Are you a Victim of or a Victor over PCS?
 

Are you a victim of or a victor over PCS ?

Hopefully, people can be inspired to see how others have been victors over the PCS symptoms that are impacting us. This not a thread about recovering from symptoms but rather how people have been able to move forward despite ongoing symptoms. Maybe how people have learned work-arounds, or to moderate their daily activities, etc.

Bicycle
 

I had a lot of problems cycling, because I could not tolerate the bumps on the road.

I found out that it is possible to buy a shock absorbing bicycle rod and a seat with extra absorption, which made it much more tolerable to cycle.

Maybe some of you can use this.

It's absolutely to move forward in life despite ongoing symptoms. Even though it's been extraordinarily difficult for me at times, in the past year I've managed to get over a major breakup, build a support system of people who care about me and understand what I'm going through, and apply for (and win) a prestigious scholarship to go abroad. Of course there are setbacks but each time they come around I feel more prepared to accept them and cope with them. Each time things take a turn for the worse is an opportunity to learn about yourself and modify your life in a positive way.

Some modifications that have helped me are:
-turning down electronic screen brightness on all devices
-taking frequent breaks when reading
-meditation, yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety (radical acceptance has been particularly helpful)
-switching to low-impact exercise
-eliminating alcohol
-spending less time in loud and/or stressful spaces
-getting a planner and writing things down immediately (otherwise I will definitely forget them)
-most importantly, being patient and forgiving of myself and my symptoms

I'm a survivor
I could not follow conversation or questions, could not tolerate noise and visual stimulus, my memory was very badly affected and I struggled following processes like making a cup of tea.
Fast forward ten + years
I'm working part time.
I still get fatigue and do not no my limits.
I can do phone calls and watch TV and go out for a meal bug I know I need to factor in a rest period.
My memory is still affected but I manage it more effectively and use reminders, calendars and planners.
Forward planning still needs work, but I recognise this now.
I don't identify myself by rushing in saying I used to be...... I have accepted my TBI and I work with what I have on each day.
I learn to say no.
I can accept help now instead of insisting I do everything to prove I can still do it.
I can bang my head on balls, furniture, toys etc by accident and not panic!
I think after the initial anger and frustration which lasted years, I am now more relaxed but if something annoys me or someone says something I can't hold back and what ever is on my mind falls out of my mouth!
I can come on this site and offer support ;);)

I pray a lot more than before which really helps me recognize anxious thoughts and think of other people who have it worse than me.

I am learning to sit still. How to ask for help when needed.

I keep working at finding ways to stay active for exercise.

If an activity proves to be to much I wait awhile but try again.

These have been a huge part of me starting life over.

Bud

I am determined to live the best life I can within my current limitations (mostlly fatigue, vision and balance issues and sensory overload) I have more ear protectors and earplugs than I do earrings and I read with my ears now via podcasts and audiobooks.

I conquered my anxiety by refusing to just lie there and let it get the best of me. When I was anxious I dusted, decluttered (alot of my old clothes furniture and books are currently residing in other peoples homes) Also spent as much time outside as I could manage - frequent very short walks til I was strong enough to get back to yoga and the pool and from there I have been working towards increasing my physical fitness ever since.

I find mindfulness meditation very restorative and also just being with my pets, found a good therapist too and she has taught me to see how changes in my dog's behavior are an early warning sign of anxiety sneaking up on me.

I feel as if in the last 3 years I have adapted my home enviornment and my lifestyle pretty well and moving forward I am going to work on my social life.
Started by tackling air travel so I can get home to see my family more and after that who knows what the future will bring.

Just a note to top post this thread. There are some good comments about getting on with life here.