Mark,

The neurologist I deal with actually isn't a doctor - from my understanding he is a research professor at my University that specializes in neurology (if that makes sense). He is the person who interprets the results of the ImPACT test for the varsity athletes, which is how I got involved with him. When I was told to stop playing hockey back in January, I had to stop all physical exertion until my symptoms cleared. While some of my therapists thought it was a good idea to try some physical activity now, he didn't think it was a good idea for some reason and so that idea never really went anywhere. I actually don't have appointments with him or anything like that, and my athletic therapist usually acts as the "middle-man" between us. Because I never really talk to him, I'm not sure why he didn't think it would be a good idea, and I just accepted it because I didn't know any better. I've learned so much after reading all the great information on this site, and I now have a better understanding that some gradual exercise might be very beneficial, so I'm really going to try and push that.

As for the concussion specialist - I was referred to him by one of my doctor's when I had an appointment a few weeks ago. His name is Dr. Charles Tator, and he a neurosurgeon out of Toronto Western Hospital. Not sure if are familiar at all, but he is the same doctor who singled out Don Cherry a few months back for promoting aggressive behavior hockey that leads to serious injury. I have heard nothing but good things about him, so I'm really hoping to get in soon to see what he has to say about my problems.

Erica,

It actually seems kind of crazy how similar our situations are! They believe my pelvis is causing many of my problems, though I didn't know it could even affect your brain. My ribs were also out of place, I believe they referred to them as being "stuck". Does your neck/back pain get worse with physical activity? My pain hasn't been too bad as of lately because I haven't been doing much, but I find my pain would get really bad after doing any sort of exercise. Because everyones efforts turned towards my head and not the rest of my body, I am scared that when I do start getting back into physical activity this pain will all be back because it was never fixed in the first place. Sure is frustrating how the problems never seems to end!

I don't really have much of an update on my progress! Things have kind of slowed down as of right now because I don't think anyone really knows what direction to go in. I am hoping by next week I am able to schedule an appointment with this specialist, and possibly even try some biking too! Let me know how your appointment goes!

Kelly