new and some pcs question
 

Hey all, been lurking these forums for a bit now, and finally decided to post. Ill give a quick backstory. Ive had 3 major concussions, and probably two minor ones. Im 27, and my first major concussions came at age 17 and 19. The minor ones were spread out until last may one I had a minor one. Then this January, on the 10th, I fell on ice and landed on the back of my head. I blacked out briefly for a few seconds. Stayed at work, and as the day went on everything got worse and worse. Vomiting dizziness ect. They called an ambulance and they forced me to go because my blood pressure was 183/118. I do have a history of hypertension though, so it wasnt a surprise to me. They did a CT scan and said there was no bleeding, so that was a plus. This was about 8 hours after the fall. They also said I had a strained neck, but that hasnt caused me any problems.

Ive been out of work now for a little over two months and a few days. Im hating it. The first month was misery, I couldnt do anything. Couldnt watch tv couldnt be around people, couldnt stomach food ect. As time keeps going, my headaches are slowly progressing to be better. Before they were like an 8/10 all day long, now they are like a 4/10 all day long.

I still cannot sleep more than two hours at a time though. I wake up with just throbbing headaches (almost like ive been held upside down for too long.) The work dr has me on Fioricet, which seems to help a bit. I do want to apologize if this message is all over the place though, as I still have a hard time focusing/thinking and whats scary is that I have a short term memory loss. I have a hard time remembering stuff I did in the AM or conversations ive held ect.

So I guess ill just list out some stuff im still experiencing before I lose my focus even more haha
-Headaches
-not being able to stay asleep
-never really hungry
-left side of jaw hurts like a sob (although it has improved)
- Occasionally still getting dizzy
-Extremely bright light bothers me, but most moderate lighting does not
-Cannot be around a bunch of people. I had two birthday parties ive been to in the past two weeks, and had to leave a half hour in. Just way to much was going on and it effected my head

I havent tried anything physical since the last snow storm a few weeks ago, where just snowblowing my driveway made me feel like I had just hit my head all over again and put me back at step 1. But, about 3 weeks ago I woke up one night, and a clear kind of fluid was leaking out both ears and my nose, and I didnt have a cold. Ever since then the left side of my jaw has been hard to open. Although it is getting better.

Im just confused as to whats taking so long to recover? My work seems to be getting upset with me that its taking this long so far. Finally they have decided I need to see a neurologist and I go this Friday. What is he going to do? Think ill get lucky and he will clear me to go back to work on Monday (im saying lucky because im miserable not doing anything, as im normally a very active guy, I love my job, and I hate only getting 60% of my pay). Is there anything hes going to do differently than the work dr currently has (which has basically just been giving me scripts?)

Once again I apologize if this is a mumbled mess, just still having a hard time focusing. Im just worried they wont allow me back to work asap. Im also wondering what this neurologist will do, and when the heck Ill start feeling normal!! Thanks

kevbo87,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. It sounds like you have suffered quite a concussion. Your concussion history only makes it worse. I would say you are suffering from Multiple Concussion Syndrome where each successive concussion is more severe (for the same level of impact) and slower to recover.

I suggest you get your neck checked out. Very subtle upper neck injuries can cause horrible head ache problems. Gentle therapy and good posture discipline during rest and sleep will be important. Sometimes, the struggle to stay asleep is due to apnea. Do you have stressful dreams that cause you to wake up ? These can be a sign of poor oxygenation from interrupted breathing.

The clear fluid from your ears is a concern. Be sure to tell the doctor.

You don't say what you do for a job. Some jobs can be dangerous if the worker does not have full neurological function. Be glad you are getting 60% pay. Many of us have been denied WC benefits. btw, WC benefits are often tax free so the reduction is not so severe.

A neuro may be helpful or maybe a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor will be better.

When you say your jaw hurts or is stuff, are you talking about your TMJ ? Muscle tension from an injured upper neck can mess up ones temporal mandibular joint. Do you have tenderness at the bony areas behind your ears ?

The Fioricet had acetaminophen. It is best to avoid acetaminophen due to it chemical stress on the brain. Ask the pharmacist if there is a version without acetaminophen. The pharmacist can get a script change from your doctor over the phone. Soma (carisoprodol) may offer the muscle relaxation your doctor is trying to treat with the Fioricet.

Feel free to tell or ask us anything. There are no dumb questions here.

My best to you.

Hi Mark, thanks for the response, its appreciated!

As far as my line of work im basically an engineer, a highway worker, an athletic field builder, a landscaper, a you name it, my job does it (public works) I take my job very seriously and am very physically engaged.

The whole neck thing is sort of in check. My wife is a physical therapist, so she has been working on it daily for the past month. Really hasn't made any difference.

The jaw thing I can describe as basically where it feels like where the jaw hinges on the left side doesnt want to open, like a deep pressure. No tenderness behind the ear either.

The whole situation is just so weird though. Because some days lately ive been feeling great. Just minor headaches and lack of concentration, and other days its like day 1 all over again. Its got me slightly confused/worried that something major could be wrong. I know there was no bleeding in the one and only CT scan I had at the hospital, so I know thats a good sign. But I just want to know why I cant sleep. To be honest I dont know if im having any dreams. When I wake up in the night, its just basically from a throbbing headache. I find that sitting up or standing makes my head feel better rather than laying down. Laying down for an extended period of time makes it feel like someone is holding me upside down and giving me a blood rush to the head!

Thing is, my work has been understanding these past two months, but lately its more of , why are you still out sort of deal. I mean, they are still playing nice, but it has me a bit concerned. I think this is one of those injuries you dont know what its like until youve been through it.

Ive never been to a neurologist, not really even sure what this guy will do. Will he order another CT scan, an MRI, something? I know im not ready to go back to work yet, and feel as though it could be dangerous. But ive lost 27 lbs in 2 months (mostly because my appetite is just not there anymore), I have my first child coming in a few weeks, and im just straight out bored out of my mind. So im just hoping he will clear me for labor so I can get back to normal work wise before my first child.

kev,

Do you have a recliner chair ? If so, try sleeping in it. Get yourself in a comfortable position where you can just melt into sleep. See of you can sleep longer that way. Early on, I had to change my sleeping position so I did not aggravate my neck and cause inflammation and spasms.

Recovering from a concussion often takes experimentation. Finding your head ache triggers is quite a task but an important one. It may help if your wife is very gentle with your neck. Some gentle traction with gentle mobilization may be better that pushing for range of motion. Stretched and strained ligaments need a gentle approach. C-1 and C-2 strains can be very difficult to heal.

Do you jaw clinch, maybe when you are sleeping ? I did early on. It caused severe TMJ problems. I took gabapentin before sleep and it helped reduce my jaw clinching. Do you sleep with one side of your face on your pillow ? Sleeping position can exacerbate a jaw problem.

Your head pressure is worth investigating. Ask the neuro about it.

Yes, ive tried the recliner, no luck sadly. I usually can fall asleep decently, its just staying asleep thats the problem. Its just being woken up like someone is bouncing a basketball off my head. Rather annoying.

Shes been very gentle on the neck, as a lot of patients get sent to her facility for concussion rehab so she understands what she is doing. So thats a big plus knowing shes not furthering injuring me haha.

Not that you mention it, I have been paying attention to my jaw. I am clenching it alot. I think it might be my natural reaction to coping with the headaches.

Also, to go along with the headaches, and I probably should of mentioned it but it slipped my mind (amongst other things im sure) is the pressure in my actual head. Its just a constant feeling of fullness to go along with the headaches. Is that normal for pcs?

At least I am now cleared to drive. They wouldnt let me drive for a little over a month, basically because my dizziness was so bad it felt like I was drunk driving.

Feel horrible about the whole pregnant wife situation too. Shes in the home stretch, and im almost useless to help her. Just cant physically do it.

Mark, once again thank you so much. Ive tried talking it out with a few people in person, and they have no idea because theyve never been KO'd before. They even act like your faking it. Its very frustrating, knowing you can hear what they are saying, but arent able to retaliate verbally fast enough because your brain cant catch up fast enough to respond with a nice witty comment. Oh well. I hope it never happens to them, because this is truly miserable, as you know.

kev,

Point your friends to the YouTube series "You Look Great." Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Xso...ature=youtu.be

You can also read the Vitamins sticky at the top. Taking strong doses of DHA Omega 3 fish oil helps some. The whole vitamin regimen would be helpful, especially with your concussion history.

Congrats on being a dad. I suggest you get some foam ear plugs to take the edge off of sounds in case the sound level increases in your home. I was a loud infant who cried all night and slept all day.

Do you have a home blood pressure kit ? It would be worth taking your BP when your head aches are worst. If they coincide with elevated BP, a BP med like propanolol may help. Hypertension can be exacerbated by a concussion.

Are you taking any meds at all besides the Fioricet ?

hello and welcome
 

Hi Kev

So sorry to hear of your struggles. Recoving from PCS just takes time and no one, not even the neurologist can tell you how long it takes. Brain healing takes months and it took me a calendar year to feel really mostly better

I am mostly over my symptoms, but I still get tinnitis (that rining in the ear) and I have it right now which means I am tired.

Anyhow, I hope you bring someone with you to the neuro doc. Write down your questions too so you don't forget them. (I still forget things a lot.) If you feel like this doc doesn't believe you -- fire that doc and find a new one.

Use some sun glasses for the light sensitivity and when people or conversations are overhwhelming you, then your brain is just plain feeling overtaxed and you will need to be apart from it.

People here do understand and there are some forums on Facebook too. Your wife can join that too for some perspective. This condition is hard on the caretakers too.

Check out the vitamins and supplements stickie. It does help but is not a cure all.

Here's wishing you well. Your symptoms are real and we all know that. There is hope in this though. Keep asking your questions and rest on.

Sincerely

Poetrymom

Thanks all for the responses. I as well get the occasional ringing in the ears. Few times a day.

Today seems to be a good day so far. My wife keeps telling me to stop saying that. She seems to think its my way of coping with it, when in fact its not a good day.

Just to touch base on what I stated before, what could that clear fluid of been? It was so bad in my left ear that it actually hurt my ear, and I had to get out of bed and q tip it. Was almost like there was a ton of water in my ear. I noticed after that happened, my headaches were slightly better since then.

I know you all have stated about neurologists and some of them having no clue. The work dr im currently seeing weekly seems to have a great understand of concussions himself, he was even telling me about how he studies them all the time trying to get a better understanding of them. He also told me this guy is the best around for concussions and is really what he specializes in. Hopefully he is right. Im just really curious what hes going to do. This is my first appt with him, so im sure he will want to see me a few times. But whats the standard protocol? I honestly have no clue whatsoever what to expect from it.

I actually just called their office hoping they had a cancellation so I could come in today. My wife started having some good contractions last night and the baby was kicking much much lower than ever before. Her C section is scheduled for Monday the 24th. My apt is Friday the 21st. Im just so afraid that something will happen, and the baby will come early and ill miss the appt on the 21st and get in some serious trouble at work. This appt has been in the making for a month and a half or so. I cannot afford to miss it!!

Oh shod also note that ct scan said no bleeding but did say Under pneumatization of left mastoid. Not sure what that means or if its even relevant!

There is no standard protocol for concussion other than quiet rest, and not all docs believe in that. Each symptom is usually treated individually. There is no broad treatment. I agree with you trying to get an earlier cancellation. Babies tend to take over schedules.

No luck with getting an earlier appt. Like ive heard others say, stop using the its been a good day term. Because today is horrible! Dont even want to get out of bed but I have to for the baby dr apt!

Kev,
I understand that you are in a hurry to get back to work, and bored to death. There are a lot of us here in the same boat...myself included. I have been off work for 14 months.

The IMPORTANT thing to think about right now is YOU and your family. What if you go back, push yourself a bit to hard and get hurt even worse??????

knowing myself if I did the type of work you do that is just the kind of thing that might happen. Please for the love of your family do not push yourself to return to work until you know it is safe. You even said you know you are not ready.

When that baby comes, you will have plenty to keep you busy, even if it means just holding the little one and admiring the miracle of life.

Feel better!

Yup, got to ambitious today and decided I was going to try to build the baby changing table that finally came in this morning. I did succeed in building it, but at a high cost.

My head was throbbing, was dizzy, was nauseous, couldnt think and was having major balance issues. I feel as though im right back at day 1. My god, how does something that simple destroy me?! Now its got me more concerned, knowing that this may not be going away anytime soon :(

kev,

Did you get frustrated trying to understand the directions or get parts to fit ? This kind of emotional and cognitive strain can cause a setback. These kind of tasks can be done with proper discipline to relax and not get frustrated. Being able to quietly walk away from the task when it starts to get frustrating is an important skill.

With a baby soon to arrive, this skill will be important. Babies can be trying. Try to keep in mind that babies have been a strain for eons. There is rarely anything worth getting overly anxious about. Fussing aside, babies are easy to care for. Time intense and sometime tiring but not cognitively challenging.

My best to you.

I understand the frustration all too well. Some days it takes me 4 breaks just to get the dishes done......try not to push it will just make things take longer. Do what you can do but it is important to not over do. Trust me I am very good at overdoing it. My husband keeps a firm hand at the word STOP you have done too much already.

Yah, not sure if it was the frustration of putting it together, or the frustration that minutes in after trying to concentrate I couldnt focus. Just cant believe how bad it destroyed me. Even today Im still feeling the effects of that. More so than my usual symptoms. Very frustrating.

I think I just need to accept the fact that im delegated to relaxing and I need more time. As horrible as that sounds to me. I just dont do well laying around. Im always doing something.

The sleep thing needs to change soon though, hopefully the neurologist can help me with that. 2-3 hours of sleep a day is not cutting it at all.

Kev.. I am 9 weeks out and today I went for a walk... first bit of exercise since my MVA.. I have been feeling so well for 3 days... I thought for sure I could go for a walk... WRONG! one mile= a monster headache and dizziness... My alarm (ringing in my ears) happened about half way though... I feel defeated!!! Prior to the accident I could do an hour of cardio and then an hour of weights in the morning followed buy another hour of cardio at night...

Ouch sorry to hear that. I can barely walk on my own two feet today. I used to work out twice a day 5 times a week. I havent done that in over two months now. Horrible, and after yesterday, im afraid to even try.

Kev, I had that jaw thing for a bit. I can't remember much about it, but I do know that it went away on its own after about a month.

I also fell on ice and am having tons of problems. I fell on Dec 10th, 2013.

I'm barely working part-time now, and even that is too much for me sometimes. I work from home as a writer, and I went from writing 10,000+ words a day easily to struggling to put together 450 words. I am extremely depressed about it.

My headaches have disappeared. My blood pressure got almost as high as yours, and the blood pressure med that I've been on for 5 days has completely erased my headaches. I also found that curcumin helped them a lot.

I still have pressure in my head, though, which is annoying. It doesn't hurt. It just bothers me.

I feel very slow cognitively. That's what depresses me the most. I'd trade this slow, dumb feeling for constant headaches or even a broken leg if I could. Reading is very hard for me now.

Docs told me if I wanted to try walking start at going around the block and work up from there. I still worry about that. I can do the grocery store on a good day, but go when they are not busy and I have the buggy to hold on to. I always keep it short, just a few days of food at a time.

Just came back from the neurologist. Got in early. Seemed very knowledgeable. He seems to think that the lack of sleep is my major concern right now. Made it sound like that without all the rest I would normally be getting from my normal sleep schedule, im cutting down on my brain recovery. He prescribed me amitriptyline for sleep. He seems to think that if I can get at least 5 hours of sleep a day, then my recovery is going to go a lot smoother. He wants to see me in a few weeks to see how its going so thats a plus. He said he doesnt think any scans are needed, since I passed some of the tests that he did today. Also told me normally its a 3-6 month recovery process, but not everyone is the same.

After telling him everything, and reading the other doctors weekly reports, he thinks ill be good within a month, 2 tops. Just told me do not do anything stupid, but keep up with the minor physical activity ive been doing.

Hopefully this can help me sleep, if it works that will be great. Im so over feeling like this. He also told me to not get to excited though, because I could possibly end up being one of those people that do not fall into that 3-6 months area. He really really emphasized the dont do anything dumb, or else it could end up permanent.

The "Don't do anything dumb" advice is a sign he has an understanding of concussions. He knows how easily they accumulate into persistent, even life long problems. Once you have recovered, that advice is still important. Your next concussion will be worse in every way.

Did he list out what actions would be classified as dumb?? Just wondering how many i have broken..

He basically just did it for my line of work. Which was everything, hence why hes keeping me out at least until May 1st. He said at home, nothing like yard work or heavy lifting. No running or jogging. Nothing that will put my neck nor my head in a compromising position. He said at most, for weightlifting which im big into, is very light weights, 10lbs or less. Kind of useless for me, but I guess its still better than nothing.

He highly recommends going for walks, but no hills. He seemed very good, and I really didnt have to explain much to him. Lucky for me the two dr's ive been dealing with are very knowledgeable on concussions and know the severity of them.

Just a quick story, last year I fell of a 10 foot high concrete block that was slippery from rain. It was not fun, and I got a concussion, no blackout though. At the time, the work dr was not good. Actually, he has since lost his license. He told me there was no way I had anything but a mild concussion because A, I didnt black out, and B, my head was not lacerated. He sent me back to work the next day. Really really makes me wonder if that was the reason I was having some issues for the past year, because I wasnt fully recovered. I like to think of myself as a tough sob, and most family and friends will agree that not much bothers me as far as pain goes. But man, I would not wish this on my worse enemy.

Now the fun part for me.I will be having a lot of family and friends visiting come Monday when the baby comes. That scares me, because I know I cannot handle all that stimulation. I also know that my friends and family are not going to be understanding of not wanting them around or for long periods of time. They all know the severity of my injury, but for her side of the family, this is the first grandkid. 2nd on my side. How should I go about this? Maybe just excuse myself and hide for a little bit. Any tips or tricks to avoid the cluster of all the family and friends? Thanks!

at about 6 weeks out I had to go to a cycling function for my husband... i knew that there would be a LOT of people there and it would be loud... I started with earplugs and tried to stay in one place therefore only talking to people who came to me and normally one person at a time. Helped a little... still only lasted about 1.5 hrs..

I wonder if you could claim the baby... as the baby sleeps people around you will have to be quiet so they do not wake the baby... and if you need a nap, nothing makes a better picture than a dad and baby napping together... I know I have pictures of my dad and all us kids as well as all my cousins.. he likes his naps!

Kev,

This is time for you to stand up and be your wife's protector. She will need the same peace and quiet as you. Set a hard rule of No visits without prior notice. Your wife will be recovering from "Major Surgery". Been there, done that, Three times. Neither of you will be getting enough sleep because of the baby. You will become cognitively challenged by the stress. She will just be exhausted.

btw, She should stay in the hospital as long as allowed by insurance. That way, visiting hours and rules will be easier to enforce.

This is a valuable and special time for you and your wife to spend with just your baby. Friends and family will have plenty of time when the baby is older and more interactive with others. Cameo visits should be the rule.

Grandmothers can be used so Mom can get some sleep. That should be the priority.

Rehearse saying "It is time for 'mommy' to take a nap. Everybody needs to leave except grandmother if she wants to sit quietly with the baby." Or something like that.

If friends and family want to stay around, cue up the "You Look Great" video series on YouTube and require that they watch all 6 segments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Xso...ature=youtu.be

Also, show them the web page at http://www.brainline.org/content/201...u-to-know.html

This can be an exciting and enjoyable time if you take control. If you lose control, you will both end up exhausted beyond reason.

So, enjoy it.

Kevbo, just wanted you to know that sleep does make a huge difference. Like you, I went almost a week without adequate sleep (about 45 minutes at a stretch, never more than 2-3 hours a night). The first night I finally got 8 hours of sleep, I was surprised to feel merely "whatever" the next day. But once I got three nights of good sleep in a row, I finally began feeling like myself again. It's made a tremendous difference.

some of the "DUMB" things I have done....
 

Just to start off.........I have been off work for 14 months and just got another 12 weeks from the doctor today. Maybe back to Vestibular therapy, more eye therapy, maybe neck therapy.....I see the neck guy Monday but have a RX already. Good thing my boss was not there when I dropped off my work excuse. So far they are still holding my job open.

I have a very hard time sitting still. I have a very hard time looking at all the things that need done around me that I have no one to help with and can NOT expect my husband to try and do it all,

Weeding the flower beds, scrubbing the patio, cooking more than a simple meal. I hated freezer to oven crap. playing with my four beautiful grand daughters, laundry...it is not on the same floor.
Doing more than just simple cleaning and no more than one room a day with a whole lot of breaks. Grocery shopping at Walmart......ack......stick to a small store. Spending too much time here, or reading or watching TV I just hate being bored. It is not hard to dumb stuff. It it makes you feel worse, or makes you stay in bed the next day........you did something you should not have done and do not do it again or do much less of it.

good luck with the baby tomorrow I hope all goes well for both of you

Thank you all so much. The nerves for tomorrow are destroying my head. Im going to just lay down in a dark room until tomorrow! Thanks again for the kind advice and well wishes!

Just a thought
 

To try and make the family feel included in your wonder adventure. You could make up a list of things you will need help with.

Your relatives will feel like they are contributing and you can stay in control of your schedule.

People want to help so let them, make meals, clean, run errands, buy groceries.

Get a good pair of ear plugs and when you need to rest do it. You may want someone around the house to help you wife while you rest.

Be kind to yourself and do not get over do it. The last thing you need is a relapse and with a new baby overdoing it will be easy. Enlist these eager relatives to help.

Best wishes, I am very excited for you and will be praying for an easy transition to your new life.

Norma

Thanks again for the well wishes. My daughter is perfect and im in total love.

The family, even though I thought they would be a burden to my head, have been very helpful. My head is at a whole new level of headache, but im going to have to adapt and persevere until we get to go home in a few days.

Once again thank you everyone.

Hey all, just checking in. Baby is doing great!

Myself, its a different story. I have really really good days lately where I feel perfect. Other days not so much. It really depends on how I sleep (which shockingly im actually sleeping some now) and how many people come to visit. Todays a bad day, everyones been over nonstop since 10am. Yesterday we had noone, and it was excellent day.

Anyways, the headaches are improving big time. Just barely there at this point. My main concern is my left ear. It started last week, which is when my headaches actually started getting a lot better, and so did my sleeping. Basically it feels like a really cold or really hot sensation (kind of hard to explain, but almost feels like blood flowing or dripping) in my ear canal to my outer ear. A lot of the times there is nothing coming out, but at times there is a clear fluid coming out. Not much, usually just a fingertip full. Not sure what its all about though.

As far as work, I go back to the neurologist at the end of the month. Im hoping he clears me. I told him how into fitness I am, and he encouraged I attempt to lightly weightlift again, but no running or jogging for a bit longer. So hopefully that works outs good, and if it does, then I def. think I should be able to work!

Thanks again everyone, and sorry if this is a jambled mess, im just trying to post real quick as company leaves, so I can attempt to get some rest.

Hey there, glad you are at least having some good days! The fluid in your ear is something that may be worth a phone call to discuss with your doctor. Keep up the hood work and glad to hear mom & baby are well too.

Well im back. Things have been slowly but surely looking up. The good days are also greatly outweighing the bad days. Im still getting headaches, but most are minor. At least once a day though I get a headache that stops me dead in my tracks. The dizzyness is all but gone as well, and I can finally focus! But, theres always a but!!

Ive been doing some physical activity in my yard that mimics my job duties. Wow, talk about a game changer. Literally 20 minutes into raking the thatch out of my lawn and I wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. Head was throbbing. Its weird though, because Ive been going for walks daily and no issues at all. Im going to attempt to cut the grass tomorrow and see how that goes.

Im also slowly accepting the fact that I will not be the same for a long time, if not ever. Social interaction? Nope, I loathe the idea. Hang out with friends? Nope, hate it now. All stuff I used to love. Heck, I find myself just staring off into space half the time and checking the clock just to pass time.
I mean I really really want to go back to work, but I honestly dont know what the deal is at this point. When I went to the specialist last month he said this month would probably be it for me. Guess we will find out as I go the 28th. I just dont know what he nor work will have to say. I already know im not going to be the same hard, ball of energy go go go worker as I was before. Just a tough realization knowing that im now a changed person, and not knowing if ill ever be that old person again.

Oh and one last venting point. Being the fact that ive literally done nothing since January, even though I lost 30 lbs, i look like complete crap. All those years of hard work in the gym only to lose almost all of my gains. That hurts the most, because im to afraid to work out like I used to.

Also real quick. My work asked me why the specialist didnt do an mri. I told them I dont know. Should I request one? I think id feel better knowing I at least got one, but what, if anything can an MRI show 5 months later??

Imaging such as a CT Scan or MRI are not indicated unless there are some extreme symptoms such as would be common to a stroke or such. They will not show anything except in rare situations. There is a type of MRI called Diffusion Tensored Imaging that can show the microscopic damage in some people. But, even DTI's do not change the treatment.

Doctors use them to rule out rare but serious issues. Insurance companies have yet to put a slow down to these expensive and intrusive (CT Scans have the same radiation levels as 60 to 200 X-rays) procedures.

It sounds like you are improving so further diagnostics would not be much value.

So since a lot of you all are far more experienced than myself in the recovery sector, how do you think I would fair going back to work next week? Only thing that scares me was not to long into raking my yard, my head was throbbing. Other than that the headaches are minor. Not sure if I should tell the dr that or just "forget" and happily go back to work?

If you take it slow, you should be able to manage some level of activity. You need to be the judge of how much activity you can tolerate. Raking thatch is not a slow and gentle activity. So, give it a careful try.

Ya, most of my job involves shoveling raking ect. This time of the year though I usually start off by mowing grass on large and loud mowers for a little bit until our college kids arrive to help. I know I wont be able to tolerate that, as just winterizing my snowblower and hearing that run for a few minutes really hurt.

Im just in a catch 22. I really want to go back to work, but at the same time im not really convinced im a 100% yet. I did some weight lifting today, and didnt fair to well afterwords. I havent been lightheaded in about 3-4 weeks, but after that, Im extremely lightheaded now, accompanied by headaches.

I just fear that my work will think im a scumbag, especially because I keep telling them I am feeling better (which I am, just having a few issues), and think less of me. Which I do not want to happen.

Just dont know if I should fib to the dr and tell him im good to go, or tell him whats really happening. I know its counter productive to hide the issues, but I really really need to get back to work for my own sanity. Im just hoping ok, maybe I can go back, and just tough it out for a few weeks and Ill adjust. At the same time im also telling myself im setting myself up to make the situation even worse. Ugh, crossroads. Sorry for the vent.