PCS after a cycling accident
 

Looks like everyone has a story here that's compelling enough to tell. Well, the one I'm about to tell may get you to scratch your heads.

In mid-August, I was hit by a car while training on my bicycle on one of my normal routes. Of course, I blacked out (loss of consciousness). The next thing I knew, I was on the stretcher being hauled in.

I was off work at least three weeks after the accident and started doing half-days and no-days just to get a feel of some progression. Of course, it didn't work and I had to completely turn off, so I stayed at my parents' place so I could be looked after. I did nothing. Literally.

A while later, I finally got to do one full week of full days. It was such hell, I almost quit my job. I was irritable, emotional, fatigued, but I was also high-functioning. The high-functioning bit meant that my brain was thinking way faster than I could handle. You see, I work as a software analyst discussing designs, so it requires me to think a lot. And now, having going through PCS, I'm finding that my personality has changed. I'm more outspoken but also on edge, ready to blow up if there was a heated discussion.

Now, I'm looking for treatment. I've gone to a lawyer to handle the settlement so I can concentrate on getting better. The problem is, I don't know which way to go. I'm currently seeing a counselor to handle my emotional intelligence. But I've read that there could be some OT's or DO's that could so something for me (i.e. address neck/headaches/bloodflow issues).

As for the behaviour modification, the counselor is not enough. So who do I go to? A neuropsychologist? I was told the primary care physician (not a DO) is suppose to give the referral.

Which way do I go?

Thanks,
BH

First, go very slow with the lawyer. Hopefully, he understands mTBI. If you can get him to read Gordon Johnson's web site, www.TBILaw.com, it will help you understand his skill and knowledge set. You may be in for a very long haul. It is way too soon to tel. Even when you feel 100%, you will not be even 75%.

Second, A DO may be able to help with skeletal and other physical issues. Don't let a DO get carried away with Cranial Sacral Therapy. It can put your legal claim in jeopardy.

A specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine is likely your best chance. Try to get some references to a P&RM doc who know concussions and mTBI.

Your Loss of Consciousness is of little meaning except to enhance your case to those who are not fully informed. It has little bearing on your long term prognosis.

A NeuroPsych Assessment will likely be a good reference point for going forward. Knowing what symptoms are organic and which are psychological or even bad behavioral choices can be a big help. If you explode, that is common for PCS. You need help understanding your explosion triggers. then, you need to learn how to avoid them or when you see/feel the pressure building, quickly leave the environment.

A personality change is not uncommon. Many of us lose most of our social contacts due to the personality changes. I was 10 and in 4th grade when all my friends abandoned me. To make matters worse, the bullies realized I was weakened and started bullying me. I went though lots of pairs of glasses. Can anyone say geek with the taped up glasses?

An imperative for you is two fold.

Download the TBI Survival Guide at www.tbiguide.com Print it out and read and highlight portions for family to read.

Watch the "You Look Great" YouTube video series (6 chapters, about an hour total) with your family and pass the link to your friends.

This will be a good starting point.

Then we can address some nutritional issues that will help with your recovery.

My best to you.

Mark-are you sure you aren't a DR masquerading as a TBI patient trying to help all the TBI patients you can without any malpractice? :hug:

I had planned on studying to become a Dentist/orthodontist. My PCS struggles in college stopped that.

I just have vast experience with many doctors, both good and bad, plus years of research trying to get a Work Comp claim settlement. Add that with my 40 plus years of living with PCS and lots of free time plus natural desire to help others with my knowledge and voila'

I have to bite my tongue to not firehose everybody because I am so passionate due to the many hard lessons I had to learn because I had no worthwhile help.

PCS is a roller coaster ride down a twisty, rocky and bumpy road, in the dark with moose crossing when you least expect it.

Thanks for your help, Mark.

Why would Cranialsacral Therapy jeopardize the legal claim? Isn't the point of it all is to get better? I think I've suffered plenty.

Mark, this is SO true!! You are AWESOME and I'm so glad you are willing to share the benefit of your experiences with us.