Dear NMC,

I can hear your despair and frustration. The fact that there are people worse off than you doesn't mean that you have no right to be upset by your situation. It's REALLY HARD to live with PCS. And no-one understands it unless they or a loved one has been through it.

I'm writing to give you hope and suggestions. My daughter was slightly younger than you when she developed PCS at the age of 14 as the result of a series of sports and school injuries. Now, a little more than 2 years later, she is fully recovered. While I don't know if she's back to the way she was, she's regained her energy and vitality and is living a normal life.

What worked for her were: (1) Effexor (switched from amitriptyline because fewer side effects and lower dose) to help re-establish nerve pathways in the brain; (2) acupuncture to help with neck muscle tightness impeding blood flow to brain; (3) chiropractic also for neck tightness; (4) homeopathy; (5) osteopathy. Except for the medication, she didn't do these concurrently. Some things worked for a while and then didn't, so she moved on to the next treatment.

My point is, you don't have to just sit and wait for this to go away. There are things you can do to help the situation. While a lot of this is out of your hands, doing anything to help gives you some degree of control.

Also, regarding college testing and applications, you may have to delay these for a year while you recover. I know, I know -- it sucks, but you have to do what's best for your health. And just think of what a great college essay this will make

That your friends haven't been there for you is unfortunate. The only thing I can think of is that they're wrapped up in their own lives and can't relate to your situation. Even if you can't go out with them (my daughter had problems with this because she couldn't keep up energy-wise and was ultra sensitive to noise and light), can you connect via im'ing and Facebook? At least this will maintain some contact.

Hopefully, your family is there for you and watching out for your interests.

I wish you all the best and can't stress enough that this is not the way it has to be for years upon years. Good luck and let us know how you progress.

XOXO