Your advice
 

Hello,
I'm new to this forum and would like to relate my experience.
In July 2008 I fell into a 6 feet deep inspection pit at a garage. I hit my head and lower back. I immediately had a large bump in the occipital area with a strong burning sensation and pain. I went to my GP and he referred me to an osteopath saying that after a few sessions with him, I would be fine. This was not the case, his manipulations made me feel worse so I stopped seeing him. I was constantly dazed, with headaches, extreme anxiety, couldn't read for any length of time, couldn't watch TV, listen to the radio, a lot of pain in my lower back. I was then referred to a rehabilitation centre and there doctor focussed on prescribing treatment for my cervical spine claiming I had whiplash symtoms. Physical therapy was totally useless, in fact each time still now physios give me treatments, I feel worse. I finally decided to have a consultation with a neurologist and he diagnosed me as having post concussion syndrome and PTSD, which was not diagnosed and left untreated for all these years. He prescribed a low dose antidepressant to help with my symptoms, but after 4 years from the original concussion (and a second concussion in the meantime, I bumped the same side of my head into a doorpost ) although I feel better, I'm still plagued with headaches, short term memory and concentration problems, fatigue, noise/light sensitivity, dizziness. In the meantime I lost my job as a translator in a company (staff doctors there didn't believe in my symptoms and thought either I was malingering or that symptoms were only psychological) and separated from my partner as he couldn't stand me not being able to do previous activities and needing so much quiet time alone.
I'm meant to appear before a medical commission soon to evaluate the symptoms left by this accident and fix the degree of disability. Medical commission will be composed of three doctors, of whom a neuropsychiatrist who seems to be experienced in the evaluation of concussion. I'm soooo anxious in view of this assessment, I so much fear being again confronted with disbelief and accused of malingering. Since the accident I can't manage my emotions and I'm afraid I'll start crying in front of these doctors.
Any advice/comment would be greatly appreciated
Thank you

Hello bluedaffodil
 

Welcome to Neuro Talk. Of course you are worried about the evalutation you are facing. It is awful not to be taken seriously. Do not worry if you cry, I have in front of my doctors, and council a number of times. Bring all your documention with you, and a review of all that has happened. I hope it goes well for you, and that they listen and have compassion. Ginnie:hug:

Dear Bluedaffodil,

I am so sorry to hear about your ordeal. The worst thing for head injury is physio because the swelling must subside and that takes months.

With regards to not being beleived, humans are not very good generally in believing in the unseen (brain trauma).

This is the right place for you, mb the time lapse though this is an american site so we get our replies late pm early eve.

About this assessment : It will benefit you to find out who your assessors are so you can relate to them personally. Ie :If one of them is a neurologist by profession, find - in print form from a respected neurologist - information on TBI and PCS. Arm yourself well with information and this will give you confidence.
So rather than feeling this is an imminant attack on your personality, this assessment becomes more about sharing with the assessors, relevant info. to do with your previously diagnosed severe condition.

Do not underestimate the severity of your condition.

Only bring to them relevent info. about you, not others.

Good luck and keep in touch.

Blue...

Welcome to NT. Peachey gave you good advice about understanding concussion and mTBI.

I'll try to respond to you whole post. I need to quote it so I can add double spacing so I can read it.

<Hello,
I'm new to this forum and would like to relate my experience.
In July 2008 I fell into a 6 feet deep inspection pit at a garage. I hit my head and lower back. I immediately had a large bump in the occipital area with a strong burning sensation and pain. I went to my GP and he referred me to an osteopath saying that after a few sessions with him, I would be fine.This was not the case, his manipulations made me feel worse so I stopped seeing him.>

This weak response from a GP is common. GP's are usually lousy as concussions.

< I was constantly dazed, with headaches, extreme anxiety, couldn't read for any length of time, couldn't watch TV, listen to the radio, a lot of pain in my lower back. >

Other than your back pain, these are classic concussion symptoms.

<I was then referred to a rehabilitation centre and there doctor focussed on prescribing treatment for my cervical spine claiming I had whiplash symtoms. Physical therapy was totally useless, in fact each time still now physios give me treatments, I feel worse. >

Not uncommon. You may find a different Physical Therapy clinic can help you better. You may be able to find a physiatrist (Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine specialist)

<I finally decided to have a consultation with a neurologist and he diagnosed me as having post concussion syndrome and PTSD, which was not diagnosed and left untreated for all these years. He prescribed a low dose antidepressant to help with my symptoms, but after 4 years from the original concussion (and a second concussion in the meantime, I bumped the same side of my head into a doorpost ) although I feel better, I'm still plagued with headaches, short term memory and concentration problems, fatigue, noise/light sensitivity, dizziness. >

Your one of the 15% who have prolonged concussion symptoms. Have you ever taken time to get quiet rest so your brain can try to recover?

<In the meantime I lost my job as a translator in a company (staff doctors there didn't believe in my symptoms and thought either I was malingering or that symptoms were only psychological) and separated from my partner as he couldn't stand me not being able to do previous activities and needing so much quiet time alone.>

Welcome to the club with those of us who need the quiet and can no longer be the life of the party. Have you tried to find a brain injury support group? The Brain Injury Association of America has state chapter that can direct you to a local support group if there is one. Meeting others with the same struggles can be very worthwhile and uplifting.

<I'm meant to appear before a medical commission soon to evaluate the symptoms left by this accident and fix the degree of disability. Medical commission will be composed of three doctors, of whom a neuropsychiatrist who seems to be experienced in the evaluation of concussion.>

It will more likely be a NeuroPsychologist. A NeuroPsychological Assessment can be very good at defining your limitations. Read the information at www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com It is very good.

You have not mentioned where you are. Us knowing your state or country will help us support you. Some of us have been through disability determination processes. It is best to know as much about your own condition as possible. The TBI Survival Guide at www.tbiguide.com can help you understand your symptoms. It is 84 pages that you can print out. Then read it slowly and highlight the symptoms you recognize. Go slow. It can be overwhelming.

<I'm soooo anxious in view of this assessment, I so much fear being again confronted with disbelief and accused of malingering. Since the accident I can't manage my emotions and I'm afraid I'll start crying in front of these doctors.
Any advice/comment would be greatly appreciated
Thank you >

If you start to cry, go ahead. It is a symptom of a head injury. It is called emotional lability.

"la·bile/ˈlāˌbīl/
Adjective: Liable to change; easily altered.
Of or characterized by emotions that are easily aroused or freely expressed, and that tend to alter quickly and spontaneously; emotional..."

Explain that you cry easily now.


Feel free to ask questions. We are here for you.

My best to you.

Thank you very much for all of you who have taken the time to respond to my post with great advice. I really appreciate.
I live in Luxembourg, Europe, and unfortunately there are no brain injury support groups here.
At the physical rehabilitation centre I went to, I was indeed followed by a physiatrist, the problem is he just focussed on the cervical spine and seemed to forget that I actually hit the occipital area of my head. I might try to look for another one.
As for having stress-free, quiet time, I must underline that after my accident I had to use for several months all my energy to justify my symptoms and protect myself from the harassment by the staff doctor who claimed that my problems were simply psychological.
I started having quiet time after I was put on disability, one year ago. I need a lot of quiet time by myself because even following a conversation or talking on the phone tires me out.
Thank you so much for the advice concerning the medical assessment and for the links kindly provided.
Yes, if I start crying I'll go ahead, the fact is there is nothing that hurts me more than being accused of malingering or when doctors tell me my symptoms are not real. When this happens I can't stop crying, more precisely sobbing....
I have been reading several posts and articles on this site as well as the TBI guide: I have taken notes of the most important, relevant information and will take them with me at the assessment
I'm nonethelss stressed about it; moreover I have to travel to another town for the assessment, stay at a hotel for one night and I am ovewhelmed by all the planning/organization...I'm always in a mess when I need to organize, plan anything.... I'm afraid this might be a sign of a frontal lobe injury as I read in the Tbi guide even though I actually hit the back of my head

Looking for support, I saw a psychologist at the beginning of this year, he's experienced in EMDR. He tried this technique on me but the eye movements simply increased my dizziness, so I stopped seeing him. Later I went for a few sessions to a psychologist who does Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, but I doubt she really understands my problems, she keeps telling me I look fine....and I answer that even if I do, I don't feel fine..Should I maybe look for a neuropsychologist? Or somebody experienced in dealing with trauma?
Thank you for your support and wishing you a good day

Bluedaffodil,

I hope that you will keep us posted here, re: how things progress with you, and your upcoming assessments.

While 'the systems' of bureaucracy may differ, i.e. processes there, in the EU - Luxembourg, and the processes involved in the US, CAN, GB, et al --- we all share the pain of going through it all! ;)

We're here supportively for you, so do keep us posted, Gal!

Sincerely,
Theta ;)