I think I have PCS. What do I do now?
 

Hi everyone. The past 4 weeks or so have been really... weird.

I've been having really strange headaches all day long, mostly located on top of the left side of my head, but radiating down to my left temple and eye. I thought it was a migraine maybe? I am also one of those fun people with fibromyalgia so I'm used to lots of strange pain on many, many levels.

I've been really fatigued as well... as I usually am, so no big deal.

I've also been really depressed. I'm no stranger to what I have called depression in the past, but now I understand that all those feelings, those bad feelings, were not depression, but merely melancholy, sadness, ennui, loneliness, anger, frustration, the blues...

But THIS depression? I think the clinical name for it is anhedonia. It's like being totally dead inside and nothing, nothing at all will make it better. Nothing is fun, or appealing, there is no one I want to talk to, nothing I want to do. It is sheer hell. The only thing I've been able to do over the past week is watch about 75 hours worth of Scandal on Netflix. I also wrote a paper (I'm in grad school) which felt like a minor miracle. Brain's been working so slow!

I have been getting worried about my symptoms and I've been thinking about going to see the doc to get checked out.

Two days ago, I made myself an ice pack to put on my headache spot to soothe the pain, and suddenly, I remembered!

5 weeks ago, my daughter made me an ice pack to put on my head because I had a head injury! But I had no memory of it until 2 days ago??

I was getting something out of my lower cabinet at home and I stood up really fast without realizing the upper cabinet door was open and... CRACK! The blunt edge of the cabinet jammed onto my head like an axe. I saw stars, started to pass out (but didn't) got nauseated, wondered about whether or not I got a concussion...giant goose egg on my head. I finally went to bed worried that I'd die in my sleep like in the movies.

But I totally forgot about it! This whole time! I literally had no memory of what happened until my memory was jogged by the ice pack. So weird.

So, I'm pretty sure I have PCS. It's been 5 weeks, I'm doing ok, I guess. My headaches are getting better. They are still here, but not so constant and not so painful.

At this point, do I still need to get checked out? I am a little freaked out about the amnesia aspect, but I seem to be on the mend.

I would get checked out and to make sure it is nothing more serious.

The doctor can also help treat the symptoms... take a look at the vitamin thread and start a regimen that works for you...

get rest... I am 4.5 months out and still take daily naps...

I still have headaches daily...

ask all the questions you want there are some really knowledgeable people on this tread!

Hi Thera,

Welcome to the Forum.

From what you've described (a blow to the head you couldn't remember and the ensuing symptoms) it certainly sounds like you've sustained a TBI.

You should see your doctor. After, perhaps, determining that you don't have any fractures/bleeds, he/she will most likely just tell you to rest and monitor your condition. Rest (physical and metal) really is CRITICAL to the quality of your recovery.

At this stage, try not to panic. You are close enough to your injury date that still experiencing symptoms is not indicative of profound and/or long term disability. Every concussion is unique. Learn what to look for and be attentive.

Thanks for the quick replies.

I will go get checked out just to make sure everything is ok.

I don't have a PCP at the moment (I was in the process of finding a new one), which is why I haven't gone yet. I have a feeling I'm ok. I am definitely feeling better than I was before, but not that great yet.

Well, it is important to get accessed professionally and get feedback from friends. We of the brain boo boo crowd are not always the best judges of our own condition. A TBI can decrease self-reflection, leaving one unaware of odd behaviors, etc...