One of the most precious things that TN has stolen from my life is the ability to listen to music on a regular basis, which is something that I absolutely love to do. Even though I have ATN, music seems to be a trigger which increases the severity of my pain (I have no idea why). Has anyone else experienced this?
I completely understand!! Before TN, I loved to sing and play the flute. Since my TN started, I can't play the flute and most of the time I can't sing. My husband is the pianist at our church and I have to hide in my bedroom any time he practices, where before I would be right next to him, singing along. I terribly miss it, but I am greatly affected by any kind of noise, even the beautiful kind. There are times I miss singing so much that I do it anyway, really belt it out, but I pay for it later. I have had to grieve this loss in my life and get used to a "new normal". I am so sorry for you that you experience this as well.
It's nice to know that I'm not alone. I have tickets to see my favorite band in concert next month. I know that I will pay for it later on, but I'm going anyway because I'm not about to let TN take it away from me ALL of the time. :)
Karen said:
I completely understand!! Before TN, I loved to sing and play the flute. Since my TN started, I can't play the flute and most of the time I can't sing. My husband is the pianist at our church and I have to hide in my bedroom any time he practices, where before I would be right next to him, singing along. I terribly miss it, but I am greatly affected by any kind of noise, even the beautiful kind. There are times I miss singing so much that I do it anyway, really belt it out, but I pay for it later. I have had to grieve this loss in my life and get used to a "new normal". I am so sorry for you that you experience this as well.
I was shocked you posted this. No one has said this before, and I thought I was the only one. Music was a huge part of my life. I almost never listen anymore, I avoid it. I didn't know why I stopped, but it made me extremely sad when I realized I couldn't enjoy it anymore in large doses. I can listen to for a little while and still appreciate, but the desire to enjoy it is just gone. My voice was damaged during one of the procedures I had in 2009; I don't even like to speak.
Oh...yes. I too can relate; as some music seems to RUN THROUGH MY HEAD and makes my ear hurt, leading to the EVERYTHING else pain...!!! ugh. Singing hurts if done is large amounts - sometimes just the tune /tone makes me ache. We are of a rare breed; no one else understands - do they? We can still make a joyful noise in our hearts...even if we cannot with our mouths as much as we would like to. Thank you for opening up this discussion!
Cris
I haven't experienced this yet, though most of the music I listen to is ambient or new age music which is light and no heavy beat. I also listen to light pop music such as Enya or Norah Jones. But I keep it in my mind that it could happen to me.
Is it all music or just those with a beat? Can you listen to nature sounds? You could try Amazon for samples of music to see if they are a problem. Any problems others have, another could develop so your experiences help us all. Thank you.
Wow, I can identify with this! My husband is a musician. He plays lots of different places and I usually can’t go because of the same problem you have. I used to sing, play the guitar, bang around on funky things with my grandchildren and do all sorts of really fun things. That’s over now. I miss it terribly.
Family is at the symphony tonight. We have taken the children twice a year ever since my 14 year old was 4 or 5. I haven't been able to go for the last couple of years because it is too painful. Feeling pretty grumpy about it tonight...
Yes, The natural harmonics which you would not normally pick up on are heightened , and the reverberation from the brass instruments is quite impossible.It also affects pitch. I haver perfect pitch and it has taken it down a semitone.Vibration is coming from everywhere. I know all this because I am -was a professional musician. IO have recorded many c'ds with Rod Stewart, Sir James galway, George benson, Andrea Bocelli etc and many symphony orchestras and my heart is broken. I have not touched the violin since I was diagnosed 7 mths ago. C annot see anyway around this. My husband is a professional trumpet player and I have to go out of the house while he practices every day. Shocking.
What you should do is listen to unplugged music. Quiet guitar or voice. and see how you get on.I do not know what tyoe of music you listen to or I could if you wanted reccomend a few pieces. I have picked up a bit but even to put the head phones on in the studio is not on. I guess I have to eccept it but it is in my soul. I have been fortunate. living in Ireland to tour extensively and I have played Carnegie Hall etc but all I would like to do is just lift my violin and play.
I really do understand and if I can help, just ask. Nx
I have similar experience with ATN and music (and noise, like someone clapping their hands near my head). I think it has something to do with tensing the muscles in my face and neck; when the music is soothing and not so loud, I'm able to keep a relaxed face but once the music gets louder/disturbing my all body tenses. It's just something I noticed recently at a ballet performance:)
One thing that helps in certain situations is to use a sound canceling headphone device. This is the type people wear when they, for instance, want to cancel out the noise of a jet’s engine when flying on a commercial airline. I use mine when I go to hear my husband play music, or when I go to gatherings where I know the sound levels will irritate my trigeminal nerve, or will cause me to have a severe earache, headache, etc. Sometimes placing it gently on my ears even hurts, but I carry it with me everywhere now.
Oh Natalia!!! My heart breaks for you !!! I love to sing and play flute and I cant do this anymore. I miss making music so bad and it was not even my profession. I can't imagine what you must be feeling!!! My husband also plays piano and I have to hide in my bedroom whenever he plays instead of sitting next to him, playing with him or singing. I am so sorry you have to go through this. But don't give up hope!! You may get your music back..If your docs find the right meds for you or treatment, your TN may go into remission. That is my hope for you!!!
By the way, I am so jealous...Sir James Galway!!! Really!!! WOW!!! And Andrea Bocelli!!! I would love to hear your music!! Is there any link you could post (maybe youtube??) Blessings to you!!!
Natalia said:
Yes, The natural harmonics which you would not normally pick up on are heightened , and the reverberation from the brass instruments is quite impossible.It also affects pitch. I haver perfect pitch and it has taken it down a semitone.Vibration is coming from everywhere. I know all this because I am -was a professional musician. IO have recorded many c'ds with Rod Stewart, Sir James galway, George benson, Andrea Bocelli etc and many symphony orchestras and my heart is broken. I have not touched the violin since I was diagnosed 7 mths ago. C annot see anyway around this. My husband is a professional trumpet player and I have to go out of the house while he practices every day. Shocking.
What you should do is listen to unplugged music. Quiet guitar or voice. and see how you get on.I do not know what tyoe of music you listen to or I could if you wanted reccomend a few pieces. I have picked up a bit but even to put the head phones on in the studio is not on. I guess I have to eccept it but it is in my soul. I have been fortunate. living in Ireland to tour extensively and I have played Carnegie Hall etc but all I would like to do is just lift my violin and play.
I really do understand and if I can help, just ask. Nx
I am so sorry to hear this. Music is the most rewarding experience humans (and even animals) can have. I am a professional musician and I don't have any problem listening as long as it's not too loud or it doesn't have a loud, constant beat.
Can you listen to a recording on a low volume?? When I play the piano, I play on a softer side to avoid pain. When I go to a concert, I sit in the last row and if it gets too loud (it happens), I would cover my ears with a scarf or leave if it's unbearable. I listen to my CD on low volume and I never use earphones.
Certain people's voices also bother me - esp.high-pitched women's voice and the baby's cries and toddlers shrieking sounds like a weapon! I am glad I don't have it. Phone rings and other tech noises, too.
I am so sorry!! Some noises trigger pain for me but not music. And I am a band mom of a senior drum major/field commander. I feel isolated enough. I can’t imagine not being able to cheer her on at games and competitions. I was however saddened when I couldn’t play my flute or piccolo at alumni night with my daughter. I will pray very hard for you and I’m here for whatever I can do.
You tube George Benson Absolutely live from the Waterfont Hall, Belfast. We recorded a live DVD with him. Peter Corry Showreel- You will see me somewhere in the middle playing at George Best's Funeral. Am also playing through a lot of that, but that is one time in shot. Michael English- Beer Barrel Polka you can hear the strings I lead , Funny one as we recorded that track at mid-night and it was very fast music. Does not actually show the workers. James Galway was recorded for C.D. Hope all is well with you. Nx
Karen said:
Oh Natalia!!! My heart breaks for you !!! I love to sing and play flute and I cant do this anymore. I miss making music so bad and it was not even my profession. I can't imagine what you must be feeling!!! My husband also plays piano and I have to hide in my bedroom whenever he plays instead of sitting next to him, playing with him or singing. I am so sorry you have to go through this. But don't give up hope!! You may get your music back..If your docs find the right meds for you or treatment, your TN may go into remission. That is my hope for you!!!
By the way, I am so jealous...Sir James Galway!!! Really!!! WOW!!! And Andrea Bocelli!!! I would love to hear your music!! Is there any link you could post (maybe youtube??) Blessings to you!!!
Natalia said:Yes, The natural harmonics which you would not normally pick up on are heightened , and the reverberation from the brass instruments is quite impossible.It also affects pitch. I haver perfect pitch and it has taken it down a semitone.Vibration is coming from everywhere. I know all this because I am -was a professional musician. IO have recorded many c'ds with Rod Stewart, Sir James galway, George benson, Andrea Bocelli etc and many symphony orchestras and my heart is broken. I have not touched the violin since I was diagnosed 7 mths ago. C annot see anyway around this. My husband is a professional trumpet player and I have to go out of the house while he practices every day. Shocking.
What you should do is listen to unplugged music. Quiet guitar or voice. and see how you get on.I do not know what tyoe of music you listen to or I could if you wanted reccomend a few pieces. I have picked up a bit but even to put the head phones on in the studio is not on. I guess I have to eccept it but it is in my soul. I have been fortunate. living in Ireland to tour extensively and I have played Carnegie Hall etc but all I would like to do is just lift my violin and play.
I really do understand and if I can help, just ask. Nx
Karen, being a flautist yourself, have a listen on you tube to a piece we recorded with James Galway and Phil Coulter-" Home from Home" It is such a relaing calming piece of music, truly beautiful. Helps you forget about all this pain. It is from an album we recorded in Dublin called "Winter's Crossing" RCA. I think this is the best one for you or for anyone looking for a bit of piece of mind who likes music.
XXN
Natalia said:
You tube George Benson Absolutely live from the Waterfont Hall, Belfast. We recorded a live DVD with him. Peter Corry Showreel- You will see me somewhere in the middle playing at George Best's Funeral. Am also playing through a lot of that, but that is one time in shot. Michael English- Beer Barrel Polka you can hear the strings I lead , Funny one as we recorded that track at mid-night and it was very fast music. Does not actually show the workers. James Galway was recorded for C.D. Hope all is well with you. Nx
Karen said:Oh Natalia!!! My heart breaks for you !!! I love to sing and play flute and I cant do this anymore. I miss making music so bad and it was not even my profession. I can't imagine what you must be feeling!!! My husband also plays piano and I have to hide in my bedroom whenever he plays instead of sitting next to him, playing with him or singing. I am so sorry you have to go through this. But don't give up hope!! You may get your music back..If your docs find the right meds for you or treatment, your TN may go into remission. That is my hope for you!!!
By the way, I am so jealous...Sir James Galway!!! Really!!! WOW!!! And Andrea Bocelli!!! I would love to hear your music!! Is there any link you could post (maybe youtube??) Blessings to you!!!
Natalia said:Yes, The natural harmonics which you would not normally pick up on are heightened , and the reverberation from the brass instruments is quite impossible.It also affects pitch. I haver perfect pitch and it has taken it down a semitone.Vibration is coming from everywhere. I know all this because I am -was a professional musician. IO have recorded many c'ds with Rod Stewart, Sir James galway, George benson, Andrea Bocelli etc and many symphony orchestras and my heart is broken. I have not touched the violin since I was diagnosed 7 mths ago. C annot see anyway around this. My husband is a professional trumpet player and I have to go out of the house while he practices every day. Shocking.
What you should do is listen to unplugged music. Quiet guitar or voice. and see how you get on.I do not know what tyoe of music you listen to or I could if you wanted reccomend a few pieces. I have picked up a bit but even to put the head phones on in the studio is not on. I guess I have to eccept it but it is in my soul. I have been fortunate. living in Ireland to tour extensively and I have played Carnegie Hall etc but all I would like to do is just lift my violin and play.
I really do understand and if I can help, just ask. Nx
I understand the great loss that you feel! I am also one who can no longer tolerate music. I tried to deny this for several weeks, but there is no doubt in my mind now. Music can be so uplifting and soothing to those of us with TN. I found inspiration from Christian and secular music, and played it often. It was a great comfort to me. Now it triggers my pain and makes it so much worse. It almost seems like the last straw in a litany of pain triggers for TN. I can no longer go to church or a concert, nor can I sing without pain.
There seems to be no solution to this problem, but it does help to know that I am not alone on this issue. I really feel for those of you who are professional musicians. I cannot begin to imagine your heartbreak. Thanks to all of you who shared your experiences.
I’m new to this thread and this website. I’m so happy it’s here.
I’m a professional musician and public school teacher. My principal instrument is trumpet and because of TN, my trumpet playing has all but stopped now.
I have started to decline professional trumpet playing jobs in fear that I won’t be able to make it through a performance, nor can I tell any of my colleagues of the issue as that would certainly end my performance career.
It’s hard for me as a public school music teacher having both good and bad days. I don’t play much for my kids anymore. Fortunately, in school I only teach orchestra so I can at least play a string instrument that doesn’t totally use my face, but I have to do a lot if talking that also doesn’t help.
At times I find it a but ironic to have TN as a musician. As of yet, my pain is not set off by sound. I hope that never happens.
Just nice to know there are other people out there so you don’t feel like you are crazy.
I understand i had found out i can't listen to loud music anymore it makes my face hurt even more than it already does. I have to keep it really low now
*sad smile* Just one more thing TN has stolen, eh? I used to love to listen to music all the time..and go out now and then to karaoke. I LOVED to sing.....
..but now, yeah..that's not something i can do anymore. I'm glad to know i'm not alone, but sad that we all miss it so much.
Now and then, when i'm having a "good" day, i listen for a little while and quietly (and tentatively) sing along...but not often.
I miss it.
~Mistee