New here - PCS symptoms for 10 months
 

I was in a car accident on 12/2/11, my car spun on ice and my head knocked out the window, lost consciousness at least 2 times. I am still having symptoms and I'm worried about that. I realize it takes time, but goodness, how much time? I feel like I will never be normal and that scares me. I haven't been back to the doctor but wondering if maybe I should. Not sure if there is anything that can be done for me. I am always always tired and I all I want to do is sleep. I am not sure if that is part of it or if maybe I am depressed. I know I don't feel like doing anything anymore. I just don't feel like myself. I never feel "good," I'm tired of always feeling confused, and always having trouble making decisions, and getting dizzy when I lay down. And I have been getting headaches as well.

In the beginning I had symptoms all the time, every day, all day. I took 12 days off from work (which was defintely NOT enough time, I see that now)
but eventually it started getting better. I could actually go a week with no symptoms, but they would come back and stay for mabye a week. Then they would go away again for mabye 2 weeks and come back again. It followed that pattern for months, with the time between getting longer and longer, but never going away completely. The past couple of months they have come back with a vengence and have not gone away. I think it may be because of stuff going on at home that has me totally stressed out but I can't be sure. Been trying to cut back on the caffeine but since I am a caffeine junkie it is very very hard, and then I get caffeine headaches and OMG! I just can't win :confused:

So here I am, wondering if I have developed something else, or is it just going to take awhile. And I have plans on going to Disney in January but think I may have to skip out because I am scared to get on any rides. Does anyone have any input on that? Or what about flying?

HELP

hillie,

Thanks for you post. You are like most of our newbies. Your experience this past year is the rule, not the exception. We have lots of experience helping people like you.

It will help to know a bit of information. Things like your:
age
gender
home environment (family, home stresses, etc)
work environment

Recovering from a concussion is definitely not a solo job. Getting family on board and modifying environmental stresses can make a big difference.

The roller coaster symptoms you are experiencing is common. It is helpful to learn to recognize triggers of these relapse times. There is usually a cause of the relapse. It often is on the day before the relapse. One can have a great day and accomplish a lot because of the 'great day' feeling and a day later, symptoms come roaring back.

The only reliable way to get better is with quiet rest. It can be difficult to get as a working member of a family. Hopefully, we can give you some ideas that will help.

My best to you.