I'm already dead
 

lets face it, this is as good as i'm going to get...i feel terrible, not for me but for my family. i found myself having to lay down more than usual this weekend because of my symptoms. i need to accept what has and is happening to me. i need to figure out a way to move forward because fighting it every day, i will eventually lose.

i'm in hell...im already dead.

ED

Now, now Strindberg....it may suck-but you are in fact, still alive. I'm saying this even though I'm bemoaning my own limitations...but dammit-I'm still alive and I'm still fighting.

If you aren't familiar-here is the website. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0k8Ey30GLU

ED,

Please post a signature with your current condition so we can remember what you are dealing with. Most of us have lousy memories. I wonder why.

Go to the User CP in the upper left and add your signature and story. I use font size 1 so my story does not take the whole page.

Then we can offer better support without having to ask the same questions over and over.

Don't give in to negative thinking
 

Hi Ed,

I know there are rough days. I remember them well and wondering why was I alive if I was so useless.

How long are you into recovery? What are your symptoms?

One bad day is not a complete set back. So, buck up, find out about meditation, positive thinking, any relaxing thing you can do (within reason) and hang in there for better days to come.

I do belive we are designed to heal.

Take care,

pm

Hang in there ED! You will feel better. For sure. Get through each minute, each hour, each day. Focus on very small joys. Eat a piece of chocolate. It is hell for sure. I am two years post accident and am Better than i was...i seen a difference from six months ago. More stamina...being able to cope in the outside world. Hang in there!!!!!!!

here's my story...

Ed, it sounds like you were very active prior to your injury, and that was a big part of your life and your identity. TBI/Concussion can really do a number on our sense of self. It often does feel as though "you" are dead -- but there is a lot more to "you" than the things you are used to doing.

Get some rest, hang in there, and do what you can. The worst part is not knowing for sure how long it will all last, and how well/soon you'll recover. With a broken leg, sitting out isn't as big a hit to your self-image, because you can see it, and you can also gauge the degree to which you're healing. So, you can (usually) see an end in sight.

With TBI, that kind of clarity just isn't there.

What else is there in your life that gives you enjoyment and makes you feel like "you" again? Surely, there is something. Find that -- or ask around to see if others have ideas.

Focus on the things you have and the things you can do, to keep your sense of self intact. Take good care of yourself, rest up, and keep going.

Recovery is different for everyone. I have had tons of lows and highs over the past years. But by keeping steady and taking care, a whole lot has come back to me.

ED,

Try not to fret and worry about your symptoms, they will go, it can just take a very long time. PCS symptoms are a desperate state of affairs, but they happen for a reason.

Fatigue is there because your brain and body need rest, lie down and if you can get a couple of hours sleep during the day.

Headaches, light and noise sensitivity are all closely linked. I am not a doctor, but I personally believe in my case all this was related to changes in cerebral blood flow and widened blood vessels. When I took medication which narrowed blood vessels, the symptoms reduced.

At this time, you have to be selfish! Avoid TV, radio, computing, video games, conversation - isolate yourself and get silent quiet rest. It will pay off in the end!

Hang in there
 

I know it's tough. I'm one year post accident and still on the slow recovery road. About six months ago I was at my worst. What helped me the most was to let go of my past life and try to be hopeful and grateful. I needed to learn to be a new person. We can't go back and change this situation. And pushing through the pain and symptoms just makes them worse. Keep on trying to manage your symptoms. Let your ego go. Find new hobbies that are possible. Try to slow down your life and allow for as much healing as possible.
Good luck
Su

all of u are angels, thank u for responding and the words of encouragement...i pray god heals us all from this dreaded condition of ours.

ur friend and brother,

ed