soccergal,

There are two kinds of visual over stimulation, bright lights and visual clutter.

Something that may be an issue for you is visual clutter. Many homes have lots of things on the walls and everywhere else. This is visual clutter. I cannot tolerate visual clutter.

Once, I was having a neuro-pych assessment and the PhD did not understand why I was so overwhelmed by his wall of fame that was behind him. He had a whole wall covered with plaques and diplomas, etc. My brain kept wanting to focus on the wall rather than on him.

Later, when I was being tested for SSDI, the psychologist completely understood the need to have a quieter room visually.

Fortunately, my wife does our walls with simple objects and not too many.

oneid1hrm made a comment that is out of context She said <That they have now discovered that healthy areas of the brain can and will learn tasks previously assigned to now damaged areas. >

This has been know for quite some time but,,, It applies to focal injuries such as a stroke or penetrating head injury. The diffuse injury common to PCS does not have this rewiring mechanism available. The problem is that wide areas of the brain are damaged to a minor level. That is why PCS is such a tough condition.

For those with Multiple Impact Syndrome and especially in later life when the brain struggles to recover, learning work-arounds and other accommodations is the first line of recovery. There are many ways we can do a task when the previous method is hampered by PCS. Making lists, memory tricks, avoiding situations or environments, and learning to let go all will help us live a full life.

I have found that most of the things I used to get upset about really don't matter that much. By letting go and moving on, we continue to live. Then as we look back, we realize that we were concerned for no reason. As we learn to redefine our lives and even ourselves, we find that there is still plenty to do, often in areas we overlooked before.

Yes, a positive attitude is good but an expecting attitude can be counter-productive.

Does everything have to return to the way it was? Or can we learn new skills and develop new interests that fit the new PCS person? Claiming the former is akin to banging your head against the wall. Don't do that. It hurts.

My best to you.