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Old 02-01-2010, 02:48 PM
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Jrunner Jrunner is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Twin Cities:)
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15 yr Member
Jrunner Jrunner is offline
Junior Member
Jrunner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Twin Cities:)
Posts: 11
15 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho View Post
I would be more concerned with the mental capabilities than the physical and competitive abilities, etc. You can live a long and fruitful life with physical limitations. Cognitive problems can be very disabling.

We need a bit of background before we can direct you.

What was your condition immediately after the head impact?

A day later?

A week later?

What diagnostics have been done?

What treatment/therapy/drugs have been prescribed?

Can you be a bit more specific about your current symptoms?

What symptoms did you have that have gone away?

What kind of lifestyle do you live?
Sleep
work schedule
work type
environment.. loud, chaotic,
habits/hobbies

Does this dizziness exist at all times?
lying down, sitting

visual jumpiness?? What do you mean?

Have you been examined by a ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.)?
Ear Nose Throat Doctor?
Neurologist?
Neuropsychiatrist?
Psychiatrist?

Has anybody mentioned or tested you for Nystagmus?

If you can't visually focus on anything, how do you make a living and get around?

Mark, thank you for your response.

After the accident I went home and went to sleep which probably wasn't a good idea. I did not lose consciousness when I hit, however, it was so hard I was wishing I did! .

For the next week I had a dull headache. After about 6-7 days/nights I woke up for work an that's when the dizziness showed up...and has never left. It couldn't have come at a worse time either. I interviewd for a project manager position (electrical construction) and was given the job. A week before I started the position is when I hit my head. I lasted a little over a year there before being layed off. It was a great opportunity, however because of my memory loss, dizziness, and I'm sure obvious depression I was let go. My boss did help me land my current position in sales which has been really good to me. But even here was tough the first year.

I used to get extreme dizzy spells where it would be so bad I couldn't even stand up. And unfortunately this happened a couple times while behind the wheel. Luckily I was able to find the shoulder and out of traffic. These extreme dizziness spells have really subsided in the last year or so.

All in all the past 2 years I would say it has gotten better. Or maybe I'm just so used to dealing with it. The biggest problem I have is the visual jumpiness. Every move I make or every bump in the road makes everything jump or sway if that makes any sense. It's had to explain.

Things that have improved? My memory has definitely improved. I'm a lot happier all around I guess. My balance is probably a bit better than it used to be. I used to walk like I'd had 7-8 beers

I have had some treatment...I was at the national dizziness and balance center, which I think helped a bit with my balance. The u of m neurogical center where I was given cognitive testing skills. I scored above average so they thought it was all psychological, however, being that I was no longer depressed there wasn't anything they could do. I also went to the neurology clinic where the MN Wild go for concussion issues. They just wanted to give me anti depressants even though I told them I wasn't depressed.
I'm currently on a waiting list at the Mayo CLinic in Rochester. They said it could be up to 5 months before getting an appointment unfortnately. I'm going there because I don't think I've had the proper tests done. It may be a spinal issue, inner ear issue, who knows.

I haven't had the Nystagmus test done as you mentioned...

What's my life like now? I couldn't have gotten luckier with the conditions that I have. I have a job that is really layed back, and pays the bills usually on time. I have a wonderful wife who I met after my ordeal and we now have a 6 month old boy Marcus, with another one due in august. I have a lot to be grateful for even though I've lost so much it seems.
I don't really have many hobbies anymore as it's just not enjoyable to be active. The one thing I really love to do is run, which probably isn't the best thing for me, but I've quit running for a few months to see if that would help but it doesn't seem to matter.

Do you know why I would still have dizziness or the "floating" feeling after all this time?

Thanks again for taking the time Mark in Idaho.

Jeremy in MN

Last edited by Jrunner; 02-01-2010 at 03:25 PM.
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