rkell03,

The changes you are experiencing are entirely normal. First, go to www.tbiguide.com and download and print out and read the TBI Survival Guide. Have your family and friends read it, too.

After the number of concussions you have had, you need to accept that your brain will be very sensitive to concussion for the rest of your life. If you want to have any recovery that lasts, you will need to avoid any additional hits or even slight jarring to your head. The rest of your life depends on you avoiding these impacts. There are plenty of activities that do not put your head at risk. Basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, all are considered contact sports.

You will have enough risk of a head impact in normal life without risking it in sports.

The seclusion is a common symptom of PCS. It is called schizoid personality disorder. It may be a protective mechanism or a radical change in personality. I have undergone a number of personality changes due to concussions over the past 45 years. I have become convinced that there is a need for PCS subjects to have access to a way to relearn some of the lost social skills that were second nature.

Having your good friends read the TBI Survival Guide may help them understand you better. otherwise, some friends think you are shutting them out. Hopefully, your real friends will come to your aid and support you.

margarite said <The CT will make sure that there is nothing physically wrong that can be fixed and the neurologist may be able to help. (I have heard that they can work wonders)> Unfortunately, very few neurologist have any idea of how to help with PCS, much less give you a supportive diagnosis. A CT scan would not be indicated unless you are having excruciating headaches and/or serious balance, vision, or coordination symptoms.

For the time being at least, get to know the new you. The old you may never come back. The anxiety of wanting the old you will be counter productive. The new you can have a full and rewarding life. It will just be a bit different. As you recognize trigger that cause symptoms (loud sounds, bright lights, chaos, excessive mental effort) and learn to moderate them, you will be able to have longer periods of symptoms free life.

The worst problem with PCS is it teaches us its most important lessons the hardest ways. If we refuse to learn, the lessons just get harder, like having multiple concussions.

There are plenty of coping methods or work arounds. Most are found after a symptom is accepted as real and then an attempt is made to find a way to avoid the symptom. Post you struggles and someone will have a suggestion. I have zillions of tricks and such to get things done.

So, try to think, How can I work with my symptoms, rather than against them? The new you is very capable. You just need to learn the new ways to get things done.

My best to you.