Question to those who had recovered
 

To the lucky one that had recovered, please share your experiences, what you had done for all these time, any special diet? what is your activity level?

Recovering activity level needs to be determined individually. You do not want to cause an increase in symptoms. If symptoms increase for just a short while, like a head ache that lasts a hour, that should not be a problem but one can use that effort to determine what a no-symptom activity levels is. It is important to learn to recognize triggers/over-activity/over-stimulation. Trying to compare activities with others is a losing game. You may notice generalities but nothing directly related you your own results.

Regarding diet. Avoiding caffeine, artificial sweeteners, MSG, high sugar density foods, and alcohol, etc. is important. Some reduce or eliminate gluten. Many of us swear by the vitamins and supplements regimen in the sticky, updated on Nov 8, 2014 at post 101.

Time, rest, keep stress low, try to take good care of yourself (some examples: good diet, consistent sleep routine, learning relaxation techniques, going for gentle walks as tolerated, limiting computer/TV/smartphone screen time, adopting a patient/faithful mindset that things should improve over time, being compassionate with yourself and learning to tune out people who are unhelpful/negative).

I take a good multivitamin, a B complex vitamin, good-quality purified fish oil, vitamin D3, curcumin supplement.

I don't think there is a miracle cure for PCS - it's mostly just about developing a range of good habits and routines and letting time do its thing.

I'm mostly recovered and (after almost four years) am back to living a normal and fulfilling life. Still working on that last 5-10%, but things are now pretty solid. I haven't always maintained all of the good habits I've listed, but they are some of the things that have helped me.

Get plenty of rest, do not overstimulate yourself with too much activity, TV, computer etc. Definately avoid large Supermarkets and Banks - seriously overstimulating environments. No alcohol.

Don't exercise! Walking is fine, but do not push yourself. When you do start after all symptoms have gone, go for no impact sports like swimming and cycling.

Avoid stress, and if it getting too much an antidepressant might be needed. Two years on I am still on low dose of 30mg Cymbalta. Cymbalta really helped my mood, sleep and pain.

If you have post-concussion headaches which include noise and light sensitivity they may well need to be treated as Migraines. Imigran worked well for me. Unfortunately I still have Neuralgia, so I take Lyrica for this.

That is my take on things, good luck!

Also - it sounds obvious, but perhaps the most important advice of of all is: don't hit your head again. You have to find a way to live "head safe" (as I like to call it). I'm always amazed when I read about people slowly recovering from months-long PCS who are seriously thinking of trying their luck again at boxing, rugby, soccer, hockey, etc.

Another thing. It's best to avoid severe overexertion (going from minimal physical activity to, for example, heavy lifting, bodychecking, jarring running, etc). The strain from doing this can really set you back. You have to up the activity very, very gradually - and then only after getting enough rest during the acute phase of recovery.

Yes, I'm agree with you about the overexertion. I had been symptomless for about a month after my concussion, i went for weight lifting, and headache right after that, and everyday, and i'm now a patient of postconcussion syndrome