Well, after much encouragement from my husband and our choir director, I decided to give the choir a try--to do our musical Cantata Easter presentation. My head had soooo much pressure going on and during the program, I got really 'flushed' in my face--felt soooo hot. When we'd sit, I'd put my hands on my face to cool down--didn't help alot. But toward the end of the program I began to feel my face cooling some. I was totally 'done' by the end of it--about an hour program. But, felt like it was answered prayer and much encouragement from my husband and the music director. Wonder if some here still try to do things like this, be it choir, a presentation, singing a solo, etc. where you feel you are pressing on to do it. I know if you work you are dealing with it daily--and admire those of you doing that. I know I'd not be able to do the job I had feeling like I do these days. I have trouble concentrating, hearing my own voice (during singing in a group) and handling the music all around me. But--I did it and am glad I did! Today, the head pressure is 'there' as most days. Thankfully, no vertigo but alot of imbalance getting up and down and standing too long. Just sharing this. I imagine many of you are dealing with all this and more. Have a very 'Happy Easter, everyone--don't let this spoil this most beautiful of days! "
Way to go, yanksgirl. That was an awesome accomplishment, especially as you were in public. You are an inspiration. Maggie
awesome! Yanksgirl so proud of you! People don't realize how much courage it takes for us to do mundane things that non affected people take for granted. We are all truly courageous people
Thanks everyone--didn't expect congratulations from my post--but it meant alot! I told my husband--folks don't understand how much an effort it takes sometimes to do the things we, who deal with this, need to do and love to do, and can't without alot of effort. He said someone at church said they were glad to see me 'up there singing' and he told them, 'you don't know how much of an effort she had to make to do that'! She wanted to so badly. That meant alot to hear him say that. He's a big support to me for sure. Most folks just say things like--'oh, I get dizzy too and it's 'no fun'! But don't understand the 'unending' pressure--fullness some of us have--vertigo that others have, loss of hearing, etc. So, because we 'look ok' folks assume we are doing ok or that it's really 'not that bad'! I have to say my fellow choir members were so kind and so happy to have me there last night and it meant alot to me for sure.
Congratulations Yanksgirl on your triumph! I'm sure it felt really good to sing. In fact if I were you I'd sing as much as possible because I heard how all these symptoms give you anxiety and a good remedy is the act of singing out loud itself. I'm sure you feel empowered when you sing, is that true? You know how when you have a problem and you start talking to someone and telling them about it, one just feels better? The act of talking actually has healing properties. This is because the vagus nerve gets stimulated which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Now check this out "The next time you’re feeling anxious or depressed, don’t take a prescription drug. Instead, try a safe and effective remedy for stress that is backed by thousands of years of anecdotal and scientific evidence. Doctors and other experts say that stimulating something called the vagus nerve – which originates in the brainstem and extends all the way down to the tongue, vocal chords, heart, lungs, and other internal organs – is a quick and easy way to relieve anxiety. You may have never heard of the vagus nerve, but it is the most important element of the parasympathetic nervous system, the one that calms you down. When you stimulate your vagus nerve, you counteract your sympathetic nervous system, the one that causes stress by activating your fight-or-flight response."
Yanksgirl - I am very proud of you. I know just how hard it can be - and this thing seems to work hard to keep us miserable and afraid and in the same revolving circle. You stepped outside the circle, were brave and proved to yourself that you CAN get through it. I absolutely believe that is key with this thing - sometimes we have to risk breaking the cycle and go on with life...in order to get a life. I am a firm believer in always having my back-up plan (just in case) - but having a back-up plan seems to relieve some of my anxiety...which can bring on an attack. I am so happy for you! And your husband certainly sounds like he "gets it". Being us is not easy by any means. This thing certainly has forced me to learn to appreciate the simple things in life.
Way to go Yanks Girl! Good Job! People do not understand how things they take for granted can cause such exhaustion! Your husband sounds like a wonderful man!
Yanksgirl I applaud you and the courage and determination it took for you to sing with the choir and to make it through to the end. Well done! I hope there will be many more occasions for you to do what you love, let your singing voice be heard and enjoy the company of your fellow choir members. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment!
I know trying so hard can be exhausting for sure, just do the things. Hopefully I can get better one day to be at peak performance and help as much as I can. I sympathize with you and know it's hard, I've been there. Just take it easy and don't go hard then, do only soothing things. You have a lot of people who care about you here and close to you, hopefully that'll give you strength until we can slay this beast, I feel the day is coming, this beast will be slain!
yes, I was previously a professional salsa dancer and have moderate hearing loss. I just joined a salsa performance group for the first time in 5 years. I am glad that you had a good experience with the choir. How brave you are!