Originally Posted by nwsmith1984

I can't offer you any advice because my situation is quite different from your's. Its also much more severe. However, I can tell you this...

My brain was actually damaged enough to show up on the MRI. There is damage to my left frontal lobe and a pool of dried blood on my brain. That, is going to be there for the rest of my life. I'm 9 months into my recovery and my life is HELL right now. The left frontal lobe is in charge of executive functions. Lots of important s***, okay? I'm probably never going to be able to work because of this. I'm 27 and there's a strong possibility what I'm dealing with today is going to be stuck with me for the rest of my life...and get worse as I get older.

You know how it happened? I was assaulted. Randomly. For no freakin reason at all.

You know when you take a test a school...and it feels like your brain is straining to concentrate and think of the answers to the questions. Its an uncomfortable feeling...your wiped, mentally exhausted. That, my friend, is how I feel ALL the time. Regardless of what I'm doing. I don't get any relief. Actually, the only time I get relief is when I'm ASLEEP.

I struggle to simply interact with my son and take care of him. I open my mouth sometimes and nothing comes out because there is nothing there...in my head.

As Mark told me...there are people in this world, right now...that are living their life with half a brain. There is always going to be someone that has it worse than you.

I felt that I needed to say this to you. I understand what your dealing with sucks right now but its not even CLOSE to what other people are living with right now.

Just be happy that its only a minor concussion with minor symptoms and that its nothing worse than that. Give up your life as an athlete and pursue something else...protect your brain from any further damage.

I'm sorry to be so blunt with you, but I think that's what needed to be done.

Good luck.