May 13, 2008, 08:59:33 pm
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I'm new to this forum. I wish I'd found it a long time ago. My question is this: Has anyone experianced severe depression, panic attacks, or aniexty attacks since surgery? I had an acoustic neuroma removed in Feb. and was on Hydrocodone for 2 months afterwords. I was taking varius drugs totally over 20 pills a day. They bruised a nerve in my arm, which caused nerve pain in my hand, which is slowly getting better. I decided I wanted off all drugs, so I started the two weeks of hell trying to wean myself off. I did succeed, but went thru absolute hell, even 2 weeks after I was off the drugs. I hope I never go back to that dark place again. But, I worry about it coming back. Is this normal? Dr. says I might have buried these feels about surgery so well, that now that I'm off drugs, they came to the surface. My surgery was successful, but lost hearing in one ear. Small chance of it ever coming back. I have more questions, but will ask those some other time.
Thank You.
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Zeek -
some do experience depression post op.
I didn't really think I did until the day my insurance company told me they'd pay for my BAHA surgery and processor. I think being SSD as a result of the surgery just depressed the hell out of me. When it finally became obvious that I was going to be able to do something about my SSD, it was like a fog was lifted. I felt like I had won the lottery :D
Although I didn't have severe depression, panic attacks, or anxiety attacks, I'm sure there are others who have experienced this.
You might want to consider therapy. I've found it very helpful for other situations in my life.
Jan
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Thank you. I have concidered therapy if it returns, but sure hope it doesn't! I read where alot of my problem was a total loss of control in my life for the last 4 months. You, know, everything that is associated with this surgery. Testing, M.R.I's, trips to the hospital, you turn your whole life over to the doctors and nurses, family, ect. It gets to be to much after awhile. And if your used to being in control of your business, personal life, ect. it's even worse. You just feel like, Am I ever going to be in control of my life ever again? But, time does help.
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Zeek -
I know the feeling. I think lots of us experience this same thing from the time we are diagnosed until many months after treatment. You're not that far post op; give it some time.
I hate not being in control - it really frustrates me. Guess that would make me a control freak ::) I'm slowly learning to chill out and just deal with things as they come - I think that was one of the lessons having an AN taught me.
Try to remember that there is life after an AN.
You'll get there,
Jan
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Hi Zeek,
Yes, there is a sense of "when it rains, it pours." I found it very annoying when the dentist recently decided I had a small cavity that needed filling - yet another appointment, another treatment, another billing. Come on, when will it all end?
Of course, getting a cavity filled at the dentist is just normal life. It just seems like piling on, given what you have gone through before. I think we sometimes imagine that once the AN is over, life should be magically serene and delightful, when of course it is full of all the usual traffic jams and other annoyances of every day life.
You just have to get used to it all over again. :)
Steve
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first of all welcome zeek . glad to see another newbie as they call us :D
i had depression B4 i went in. had it for years. and as that last week went b4 i too was wondering how it wouild be, what my life would be like next , etc etc.
im an Engineer by trade and now i teach college so control is something im all about,
BUT i knew best to let the Dr.s , nurses, and my wonderful DW help me.
I cant say i had any more issues with depression after my surgery 5 months ago. When i have had those kinda twinges i know what to do with them.
and i'll add my 2 cents worth on the therapy, sometimes for me it helps to just talk about all this with someone. b4 the depression gets there.
Hang in there 8)
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Yes - use the search function and seek "depression"
there are several topics that would be of assistance to you
Best Regards
Tony
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Hi Zeek-
I would also add that just the process of weening yourself off those heavy-duty pain meds may contribute to depression. Gvie yoruself some time, nourish your body, and try to spend some time outside in the sun every day (it really helps fight off temporary depression.) And, of course, don't hesitate to seek therapy - like Jan, I am a proponent.
Be well, Zeek.
Debbi
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Hi, Zeek and welcome:
I'm sorry to learn of your post-op depression. Obviously, the prescription medications played a part but now that you're off them you're in a much better place. Bravo to you for weaning yourself off the meds - and going through 'hell' in order to do so. That shows real motivation and the character to follow through to completion in a very tough situation. You're probably a lot stronger than you think.
Like you and many others, I'm used to being in control of my life. I do what I want, when I want, the way I want to do it. I'm a list maker and get antsy when things on my list aren't being completed. However, that all went out the window as soon as I received my AN diagnosis (see my signature). Like everyone else, I began a round of doctor visits, innumerable, sometimes invasive tests and a complete upheaval of my normal routine. I hated it. Yet, I went along and didn't complain much (outwardly) because I realized I had a serious problem that had to be addressed and these were the things I had to do. My wife (God bless her) pretty much took over a lot of things. I almost resented it at first, but thanked her later. The surgery went well (no complications) and my recovery was rapid and near-total within weeks. Three months later, I underwent pre-scheduled FSR treatments, 26 in all, given on a daily basis, Monday through Friday. They involved a 60-mile round trip each day (I drove) and were tedious but not painful. I suffered no ill effects. I was finally finished in October, 2006. I've been pretty well recovered for most of a year but notice I'm even a little better (balance, especially) today, near two years after my surgery. There really is a 'light at the end of the (AN) tunnel'. :)
I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist, but I believe that, barring chemical imbalances or other influences outside of our control, we make our own reality and decide, every morning, how we'll 'feel' or what kind of mood we'll be in, today. If we allow the negative in our lives - and we all have to deal with that in some form or other - we'll generally be depressed and negative. It doesn't have to be that way. Therapy may ultimately be useful for you but I trust that, as you noted, time does help heal more than just our incision site. Little by little, you'll see yourself regaining control of your life again and eventually, leaving your 'AN experience' behind. I only ask that, as you look at it in the rear-view mirror of your life that you remember the folks here that, once you're totally well, could use your input and encouragement.
Thanks. :)
Jim
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Thank all of you for your good advice. I want to post some more questions soon as I get a little more time. See you all later.
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I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist, but I believe that, barring chemical imbalances or other influences outside of our control, we make our own reality and decide, every morning, how we'll 'feel' or what kind of mood we'll be in, today. If we allow the negative in our lives - and we all have to deal with that in some form or other - we'll generally be depressed and negative. It doesn't have to be that way. Therapy may ultimately be useful for you but I trust that, as you noted, time does help heal more than just our incision site. Little by little, you'll see yourself regaining control of your life again and eventually, leaving your 'AN experience' behind. I only ask that, as you look at it in the rear-view mirror of your life that you remember the folks here that, once you're totally well, could use your input and encouragement.
Jim, these are such wise words and thank you so much for stating this in such an elegant and clear way. I am such a huge believer in the power of our own thoughts, but I doubt I could have stated this any better than you. This really touches me - thank you.
Debbi
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Hi Zeek,
I am 2 years post op and in the first 9 months I crashed big time with deep depression twice. I was/am an independent control freak who didn't like relying on someone to help me. I stopped eating, couldn't get out of bed, shower and basically couldn't function. I lost 25lb and was just not expecting this to be part of the "recovery" I have since learnt that while this does not happen to everyone, it is not that unusual. My Dr certainly didn't say anything and I think it would have helped me if he had. I was also dealing with a lot of other big losses at the same time, so looking back try not take on other stressful situations. My husband a pilot is more of a control freak and just couldn't relate to my depression I finally went into councelling in fact we both did as AN was taking us both down with it. The first therapist told me to remove all the mirrors in my house, wear a big hat and scarf outside, and leave my husband. I decided to leave her. The 2nd therapist was great and also with the help of medication. i started to recover. Now to all of you Tom Cruises out there. I am NOT advocating medication, but it helped me, and sometimes Positive thinking alone just does not crack it. Now 2 years later I am much more accepting of my situation. I wake up in the morning and my crooked face is not the first thing I think about. Do I prefer the new me, Hell no, but life goes on. I am still feeling and seeing improvements 2 years on, so don't listen when your Dr tells you after the first year thats it, you will not improve. It is such a shame that we do not have more resources available concerning AN's. We have this great website and hope that our Dr will not just send us home from hospital and tell us " we will be back to normal " in a few weeks.
Good luck
Lainie.
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Thank God for this wonderful web site! This support is great. My situation was this. I'm a middle aged single man, who discoved I did have a AN. I thought, O.K. lets get it on and over with. They tried once, but beofre they could operate they had trouble, so it was rescheduled for a month later. I was very lucky. I was in I.C.U. 6 days, then home.Operation lasted 13 hours! I did have a stroke face for about a month. And vision problems, but it went away to. I was walking and driving in no time. I was gung ho! But I soon found my limits. It's been 3 months and I still am not suppose to lift anything. Do you fully understand why? I don't. I thought I had the depression thing wipped, but I don't know for sure. In the evenings sometimes I still feel down. Tonight is one of those. So, if I was to pycho analize myself, I would say that I'm worried about being almost 50, and I've allready done, and seen everything in this world that I'm interested in, and can't get excited about anything anymore. Nothing to look forward to. I guess the operation opened my mind in a bad way. Now, I don't know how to get back to my old happy self. On another subject, I never had headaches before or after surgery, but the last couple of nights I have. Any ideas? Tylenol wipes it out.
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Zeek -
Unfortunately I don't have any advice on the headaches, I don't experience them; didn't before my surgery either.
I can relate to some of the things you are going through. I'm mid-aged myself, single - but with 2 kids to support. I don't want to lecture you, but I just can't relate when you say you have nothing to get excited about, and feel you've seen and done it all. You're not even 50 yet! You have lots of years ahead of you. Go out and live life! Take up a sport, join a book club or another group; get out there Zeek! Maybe you could volunteer your time to a worthwhile cause - it costs nothing and would expose you to a whole new group of people.
If you need something to look forward to, just stop by this forum and read and post, it might make you happy to be more involved here. Also, you can look forward to the 2009 ANA Symposium in Chicago. There should be a lot of AN patients present and you will be able to meet many of us who can relate to what you've been through. Heck, I'll even buy you a drink - alcoholic or not - just don't tell Lori - or Steve ;)
I don't understand why you can't lift anything after 3 months ??? Is this just your doctor's policy? I had this restriction post op, but it was nowhere near 3 months. I don't recall off hand how long it was, but I'm sure it wasn't more than 4-6 weeks. Maybe you should check with your doctor.
Jan
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ANA symposium? Interesting. Didn't know there was such a thing. I am not to lift anything over 10# until I have an M.R.I. in August. Something about the electro something or other in my brain are trying to reconnect? And straining would interfer with that somehow.
As far as being bored or whatever you want to call it, I take a nice trip every summer, and every winter. I've been in all but 5 states of the U.S.A. The carribean, Mexico. I have not been over seas, but don't know if I really want to. Since I'm a bachelor, and self employed, I can pretty much go when I want. I know, I'm spoiled. Maybe that's part of the problem. Isn't life funny? My old friends and classmates all got married and had familys. I stayed single. Now who's got all there marbles and who doesn't? ha! A wife and kids must do something to the brain to keep one sane.
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Zeek,
It is important to not bottle up emotions. Coming on-line here and opening up to us here on the forum is a good step forward.
Try to read about clinical depression and see if you think it is this becoming that serious or not
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression
It is very important that it not go on too long without help “if� you think this might be the case.
If you look at this link
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?action=search2 (type in "depression")
…you can see there are 8 pages of threads on this very topic. So know you are not the first and won’t be the last to feel depressed post AN treatment. Know you are not alone in the dark with this.
Regardless you need a big hug.
There is no doubt in my mind that all the drugs were affecting my post op moods- ...and even after I assertively weaned as soon as possible … there seemed to be a time needed for my body and brain to settle even after the wean. Remember too we had steroids pumped into us during treatment time… and there are plenty of testimonies as to what steroids did to us after surgery… some were even laughing right after the craniotomies and while others testify they were having wild nightmares.
There is bound to be some natural grieving to loosing one’s hearing… you are entitled to this.
There is much evidence that exercise can be very helpful in easing depression symptoms
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/MH00043
http://www.psychologymatters.org/exercise.html
Try to get out and exercise- even if it is only 20 minutes per day at a brisk walk.
I find going to ANA support group meeting very uplifting as it is nice to meet people who are going through what I am- and can relate. There is always lots of laughter as we share our commonalities… and occasionally tears (there is nothing wrong with shedding tears- this is much healthier than bottling emotions up)
Here is a list of the ANA support groups
http://www.anausa.org/local_groups.html
Schedule of meeting topics and times
http://www.anausa.org/group_meetings.html
Phyl will also be able to connect you with people who are willing to talk. See this link
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=3252.0
More HUGS
Daisy Head Mazy
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Hey Dazy Mazy,
Glad to help in any way that I can. Thanks for sharing all that you do! :) xoxoxo
Hi Zeek and welcome. Apologies for not saying hi sooner... sometimes it's difficult for me to keep up with all the new folks, but you didn't slip under the radar and we are here to help.
In follow up to Mazy's post, she mentions the ANA WTT (Willing to Talk) list and provided a link to a thread I started a while back, to let everyone know this list exists. The list contains AN'ers of all walks of life, with all AN experiences... some that have had surgery, some that have had radiation, some that are wait/watch. I know that recently the ANA has been updating the list... and for those on it, such as myself, we volunteer our time to speak on the phone to those that may have questions, need our good ears (and soft shoulders), etc. We have been extensively interviewed by the ANA to be selected for the list, so know that regardless of whom (or is it who?) you speak to, regardless if on the WTT list or here on the forums, we are here to help.
You can contact the ANA office directly to obtain the list... or PM (email) me here.... our inboxes and hearts are here for you.
Hang in there. As you can see, plenty of folks here that truly do understand. We know what it is to walk a mile in your AN shoes.
Again, welcome.
Phyl
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Hello Zeek,
I didn't go through what you went through, I didn't have to take the meds. I was one of the lucky ones I didn't get any head pain after the surgery. But I also went straight to what I wanted to do afterwards. I started driving in about a week PO. I don't like to sit around, my husband was upset at me for doing it. Then I went back to work in 3 weeks with a doctor permission. Yes, I got tired a lot but my employers helped me with it.
Congratulations on kicking the meds. and you are doing the right thing.
eve
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ANA symposium? Interesting. Didn't know there was such a thing. I am not to lift anything over 10# until I have an M.R.I. in August. Something about the electro something or other in my brain are trying to reconnect? And straining would interfer with that somehow.
As far as being bored or whatever you want to call it, I take a nice trip every summer, and every winter. I've been in all but 5 states of the U.S.A. The carribean, Mexico. I have not been over seas, but don't know if I really want to. Since I'm a bachelor, and self employed, I can pretty much go when I want. I know, I'm spoiled. Maybe that's part of the problem. Isn't life funny? My old friends and classmates all got married and had familys. I stayed single. Now who's got all there marbles and who doesn't? ha! A wife and kids must do something to the brain to keep one sane.
Zeek -
the ANA holds a symposium every two years; the place varies. The location usually depends on the doctor who is sponsoring (financially supporting) the symposium since the ANA is a non-profit organization. The 2007 Symposium was held in Philadelphia, the 2009 Symposium will be held in Chicago. 2009 will be hosted by Dr. Richard Wiet of Ear Institute of Chicago along with the Northwestern University Medical School located in Evanston, IL. The symposium is usually attended by doctors, patients, and family members of patients. I've never been to one; 2009 will be my first one.
I have a brother (44) who is a bachelor and lives a lifestyle similar to yours. He works for a pharmaceutical company, but he travels a lot and has been to all but 2 states. He also goes overseas for work and vacations in various places like Honduras and British Columbia to scuba dive. The rest of my siblings are married - and I was for 22 years until just a few years ago. We all envy my brother's lifestyle. So it's ironic to me that being single you would envy married people. I guess it's all in the way you look at your life. I relish being single and although my children are a huge responsibility I can't imagine life without them. In fact if I had to do it all over again, I would have never gotten married and had about 6 children :)
You have certainly not lost all your marbles :) You are just at a "low spot" in your life right now. A lot of it probably has to do with your AN diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Having an AN is a big deal; so is having brain surgery. Try reaching out to people and getting involved in new things. As Mazy suggested, a local ANA support group might be a tremendous help to you.
You'll get through this; have faith,
Jan
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Hi Zeek,
I myself had to give up worrying about being "almost 50" several years ago. :P
It is fairly well documented that as you get to around this age, your interest in thrills and excitement tends to die down, and you start yearning for satisfaction and good company instead. Things like building a deck in your backyard; running in a half-marathon - or helping to organize one; volunteering to read stories to kids at the library; teaching a class at a community college; taking a yoga class.
It's not always an easy transition to make, and having an AN stuck in the middle of it doesn't make it any easier. One thing I have found that helps is this forum; you may have noticed several others here feel the same way about it. I also highly recommend meeting other ANers in person, if you have a chance. It is not only interesting, it is fun and rewarding.
Or I suppose you could try that convertible red sports car thing. ::)
Steve
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I'm going to try this again -- I was in the middle of replying to this and getting the girlies ready for school and my hubby deleted it & went to something else on the computer...AAAHHHHHH!
Zeek~
Hello and welcome to our little club. I don't think this would be any of our first choices in groups to join, but it sure is a good one!! Feel free to ask anything or even just vent...we are here to help & support you.
I agree wholeheartedly with what Jan says (I do that a lot) - I realize that you are able (financially & time-wise) to do as you please and have experienced many things. However, I think that there is a whole world out there left for you to discover. Two things that seem to come to mind first are kids and animals. I think that people almost always receive more in return from these two than any other. You've always heard of the young single guy who wants a dog to walk to attrack girls or borrows his nephew for the day to be a "chic magnet" - there is a reason! There are many animal shelters that would be so grateful for someone to come walk the dogs...have you thought about Big Brothers/Big Sisters or being a mentor at the local elementary school (trust me, teachers ALWAYS need people to come read w/ kids). I get the most satisfaction when I am helping someone else -- & I mean getting my hands "dirty" not just writing a check (even though that is needed too). There are many things you could do that would not require lifting (which I haven't heard of that, BTW -- the only thing near I have experienced is my OB doc didn't want me pushing too streneously in childbirth, but you don't have to worry about that!! LOL). I love working with the elderly -- I like to plant flowers outside their windows or you might be able to shop for someone that can't get out or drive them to the store...how about Meals on Wheels? Habitat for Humanity? The opportunities and needs are endless...there has to be something that interests you! You will gain so much and be so much happier and it kind of takes the focus off of you!
Good Luck in finding something to fill your time and give you more of a purpose! In the meantime, we are here for you! Don't be a stranger!
K
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Zeek,
K is so bang on here. Finding purpose will make a big difference in your life and in the lives of others… especially those who have needs (kids, elderly, disabled) through your service. It is such a healthy thing to do- mentally , physically and spiritually… for all parties involved.
Daisy Head Mazy
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Hi, Zeek:
I think I can understand how your experience with an Acoustic Neuroma can throw you off course. This is not unheard of when a person has an unexpected medical crisis that impacts their quality of life. Usually, it's middle-aged guys that have a heart attack and lose their zest for life because they now feel 'fragile' and/or 'damaged' and have seen their own mortality a bit too clearly. However, it appears as if an AN can sometimes have the same effect. I believe this is unnecessary angst. I was 63 when I received my AN diagnosis. I had no intention of giving up on anything. Naturally, I've settled down a bit as I've aged but I refuse to become jaded on life just because I had an Acoustic Neuroma and have a few little obstacles to deal with, albeit fewer than most AN patients.
Zeek, you're three months out of major, 13-hour surgery. I'm an impatient type too, but we have to realistic. I know I'm stating the obvious here but we all age and we're all mortal. I'm not the guy I was at 50 or 40 or 25 - and I don't care. I have a wealth of life experience to draw on but I'm acutely aware that I don't have all the answers. I know I've got a lot more living behind me than ahead of me and thats O.K. I've done what I wanted (family, career) and like Sinatra sang, I did it my way. That doesn't mean I've done it all. I still have things I want to do. Some are fairly big (and expensive) and some are pretty small, but I want to do them. I haven't lived my entire life quite yet. Just posting on this board has shown me that I can be of some use to others in some way, and perhaps you can, too. I respectfully suggest you cease looking at what you may feel you've lost or can't do, and look at what you can do, which is probably a lot more than you realize.
Granted, turning 50 can be a bit intimidating - but only if you let it be. It's a state of mind. Wait until you turn 65! I just did (February). I don't try to shy away from that reality but I don't allow it to dominate my life or color my attitude, either. Same with my AN. That happened; I went through the doctor consultations, tests, cancer scare, surgery, ICU, recuperation and now I'm pretty much back to normal and happy to share my experience with folks who can relate to it, here. I trust that you'll be doing something similar in a few months, Zeek. Give yourself a break. You had serious, major surgery. This wasn't a little operation. You've done fine and are only three months post-op. Things will steadily improve. You'll find new challenges and interests as long as you remain open to them. That is up to you. No one can 'talk you into it'. I trust that you'll see the many experiences waiting for you, if only you accept the fact that simply being older does not preclude learning or experiencing new things. I first sat down at a computer when I was 50 years old. Now I spend hours at one, for pleasure. If I had thought I was 'too old' to learn how to use a computer (and the internet), I would have missed out on a lot. Don't allow yourself to miss out on anything, Zeek. :)
As for the headaches, I can't say. Could be stress. I'm not a doctor but if Tylenol zaps it, it can't be too serious. Tell your doctor, just to be cautious. I assumed the lifting restriction was so that your skull and membranes that were cut can heal properly. I had no problem with the restriction and when I did lift something a bit heavy, I could feel it in my skull, so I stopped and followed the restriction. Within a year, it was lifted. I'm sure yours will be, too.
Thanks for your time, Zeek. I hope the responses, including this one, are helpful. Try to stay positive. :)
Jim
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I want to thank all of you for your wise and kinds words. It means alot to me. You people really know your stuff. I guess I really had my self overly prepared, or was overly sure of myself going into surgery. Doc always says " You just had major, major surgery" And I'm like, " O.K. I know, can we get this thing over with? " I'm just not used to being restricted in anyway. But, I want you to know that today I planted my flower beds. I didn't think I could, but I took my time, and did it. It's something I have enjoyed for about 25 years now. ( I set out 150 plants)I am a full time farmer, and I had a friend help me with the lifting work today so I could drill soybeans. So I had a busy day. And, I also made vacation plans for August. A friend might even go along. I scheduled it a week after my M.R.I. so I can kind of celebrate a little after it shows no regrowth.
As far as some of the other suggestions, I do have alot of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews that I spend as much time with them as possible.And my own b rothers and sisters. And I'm involved in my church. And I socialize with alot of people, so it's not like I'm living in a cave. I will reread some of your advice, and learn from it. Thank You.
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Zeek !
You're sounding better already!
BTW, that "convertible red sports car thing" that Steve suggested is a great idea.
I had a purple Sebring convertible with leather seats until about a year ago when the kids complained because there was no room for them plus all their buddies in it. Had to trade it in on a van :( Damn, I miss that car - it made me feel young again! So, if all else fails, head to your local car dealer ;)
Jan
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Zeek, Hang in there. Your good ear sensitivity will settle down. My experience was similar. I was annoyed by loud talking and echoes in large rooms. I had to accept the ringing in my head and grieve for hearing loss at the same time. I think it is important to take time to get over the loss. Gardening and being outdoors are good ways to get some peace from the background sounds.
I always remind people to keep up with hydration, too.
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How about bouts of depression...no matter what your treatment?
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I forgot to say, I have been walking about a mile every evening weather permitting. As far as the convertable goes, I always wanted to drive the pacific coast highway in a convertable. I've driven it before, but not in a convertable. I guess I was always to practical. I figured, 1) It was more money. 2) More dangerous in wreck. 3) Hassle to put the top up everytime you leave the car, and not get stuff stolen. 4.) I tryed a Mustang in Miami once, could not fit into it. Got a Sebrien instead, but was at night, so didn't really use it.
My ear ringing has been worse the last few days, I wonder if I didn't over do it work wise?
I've also been having migrain headaches that I haven't had in years. During the night, and early morning.
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I would consider renting a car. In some cities in CA, you can rent just about anything. It would be more than a regular rental, but cheaper than buying one. The pacific highway is great, very scenic in some places, and it has some open stretches where you can "exercise" your car. :)
If you haven't been doing hard work for awhile, and suddenly did some, I can see that setting a few things off. I usually feel it in my back. In another 3 months, with some gradual build up of activity, I bet you will be close to your previous self. You sound like you are an active person by nature.
I agree with Boppie, too - drinking water really does help.
Steve
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Zeek -
life is too short to be practical ;)
Jan
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Zeek:
I totally agree with Steve. Try renting a convertible for a weekend (or two). I had convertibles when I was younger and loved them. On today's cars, the tops go up in about 20 seconds and with very little hassle, unlike the older cars. Some higher-priced models even have solid (plastic) roofs that automatically fold up (into the truck area) so you have a solid covering (no leaks) for inclement weather, much better security and improved support in a crash.
As Jan stated, life is too short to be practical. I bought a brand new, dark red V-8 Mustang (with 4-speed transmission) when I was 47. I used it as my 'daily driver'. My wife had a new, 4-door Mazda 626 with automatic transmission so we always had a 'practical' car in the family. I put 125,000 miles on it and sold it in 2005 for $3,000. (it was in excellent condition). I've never regretted buying that car. It served me well for 15 years and I had no serious mechanical difficulties with it. It also gave me great pleasure. I recall taking my son to Junior High school and making him instantly more popular when he got out of the red Mustang as the duel exhausts burbled and I drove away. Like a convertible, a 'muscle car' can be semi-practical (I used the Mustang like I would any other car) and although they always have a few drawbacks, for a single man they would be few and far-between. Treat yourself. I did. :)
BTY: I lived in southern California in the mid-1970's (North Hollywood) and I know from first-hand experience that the Pacific Coast Highway is a great drive in almost any car (I had a new Chevy Camaro at the time) and especially in a convertible with the top down. I highly recommend it. :)
Jim
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The Oregon Coast is a pretty spectacular drive too… and it looks as though the rainy season is behind us now - as we are into scorching temperatures.
So you can keep your top down and keep heading north… if you are really adventurous.
Cheers,
Daisy Head Mazy
P.S. I drive a screaming family van- often loaded with kids … seems this makes us popular too (tease JS :D ;) :D LOL) … especially when we are willing to drive and chaperone kids to various places. I hope you all have seen Pixar’s movie CARS. I am definitely Sally the blue Porsche… in that movie.
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Hi Zeek-
So, sports cars aside ... good for you for doing a little planting! I put a few herbs in pots this week and felt immensdely satisfied. I am going to tackle some flowers very soon.
Also, I commend you for taking walks - I find that to be very good therapy myself, something about the fresh air and just the feeling of moving.
One of the other things that helps me is that I set some small goal for myself each day (as simple as taking the dog for a walk, or eating dinner in a public place). That way, at the end of each day, I can take a few minutes to celebrate whatever little victory I've achieved that day. It really does help me to focus on the positive things, rather than dwelling on the things that aren't so good (and, heaven knows, there seem to be a lot of those right now...) And, I also think about how lucky I am to have the family and friends in my life.
Debbi - also feeling lucky to have made so many friends on this forum...
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I know that I need to count my blessings. 1) I did not have a stroke during the operation. 2) I survived it. 3) I was able to swallow afterwords. 4) I was able to eat right away even though it didn't taste to good at first. 5) I didn't loose my sense of taste. 6) My stroke face went away in a month or so. 7) My leg they injured healed up. ( looked like bed sores for being on table for 13 hours.) 8) I can't hardly tell were they opened me up. 9) My hand pain is getting much better.( they injured it) 10) I'm off all drugs. 11) I started walking 2 days after surgery. 12) Hours after I woke up, I sat in a chair next to bed. 13) My weight balooned to 285 (water) then dropped back to 265. I'm now down to 250.14)14) My vision got back to normal. I had family, friends, and neihbors help out, visit me, and take care of me bring me food. I could go on and on.
One comment about my walking. My lazy cat doesn't get much exerise because she insists that I carry her! And I have up and down evenings. Tonight is a good one.
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Zeek -
do you realize this is your 2nd positive post on this subject in two days? I think you are making progress since you found us ;)
Glad you're having a good night; you're entitled to it.
Hope you have many more,
Jan
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Zeek~
I've never made a list of the blessings that came out of my surgery...you've really gotten me to thinking -- thank you!! ;D
K