Halfnelson,
I know the exacaberation of symptoms after bowel movements. Pre-injury I had mild IBS and didn't affect my life anyways. Post injury it got worse and mostly like due to all the meds I swallowed (Elavil, prednisone etc.,)

Now I changed my diet a lot. No meat (except some chicken or fish twice a week) and changed mostly to Fruits, Yoghurt and Rice. Little spicy food when I get bored.

I also understand how any physical activity induce symptoms. For me even taking a shower is struggle and I get wiped out and dizzy. Even doing nothing I have symptoms settle in about an hour after I wake up. I did nothing for about an year and got very depressed and suicidal.

Now I do some activities because my symptoms always there no matter what. I work from home and nothing stressful. My stressful days are going to stores for 10 mins, doctors office all within few minutes from where I live. If i go for 10 min ride I take taxi or call a friend.

Once I went to ER my doc injected some potent morphin(dialudid) thought I didn't really prefer but she explained she is trying to break the pain cycle. It felt so good (not drunk feeling but different) for 1 day with no pain (even helped with dizzy feeling) Now I know why people get addicted to narcotics. But all symptoms came back next day.

Since you asked about going in coma which they do (not in USA probably) for chronic pain. You can search for "Ketamine induced comas". I even thought about it. I am not sure they do for some one with brain trauma.

Cheers!