Hi, I have had six concussions over the course of my life and multiple head injuries. Having several close together as you have, I believe makes it hard for the brain to recover. In my case, after 9 years from the last concussion, my symptoms have not improved. However, I must say that I have always pushed myself very hard to perform physically and mentally.
The one thing I have found that ALWAYS increases symptoms is STRESS.
No matter what else you do, try to dramatically reduce stress. As for the rest of the "triggers" I just view it as part of my life now, as when in the past I would hit it hard in some activity and felt sore or exhausted. I have to view my changed condition in this same way, when I overdo things I will get tired, takes longer to recover, but I try to gauge the benefits and enjoyment of the activity with the side effects and make the decision beforehand as to whether it is worth it.
I am not offering much hope, but you can survive whatever adversity you encounter by keeping focused on all the positive aspects your life offers.
One of the more positive results of my condition is that I am more empathetic of those with various disorders, especially when they are not physically apparent. I used to think people were just lazy or weren't trying hard enough, but now I realize that everyone has limitations in one thing or another.
Happy life to you..

Tony

It's been a while but I recently had a complete relapse. I had a group of friends come visit me and we went out to a bar - which is usually okay for me if I only have one drink. Suddenly everything was just way too much. I was sensitive to the lights, the noise, my eyes were glazing over. I was so embarassed.

Then for two weeks my headaches got worse and my eyes would randomly glaze over and I wouldn't be able to see anything - I read the news so you can imagine how difficult this is especially as I try and hide it from people at work. I also had that feeling again of being detached from things.

I went to see a neurologist here in China and they changed my prescription from amitriptaline to Topirimate but i'm still getting headaches and just generally feeling a bit off. I think i'm going to have to go to the doctor's again and see if we can up the dosage.

Anyone got any advice? I am so fed up after 15 months!

Just hang in on there! My own experience of PCS is that it progresses in phases. I think you need more time to rest, you cannot push through PCS. I would try to pace yourself at work and try not to multi task at all.

Hi Sophierose,

I'm sorry this is so frustrating. I experience upswings of symptoms and find it extremely difficult not to get down. Well, in fact I do get down, and it's hard to get up. So use whatever support you have, including this forum.

Probably you need to back way off and dial down your input until the symptoms recede for a bit. This is what I have to do whenever I completely overdo it. I am on Topamax also - I was before my injuries but an increased dose now - it's helpful but honestly, it's the reduction in stimulation that has the greatest impact. It doesn't mean you have to live in a bubble forever. But you may need to chill for a bit to let your brain recover and then take it back in slowly. Take a few sick days. Stay off the screens. Then, when your symptoms are a little better, just add in the minimum. Gradually, you'll get back to where you were.

I hope this helps a bit. Hang in there. You are not alone!!

Julie