Just too many symptoms
 

Hey Guys,

So I fell down 15metal steps two and a half weeks ago and was rushed in ER had two xrays and ct scans, and was told to rest for a few days. Two days later I'm rushed in again with severe vomiting and vertigo. Again scans and xrays everything seemed fine, and told I have PCS.

My doctor didn't even tell me what I would experience so after a week I went to see a nurse at school, I had symptoms of amnesia, dizziness and headaches from hell. She explained PCS and said they would go away.

It has now been almost 3 weeks and my symptoms are getting no better- infact they are getting worse and more appearing. I have amnesia, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and personality changes. Everything annoys me, I'm fighting with my poor boyfriend for no reason at all and I want to stay in my apartment and never leave!!

I know these symptoms are common but I am in my junior year of school, I'm 21 and there has to be something I can do at least become less depressed!? Please any advice or information would help me!?

Many thanks!!!

hi Layola
 

hi Layola

sorry you have need of this board ,you are not alone with this, most people will recover in six weeks or so, but the fact you feel you are not getting better needs to be looked at,I would go back to your doctor , and take someone with you that has noticed the changes and see if they cant do an mri and the mri be looked at by a neurologist REST KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED TAKE GOOD MULTI VITAMINS PLUS 0MEGA 3 FISH OIL COFFEE CAN HELP WITH CONCENTRATION BUT NOT TO MUCH know that most people get well on there own in time, but put your mind at rest, by making the docs do the tests and give you the right meds the anger is hard but try to avoid stress

keep us posted we all know what you are going through

vini :hug:

Hang in there.
 

Hi Loyola --

I am sorry to hear about your fall (scary) and your diognosis of PCS. I hit my head almost a year ago and, while things are getting better, the recovery on this is a long road.

Vini's advise to avoid stress, take Omega 3 and get plenty of rest is all quite sound, although slowing down your junior year in college is probably impossible. Not drinking is also VERY important. I am a few years older than you and have two young children, so slowing down isn't really an option, either. However, I have had to say "no" to many things, cut back on commitments, and simply not go out at night (okay, even if it is the not terribly exciting PTA meeting or quiet dinner with friends).

About six months ago a friend (who is a bit new-agey) asked me what i\I was learning about myself during this PCS stage of my life. I wanted to laugh and say"I'm learning that life sucks with a concussion!". But I really had to think about it. Staying no to things wasn't as bad as I thought. My two boys (who are six and eight) became very snuggly when I had to rest on the couch in the middle of the day (which they had never seen before...). And, of course, I had to stop and appreciate that my accident could have been much worse, as I'm sure you feel too.

Unfortunately, PCS is quite misunderstood, even by primary care doctors and even nuerologists (go figure). They may tell you that you're suffering from depression (which may, in fact, be true) withouth understanding that you just feel miserable all the time and not able to rally...which is hard. And, your friends and family may have a hard time with this as well. Be understanding with them...remember this is not the "you" they are used to. If you need to stay in for an evening, light some candles make your home feel inviting. Above all, keep the faith. We are thinking of you and sending good energy your way.

Hi, all I can say to you is too take a rest BEFORE you get the fuzzy horrible tired headache and most definitely avoid stress.

Regarding fighting with your partner, I have found that I now just don't open my mouth in a lot of situations as I can't seem to control what comes out of it! Especially when I am tired the control is gone - it is best avoiding most things if you are tired.

I would also recommend that you avoid places that are noisy - malls are bad, same with pubs and a lot of cafes.

The kinder you are to yourself now the sooner you should recover - but don't bang your head again.

Lynlee

Have any of you had an evaluation by a upper cervical chiropractor?
I'll put up some info links.
I don't know if it would be of help but wanted to post the info for you.

Chiropractic care info- a good one can help with many symptoms:
http://www.upcspine.com/self.htm
http://www.uppercervical.org/subpag...b/about_faq.php
http://www.spineuniverse.com/index.html
http://www.coloradochiropractic.org/.../glossary.html

For what it's worth
 

I know it's different for everyone, but for me the worst of it took about three months to get manageable, then things just slowly got better. A year later I still have some problems that surface more when I get tired, but compared to how I was in the beginning this really is nothing. I suggest trying to rest as much as possible. I found that when I tried to push myself to get back into my regular routine (hard not to do when you're bored as hell at home) things got worse again quickly.