Nancy, thanks.... for your ongoing support & positivity. wish you & family the best too!

While I deal w/ daily challenges, going thru this process for TBi program. Just got call from program director, who's a great advocate, asking if I'd gotten to DR -- for the essential medical forms, TBi certification , needs , etc. - that should be OK & process can continue.

For me more issues came up w/ the DR. -- highly recommended Brain Injury specialist--physiatrist-Dr of physical medicine working in Rehab.

he said "I can't help you" . Realize, My Hx & Sx are bit complex, but at my 3rd appt. this Specialist was indicating he'd run out of options for me. Hes more med focused than I'd hoped -thought Physiatrists would know more about brain injury (from treating TBi, strokes, MS & more) and have variety of treatmt options, alternatives, etc.--Besides meds. I was initailly skeptical of going to Rehab Dr--felt Sx of my "mild" injury too minimal? or obsucre for viable treatment in this setting dealing w/ more Severe injurys , But everyone said "he's Good-the Best" inc. TBi program director, and counselor of support TBI group, who made referrel.

while TBi may be cause of many of my problems & issues, my diverse presentation of Sx complicates. Besides "common" PCS affects, I also have chronic pain, neuropathies, & Hx of "falls"< this is The complicator--originally thought to Seizures-tests ruled out. Then Cervical /spine dis. like Chiari II ruled out per recent tests; MRI showed nothing. This is Good News-don't need surgery, but what is it?? Why do I fall, like a rag doll?? Been to so many specialists/ Neuro's --no answer. My concern is that these falls have generated additional head injurys--cumulative damage??? What culd that next fall do?? even if "mild" ...as all my TBi's classified.

Per my request, DR. did give RX for Keppra-anticonvulsant, w/ fewer side f/x than others I've used (like Topamax-for migraines; Lyrica--for nerve pain] -- all indicated for other uses besides seizures, for many of my Sx.

I haven't tried Keppra-yet. I seem to be very sensitive to meds. Just stopped Cymalta--heart palps, chest pain were too much. I do try to allow time for body to adjust to meds, endure Side f/x hoping will eventually help but so far limited benefits outnumbered by adverse & scary side f/x.

I 'd prefer "non-drug" interventions. Even more benign supplements & vitamins can have affects or interactions.
I'm taking Methyl B12 -for fatigue; brain -nerve cell "protection".
MSM--recently begun per recommendation of other's whose nerve pain was helped w/ use .
Melatonin-- for sleep problems; Not helping-yet; will try increase dose.
Magnisium Oxide-- prescribed by Dr; do wonder if Mag Ox is best form??
[have to visit Vit/supplmt, herb Forum]

Know Exercise & focused Breathing reported as the BEST for TBi and most everything. Haven't generated the discipline to incorporate daily. Trying various forms--yoga, Tai chi, etc.

My PCP just referred me to new Neurologist.... hate going to new Drs.... but.... I also hate falling ....and other Sx of TBi...

also finally got referall for NeuroPsychologist--actually communication issue resulted in my missing-coz i didn't know had appt. DR D called me when this occured, had chance to discuss some things w/ him, really liked him. so will f/u ...

Meanwhile, try to get thru day, & Nite<for me worst for pain, neuropathies. Sleep debt w/ fatigue .... affects so much--Cognitively, emotionally, physically....
Challenges continue, Life goes on in different ways, after TBi