past poster back for concussion #3
 

So the neuro (not my favorite person) sent me back to work on an ambulance. Even thouvht red strobes (like the ones on my ambulance or the fire trucks that respond with me) make me vomit. He said that is something I have to learn to work around. So rwluctantly I went back to work. After 2 weeks I wasn't doing great but was aost able to cope with it. Then a car hit my ambulance. We came up to being on 2 wheels thsn came crashing back down. I have not watched the video footage and don't remember hitting my head but am right back at square one with the pcs symptoms. Nausea vomiting blurred vision headaches and gait disturbance. On scene I was also making repetitive requests that I demonstratwd a clear understanding of why the task could not be preformed but still asked about every 3-5 minutes. This is all so frustrating and ut being my 3rd tbi in 1 1/2 years doesn't make workers comp any happier.
So back I am and on a quest for a new neuro that actually understands. I am really tired of hearing I need a new career. Sorry just needed to vent.
Tonya

Tonya,

Sorry to hear of your continuing struggles and recent injury. Your neuro is negligent. The flashing lights are not an uncommon trigger. His idea that you need to get used to the lights should be replaced with 'you need a neuro who is qualified to care for you.'

WC often pays for vocational rehab to train you for a different career. It is not a bad idea to consider. Maybe you can get a position as a med tech in a hospital ER or urgent care or occupational health clinic. There are a variety of medical jobs that can use your skills. I assume you are an EMT Basic or Advanced if not a Paramedic.

Or maybe you can get a job with a granny transport company to avoid the risk of emergency responses.

I hope you can get the rest and care you need.

My best to you.

Sorry I did not get to read your reply sooner. Thanks for the encouragement. I am a paramedic and my fiance and local er docs that know me are suggesting I go.back to school and finish up my nursing or pa license. What they do not seem to understand is just the thought of having to think that much and on that leval is overwhelming. I have looked at MA jobs and ER jobs but the attorneys are telling me to not take another job until the neuto says again that I am MMI and my current employer says they can not work with my permenant restrictions. I have seen several other posters say they are in school any thoughts or advice on how to handle classes with the pcs?

Tonya,

I don't know what you mean by MMI.

Regarding classes, do you have access to the courses you need online? An online course structure where you can set the pace may work best. Being able to study for 30 minutes then take a break then repeat may work.

My daughter has a learning style similar to PCS. When she went through Combat Medic and O R Tech training for the Army, she struggled with the bookwork memorization and such but did much better with the hands on work. Taking on some 'test' courses to determine how you learn best in your present state will be a big help. You need to understand how to store information into long term memory with the least cognitive stress.

If you look into memory techniques, you will find that there are memory skills you can adapt to your needs. I work best with the progressive time system. I review the material repeatedly extending the time between repetitions as I go. With my dysfunctional memory, it takes me much longer and many more repetitions to commit the information to memory.

It may help you to type the information over and over on your computer. The mix of tactile (typing), visual ( Seeing the text on the screen or text in the book ) and hearing (saying it as you type it) increase the information flow to your brain. The tactile, visual, and auditory learning system is called multi-sensory learning. It works good for many people with difficulties storing information into long term memory. It is like typing in triplicate. The brain receives the information by three pathways.

I googled MMI and WC and see it means Maximum Medical Improvement. That is the tough part of PCS. Some improvements can continue over a long time span, even years. Many with PCS regain skills by learning work-arounds rather than recovering the old skill. The testing may show the skill as still deficient but the work-arounds may allow good function. I don't remember if you have had any Neuro Psych Assessments done. That will be the big indicator.

I hope I have helped you.

My best to you.

Medicguyette
 

I would listen to your atty here. Also for reading this thread you appear to have some issues with your language skills. I would suggest that the added stress can worsen you symptoms. Until you resolve or even make sure all your health issues are being addressed there is risk for you. Risk to your health, risk to your WC case. WC can argue if your well enough for school your well enough for work. Please have a direct and frank talk with your atty before making any decisions.