Peeked in to say hi and update!
 

Just a quick note to all the wonderful folks I "met" online and who were such a great support to me. (if you recognize my user name, then I'm talking about you. I can't possibly list everyone because I'll forget some names)

It's been 18 months now since my injury that caused PCS. I think of all of you, quite often actually!

I've been back at work for 10 months, and coping quite well over time, with some workarounds for memory. I have more flags and post its on my work desk than 3M... but a sense of humor keeps me from taking myself too seriously.

I changed jobs in January of this year, and now no longer work in a noisy casino filled with lights and demanding hours. I'm loving my new career for the municipal government working on special events and sponsorship marketing.

Can you believe it... I went from stuttering through sentences at the worst of my PCS to landing an interview for a new job and nailing it! I remember thinking I'd have to figure out a new way to make a living since the casino life seemed impossible... well I did casino life for 6 more months before being offered this new job!

My new office has a gorgeous huge window, and I have plants for the first time in years... instead of a closed in, dingy place that I was used to. It is quiet, and I've learned to really love quiet. Turns out I love my thoughts when I can hear them. LOL...

Symptoms... well I have some of those from time to time... but I have longer stretches of forgetting I have PCS and feeling quite "normal" which is about 90% of the old normal. I am thankful every day, and I don't share that to brag... I'm just in awe of what happened through no merit of my own.

Still on Elavil 15mg at bedtime, trying to wean off because I've gained over 20 pounds, it seems to make me crave carbs so badly! No Lucky Charms cereal box is safe around me. :winky:

Regular physiotherapy and acupuncture, and massage seem to help keep aches manageable. I'm done with Workers Comp so that has eased a lot of stress. I'm glad that part is over.

Being back to work full time took me 12 weeks of rehab and 8 weeks of gradual return, and I've been putting in full time hours for 7 months now.

My faith (meditation, prayer) seems to help keep my thought life manageable... most of the time.

If you are reading this (and if I'm new to you) and you are suffering; please know that MANY times, it gets better, and that time is your very best friend. Time teaches us, as well as heals us. On the other side of my injury I've become so grateful for my blessings, I think of my TBI as a gift. I know that sounds impossibly weird but for me it's true. I'm kinder to myself now than I've ever been. I turned 40 and I feel more worthy of my self care than I ever did before.

I wonder how you're all doing, the ones who were in the long haul with me over a year ago now? Feel free to respond, I'd love to hear back from some pals! :grouphug:

yay!!!!!!!
 

MsRio

I do recall your name and your struggles. So glad to hear of your improvments.

I agree. PCS has changed me for the better. It's (almost) a gift for me too.

Thank you for your story and why not add this to the hope thread?

Take care

poetymom

Glad to hear from you and that you have a quieter job! I am working too...not up to full capacity though. But at least there is hope!
Thanks for sharing your story of hope.
M

Well done!

I remember you...
 

We share(d) a lot of the same struggles through this process. So glad you came out on the other side a much stronger soul. Continue improving with your healing and congrats with the new career path

I am somewhat new, so I didn't meet you before. Your story made me cry for some reason. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry MsRrio,
I probably should remember you, but I probably should remember many things that I don't.

However, I am very glad to hear that you are doing so well. That's great news. I'm very happy for you that you were able to land a new job that you love. Great update!

I hit my 2 year anniversary since my injury back in February and I've made very little progress in 2 years unfortunately and am still in outpatient rehab and am waiting to see the neurologist in July.

Unlike many people, my MRI actually shows damage in 2 places (never mind the damage that still can't be seen) and probably accounts for my slow / non existent progress.

After 2 years, my rehab team is not very hopeful and we are now focusing on how to move forward as I am, should I not recover any further, rather than focusing on recovery.

Everyone journey after brain injury is different.

Glad yours has a happy ending.

Starr