For years, Owen James lived an active and fulfilling life, enjoying hobbies like golf and gardening. But after a diagnosis in 2014, his world slowly started to change as his balance deteriorated, leaving him unable to enjoy the activities he loved. Thanks to the BalanceBelt, Owen found a solution that transformed his daily life and regained the confidence he thought he had lost forever.
Who is Owen?
Owen James spent his entire career as a senior manager in IT and telecommunications infrastructure. Now 79 years old and retired, he enjoys hobbies like golf and gardening. However, since his diagnosis in 2014, his balance has steadily declined.
A Struggle with Balance
In 2014, Owen was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a condition that caused his balance (and hearing) to gradually deteriorate. In 2017, he underwent radiosurgery, which stabilized the neuroma but left his balance still declining. He soon found himself struggling to enjoy the activities he loved.
“I found myself unable to face the discomfort of challenged balance while attempting to play golf, even feeling anxiety at the thought. I lost confidence to undertake daily activities like walking (particularly outdoors), gardening, and, as mentioned, golf,” he shared.
Dealing with Additional Issues Like Visual Disturbances and Fatigue
Though he didn’t experience fatigue, Owen occasionally struggled with visual disturbances, which exacerbated his balance issues. These disturbances were often resolved with rest for 1 to 2 hours, but they continued to be a challenge.
However, after trying BalanceBelt, something remarkable happened: “Post-BalanceBelt, I suddenly realized that despite experiencing some visual disturbances, my balance remained unaffected.”
Discovering the BalanceBelt
As his quality of life declined, Owen turned to the internet for possible solutions. That’s when he came across BalanceBelt. Initially hesitant about the technology, his curiosity grew after hearing about it from the Balance Clinic & Laboratory at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Following a trial session, he decided to give the BalanceBelt a try.
The clinic, led by Dr. Miriam Welgampola, was instrumental in helping him start his trial with the device. “Within 24 hours, I had a notable improvement in my balance. In fact, for a period of 5-6 days, I enjoyed fantastic balance and mobility,” he recalls. Though the improvement wasn’t permanent, he has now settled into a pattern of significantly improved balance.
The Impact of BalanceBelt on Daily Life
The effects of the BalanceBelt on his life have been profound. “I now look forward to my two golf games per week, walking rather than riding in a cart. Walking is again more enjoyable without the constant fight against imbalance,” he says. Everyday activities like crossing the street, which was once a stressor, have become much easier.
The most important change? Confidence. “The BalanceBelt has delivered an improved quality of life.”
Advice for Others
His advice to others facing similar challenges is straightforward: “Vestibular therapy would be the preferred option as it does not involve a prosthesis, but if this is not successful, I would strongly recommend giving BalanceBelt a trial. Nothing to lose, but everything to gain.”
