Hello and hoping this site can help me
 

Hi there. My name is Terry and I got a concussion mid May of this year. It has improved significantly, but am still having a lot of trouble. Sometimes the symptoms seem minimal, and other times they are overwhelming. It's gotten to the point the last week where i think it's getting out of control, so I'm taking some actions to try to help. I believe I found a clinic here that Specializes in Post Consussion Syndrom, rather than just seeing my family doctor. He was great, but he's now at a loss. I'm hoping the specialists can help me.

I went back to work about a month ago, and seem to be picking things up again ok. The most challenging part is the headaches that come from working (much of the time feeling like ear aches as well), and having conversations that make sense. Always having been patient, i find myself easily irritated. Now I'm having trouble sleeping, zoning out again, and doing things that are just not like me at all. :(

In social situations, it's very difficult to have a conversation without missing something, so I ask, and everyone looks at you like you have three heads. I've been having quite a bit of that reaction in social situations.

My husband has been great with all this up until now, where I seem to be doing things that are not like me. I went to a work function Friday night. I didn't even want to go, but felt like I needed to. I ended up staying until 4 AM drinking. (I don't normally drink much, and usually am in bed by 9 or 10:00. ) Weirdest part was that I wasn't even having fun. In fact after being mocked more than a few times for not understanding (they had been drinking as well) I started crying.

I felt like I was doing better for a while. I had been home for 6 months, resting my brain as I was told to. I quite smoking, started excercising, was trying to eat better. Now I feel like everything is crumbling. I've lost two good friends who I love dearly over some racial remarks they made on FB (which surprised me), because I then decided at 4 am that I should post a big post about how horrible it is for people to be showing racism right now. Pretty sure I'm not on their good list. My husband is disappointed in the way I've been acting. My son is really good, but I can tell quite often is annoyed or embarrassed by things I do or say. Last weekend I introduced my two future daughter-in-laws to each other, even though they've know each other for two years.

One thing is for sure, I'm going to start wearing my earplugs in public, sunglasses at work, got see the specialists, and I guess go from there. I just hope I don't mess anything up in the meantime. Not trusting myself a whole lot at the moment.

Sorry for such a long post. I appreciate if anyone has any advice.

:confused:

Joannetb,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear you are struggling so.

Your conversation issues are common. One of the common problems is that social situations have lots of voices talking at the same time. Your injured brain hears them all and struggles to follow the one you are involved in. This leaves you will the 'three heads' manifestation. Two things can help. First, move to a more private area with less background voices if possible. Second, wear the earplugs during the social event. I hear the Mack's brand are the best and they are flesh like colored vs orange or yellow.

If you feel self-conscious with ear plugs, you can explain that your concussion makes if difficult for your brain to ignore the background voices. The ear plugs reduce the background voices.

I find it is also helpful to be in a corner of the room. Not having background voices coming from 360 degrees helps the brain make sense.

This time of year can be difficult because of the demand for intense social gatherings and shopping in loud and busy places. The repetitive music is a stressor, too.

I would encourage you to read the Vitamins sticky at the top. It has great information. The "You Look Great" YouTube series will be good, especially if your husband watches it. The TBI Survival Manual is also great.

I have more for you but I'll save that for later.

My best to you.

While I've only been able to see some of the "you look great" videos and haven't yet had time to see the survivor manual, I'm already feeling somewhat better. Having a concussion can really mess with your self esteem!

I saw my family doctor today, and have an appointment with a neuro psychologist on January 5th, so i feel like I'm doing something to drive in a positive direction.

Also I was working 2 jobs, one which was self-employment. I've delegated my workload to another associate to take over because I believe right now 1 job is enough. Thanks again for the tips.


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