Neuropsych Testing completed...oh boy!
 

First let me say how relieved I am to be through with that!!! Not that it was necessarily a BAD thing, just very frustrating to me...

You see, as I was proceeding through with the testing, it was obvious to me that I have deficits...I told the MD this and he said it was a good thing. Well, that's subjective. I think it's MORE frustrating knowing you are missing something and can't do a thing about it!

He gave me a "peek" into what his impression is, but needs a week to formulate the results. He also asked for my Fiance's phone number to contact him so that he can get his input....that's a good thing, because he can tell him about Ms. Jekyll/Hyde....

Obviously, I have issues with processing, memory and something else..probably recall...he read a story and asked me to tell him the story, using as many words as I could that he actually said. I almost burst into tears...how FRUSTRATING!!! But at the same time, what a relief! I saw first hand that I am missing SO much of conversations..

He stated that I am having a behavioral response to my injury (I could have told you THAT)...and that I would benefit from "talking to someone"...I could have used all of this a year and a half ago...yes I'm angry and yes I am bitter....:(

Suffice to say that I won't be returning to bedside Nursing anytime soon, if ever...he was gentle in saying this in so many words...he's hopeful for my rehabilitation (as I have always been)...we shall see what the final report looks like....

For now, it's rest...because this has truly kicked my butt and zapped me of any energy I thought I had...all reserves are empty...

It's a relief that I finally have some validation that this is a REAL injury with REAL symptoms and that I am absolutely not imagining this. Silly, I know. But I needed to at least hear that much :(

:hug:

I'm glad you finally received and finished the neuropsych testing.

My neurologist has tried several times to order it for me, but the insurance kept denying it.

I'm very sorry to hear you might not be able to return to bedside nursing, I can tell you love your job and ache to get back to it. I haven't been able to return to a theatre since the accident I was in. I become emotionally devastated to think that I might not be able to return to doing that sort of work, I've been doing it for 20 years... and it was one of life's greatest joys for me. I don't think I would want a Dr. confirming that I'll never get to do it again. :hug: Hopefully, you'll be able to use your nursing skills in other ways that may even help more people than you could've being a bedside nurse. :)

It's good that you're resting.

I'm very interested to hear what more details of the results from the test are if you want to share.

And since you mentioned the jeckyll/hyde thing... my own boyfriend and I have had a SLEW of miscommunications because of my functioning levels due to the tbi... I'm sorry to hear you've been going through similar issues.

JulieRN,

You should feel accomplished that you were so symptomatic during the tests. This will be used by the WC people. They need to hear the story at its worst.

Yes, it is hard to realize your dysfunctions. But, now you can move forward knowing what they are specifically (when you get the report). You can also seek to learn any work-arounds and other accommodations to better deal with them.

As the doctor (MD ?, NeuroPsychs are usually Ph.D.'s) said, it is a good thing. Think of it like a patient you are caring for. If they only exhibit a symptom when nobody is there to observe, it will limit your ability to treat that symptom.

You need to put things in perspective and context. You have had these problems for a year and a half. A NeuroPsych Assessment is not going to cure them. It just identifies them. You need this accurate identification.

A bad day would be having a miraculous high level of function during the test and getting labeled a malingerer (faker). I had a high level of performance on just one test with very poor functions on all the other tests. That one test with high scores was used to deny my Work Comp claim.

Time to celebrate and rest up.

btw, He is likely going to contact your fiance to get some confirmation of behaviors that he noticed but may have had inadequate data to confirm. He should not be talking to your fiance' about your results. Privacy issues. That should be reserved for a meeting with the three of you.

So, keep your chin up and move ahead.

My best to you.

This makes me angry. :mad:

I'm sorry to hear that you've had to deal with this and that your last tbi happened at work.

I am hopeful to use my Nursing skills in a legal environment...seriously considering Legal Nurse Consulting, a position where I can work at my own pace...

I will be happy to share the results of my testing...:)

Jeckyll/Hyde...a perfect analogy huh? It's been really difficult for us...we are a "combined" family with 4 of our 6 children in the house...3 are teenagers so you can only imagine the stress level. It gets to be too much, and then there are the typical challenges faced by many and at times, I just lack the coping skills...I'm looking forward to learning ways to manage my stress to help me...

Thank you for your support...you have no idea how much I appreciate it :)

Yikes! Teenagers! :eek:

I'm very lucky that I have a calm and quiet living environment with a very supportive boyfriend.

I don't know if you can see a counselor, but talking to someone - for even just an hour a week, has really helped me to reduce the stress and worry about what I'm dealing with. Also, I "log" as much as I can - it's kind of like journaling and I think that has been helpful too. I couldn't write very well for the first 8 months or so after the accident I was in, so I log electronically in an email to myself and then save it in a special folder. I discovered that it's just generally helpful for me to get my thoughts out of my head when I can.

My communication has been completely altered - I say the wrong words, I sometimes use the wrong tone of voice or I might yell - all without my intention and that can lead to a lot of miscommunications that would be a lot better for my healing process if they were avoided altogether. I can't imagine having to deal with those things with teens.

My prayers are still with you! :hug:

Hi Mark,

I agree with you as well, I was happy to be symptomatic, though the Neuropsych. wanted to stop testing and resume when I "felt better"...

Yes, you are right lol...he is a PhD and not an MD, however he will NOT be my treating Neuropsych as he is doing the testing only.

You would be correct in stating the reason to contact my Fiance'...who better to speak of my behavior than the man I live with...it's been a challenge and I'm grateful he's with me for the long haul :')

Thank you for your support...I'll "celebrate" when I'm feeling better...my head is still screaming, the pain is torture and it needs to stop...I am really looking forward to getting help after all of this time....

Chin is up and I'll continue to plug along...your support means alot to me!!! :)

Seeing a counselor/therapist is the best thing you can do to handle any of the emotional components that you are deficient in. I saw a therapist more frequently since the accident. At first I brushed it off thinking I was okay, but then the symptoms came about and I needed help to handle anxiety and irritability among other behaviors.

It will also put your mind at ease and they should give you the coping skills you need.

I will be extremely grateful to receive any support from a professional at this point....it's been so very difficult trying to manage this on my own, but having done so definitely attests to my strength :)

I know that I will feel better just being able to vent...I know I carry a lot of anger regarding my accident...I'm looking forward to being able to let it go so that I can go on with my life...

Can I just say (again) that this forum has been a life saver for me? I am and will always be, very grateful for having found this site...everyone here continues to be very supportive and I really appreciate it :)

I too recently underwent the testing and had the most problems with the stories etc i was read aloud - I know I did poorly in that area - I was told I had significant processing speed issues and split attention - psycologist said this in line with a concussion\head injury and it should improve. i was not offered any additional therapy. I have become very forgetful, placing things in strange places and forgetting about them - not organized - aside from the wax and wanre of emotional swings - for me more anger than crying - maybe thats a guy response but I am concerned. I too felt the results were somewhat validating but I too think they will be challenged by insurance regardless. I would like to know how you progress with therapy and what type therapy you are offered. I assume WC is paying the medical? take care