Hi All,

I waited to post until today with the hope of being able to remember and piece together the details of my visit...one, to help others and two, well..quite honestly...I'm not sure I understand a lot of what was said..

My Fiance' Marc accompanied me...the Neuropsych started out telling me what my strengths were during testing...I scored "Superior" in one area (that made me half smile) and overall did "well"...

He stated that my weakness was focus/attention; taking too much information in at one time (I need time to allow my brain a break in between...I'm assuming this would fall under processing??); my eye/spatial something or other is severely impaired (but he feels that this has nothing to do with the injury???); I'm terrible at Math lolol...that's a life long hurdle!!!

I am severely depressed. As in a "8/10". I wasn't shocked by this, ironically, it made me feel sad. (I have ALWAYS been the life of the party, happy go lucky, cheer everyone else up and make them laugh sorta girl)...

He didn't address any physical symptoms and stated he will refer me to a Neurologist, Neuro Psychologist for treatment...he utilized the term "disabled" frequently which made me squirm...He once again reiterated that my issue is that I "look great on the outside, my disability is not visible, that will be my challenge"...obviously.

He feels that my near future goal would be to secure a job 2 days per week in my field, but not in an administrative or supervisory capacity...(I'm not sure he understands what the role of an RN is)...He feels at my age (45), it is still important to me that I have a "purpose" and that he feels with appropriate treatment I should be able to work my way back in to the work force...so one one hand he seems to validate that the accident caused me to have a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, but on the other hand, am I hearing that the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury is Depression? I'm confused.

My Fiance's take away from the visit? "Your depressed and you need to get a job and you'll be fine"....oh boy.

I'm hoping I will feel more confident once I begin treatment (but wait!!! This is worker's comp...so, that means...Neuropsych needs to send report to Atty. and Commissioner; Atty. requests formal hearing which will be a few months, then request auth. for treatment, etc. etc.)...We are looking at an easy 6 more months here (and I hope I'm wrong, but my gut knows better)...

I'm hoping the Neurologist can break it down for me...if this is ONLY depression (well, it's clinical depression so let's get that ONLY out of there)...then meds and treatment will help. Right? It will help with the fatigue, mood swings, anger outburts, vision, ringing in my ears, balance etc. etc. I'll receive a copy of the report and be better able to elaborate at that point....

I feel like I took a big step forward and landed in quick sand...treatment can not begin soon enough....