[AnnieDayNow]

So I saw the WC doc yesterday, actually one of his partners as he's on vacation. She's going to send me to a neurologist --good, I think. And she took me off work for a few days.

Sigh. I guess I needed the time off (I'm pretty useless at work right now). But then I had to take the dr's note into the office and give it to my boss. I could see him gritting his teeth in an effort not to say anything.

I can't help but feel I just took an axe to my career. Even if I fully recover (which the docs keep telling me I will, owing to the mildness of my injury), I don't think things will ever be the same at work. It's not like I am a habitual absentee -- I've worked there 11 years and I could count the sick days I've taken on one hand. Until now.

I guess I'll try to take it one day at a time. But just thinking of yesterday makes me cry. Of course, since the injury, everything makes me cry. I feel as if 15 years of emotional growth just vanished. I just (irrationally) want everything back the way it was.

I'm not sure what the universe is trying to teach me, but I hope I learn it soon so I can move on to the next challenge.

Thanks for listening,
Annie

[Mark in Idaho]

Annie,

I hope the neurologist you see has a better knowledge of concussion than you doctors so far. If they said "(which the docs keep telling me I will, owing to the mildness of my injury)" than they are way off base on concussion knowledge.

True concussion specialists know that the prognosis from a concussion has little to do with the intensity of the impact. It has more to do with symptoms. Each brain responds differently. You brain is likely a sensitive brain. I would not be surprised that your concussion came at a time when your progesterone levels were very low. Progesterone is a neuro-protectant.

By anecdotal observations, I believe this is why women can be so much more severely injured by a 'simple concussion.' In men, progesterone levels are consistent at the resting level of women's progesterone. In women, progesterone will flat line at or near zero for a few days per month.

Athletic women who have very light or absent periods can flat line their progesterone levels, thus putting their brains at risk.

Listen to your WC doc. If you are to take a break, take it. Most WC laws protect the job of injured workers. The WC doctor needs to be more explicit to your boss. A simple "Don't work" order can leave your boss thinking you are being a problem. The WC doc needs to explain your need to rest to heal and to not work to avoid any further risk to you.

Unfortunately, WC laws offer far more protection for the employer than they offer the employee. Be sure to stick up for yourself. You may want to find a WC attorney who understands head injuries. At least a bit of WC legal advice so you understand AZ WC laws will be good.

If you can in AZ, you should try to pick the doctor yourself. Some states allow the worker to choose their own doctor instead of the doctors who are selected by the WC insurance co who tend to know who pays their bills.

This is a tough situation. I know because I have been through this system in California. Good luck with WC.

My best to you.

[vini]

hi
mark is right if you go back to work to soon, your run the risk of being dismissed for not coping with your job, been there, my boss said take all the time you need.

so although under the hospitals out patient care. I was never officially sick, so feeling beholden to my men who relied on me tried to work from home, then asked to leave, when the company realized the extent of my injury, so you run the risk of losing what little rights you have

three years on the deficits that have remained are in the parts of the brain. I tried to use to do my job. clinical studies have now shown using damaged parts of your brain cause more damage and even can burn out adjacent neurons so better to go back when you are up to speed,

get good advice early on I wish I had

please see link

http://www.utahinjurylawblog.com/200...aumatic_1.html

[AnnieDayNow]

Thanks Mark and Vini. Yesterday was just a bad day, for me. I guess I'm not used to staying home and not doing anything. The TV gives me a headache, so I don't even turn it on anymore; and I can only read for one-hour stretches before I get tired. I last about a half-hour on the computer.

In addition to working, I had been trying to become a published author prior to the injury. I'm still able to write, but slowly and in small shifts. I'm really taking it easy on that front, because I don't want to lose that ability entirely. In fact, I haven't even tried in a week.

In answer to your question, Mark. Yes, I believe that I was at the lowest point in my cycle for progesterone. Lucky me. That, combined with my prior injury 8 months before, did not lead to a happy outcome that day.

I'm doing better today. I'm a stubborn woman, but I've been trying to focus that stubborness into getting better, instead of fighting what the docs tell me.
I have another appt today. Another follow-up. We'll see what they want me to do from here.

Annie