Today marks 3 years since the concussion that turned my life upside down. While this injury has taken much away from me, at the same time I've had many gains and grown in ways that would not have been possible were it not for my journey with post-concussion syndrome. I'm grateful for the progress that has been made thus far, but acknowledge I have a ways to go before I'm back to my pre-concussion health and activity levels.

Its crazy to think I'm not even certain I've passed the half way point in the recovery process. I'd like to think I have, but it wouldn't be the first time I had that notion. I am, however, fairly certain that the worst is over. There are now more moments in a day where I am headache free, the fatigue is not as severe and I can handle more activities. While I have yet to go a full day completely symptom free; it is encouraging to see an overall improvement in symptoms.

The anniversary date of my injury naturally becomes a time of reflection. Looking back there are things I wish I knew when first starting out with PCS.

-First, the understanding that things really do get better. It can be hard to believe it at the start, when day to day, week to week seems to be a relentless barrage of unchanging headaches, fatigue and extreme sensitivity to sounds, lights or anything that moves. But things do improve, although often nowhere near the timeline we would like.

-Which leads to the next point that PCS is an ultimate lesson in patience. No one can say how long it can take, you just have to wait. And wait. And then wait some more.

-So thirdly, be skeptical of anyone who claims they can hasten the process; there is no intervention proven to do so. As my specialist advised me, there is nothing you can do to speed up recovery, only things to slow it down. Rest and listening to your body's limits are your best tools for recovery.

-And lastly, although concussion and PCS can be very isolating conditions at times, you are not alone. While it may seem like the rest of the world is "recovering" from concussion in 7-10 days and carrying on their merry way, there are plenty of unfortunate souls out there whose brains take significantly longer to heal.