I'm so sorry to hear that NW. I am 2 years and 4 months post injury and I too have experienced many "set backs". Johnson is right, taking care of a little one is really tough. When family comes to visit with their little one(s), I can hardly manage and often will excuse myself and go to bed. There has been the odd occasion where I will babysit, but that has to be when I'm having a good spell and not for long. There is no worse trigger for me than crowds or children. As I type this I feel bad because it sounds like I don't like kids! No, I love my grandkids! But, kids tend to get excited, talk a lot (LOL), get excited and want to play - they're kids!!!

I would not be a bit surprised if taking care of your son is just a bit too much for your symptoms. Sounds to me like you could use some help.

I started back to work slowly with only a few hours a week, but all of a sudden, I had symptoms much like you are describing here. I was worse than I had ever been! I couldn't talk or function much at all. I could get dressed myself and get myself lunch, etc, but I would space out and just sit for hours. It wasn't like I had a seizure or anything. I was somewhat aware, i just didnt' have any energy or brain space for anything. Not even to watch a silly TV show or listen to music. Just space out.

Here's the good news. I'm much better again. I stepped back from work and started up again slowly. 5 Weeks later and I am back to my pre-setback self and am improving very slightly, however my "set back" lasted several weeks. It seems that if I add any amount of time to my work hours, I feel it. So, I am going very very slow. I'm working 3 hours a day; four days a week with Wed off. That mid day off (and all to myself) is the key for me. If I work just 30 min extra, boom - I feel it. And I am working from home at my own slow pace with no pressure or expectations. I am so lucky to be able to do this. I have an amazing employer and my boss is very understanding. For now anyhow.

One of the key things that I had to accept was that I needed an increase in my dosage of antidepressants. That helped me deal with all of this. I was very resistant, but without the increase, I don't think I would have moved forward. But that's just me and my situation - depression is/was quite a problem.

Oh - one more thing. I changed the terminology I use when this happens. I no longer call it a "set back;" rather I began calling it a "flare up" of symptoms.

Good luck to you - hang in there. You will regain your pre flare-up state and then take further baby steps in healing and coping.