Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho
JNC,
Welcome to NeuroTalk. Glad you found this place.
From your post, it appears you are a high achiever with high expectations of yourself. I say this because of your post including many fine details of your thoughts and experiences. It is good to see that you have such good memory skills.
It is very difficult to live with and manage PCS by focusing on the small details. Recovery and improvement is best done by noticing trends, not individual experiences. These trends are best viewed in time spans of weeks and months. Many good days last just that, days and are only momentary events. When they start lasting weeks, they can be expected to be a trend of improvement.
After your diagnosis of PCS, did they recommend quiet rest? I or others can explain more about quiet rest. The busy and active life you describe is counter to recovery. Have you returned to your ADD meds? Have you modified the food and substances you consume? Research suggests limiting alcohol to a single serving per day. Many of us use a vitamin and other supplement regimen to support our brain's efforts to recover.
Please feel free to tell us about the symptoms you are still experiencing and many here will have suggestions for moving forward with your PCS.
btw, Are you in Canada or the States? You mentioned returning to the States but then mention the CDN healthcare system.
My best to you.
|
Mark in Idaho,
Thanks for your considerate reply.
I've always prided myself on an impressively acute memory, and was left devastated when PCS took it away. As I recover, it slowly returns to me. There is a price, however; it comes with the uncomfortable thought of the longevity of my illness.
Your words on recovery are truly inspiring. I've long believed that viewing recovery in weeks or months is more beneficial than day by day, as your words reinforce. It's comforting to know we agree on this.
My diagnosis of PCS occurred only last Thursday. The doctor recommended taking ibuprofen and small amounts of caffeine to alleviate headaches, but little beyond that. I try to rest in a dark room for 30-45min per day, but cannot allow my health to interfere with my final year of my degree and my extensive extracurriculars. I've learned to cope with PCS, pushing myself in times when I should exhibit recovery. I'm confident that 3 weeks of rest over winter break will help me significantly. I find that a good night's sleep is the best medicine, so I've shifted my bedtime from 2am last year to no later than 12am this year. I drink significantly less (no more than 5 drinks in a weekend), as I understand the negative impact that alcohol can have on the brain. As a student, it's difficult for me to make time to edit my diet appropriately, though I would be open to suggestions. As far as vitamins, I'm extremely curious to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
I have indeed restarted my ADD meds and found that my brain functions best between a half hour to 6 hours after consumption.
I still have difficulties sleeping, daytime fatigue, confusion, etc. All the same symptoms, on a less debilitating level.
I'm from the States but attend University in Canada.
Looking forward to your reply!