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Old 12-20-2008, 04:24 PM
shezbut shezbut is offline
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Minnesota, USA
Posts: 231
15 yr Member
shezbut shezbut is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Minnesota, USA
Posts: 231
15 yr Member
Heart hugs to you, Melek

Quote:
Originally Posted by melek View Post
I’m a very strong person, always have been, but I do seem to be unable to cope with stress, new things the way I did before . I don't seem to be able to distinguish between important things and not so important things....they are all important, have to be done right away, least I forget to do them or how to do them, so I get stressed from being confused and trying to do all things at the same time and 'messing' them up as I go…other issues regarding the TBI, I’m having problems doing a job that for me now is continuous hit to my ego, I’m worn out from putting up a good front to everyone; I’m worn out looking as though I understand and comprehend what people tell me and ask of me only to have to go off by myself and fumble through whatever it is. I’m worn out trying my best to explain to co-workers under me, instructions/procedures only to have them look at me as though I’m from another planet because I loose words, use incorrect words in sentences basically, I don’t make a lot of sense when I speak….I’m tired of living in a fog that I can not seem to be able to get away from, I’m tired of getting confused and lost when I go to the store. I’m tired of making a list, getting to the store only to realize that I don’t have a list, or forget that I made a list (and the list is in my purse) and then to get home without what I needed. I used to be really smart, quick always a lot of energy....I feel as though I've aged at least 20 years in the last 3 years....maybe these are the reasons for a panic attack….

And I did see my doctor(s) I have more than one now, another thing I never was sick, only went to the doctor for yearly check ups which were always excellent at 53 years old....and I have a great support group of family and friends. Doctor's answer, drugs....my answer - I don't do drugs unless they cure me of the TBI....I don't want to treat the symptoms to only have to take something else to treat the side effects of the original med.... I've already tried that, they only made me sick.

Melek

Well I feel a bit better railing on so....thanks *smiles*
Hi Melek,

I haven't experienced the panic attacks, thank God! I do experience many of the other frustrations that you mentioned: memory problems are a HUGE issue for me, confusion, self-frustration, migraine headaches, as wells as a couple others.

If you don't already, I greatly recommend that you get assistance from local TBI support treatment teams. I can't recall the term for them. I went to Mayo Clinic and worked with both a neuropsychologist and an occupational therapist. They also have speech therapists, and physical therapists in their thingie. UGH- maybe somebody knows the term that I'm looking for!

The huge issue which you described in wonderful detail is very common (for me, anyway). It is incredibly frustrating. It's terrific that you have a very supportive family, take advantage of that support - it's priceless! And whenever you start kicking yourself for being dumb, for not remembering the word/s or whatever, try to remind yourself that it is okay. People can usually figure out what you're trying to say, if you simply let it go & stop focusing on the words that escape you. Not an easy thing to get into, obviously, just try to remind yourself frequently. That ought to help alleviate a lot of the anxiety.

Best wishes to you, take care!
Shez
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