Hi C in PA,
Thank you so much for relating your story and for your words of encouragement. It helps so much to find that I'm not alone and/or crazy.
I hope that you keep getting better and better. I can't imagine what those first few months were like when you forced yourself to power through back to work. I can't imagine being at work trying to communicate right after the injury. at that point I could hardly speak to my family. It must have been so difficult...
I relate strongly to your coments wrt insurance paperwork and doctors appts, finding doctors, etc. ARe you able to drive? Not being able to drive has made things tough with all the doctor and PT appts.
I'm thankful I have a wonderful partner to help me through all of this. I worry about him carrying the load for so long and we're only 3 mos in. I'm hoping to be much better by the 6 mo mark, but preparing for it to be longer.
I'm seeing the ENT tomorrorow at our neurologist suggestion and hope he can help with the tinnitus and will ask him about the vestibular stuff. The PT is working on the vesitbular stuff as well.
I've tried to explain overload that results with too much stimulation to my husband. its so tough. The best i've come up with is it's kind of like when you hit your funny bone really hard and it hurts so much all down your arm. except its 25 times that. and its happenign in your brain.
I'm now trying to slowly add activities/interactions with others. If you have any suggestion on this I would love to hear what you've done.
Thank you for the suggestion on sunglasses and earplugs. I wore my sunglasses most of yesterday and that helped. I'm going to try earplugs too. Lawnmowers and garbage trucks are awful...
Am I remembering correctly that you are trying an airplane trip? If so, my best wishes for a quiet and peaceful journey.
I too thank God that my injury wasn't worse and for all I've learned about life and myself that I never would have without having experienced this. The TBI guide has helped so much - but i have to keep re readign it since my memory isn't the best. I think its time to pick it up again.
Its comforting to know you're out there and understand, and at the same time I wish you were well.
thank you again for sharing your story with me. it means alot to be able to hear it. my best to you
p.s. i'm still learning how to use the forum so please forgive any mistakes, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConcussedinPA
Welcome to the forum. You are not alone. I will relate some of my experiences in the hope that they help.
I am also female, early 40s. My accident happened over a year ago. I was rushing to a meeting and fell due to a loose paver. Like you, I too landed on my head.
For me, I spent the first few months in denial and trying to push through the injury. Pushing though is not an option: I found that out the hard way. You are already one step ahead by actively dealing with the injury. It took me over six months to come to the conclusion that I had a severe injury.
I had and have many of the same symptoms. For me, getting associated with a good medical team (neurologist, TBI specialist, and TBI rehab team) has helped. I live near a major city and am lucky to have one of the nation's best hopsital systems available to me. Searching out the specialists and working with the insurance companies is very exhausting. Unfortunately it is something that must be done. Hopefully, you have a partner to help you with this process.
From your description of your symptoms, some of your problem might be vestibular. An ENT might be able to diagnosis this issue. I'll let others weigh in this one.
Large groups/crowds are unbearable for me too. Wearing sunglasses and earplugs has helped. If too much stimuli is added to my environment, I suffer from extreme overload and horrible headaches.
The emotions are hard to handle. Read the TBI Guide as it is part of the process  I have done my share of crying and expect more to come in the future. Now, every day, I thank God I am alive and try to cope with this new life. Humour helps. Familiy and friends help. This forum helps.
Best wishes, |