Bicycle Accident
 

I just found this forum via Google and I just want to say how thankful I am to see that such a supportive group here. I had a bicycle accident about 10 days ago and have been really frustrated with my (lack of) recovery.

The accident:
I was going down a street on my bicycle at a pretty good speed when a car pull out from a side street right in front of me. I ran into the car, and was tossed out of the bike and landed on the hood of the car. I felt disoriented but I did not lose consciousness. I was not able to remember all the details of the accident, but my helmet was dented and the strap was broken, there is also a bruise on my chin. The driver and I exchanged information, I sat down for 5 - 10 minutes and was actually able to continue riding to work - although later I found out that the bike frame was totally damaged.

At work, I felt dizzy and had a headache with neck pain throughout that day. It wasn't unbearable and I lasted most of the work day (Friday). I woke up on Saturday and as expected, the symptoms hasn't gone away. But again, it wasn't too bad and it was the weekend so I just took it easy.

Around Tuesday (4 days after accident), things deteriorated. The headaches got a lot worse (like someone stabbing my head), my vision goes blurry with the headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light and noise (worse than before), can't put words together, can't look at computer screens, always felt tired, can't sleep at night, anxiety.

The wife finally dragged me to the ER, but the ER doctor said I was fine. She even did a CT scan and said there are not structural damages. She just said I should rest a few more days and things should become normal.

Fast forward to today, one week has passed since my ER visit but I'm still feeling the same. I'm really frustrated and want to go back to work soon, I also have a professional exam in a few months that I need to study for. These are giving me anxiety issues. I just feel really frustrated. :mad:

Anyways, sorry about my long post, and thanks for listening. I just want to see if anyone know what's going on with my head :eek:. I'm going to try to see a non-ER doctor as she wasn't very helpful (I waited 6 hours and she only talked to me for less than 2 minutes), but trying to book a doctor has been difficult.

I just find it odd that my condition suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday, when I was feeling OK (miserable, but OK) the 3 days after the accident ...

Just want to add: This is my 4th concussion. My last one was in early 2010. But this is the first time it's been this bad.

First, Welcome to our neck of the woods.

You posted nicely, short paragraphs, informative helps us read information better.

Some links might help you:

Brainline - useful concussion / pcs information.

The forums Brain Supplement list.... Thanks to Mark of Idaho.

Being your 4th concussion, you may already know that their effects are accumulative on the brain; the injuries have some reparation possibilities but not all things have recovery, due to rerouting from the injury sites, etc.

You mentioned you had a bruised chin? - did you have your neck evaluated in the ER - some upper neck or Neck injuries account into concussive injuries, leaving quite a few of the symptoms you are complaining about also; so lots of ice therapy to the upper neck would be useful, daily.

Post-traumatic headaches, post-concussive headaches, post-traumatic migraines, which ever title the physicians want to put to them are real, and are devastating to many. Can be short-lived or long term, its hard to predict; although we all pray for the short-lived.

What you are / have experienced is not unexpected, sadly. Hang in there.

Find a good Neurologist, or Physiatrist (Physical Medicine specialist) - get all your symptoms addressed, keep records of the 'little things', ask about your neck if it wasn't checked in the ER... Do Not just accept meds without asking all about them, and expected possible side effects or withdrawal syndromes when stopping them (many new ones being used cannot just be suddenly stopped).

Right now - REST. That cannot be expressed enough: turn off computers, tv, cell phones, and rest. Minimize reading, increase resting. Minimize even socializing except at home and with family. Avoid Alcohol. Drink lots of water You are very early into this process, more rest (REAL REST) now, hopeful better progress later. Some even avoid bright lights (me), loud places(me), large groups (I can't stand 4 people talking around me).

I don't know your work environment, but if you have to , begin the process for FMLA if needed to get the protection for time off - if you qualify at work for it. Or Short term disability at work coverage protection or whatever, check with your company's HR department if unable to work short days. Or, the car pulled out in front of you ? who was at fault? does that figure in here? does their PIP fit in here? - sadly just more questions for your injured brain, sorry.

But you need to obtain as much rest as possible.

I'm sure others will be on and contribute,

Best Wishes.......... :grouphug:

Deteriorating is common. A blow to the brain can set in motion a neurchemical cascade that can last for a long time...days...months. You need to rest completely. Complete boredom. No screen time. My doctors did not tell me this and I got worse and worse and worse.

Here is a podcast link that gives some basic info:
http://mobilevideo.cbc.ca/u/ref~s-au...000020623622/1

Hang in there.

Mokey: Thanks for the link but I couldn't get it to open.

Thanks! I got to give credit to the wife because she helped me post the OP. I could hardly look at the computer screen without getting a headache at this point.

The brainline website is very informative. I'll definitely look at it bit by bit, as my head allows.

I started taking good fats for the brain a few years ago (just to maintain overall health), I currently take Udo's 3-6-9 Oil and Krill Oil daily. I also have some Ca/Mg lying somewhere around the house, I'll find those and start taking them again. I'll look into adding the different vitamins later this week. I used to take a multivitamins some time ago, but after I started eating a healthy diet, I stopped. But with the condition I'm in now, I guess anything helps! Especially since I've been eating worst since the accident. For some reason, I'm craving junk food (chips and ice cream) badly. The usual food (veggies, quinoa, etc.) that I eat just seem bland now. But I'm going to cut down on the junk food because I know they are not helping me.

At the ER, they mentioned they also included my neck on the CT scan. The result was no structural damage. However, she said I probably have some muscle/ligament strain since my neck was sore.

Regarding the accident, the driver is at fault and has assumed responsibility. At work, I've just been using my vacation days. However, they are about to run out so I will need to look into taking a leave of absence or disability.

I've been lying in bed resting most of the day. I read on a thread here about Meditation so I tried doing Vipassana Meditation while lying on bed but even that was giving me headache. But breath meditation certainly helped calm me down.

Alright, off to rest ... :)

It may not play ouside of Canada. I will try to post a similar link.
Hope you are surviving. Minute by minute at the beginning!

Good old CBC. I grew up in Canada and naturally am a big hockey fan. Since moving to the US I've tried watching HNIC on CBC when they have the live streaming, same result: Not playable if you are not in Canada.

Update:

I saw my primary care physician this week. She did a test on me and in addition to the symptoms I described, we also found that my right hand and leg are not functioning as they should. This was a little surprising (and scary) to me. :eek:

She is going to refer me to a concussion clinic and physical therapy, and I'll also be seeing my PCP weekly. She also prescribed me some antidepressant.

On my end, I'm feeling pretty much the same. I just spend most of the days lying on bed and I must say the act of not doing is not as easy as it sound!

I will be going on Short Term Disability at work and once that is approved, it should help with my stress and anxiety.

Thanks for the well wishes.

WinstonC

Avoid the antidepressant unless the concussion specialist suggests it. Elavil (amitriptiline) and nortriptyline are commonly prescribed in low doses to help with head aches and sleep. A PCP is not a good source of meds for concussion.

Your upper neck likely has soft tissue damage that is effecting your head aches and lower neck injuries can cause the right side numbness. If you have tenderness to the touch behind your ear(s), that is a sign of an upper neck injury. Be careful to find a PT with expert skills with upper neck injuries. Most are too aggressive and push for range of motion to fast without allowing for soft tissue healing. Soft tissue needs 6 weeks of rest with good position/posture to heal. Be careful about posture during rest.

You should be icing your neck regularly. 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off, repeat. Read the vitamins sticky for my recipe for crushable ice packs.

Check out www.tbilaw.com and www.subtlebraininjury.com Be informed about your injury. Don't let insurance companies and attorneys take control of the information. Do not underestimate your injury nor your future needs for care or financial support.

My best to you.