#62 Three Ways to Connect

#62 Three Ways to Connect
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 by Deb Vellines

With the COVID virus lingering, it’s easy to feel disconnected. With our decreased hearing we might already have that feeling. Many meetings we regularly attended have been canceled. Some are being offered via Zoom and that helps.

In my last blog, I talked about support group meetings. I want to give you more details about three ways to connect with others who have an acoustic neuroma –

the discussion forum on the Acoustic Neuroma Association website
Support group meetings sponsored by the Association
the Facebook acoustic neuroma group.

Readers, have you visited the discussion forum on the Acoustic Neuroma Association website recently? It can be a great way to get connected with other acoustic patients and ask the questions that nag you.

https://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php

This website is divided into categories such as wait and watch, pre-treatment options, hearing issues, post-treatments issues including headaches, facial issues, eye issues, balance issues, and cognitive/emotional issues. One thing to remember, each one of us is unique and what is true for one person isn’t necessarily true for someone else.

The acoustic neuroma support group is another place to ask your questions. www.anausa.org is the link, then click on community, then support groups, then upcoming meetings and you will find the page I copied below for meetings.

Out of an abundance of caution regarding COVID-19, and to prioritize the health and safety of our volunteers and attendees, some events may be postponed or provided virtually. Many of our in-person local support groups are now providing virtual opportunities for education and support. You need not be a resident of a particular area to participate, however, you must register – space is limited. Check this page often for the latest updates and please contact us if we can be of assistance.

The reason they want registration is so they can send a link to join an online meeting. Do you know how Zoom meetings work? The host of the meeting sends an invitation at the time of the meeting. All you need to do is click on that link. Usually, the video has a line through it, and to add your picture you just need to click the word video.

Also, where it says caring, sharing, networking, and support, that means no special speaker and topic. If you click on the “Event Title” you will get more information about the meeting, including the time. Be sure and check if you are in the same time zone, so you don’t miss the meeting. If you suffer headaches, the first meeting listed might be super helpful to you.

Location	Event Title	Date	Topic(s)
Online	Virtual ANA Support Group Meeting	Saturday, October 17, 2020	Pre- and Post-Treatment Headaches and Management Strategies: A Discussion With Ken Posner and Agnes Garino, ANA Volunteers Registration required
Online	Minneapolis/St. Paul – ANA Virtual Support Group Meeting	Saturday, October 17, 2020	Relationships and Acoustic Neuroma Registration required
Online	Rochester, NY – ANA Virtual Support Group Meeting	Saturday, October 24, 2020	Caring, Sharing, Networking and Support Registration required
Online	Denver, CO – ANA Virtual Support Group Meeting	Saturday, October 24, 2020	Caring, Sharing, Networking and Support Registration required

Another way to connect – go to Facebook and join the acoustic neuroma group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/78633792319

Here is how the group introduces itself.

“Acoustic Neuroma – a Self Help Group, Supporting Each Other, in All Things Acoustic Neuroma. Whether, you’re newly diagnosed, deciding on treatment options, recovering, been there done that, offering your first-hand experiences to help others, want to know more, in support of family and/or friends, or just need to be heard. This is the forum for you.

We’re all here to support and help each other to move forward.”

If you visit this site, you might want to scroll over to “files” for specific information.

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Readers, have you been to a Zoom support group meeting? Please share your experience with us.

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Lord, Please guide me to join a group if this is your desire for me. Amen.

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. Matthew 6:27