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Post Gamma Knife treatment

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audrey02830
audrey02830

I had Gamma Knife treatment for a schwannoma in October  2014.Initially I was very tired and slept heavily but I soon became very depressed and sad.I do have pains in my head occasionally  but no other physical symptoms .Nothing seems to stop me feeling withdrawn and depressed.Being unable to hear clearly makes group conversation difficult.My hobbies are all group activities requiring conversation.Has anyone any tips that may help me cope better.I walk and train my dogs .I live alone so interaction with people is important.an I have encouraged myself to enter some Obedience competitions.Is it common to feel so sad ?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • teri422
    teri422 audrey02830

    Posted

    Hi Audrey,

    You've just suffered a huge loss (your hearing) so of course you'll be feeling sad. It's a big adjustment, but one you will make. Please don't be so hard on yourself so soon. I wear hearing aids (have since I was 6) so I totally know what you mean about feeling withdrawn. But for right now, you simply need to learn how to communicate without your hearing being 100%. Read their lips, their body language, REALLY listen to people. And know what? People don't hear as well as they lead us to believe.

    Is your hearing loss one that will heal in time? Is your hearing impaired to where a hearing aid would help? Also, what is schwannoma? I've never heard of this...

    Anyhow, my heart goes out to you Audrey. If you really cannot come out of the depression, please see about getting on medications to help. But I suspect you'll be fine once you've gotten over the shock of losing something so vital.. You sound like a very interactive person with lots to offer......Hugs to you...Teri

    • audrey02830
      audrey02830 teri422

      Posted

      Hi Teri,Thank you so much for your very kind reply.In simple terms my schwannoma is a tumour on my acoustic nerve ..I did already have 2 hearing aids for 5 years  but this  tumour meant I suddenly had much more serious hearing loss to deal with.Two years after diagnosis I was advised to have treatment with the gamma knife.I am a retired lady but probably would be considered very active for my years.I teach in 2 noisy disciplines and that is quite hard now.Nevertheless it is very soon since the treatment and I have no option but to make the best of my situation.I wanted to know if I was alone in this feeling of isolation.Obviously, I am not..My thanks again Audrey
    • teri422
      teri422 audrey02830

      Posted

      Hi Audrey...No, you're not alone. I'm 54 and retired. I go to a lot of group walks and hikes (through Meetups) and I volunteer at the hospital. When I see some of the things people live with, my heart breaks for them. You sound very busy yourself and if you have to give up the things that are now a struggle, I suspect you'll find other things more fitting.

      I found this site because I went on a risky hike (walked the rocks at the beach), and fell. Because of my hearing, my balance is pretty comical and I'm always stumbling, tripping, falling. But I was determined to do this walk and I ate it. Royally. ha.  I now have a broken ankle, am half way to getting this cast off (20 more days) and then I will be free once again. Aside from the walking cast, that is....

      So, I hear you with having to live with new limitations. I also realize that losing  your hearing after having it your entire life is different from me having lived w/out it all my life. The thing that saves me the most is having the option for Closed Caption on TV. It's a lifesaver and I could never live w/out it. 

      Anyhow, you're not alone Audrey. And I do wish you the best. Teri

  • alison28608
    alison28608 audrey02830

    Posted

    I have a vistibular a schwannoma and have all but lost my hearing on my right side. I went down the radiotherapy route and feel like someone has drained all my energy away. During my treatment, my father went into hospital and died. It feels like everything is happening at once and I am not certain I can cope with it all. I too feel very down, but every day I pratice a few ballances and I am seeing some improvement. Keep going. You are not alone. I too am retired and we still have a lot to give, despite not hearing and the worry of what we have in our heads.

    take care.

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