Functional Assessment Evaluation
 

Functional Assessment Evaluation or FAE, ordered by WCB.

Has anyone had one of these done?

Mine is a week away. It is a whole day in an office situated in a city thats 2.5 hours away. I will be seen by a chiropractor, a physical therapist, and occupational therapist and a general practioner (GP) or what many call a PCP.

The outcome of their individual assessments will determine my return to work and any therapies needed to get me there. None of these medical professionals will ever see me again. They will have no actual involvement in anything they recommend. (Just like the neuro psych back in Feb)

Even if after I say that, it STILL sounds like this FAE is perhaps in my best interests, please remember it's ordered through workers comp, so they get the result they ask for. It is highly unlikely to result in actual therapies and more likely to result (AT BEST) in recommendations to WCB about workplace accommodations.

Wondering if anyone has gone through one with Workers Comp. (I know it's different in the U.S.) What to expect and will it be useful? Should I expect to be drained like I was from the NP testing?

My symptoms coming up on month 5 of PCS are the same. Head and neck pain, fullness in the head, tightness in head and deep within ears, ears ringing, vision problems, speech problems, cognitive problems.

Thanks for any info out there.

Sounds like you will be poked and prodded and asked to do range of motion and lift and grasp and other physical tasks. I hope they are thorough enough to see your physical limitations.

If they ask you to try something, don't say, I can't do that. Say something like "When I try to do that, I get a pain ..... or I feel dizzy when I bend over like that. " You don't want to be labeled as uncooperative. Take it slow and let them know what is happening as you do the task. You'll be fine.

My best to you.

Mark I posted about the NP report, I finally got my copy after leaving him the terse voicemail. It is an atrocious report. I wish you could see it.

Just wanted to wish you luck and tell you my thoughts are with you. I am pulling for you. These reports are going to work in the favor of the insurance company as much as possible. If your speech is bad enough, would they really want you back at work? Hope this is not too bad for you.
Brain :hug:

I want to wish you luck , also.

I would ask first about your report from that NPA - did he include a complete rundown of all the testing and the scoring? - if so, pay for someone else to review it and give you another opinion, base on that, or have one done by them to compare......you obviously disagree and need to find answers.

I know you are very disappointed in your treatment by the WCB, and how everything has been handled, and how you have been treated, you have to take the bull by the horns and do something about this yourself - get a lawyer, deal with them.

Now, onto your upcoming Functional Assessment Evaluation:

- do not go alone;
- have an advocate with you at all times - even if they are upset by their presence, have one at your side;
- it is your right to have an advocate present to observe and hear what is said - face it, you are anxious, you are befuddled, you are upset; someone not troubled should be of a better state of mind to advocate for you during these tests ;
- if you are tired, take a break; ask for them and take them.

I haven't seen a Chiropractor doing FAE's ; a Physiatrist, a Physical Therapist, an Occupational Therapist, a Physical Medicine /Rehab.Medicine Specialist, a Certified I.M.E. would be choices, but I guess in Canada the WCB allows for Chiropractors to do FAE's, I just haven't seen that in my area.

As I have shown in my previous links, I just offer best hopes for your evaluations.........but wish you could get other supports as soon as possible and get more fight on against those people. You can do it.

Best wishes.

Hi MsRRio,

I have not had one of these but have had a few assessments by doctors ordered by my long term insurance company in the past. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure what they were called so maybe it was the same thing. This was when I was off with Fibromyalgia about 15 years ago, not PCS, but it is very similar in that you look normal with it, there are no tests for it and doctors don't believe in it. I went to the appointment thinking, this is it I'm going to be cut off and I won't have any way to support myself. I was then a single mother. The anxiety and worry was terrible.

I had to get a ride to the appointment, about an hour away, and I was there the whole day. They did treadmill stuff, physical tests (squats,etc.) and asked a LOT of questions. The questions were probably similar to the ones you answered at your neuropsych testing... are you on drugs, are you lazy and looking for money, are you doing other work while on disability, etc. They don't come right out and ask you, they're trick questions!

They wanted to know what I did all day, what I did for a living, etc. It was a VERY long day and totally exhausting but they treated me well and I didn't feel put down or judged. I did the best I could with everything and answered all the questions. I agree that you have to try your absolute hardest because they are looking for people that aren't trying to get better or are faking it.

Make sure you mention that the testing is going to make you worse for days afterwards. I was given a phone number to call if I had any increase in symptoms afterwards and I made sure I called and told them.

I did not have anyone with me. I also agree with what Concussion (I think) said, you need to get your own doctors notes also. You can't just go on their doctors reports. Find a neuropsycologist with concussion experience and get their help. On top of getting help with your WC case you can also get help to get better.

Oh, I almost forgot the most important part of my writing,.... I was NOT cut off my long term disability. It was approved and I continued to try to get my life back. I eventually succeeded and got back to work. All you can do is be honest, show them how sick you are and hope they're humans and not just WCB slaves. You thought you were going to be denied before and you weren't so maybe the same thing will happen here.

Make sure you have plans in place (food prepared or frozen stuff) so that you can rest for a couple days afterwards. You'll need it.

Good luck to you! Let us know how it goes.

CC

The worst experience so far!
 

Well my friends. I hesitated to even begin to tell you all what was said and what happened to me this past Monday. It's Wednesday and I'm still recovering from it, with increased headache, neck pain, confusion, brain fog.

I was asked to fill out a great deal of paperwork, forms, questionnaires, many of the same nature I filled out for the NP. (Eg: how much do you agree with statements such as "I'll never recover" and "I'm afraid this is permanent"... Lovely tricks to which I must state I disagreed)

After 45 minutes of trick questions I was already tired.

Then I saw the PT. She took my history. (Again) She examined my neck. (Painful) She "tested" me for vestibular issues to which I tested negative. I was asked to wear goggles (with cameras in them pointed at my eyes) while she leaned me downward abruptly. They watched my eyes for a reaction because apparently your eyes will wiggle back and forth really quickly if that motion causes dizziness. I tested negative. I asked why I feel sick to my stomach if I'm not dizzy. She said, that's motion sickness not dizziness. Ok.

She also said "you know the latest research indicates concussions are healed in one week" and I said, oh. She asked, what do you think of that? I said, well I'm not a professional, I just want to get well. (Thanks again for playing trick the patient!)

They asked me to lift heavy boxes and walk around the gym. Tested to see if I could do this once every 30 mins in a workday (no) and could I safely do it once a day (maybe, depends on symptoms). I had to wear a heart rate monitor and of course I did my best and got a big headache as a reward.

Not sure why a marketing and guest services manager would need to lift heavy boxes but ok. Keeping an open mind at this point.

Then I had to sit and type at a desk and was asked if I felt discomfort. I said I still feel sick to my stomach and have a headache. They asked why do you think that is? I answered I don't know for sure but I tend to get increased symptoms with activity. She wrote all that down. Something in my gut said, uh oh. I wasn't supposed to speculate.

Then I was taken to see the psychologist. Ladies and gents this is where it gets crazy. I took notes so that I could recall it.

He was a well dressed handsome guy with a constant smile. He took my history (again) and told me that WCB chose their private practice for these assessments based on rigorous criteria and that this was an accomplishment for the business. He explained the panel process how they send an initial report in two days then an advanced report in a week for my treatment plans.

He asked, "why do you think you have not recovered?" I said I don't know, I'm doing everything I should do.

He continued by asking what those things were. I listed rest, acupuncture, good nutrition etc.

Then after I answered his questions he said, "I've read the NP report and your brain is 100% fine. You had a concussion but a clear CT and MRI mean there is no physical evidence of injury. You are not injured. You are fine. Everything you feel is an accepted perception based on things you've researched or been told that are not true. There is no such thing as post concussion syndrome.

In fact, what has happened is that there is concussion hysteria in the media due to some high profile cases such as Sidney Crosby."

He smiled and waited for a response. I said, cautiously, "so there's no such thing as PCS? How come the NP said I have it?" And he said, "you've misunderstood his report, he says you are 100% fine. There is nothing wrong with you."

I said, "but he mentions executive functioning deficits and short term memory" and he interrupted "I've read it. You are fine. There is nothing wrong with you. You do not have permanent brain damage even though you think you do" as he smiled.

I said, "but I never said I had brain damage."

He said, "this concussion hysteria frustrates me. Patients who don't recover are sent to specialist after specialist and no one can determine why they don't recover. Then they are finally sent to psychologists like me. That's where we have to deprogram them to finally get them to accept they are recovered."

I asked, "so the neuro surgeon was wrong in diagnosing PCS?"

He said, "it's hysteria, it doesn't exist."

He smiled and smiled waiting for me to let it sink in.

So I asked, "why do I feel pain if I'm fine?"

He said, "because you have accepted you have pain. You have created an accepted norm and you have become focused and sensitive to anything that causes a symptom and automatically attribute it to the concussion. You have created hyper sensitivity to light and sound by being in a quiet dark environment."

I asked, "so this is all my fault?"

He said, "there isn't blame here. It's just that you accepted beliefs by doctors telling you that your recovery is taking a long time. The facts show you are fine. Now you just need to accept that instead of believing you have pain."

I said, "so since I'm fine, should I drive again?"

He said, "I won't be held responsible for that, you will have to ask your GP"

I said, "well I thought I'd ask you because you disagree with my GP AND a brain surgeon."

He said, "I can tell you're defensive and not receptive" and I said, "with all due respect to your opinion, I'm confused and I'm certainly no professional"

And he stood and shook my hand and said "you are recovered and you should return to work full time, and to your regular life. It's great news" as he smiled. He led me out of the room.

Still with me??

So remember WCB said I would see an OT? I didn't get to see one. I had a four hour break and was asked to return at 4pm to see the chiro and the GP.

The four hour break was good to vent to my husband who was not allowed to attend with me by the way. I was not allowed an advocate.

The chiro took my history (again) and looked at my spine, said my posture is the cause of my pain. She asked why I think I'm not recovered yet. I said I am too confused now to answer that since talking to the psychologist.

The GP then saw me. Took history. (Again). He asked the same questions and I answered the same as before. I was defeated.

So.... thoughts? I hope this hasn't upset anyone... As much as it upset me.

Horrible. And borders on professional misconduct. I think I would complain to the governing body for psychologist in Saskatchewan. This is a regulated profession!
It is completely ignorant to boot!
Poor you. Hang in there!!!!!!

Wow
 

Wow Ms.Rrio. Wow. I wish I had been there with you so I could of told them to go **** themselves. Yeah, right we are just in hysteria huh? No such thing as PCS? I am sorry but there are tons of doctors, specialists, scientists that know this condition is real.
I just love how they kept telling you that you are 100 percent better and fine. Isn't that great news? I don't know what else you could of done in the situation. They railroaded you.
You need to get yourself a lawyer. Our pain and problems are not imagined or any sort of hysteria. Personally, I had never heard of this condition before the neurologist. How can you have hysteria about something you had never heard of? I beg to differ with him on all points but especially where he says that a concussion heals in a month. Maybe for some. Maybe for certain types of injury. But for us, we have all not healed within months. I am going on 8 years now. You know PCS does not show up on MRI. All neurologists know this.
Get a lawyer and get the records from all your private doctors. Did you have a private neuropsychological evaluation done? If not get one.
I am so sorry. I knew it would go this way for you with those crooks. I am just stunned. Let the professional lawyers take on these sleezebags. They know how to play the game. I would remain silent and let a lawyer handle it.
What a load of crap.
Brain :hug:

I guess I should get a lawyer. I was naive to think I'd get better before I required legal help. It's also pricey.

I doubt any local lawyers would be good. I may have to find one in a bigger city. Our city is very agricultural and tiny (16,000 ppl) so the heaviest case these lawyers have seen would be a bad divorce.

I hope we can find a way to afford one. Yikes.

Thanks for the emotional support Mokey and BP, I was astonished as well. Still amazed that this kind of trivializing a patient's pain is considered helpful. It felt abusive to me.

A concussion is a brain injury. Did they get that much? Poor you.
Infuritating. You don't wish a brain injury on anyone....but wish they could experience it for a few days to get a taste of it!

I can't believe what I've read! I want to send it to my NP and get her take on it. Definitely seems like harassment to me. I'm so sorry you had to go through such a horrible ordeal. Have you not been able to find a neuro psycologist in your area to go see? Having one on your side would help your claim as well as provide possible treatment. I would think one would be cheaper than a lawyer.

I still can't believe the things he was saying and wonder if there's a motive to his words.

Anyhow, big hug to you and I hope you find a neuropsych or concussion specialist that can help you.

CC

No. The psychologist insisted that concussions are not brain injuries because there is no physical evidence with any diagnostic tools.

Even when I asked about short term memory he asked me to give an example of things I believe are evidence of that. (Well, the NP report is one piece of evidence but he dismissed it, saying that the intrepretation of my NP report by my doctor, was wrong)

I said, well I forget toast in the toaster, coffee in the microwave, I burned things that are on the stove, etc. He said that's just normal forgetfulness. That's not short term memory loss. If you left your car running all night or something, that would be more the type of safety risk we'd expect. People with severe injuries have those types of symptoms but not people who had a minor concussion.

Everything I said was dismissed.

So far (when you're on WCB) I cannot see doctors outside of this system. I asked my doctor for a referral to a neurologist and he said no we have to wait to see what the WCB panel says.

My doctor will not refer me without WCB allowing it because right now WCB pays for his time as well.

I find I'm having trouble getting through to anyone and the more I push, the more I'm assumed to be an attention seeker rather than a valid case.

I find I'm even doubting my own sanity now that I've been through this. It was like he was using Jedi mind tricks. I didn't know how to play those mind games.

Of course there was motive to his words. His time was paid for (likely handsomely) by WCB to get me off benefits, he tried to convince me I'm delusional about my own pain and health.

Sad to think I'd be better off being cut off, so I could find relief from abuse, and finally be allowed to seek treatment.

Imagine if a psychologist spoke that way to someone with heart disease or cancer... You've created hyper sensitivity and that's why you feel pain, it doesn't exist, your condition doesn't exist.

There would be outrage. Brain injured patients seem to have zero rights. It was perfectly acceptable for him to trivialize my injury and I couldn't think fast enough to fight it.

For some reason I am expected with limited problem solving ability (I don't think very fast anymore, despite him saying I'm fine) to work my way through conversations to properly play this mind game.

This story just justifies why I chose to NOT go through WCB... I am thankful my injury happened on a third party location, and I could go another route. So far all my insurance reviews have been pretty cooperative, telling me I need MORE therapy and treatment to help me get better, or at least improve...

I recommend getting a lawyer, I know it's not cheap, but many of them will go on a basis of you only pay a percentage of what you get...

Good luck.

MsRriO,

You want an attorney who specializes in WCB. You can get representation without needing to meet with the attorney directly.
Google "saskatchewan wcb attorney". You will find a bunch of results to sift through.

I agree that a complain to the licensing board is warranted. But it will not make a difference in the near term. Complaints take too long.

The hired guns are a well trained group.

Don't waste too much effort thinking about these biased people.

If they make you return to work, do it and keep a journal. I'd write a letter asking for provincial (Crown, I think) permission to resume driving. Maybe the attorney should write this letter.

Check out http://www.sbia.ca/ They look like they have good information for you.

My best to you.

Rio
 

I am very sorry that you are going threw this!I cannot even believe how these MDs are so inhuman.I will pray for you and your family.:hug::grouphug:

Victims rights.

You live in a free country. There is nothing in your country that denies you those rights. Just as there is nothing in the US that denies us those rights.

The WCB has established their bully structures to deny whatever they can; as is shown from the links I previously provided.

As Mark has linked you have the ability to obtain legal representation. And I believe its similar to here in the US; we have a limit on their 'share' of the settlement, plus expenses.

If I am told that I cannot have an advocate present - I ask to use ThEIR phone to call the work comp representative, and reset an appointment once they straighten out that problem; because I expect advocacy - either me and my wife with a recording device or a representative from my lawyer (usually they quickly settle for my wife , with or without a recording device)....and no reschedule....see they want their money too.

Hang in there, you always have appeals. There is a problem.

That Psychologist is nothing but a paid mouthpiece for the WCB. And an idiot. Just print out and or all the research links that have been linked here over the time you have been registered and throw them in the mail to him, demanding he updates his background reading.

:grouphug:

Neuro psycologists do not need a referral and there is no reason why you can't privately see one. It is like going to a chiropractor or naturopath... all you need is money to see one.

Just thought I'd mention that.

CC

Thanks everyone.

WCB is unfortunately above the law. I have looked into some things over time. Section 22 gives WCB exclusive jurisdiction which renders it impossible to argue with. Our Saskatchewan government (Sask Party) turns a blind eye to the injustice.

Appeals are handled by the Office of the Worker's Advocates, which are also on WCB payroll.

The board that "hears" the appeals is also on WCB payroll.

Bonus structures are paid to WCB workers for getting injured workers back to work.

I'm not sure anyone is getting how deep the corruption runs, or maybe it's like this everywhere so we're desensitized... but anyway, yes I will try to find a lawyer with enough nerve to take the case. But I have no illusions of winning. They never lose, ever, so there's no settlement coming. Without a settlement, lawyers won't take the case, I'm assuming.

I'd almost prefer to have them cut me off, as I've already been approved for LTD through my insurance. It's 65% of my wage versus the 90% that I receive through WCB, but maybe I'd lose my sanity at a slower rate as well.

As for advocacy I'm going to try to get the Sask Acquired Brain Injury lady to accompany me to the next doctor's appointment because I'm just lost by myself.

This is just effing insane. :eek: I am so sorry you are going through all this.

I'm sorry you are going through this. This is absolutely unfair and unreasonable given your condition. :hug:

I know you must feel like giving up and that's definitely your choice. But do recognize you have a choice here. I have been hesitating to post but you do still have options. They are difficult options and you might not have the fight left for them and that's ok.

If you do have the fight left, you need to contact a lawyer that's specializes in workers comp... now. Don't delay any longer. Don't worry whether they will take the case because maybe there's a settlement and maybe there's not, that's not your concern right now... your concern is getting to a lawyer's office with all your documentation and having a consult and telling them everything that's happen and letting them tell you what's what.

If THEY tell you there's no case and they are not interested, see a 2nd lawyer, and if they tell you there's no case, then, maybe there's no case and you just have to accept that WCB has won and you have to move on.

But don't 2nd guess what the lawyer will say without having that consult. That's just selling yourself short and giving up without trying. Which is fine if that's what you are CHOOSING to do, but don't do it without careful thought to your future.

I know many people with injuries (across Canada) that WCB has tried to railroad and the ones that have gotten lawyers involved early in the process have been treated more fairly than ones that have not... the ones that have been treated poorly, like yourself, once they get a lawyer involved, the poor treatment stops because they finally have a clear headed advocate on their side who understands the system and doesn't allow WCB to take advantage of them... this is especially important for those of us with brain injuries who are not able to think clearly and quickly due to our injuries.

I wish you the best... this is an awful situation that would be difficult for anyone with an injury that doesn't involve their brain... but combine that with an injury that DOES involve their brain and it makes it impossible and intolerable.

WCB is a bully, but you can choose to be their punching bag or you can get yourself a shield to protect yourself. Its your choice.

Starr

To add to Starr's comments, you have constantly stated that you are from a small township, of what? 1600 - well if you are thinking that way, guess how those folks in WCB are thinking > "well, now, let's just keep pushing that po lil country girl til she breaks and does what she's told; we'll get her back in tow soon enough...."

Just like that ******* Psych - speaking down to you at every turn - the blame game if you will, when actually he was not correct in his perception/skills - "No No its all your fault, you made this the way it is now......there is nothing wrong" -- that was not his job; except that is what the WCB wanted him to say... No matter how much 'exam time' he spent with you.

I had 1 hour with the Social Security Administration Psychiatrist - theirs are supposed to find things to maybe disprove, or not, a claim of disability for our Medicare Disability here in the US; and he found things I did not know I had problems with - I did not have a lawyer, but was setting an interview up getting ready for the appeal; when I got the 'approval' notice in the mail.

A legitimate Psychologist will test appropriately and unbiasedly report findings; otherwise they are unethical and deserve absolute reporting to their accrediting Boards.

I do understand how far level of corruption goes
 

Hi Ms. Rrio,
I do understand how far the level of corruption goes. I wish it were not that way but you are correct. You could get a lawyer and try to fight this or it may just be more aggravation then it is worth. I had to get a lawyer and fight a medical malpractice case for my daughter when she had a surgical instrument sewed up inside her. She was awarded some money but I wish I had not fought that battle. It hurt me with anger issues far more than it was worth. I guess you are going to have to decide what you can tolerate. A lawsuit is a very hard thing on a person emotionally. We are not in the best shape for that kind of stress.
I am sure a good WCF lawyer could help you get a more fair deal but you must consider the hardship this will take on you as a person. It is abusive. It is corrupt. It is frustrating. It makes a person angry.
Do what is right for you. If you have another option with LTD to get money so you can live maybe this would be a better option. I am not trying to discourage you in any way to stand up for yourself, I am just being honest about the repercussions of that choice.
You see that we have to fight with everyone, even our own family members to try and get support and assistance. How much can we take? Sometimes it is better to walk away.
We all know this is a real condition. We all suffer with problems from it every day. We know the truth about our health. We don't need their opinions.
Love,
Brain

True
 

I appreciate all the responses. I have to think this carefully through. I'm not sure my husband's health can tolerate a legal battle. But, maybe that's the only way I can be protected. Like brain patch says, that's an investment emotionally, and for the whole family.

Brain patch your compassion is your strength. I really appreciated your post. :hug:

Starr you're right I can't decide the outcome before trying. Good point. I'll need to decide more objectively. In the heat of the injustice I don't think clearly.

Today WCB called with the initial report which recommends a 10 week therapy program including vestibular therapy, and a graduated return to work to begin at the six week mark.

My doctor has to decide on whether he approves of that. I don't see him until April 11th. So we wait.

In the meantime I've also spoken to the Acquired Brain Injury support worker, who agrees that this team was just hired guns for WCB, and she is working on a way to help me from here on.

I'll update again if anything changes.

Ms.Rrio,
I think that with the WCB recommending a 10 week program with vestibular therapy with the goal of you starting a gradual return to work at the six week mark shows that they do know you are hurt badly. If they really thought you were" just fine" then why would they pay for this? Quite a long program for someone they are deeming "just fine".
I think Starr had really good advise. Maybe you could get a lawyer and just let them handle it without having to get emotionally involved too much. Turn it over to them and not expect anything and if something comes through then great.
I am proud of you for finding yourself an advocate. Well done. That alone will help. They will know you are not alone in this any longer and may wonder what other resources you may come up with.
Good move.
Brain :hug:

The other possible upside of this, aside from the fact that you're finally getting some therapy, is that maybe your therapist will help your case. My vistibular therapist knows a lot about concussion/brain injuries and has been second only to my NP in information and support.

She knows the minute I walk in the door whether I'm having a bad day or not and has written letters on my behalf with regards to what we are doing, how I am coming along and what our goals are going forward.

The insurance company, and probably WCB too, like to see that your moving forward and have a plan in place for return. Hopefully you get a great therapist like mine!

You may notice some improvement with your headaches and eyes as they are also connected to the vestibular system.

It's more time then you thought you would get. Give the glasses and therapy a go and maybe you'll be surprised! Or get your doctor to say your not ready and fight them, I guess is the other option.

That's great that your Long term disability can still be accessed even though its a work injury! Ours won't let you do that. It's great you have a backup plan!

CC

Hi again all,

I still haven't seen the full report of recommendations. I am in the waiting game until I see my doctor, which is fine by me.

Vestibular therapy won't likely be done by anyone different, it will likely be my same physiotherapist who will need to give it his best shot. I think all recommended therapy has to be done locally and again, we have very few professional therapists of any kind here. That's fine though, I'm coming to terms.

I've been feeling gradual improvements lately, perhaps thanks to prism glasses, higher dose of amitriptyline and good old Father Time. I was able to laugh with friends twice over Easter weekend, the kind of laughing that gives me the ice pick headaches. Worth every second.

I've decided to let this recent hired gun's assessment roll off just like I let the NP's biased report roll off.

What's important is the present moment and I am content. Not healed yet, but hopeful, and content. Even if this was as good as it gets, I'd accept it and move on, laughing through ice pick headaches because they don't last as long as the memories I'm making. :)

So proud of you
 

Good for you Ms. Rrio! That is the right attitude. I am so glad you are not letting these opinions of others hurt you anymore. I am so glad you were able to be together with some friends and laugh. It is the most healing thing. It is great to hear you are having some improvements. I think things are going to work out just fine for you. Maybe with this 10 weeks of treatment you will be well enough to work or at least get back to living. I am so happy for you. We find ways to work around the problems. :hug:
I also have found some friends and have been getting out a bit and laughing with them feels so good. Even if I am exhausted after it is worth it. I cannot just keep living in fear of headaches etc. Easter also went good. First year that I have not had major depression and PTSD problems on that day. Seeing my beautiful daughter fully healed and doing well helped a lot.
I have my last session of neuropsychological testing on Wednesday. So I am hopeful she will be able to direct me to the correct kind of treatment needed to get me back to living more normally again. I will let you know how it goes.
Keep us posted on your progress. I am praying and pulling for you.
Love,
Brain

I am so so sorry!
 

I have never ever ever wished this on anybody.... until just now. I think the experience of a concussion would do that guy a LOT of good!!!

I live in Manitoba and I had one done. I didn't see a psychologist or Psychiatrist, but all of the other things. The lights were flourescent and they wouldn't let me use my welding goggles. There was a radio playing in the background, and I can't tune out any noise and focus on one... I hear everything all at the same time. It makes my brain slow down, my speech slow down, can't follow a conversation.

I asked if I could use earplugs. She said "would they let you wear earplugs at work"? I said no... so she said then no. It was a horrible experience and I was able to do all of the physical stuff but ended up not being able to finish due to horrible head pain. The questionairres were brutal, followed by verbal questions continuously. The final report did state that I was unable to return to work at the time because I work in a noisy environment with flourescent lights. ( a high school).
I am dumbfounded that this guy said all of the things he said. I have tried many times to pretend I am fine, but I am not. It doesn't work.

I am in month 21 since falling backward from slipping on ice and hitting my head on concrete. The Neurologist assures me that I will heal completely. Some days I fear I won't, some days are not so bad. I still get very exhausted, have intolerance to light and sound, bad head pressure and pain, short term memory problems, motion intolerance, and depression. I wish so much to be able to sit and talk with others going through the same thing. I have six children and an AMAZING husband! (THANK GOD!!! THAT GUY DESERVES A MEDAL!!)

Great news. So happy for you!