I don't think you will find any 'normal' trend as people go though the many stages of PCS. There are many variables that impact recovery.

My firm belief is that improvement comes slowly and almost sneaks up on you as you accept the new you and learn and implement the many work-arounds and other accommodations that allow life to go on.

When we accept the new PCS person, we lower our stress level. When we are willing and even look for opportunities to find new ways of doing old things, we lower our stress levels. Between the lowered stress levels and the improvement in daily functionality from utilizing work-arounds and accommodations, we slowly regain many of our lost functions.

Some of these gains may be up and down. Getting used to the roller coaster ride is a big part of recovery. Accepting that we WILL have our failures and getting upset about them is counter-productive, we get out of our own way on the path to recovery.

Many of us will have some serious dysfunctions that stay with us for the rest of our lives. Leave that concern for the distant future. There are plenty of improvements we can effect today.

Learning to live a simpler and less stress ridden life will greatly improve our quality of life. The world around us does not hold the keys to quality of life. We do. You can bloom where you are currently planted. It is a choice you can make.

Look for the new perspectives your PCS has dropped in your lap. Does you aversion to noise create an opportunity to communicate with someone who needs a quieter environment?

My patience level is far greater than it ever was before 1/16/2001. My contentment is also much better.

I'd like to hear how others are doing with contentment and lowering stressful thoughts. I know there are many who have grown in their personal lives as a result of their struggles with PCS. Tell us you stories. We want to hear them.

My best to you all.