feeling discouraged about recovery
 

At the beginning of June I sustained a concussion. I had 2 weeks off work and went back for 3 shifts last week. I have a week's holiday this week that I booked a while ago so I thought it would be a nice window to test how I'm getting on knowing I had this week to rest. I also can't live off sick pay and finances have been really stressing me out.

I have been getting really bad headaches again and disturbing thoughts. I am also still having problems with my vision. I feel very detached from myself and like I'm completely in la la land, I don't know whether I've been home alone for a while with no social interaction has made me this way. Due to my depression I don't have the motivation to gently exercise or even go outside for a walk in the sunshine.

Just how long will my post-concussion syndrome linger :(

I'm sorry about your lingering symptoms. Unfortunately, no one can predict how long it takes to recover from PCS. Your best bet for now is to take very good care of yourself. Get lots of rest, avoid overstimulating environments (bright lights, loud noises, etc.), and eat healthy.

Are the disturbing thoughts intrusive and involuntary? If so, it might be a good idea to try to get a referral to see someone who specializes in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you have questions about OCD, feel free to email me in private if you're not comfortable asking them on the forum.

Have you seen any doctors or specialists? Are you currently pursuing any forms of treatment?

Papershoes,

You are still very early in the recovery process of concussion. Some consider 6 weeks to be the dividing line of prolonged Post Concussion Syndrome.

It takes discipline to rest quietly and feed your brain properly. And, it takes TIME and more TIME.

So sorry to hear a very familiar story. This forum is a great source of information and support. My symptoms started at the beginning of March so I understand the panic and frustration and desire to shake it all off and carry on as 'normal'. PCS is all pervasive and very cruel. Through the support on here you should hopefully find understanding healthcare professionals as a dual approach of neuro and psych treatment has benefitted me so far in alleviating the frustration and enabling me to understand how complex the brain injury is so that I can adjust to resting and managing myself safely rather than constantly grieving and stressing about what I was previously able to do.
Everyone has different recovery journeys and we are all here to support one another xx

mollymum.....were you able to return to work?

Not back to work yet, no. For the safety of the general public there is no way I could do my job role safely - there would be big cats running loose all over the London area. Joking aside I have been warned to expect to be out of action for at least the rest of this year and they have been very cautious about what cognitive functions may not return.
Everyone has different recovery and different demands. I have enough problem trying to be there and be slightly organised for my kids, who have been amazing. Yesterday I asked Molly if she wanted ketchup with her dinner and handed her the milk!!! My work involves being responsible for an entire animal park, animals, staff, and visitors. I am first responder for escapes and emergencies and usually work at least 11 hours a day in the summer. No option of light duties esp as work have been sceptical about PCS anyway. I'm stuck at home but hanging on in there.