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Junior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Houston area
Posts: 21
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Houston area
Posts: 21
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Still improving after 2.5 years
I just wanted to post an update for those of you who are newer to the PCS world and wondering if it's ever going to get better. I got hurt in June 2013.
I still find myself slowly but steadily improving in some areas, and I've learned to compensate pretty well in others. I've gradually (admittedly with lots of tears and a good therapist) learned to accept that I may not ever reach some of my "old" goals, but I can come up with new ones that are fun/challenging and make me feel good about my accomplishments.
I've created an awesome support team and learned to ignore people who are uninformed or negative. If they're truly curious, I'm happy to help educate them, but I won't argue with them or let them drag me down.
I guess the main point I want to make is that there is no deadline for continued recovery. Set reasonable goals and go from there. Don't give up!!
Merry Christmas to the TBI/PCS community, and may you all be blessed in the upcoming New Year!
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What happened: I was on my Triathlon bike doing an easy ride through my neighborhood just a few weeks after completing Ironman Texas (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). A driver on a side street pulled up to a stop sign but didn't see me and pulled out in front of me. I tried to make a sharp turn alongside her but fishtailed and went into the side of her car with the left side of my body at about 17 mph.
I walked away with a headache and a whiplash, a sore shoulder, and some bruises but was counting my blessings. I did several months of PT for my shoulder and neck, and I still had problems with headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. My PT insisted I be evaluated, and I was diagnosed with a concussion. I was still in denial, but then I transferred to a vestibular/neuro rehab specialist and learned that my eyes weren't focusing properly (nystagmus, convergence disorder). I was discharged from that PT on June 10, 2014 - exactly one year after my accident - because I was no longer making "significant progress." I did more PT for my neck/shoulder, and on Dec 16, 2014, I had shoulder surgery. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I might never do another Ironman, but I'm not giving up on returning at some level.
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