Soccer,

There really is nothing we can do for you if you continue to engage in activities that increase your chance of getting another head injury. And it is obvious that you aren't going to stop playing. So I'm curious as to what you want from this forum at this point?

OK...thanks for answering those questions. So you are just past a year now since your original concussion. I'm just wondering if you were to have waited until now to get back into sports if you would have had more tolerance for future concussions.

How much further along would you be a year from now if you were to take the next year off sports and did a gradual return to exercise?

It may not work that way...I'm not sure. Just trying to figure it out for you and for my own child.

Remember to track your symptoms against your monthly cycles...my instincts tell me there is something happening there.

I have a lot of patience for you, soccer14

You may be a "lifer" here at NT. I feel like I will be.

You qualify. You have experience now with post traumatic concussion syndrome/TBI/maybe some anxiety, rightfully so with all you're dealing with. (acute is a medical condition that lasts up to 6 months. chronic lasts 6 months or longer.) We're chronic...

What would you tell a New Member who just had their second head injury?

If you could go back and undo the third one, would you?

It's understandable some want to scream at you. I'm a screamer too.

This is what we would scream at you if we could:

Get medical attention!!!

Don't make things any worse than what they already are!!!!!!!!!!

Write like the doctor asked!!!!!

Don't do that!!!!!!

stop!!!! stop!!!

If you were my child... and you didn't tell me... ummm. I would be upset and so hurt. This is serious stuff. They need to know.

Your parents need to make decisions for you, as a minor and especially with a head injury.

By state laws, your parents are responsible for your care, to see that you get care. Did you think about that? Think about it.

You're not thinking rationally about the consequences: the future, the costs, the care, and we don't think you should risk further injury by participating in contact sports. That's the cold, hard truth about PCS/TBIs. I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

I'm sorry that you may not be able to participate for a while. You're not giving yourself a chance to heal, so who knows if you will be ABLE to next year. And yes, maybe not again... but the risks, soccer14... look in the mirror and ask yourself about your future beyond sports... in the real world, the work world. What are you going to be able to do for a living? think... think... life keeps coming at ya!!!!

Would your parents allow you to continue to play if they knew what you were going through? I don't think so and you already know they wouldn't and that's why you're not telling them. Again, denying yourself care and attention you need. Go to them. It will be okay.

We think you're not thinking rationally because you've had a head injury!!!! See the difference? See the concern?

You do need to realize you're hurt and need special attention.

Can't help it. I'm glad basketball season is almost over.

We're here for you.

I do agree with PCSLearner, about the monthly thing. Motrin is good for that. I think it's like an inflammatory swelling process that occurs, effects the spinal column, so Motrin helps me during that time. I do notice a difference in my symptoms.

yea maybe ill see i dont know if it has anything to do with my menstral cycle i guess ill try though. well when i grow up im not really sure what to do i know i want to do something in the medical field for sure. I thought maybe a paramedic but i dont think i could do that or remember everything you need ot to do that job. Then i thought maybe physical therapist so i could help people get back to playing or their normal lives faster. Now im thinking maybe an athletic trainer at a school or something. Im not sure though i just know i want to help people or something.

soccer14,

The issue of your monthly cycle has to do with how your brain responds to hormones. Progesterone is good for your brain. Less progesterone leaves your brain more susceptible to injury.

Hormones also effect almost every bodily function. An injured brain can misdirect the hormone systems of your body. Your period is the least of the issues. It is more the behavioral and cognitive issues that can be effected by hormone irregularities.

I would suggest, as I think the others will agree, that you should get a good understanding of your current condition first before you get overly focused on any specific career direction. Take care of your brain and body so that you can count on it to carry the load of college studies.

I was studying to apply to dental school. I graduated high school 23rd out of 340 seniors. I was an honor student with a 92.3 percent grade average (strong A average). This was before AP classes and honors classes grade point weighting. My up and down college academic record from the relapses (decompensations) from minor head bumps or a high fever (effects the brain just like a concussion) caused me to change major and career direction.

You will likely need good support as you take on a college study load. Athletic Training (kinesiology) is a competitive course. Here at Boise State, the underclassmen compete for the upper class openings. My daughter has looked into the course work and requirements. The other health professions are even more difficult. Physical Therapy requires a doctorate in most states now.

So, if you understand what I am trying to say. You need to get a good understanding of your condition and capabilities before starting down this road. At least if you want to be the most successful.

Has your doctor ever suggested a neuro-psychological assessment? If your first concussion was from sports, your school may be able to direct you to a good NP Assessment. It will give you a good idea of how your brain is working.

My best to you as you make some difficult decisions. Get your folks involved in this issue. They will be a big help if they are on board with your efforts and decisions.

That's a good goal.

You also need to help yourself.

Try to find some peace about this, OK?

Have a great day

This is what I meant by symptoms. If you notice your concussion symptoms getting better or worse at certain times in your monthly cycle I THINK (?) this is a clue to you that your hormones might be out of whack. Hormone imbalances, I have learned, are not uncommon in people with lingering PCS symptoms.

[QUOTE=(Broken Wings);625211]

I have a lot of patience for you, soccer14

You may be a "lifer" here at NT. I feel like I will be.

whats a lifer?

Soccer
You see everyone is in agreement. I've given you this same answer
many times.

Please tell both your parents and the coaches. They all have to be told.

Next I do have something as a suggestion for some of these problems.

But it wont keep you in the sport. I remembered just recently that my
son who has seizures, and severe processing and other problems.

Has benefitted very much from strength training. I would suggest you
talk to the coaches and others maybe about helping you set up a strength
training program, instead of playing right now.

This might be a good alternative.

Donna

well the season is actually done now we had our last game now were just practicing a little with varsity to help them learn their new plays for state. and i was literally just thinking about starting doing some training again which is was i was doing when i was still at home out of school. i was hoping to start in march and start keeping a food journal. its even better because strength training is my favorite thing to do. How does this help anyway?

and to be honest im starting to feel a lot better like i havent felt this good since probably a week into school back in august/september. its great.