Why so tired?

[Sam-NewZealand]

.. so is tiredness a normal AN 'sideaffect' .... i have constant tinnitus in my left, and have been very emotional since diagnosis but overall i'm just SOOOO tired!  All household chores seem to have gone out the window and i'm feeling lazy ... is this normal ?

[CHD63]

Hi Sam-NewZealand .....

So sorry you are having to deal with an AN at your age.  Fatigue/tiredness seems to be one of the fairly universal symptoms/side effects of having an AN.  Dealing with hearing loss and balance issues is very taxing on the brain.  Much of the energy previously available is now being spent trying to compensate for the loss of hearing and maintaining our balance, to say nothing of dealing with the constant tinnitus.

I have just accepted that I have to sit or lie down for quick five minute "power naps" where I close my eyes and shut everything out.  Usually that is enough for me to be able to regain some energy.

With two small children, that is no easy task.  When I was pregnant with my second and third children, I used to gather puzzles or books and put my children on the bed with me for quick naps.  Maybe that is a possibility when they are home.

Many thoughts and prayers.

Clarice

[LakeErie]

A diagnosis of AN itself is stressful, as is the need for research about treatment modes and doctors.
Stress adds to the fatigue that can arise from your brain adapting to hearing and balance loss. After surgery, your brain again is challenged to adapt to its new circumstances and fatigue is an issue. Rest, regular rest, before and after surgery was an important component of my routine. Good luck.

[ChipsFL]

.. so is tiredness a normal AN 'sideaffect' .... i have constant tinnitus in my left, and have been very emotional since diagnosis but overall i'm just SOOOO tired!  All household chores seem to have gone out the window and i'm feeling lazy ... is this normal ?

In my opinion I would say yes; especially since CK 7 months ago. Lots of energy in the AM but quickly drains as the day goes and where I used to be up till after midnight, find many nights bed time is several hours earlier unless a short afternoon nap  takes place.

[skipg]

Ditto what Chips has stated. Learn to take a nap. My stubbornness keeps me up. Does not seem normal to be napping in the middle of the day. But when I do I feel much better. Trying to learn not to resist and lay down for a couple of hours.
Skip

[Sam-NewZealand]

thanks guys - nice to know i'm not solo here on my journey & its hard when the offers of 'let me know if i can help' become the thought of yes i'd love the floor mopped  yet can't bring myself to ask anyone.

i will try to add naps / rest times but yes its hard with kids and a big renovation happening - some days having an AN just all seems to hard

[Kathleen_Mc]

I am 22+ years post op from the initial surgery and still tired! I still often have the need to nap and don't think that will change. I find if I dont' the vertigo and tinnitus gets worse and I start to feel faint. Just have to acept "the new you" and this may always remain a part of it.
Kathleen

[kiwi]

Hi Sam

I am in NZ too and had surgery with Hamish Sillars....excellent surgeon.  If you need to talk to someone with NZ experience PM me.

Jacqui

[james e]

Well for one point, you are standing upside down...only kidding. Trying to put a little fun back in your life. I think I got tied up in grip of "I have a brain tumor" and I let it run my life for a few weeks. After I met my docs, made some decisions, my attitude really changed, and my life returned to normal. This is not how the rest of your life is going to be. There is treatment, you will heal, and life will go on. Hug your babies for us!

[cherrypiper]

yes i was tired a lot after surgery. but then again i wasn't a bundle of energy b4 it either. all the Dr's told me recovery would be months b4 anything like before surgery and they were right.

when i get tired now a days i still "list" to the non AN side as that gyroscope takes over since rt side is gone.

Sun shine makes me tired as i cant squint on left eye. even with sunglasses on. It's been 5 yrs post op now. and i dont really see a problem with energy that i wouldnt already have at the age of 61  lol

[Sam-NewZealand]

ah so good to keep it real ... i've been feeling a bit better lately did some retail therapy and got into the spirit of Christmas.  Still feeling tired but notice it less and seems to be less when i'm not alone with the kids ... so putting my foot down as to the level of 'being around' support i need from hubby .... things can only get better surely  

[Slab]

Well for one point, you are standing upside down...only kidding. Trying to put a little fun back in your life. I think I got tied up in grip of "I have a brain tumor" and I let it run my life for a few weeks. After I met my docs, made some decisions, my attitude really changed, and my life returned to normal. This is not how the rest of your life is going to be. There is treatment, you will heal, and life will go on. Hug your babies for us!

I second this. If you can get to the point of not worrying about what you can't control and focus on those that have worse issues than you do.... That made it easier for me.

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Sam ~

I'm late to the thread but just wanted to add that fatigue is a noticeable symptom of an acoustic neuroma.  It can be intense post-surgery but does subside.  However, odds are that in time you'll probably have less energy than previously but, as you noted, we adjust.  Your relative youth should help in your recovery.

Jim

[ewchisek]

Hey Sam! I know your surgery is in three days. I'll be thinking and praying for you.

Elizabeth

[Sam-NewZealand]

Yes am on the way north , one night in hamilton then tomorrow 5pm i check in for surgery the next morning.  Doing well on track soon to be a postie! Xx