erica welcome

from vini :

I know exactly how you feel. You might try using ear plugs when you go out anywhere. That's what I have had to do. I am on a division 1 lacrosse team, and its always expected that when you are injured you are at practice, games, lifts, etc. always cheering and making your presence known. Unfortunately, as you all know, doing any of that is impossible for me with out feeling like complete crap during and after.

So now, I only go to our games- I wear ear plugs and sunglasses and stand on the side line. I don't cheer, I usually don't speak, but i've explained to my teammates that it hurts my head to talk. Everyone has been pretty excepting of it, but I understand how you feel like your distancing yourself. It's been so long now that people really aren't as accepting of it, and just think that I'm feeling sorry for myself, or pouting. This has been the hardest part, because I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Regardless of what you've told people, bottom line is that you cannot actively engage yourself in interacting in a normal way. It's HARD. I find that I don't want to talk to anyone either, it just takes to much energy. I to would rather just go in my room and read a book- it takes my mind off the hell this has been.

Atleast you have this forum to come to. Talking about the issues your having is hard, especially when it brings on symptoms! (as it does for me)

As my mom keeps telling me- try to remain positive. Keep your head up. It's so hard to do, i know. But atleast you can come to this forum and get everything off your chest