Mary, if indeed you do have tinnitus [which I have lived with for about 10 yrs now] having some soft music or other distracting, but soothing, sound going on in the room will help deflect your attention. It's most irritating for me at bedtime because the room is quiet. During the day and at work, I don't notice it too much. Hopefull you can find a way to gently exercise your arm. Without exercise, it could get much worse [it's that "use it or lose it" principle]. Considering what you went through, it sounds like you have done very well so far. I'm guessing you are a very strong lady. Amy