Former member, new username, 2nd concussion
 

Good morning everyone,

A couple of years ago I would post here and haven't been around in a long time, so I have a new username and another concussion story :(

A little background info- In October 2010, I had my first concussion. I sat down on my couch and when I leaned back I smacked my head on a shelf behind my couch. No loss of consciousness, but little did I know my long journey with PCS was about to begin. It took me the better part of a year to recover and achieve some level or normalcy, yet it was a "new" normal. I struggled with the depression and anxiety that comes along with pcs. It took me months to be able to find a mix of therapy, nutrition, supportive people to be able to cope and begin to recover.

The 2nd year I spent working on my physical & emotional well-being. A daily process indeed. I experienced many wonderful life events as well as trying ones. It was nice to be somewhat back in a groove and I very rarely took it for granted.

Fast forward to Christmas 2012 - just 11 days ago. I reached down to put my camera away (the case was stowed anyway behind our guest's couch). When I bent down, I misjudged and smacked my left eyebrow/sinus area on the top part of the couch, which was solid wood. OUCH!! It hurt a lot but I honestly didn't think too much of it, iced it and went on with the evening.

Next morning all of the old "cast of characters" arrived - stabbing headache, nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, as well as anxiety. Knowing that treating the symptoms is the first order of business, that's what I began to do. As the days passed, I felt worse and worse and that gut instinct told me this was another concussion.

Earlier this week, I decided to get checked out. Head CT was normal and I was once again diagnosed with mild concussion. What is different for me this time is more intense vertigo, as well as concerns with vision on the left side. I can "see" out of the eye, but something feels off, very wavy. Can't watch much TV at all. Noise and sound sensitivity are ramped up. Feels like a constant migraine. Dr said initial eye exam appears normal but is sending me for an eval with an eye dr.

To those folks who have concussed themselves more than once, do you have any words of wisdom? I know this is going to be slow going and that I have to take it one day at a time. The increased visual & vertigo symptoms do not help anixety levels....I think I'm just in shock that this has happened once again. :(

Many thanks for letting me share my story. Thinking of investing in a helmet and suit of armor :p

Ah I can relate to you. I had two concussions last year, about six months apart. I've had a recent flareup of symptoms and I too am in a state of "I thought I was done with this?!" shock. From my experience, the first one was really intense but the second was not as bad when it came to lasting, intense symptoms. The first was crippling but the second more slowed me down than brought my life to a screeching halt.

For the second one, I knew within a matter of seconds/minutes from when I hit my head that I had a concussion. I learned that "signature" feeling of a concussion and recognized it when it came back. I can't quite describe the "signature" since it's a complex feeling in the way a perfume is a complex smell (you might not be able to describe everything you smell in a perfume, but once you learn it, you can usually recognize it right away, even years later.)

I think part of why the second concussion wasn't as bad was because I already had months of practice of dealing with symptoms and I was more relaxed in a way. I didn't fight my symptoms as much and I was less disturbed by them so it was easier to go with the flow and let the concussion go at it's own pace.

I'm not sure what words of wisdom to give other than try to apply what you learned last time to your experience this time to make it less frightening. Try to do your best to *choose* to hold to the positive, regardless of how you feel (physically or emotionally!) It's hard to muster that mental fortitude with PCS but even small waves can turn a big boat when they beat on the helm day after day.

If nothing else, remember you're not alone! People around you may not understand but there are those out there who do and it can be comforting just to remind yourself that you're alone in the world of PCS :)

Thanks v-lo. It is VERY comforting to hear your story! I too had that gut feeling that this was yet again a concussion, along with the "oh no here we go again" feeling. That feeling itself was terrifying because I immediately rehashed the entire first PCS experience in my brain in a matter of minutes. I really believe what you say about just trying to roll with the symptoms, as opposed to my first time when I was scared to death. That being said, I have moments where I just sit and hope for the strength to weather this storm!! I am really trying to go back to the day at a time approach :)


Thanks for reminding me know that this doesn't have to be a lonely road :)

ml,

I have 4 words of wisdom. Stay away from couches. LOL.

And, something I have added to my recommendations since 2010, Ice you head and upper neck, especially when you are symptomatic. The upper neck inflammation and muscle tension can be reduced by the icing.

A zip lock baggy with 1 part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water will freeze into a crushable ice pack. Make a couple. 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off, repeat.

My best to you.

Dear Mark,


Thank you for giving me a much needed laugh! Couches + my head = bad news!! :)

Will reinstute the ice - I had forgotten about it for the neck but that makes alot of sense.

I remember your posts a few years ago were very helpful to me (I posted under the username Nolefan). Thanks for your kind words of wisdom then and now :)