Reaching out
 

Hello there.

I'm reaching out here. I am still recovering from my most recent concussion (october, 2014). I have had two prior concussions to this one that were back to back... as in one on one day, and the next day another. All work related injuries.

Since this most recent injury I started a new job, was diagnosed with PTSD, and more. At first it seemed like I coped okay, but more recently I cant remember anything. I can't find words. Forget how things work. Forget where I am going. Sometimes I forget where I am or who I am. Depression/anxiety/insomnia/lethargy/dizziness/headaches/and much more. Those are what I live with on a daily basis.

I was seen at a occ health clinic and other than my sprained neck, broken nose, and swollen eye/broken glasses the Dr said to rest and it would take time.

Well, I got worse. So, I went back and then had to fight for any worker comp to pay for it. I fought for months. Got an MRI. I go see a physiatrist tuesday (tomorrow... wow! close!) and am nervous. I am hoping to get some info here. What will happen? I can't find anything online to help calm my anxieties. Any experiences anyone can share? Help?

ffmedic,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm confused. Are you anxious about seeing the physiatrist or just your prolonged symptoms with PCS ?

WC is difficult with PCS since there is no definitive diagnosis protocol for PCS. A DTI MRI (Diffusion Tensor Image) can show signs of an organic injury. A Neuro Psychological Assessment will be very helpful.

The most important need for recovery is reducing cognitive stress. It also helps to provide the brain with proper nutrition. The Vitamins sticky at the top has good info. Read the whole first post or the later one with updates noted.

Your neck is an integral part of PCS. Good gentle upper cervical therapy is often a big help. Plus, disciplined head and neck posture during rest and sleep is important so the neck can heal properly. Many PCS symptoms are magnified by neck issues.

What kind of work are you currently doing ?

Thanks for a reply Mark. I have had anxiety since the last head injury. I was working in healthcare as s patient care tech. But...... Well..... Let's just sum up the past three weeks with: I got ambushed and escorted out of work and no longer have a job thanks to the pcs and PTSD. Oh well. I take a multi vitamin with iron, b complex, and I take prescription drugs to help manage the depression. But it's like nothing is really helping. I just got a call today that my physiatrist won't see me tomorrow. I have to wait for rescheduling. Who knows when I will get in now. It's frustrating. Have you had to deal with this?

Welcome ffmedic112. :Wave-Hello:

medic,

You said "I take a multi vitamin with iron, b complex"

This is likely a very low dose compared to the needs of an injured brain. 2500 mcgs or more of B-12 would be good plus D-3, magnesium, and some others. Most common B complexes are very weak.

What state are you in ? You likely need the assistance of a Work Comp attorney who understands concussions and mTBI's.

What AD meds are you taking ?

Mark,

I have a workman comp nurse case manager right now, and they're doing what they can. I am pretty well on my own as far as the other job goes. I was forced to resign. So, until I can get the head situation straightened out, I am not looking for another job. Its too much to handle. I can't handle what is on my plate as it is.... and that's really not much.

As far as an antidepressants go: I am on 40mg viibryd and 25mg seroquel. I take the viibryd in the morning and the seroquel at night. But its not that great I think... but then when I have had to be off any meds its way worse. I see a mental health therapist. I was seeing her regularly, but now.... since I'm unemployed I won't be able to. Haven't been in two weeks and won't go again until next week.

What my other concern or question is, what is this first appointment going to be like? No one will give me any answers. I don't know what to expect. I have the MRI on disk here at home, but I don't understand what to look for and no report is attached to it.

What do you all do for your headaches? I take tylenol, but it doesn't even touch it. I don't want to be on narcs at all, but I want to be able to not have headaches. What should I do?

Thanks.

The physiatrist exam will be like any other MD. They are all different. I've been to three different Physiatrists. Two were helpful. One was not. But, they are usually better than neuros.

I have used ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin. Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) combined are my go to head aches meds. They work very well together. My doctor recommended combining them both at maximum dose. Almost as good as narcs.

Did your depression predate your head injury ? WC should cover the mental health care if it was post head injury. The AD's you are on are not common. Haven't heard of anyone here using them. Is the mental health therapist and MD and prescribing them ? Some people need to try different meds to find the right ones for how their brain works.

I highly encourage you to get B-12 and D-3 going. B-12 is well know for it value with mental health. The amount in a B complex is just better than worthless and likely the wrong type.

Does your case manager appear to understand concussions and the overlap with neck injuries ?

My best to you.

Is the report on the cd with the MRI images , is there any text or Document files on it?

Just remember the work comp case manager works for WC, sometimes you get one that really wants to help you get well, but often they are there to limit costs of a claim...

No reports on the disk. I just got a call today from the case manager. New appointment next week. I'm looking forward to it. I just wish it was here already. Been waiting what seems like a lifetime. Does anyone on here improve? Get back to normal? Hope?

I'm in a similar situation and looking for some hope too. If you'd like, you can message me. :)

Mark,

Depression did predate the attack, but was not predated before the first one. it started after I was beaten in 2012. It has spiraled out of control though. Its come harder and worse, which was why I went from prozac to the viibryd and the seroquel. They're stronger medications. I have only been on the viibryd since february or march. and the seroquel since may. I had to change and up dosages because suicidal ideations, self harm and other stuff. My therapist is just that. A therapist. I talk to her because no one else needs to be burdened with all the stuff going on inside. My FNP here prescribed the ADs.

I just sit here and wonder. People who have only seen me since the incidents, they think I am some hateful person. I used to be a good person. I had so many things I wanted to do. But now... I can't remember anything and feel like a 100 year old lady with alzheimer's. crazy, right?

I understand your frustration. When ones mind start misbehaving, it can be very troubling. Do you have access to a medical doctor, maybe a neuro-psychiatrist ? A FNP is stretching to be effective with your struggles.

I had a bad time almost 2 years ago after a severe trauma. I was put on Celexa and Zyprexa. It was a lifesaver. I went off the Zyprexa after 2 months and the Celexa after 8 months. I am now taking 100 mgs of 5-HTP and 200 mgs of L-Theanine every morning. Plus, I need the 2500 mcgs of B-12 I take daily.

I understand your struggles. I have been assaulted resulting in a personality change. I have endured other traumas resulting in PTSD. Add some PCS and the walls come crashing down.

Do you have family nearby ?

My immediate family lives 2 hours away. I don't get to go there. They choose not to come here. It sucks. I face time and skype with them as I can. I try to text and talk as often as I can. My best friend has her own struggles so I just don't want to bother her. I don't have any friends up here. All I do is clean, cook, and help build our house. It's a lot to do. I want to work again, but right now... it's not looking like I am safe to. And by safe, I mean I don't want to have my PTSD/PCS ruin my reputation any further than it already has.

Have another week to wait to see physiatrist, and my therapist. Seems like a year from now. I want to be back to my normal. Not this. Its stretching my relationship with my longterm boyfriend. Its stretching all my relationships with friends. Its ruining my life. I feel like I won't be able to be good again. I don't always want to worry about depression, suicidal issues, anxiety. Everything. Just hope it gets better. I cant do this. I can't afford to be this way. No money in means no money paying bills. Frustration. :eek:

Same here- PCS since Oct2014.

Have been trying to keep the disruption to a minimum ~ not easy!