mnila 1,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

My first suggestion is that you find a program to help you stop drinking. It is not good for healing. Getting upset in crowds just means you need to avoid crowds. many of us have to avoid crowds. The concussed brain does not tolerate crowds with the many voices etc.

What other symptoms are you experiencing ?
What are your triggers for these symptoms ?
What vitamins are you taking ?

My best to you.

Hey Muddy!

Don't get discouraged. It will take a long time. I also am a Multi impact concussion gal from ski racing and bike racing. The last hit was 2012 which literally still seems like yesterday to me as I was engrossed in the brain fog and depression and frustration cycle. My people charming personality seemed gibe forever so I fakes who I thought I used to be and toughed it out.

It wasn't until I finally succumbed to 'this is me now' that I finally started healing. That was last October. I never thought I'd be me again but consistently following what my docs told me to do and literally being couch bound for nearly 5 months did the trick. I have had says where I was that me again- but bette as I have such an appreciation for my brain and body and taking care of it now. Days I've been me- my friends, family, and co-workers noticed. But then I get all giddy and go all out and do things I used to (ie have a couple of beers) and I suffer from it and regress for days.

Just be patient. And if I could offer any advice- don't drink. It's been hard on me socially not to drink but 1 beer can get me way buzzed now after my injury.

And caffeine amps me up so I've dropped that habit. I enjoy joining the tea drinking society and the green eating society too. It's amazing how many foods affect the brain like a neurotoxin. Nourish the Noggin and Depression the way out both speak of going to a more alkaline diet - as in way your veggies.

All that has helped me greatly. If you wanna PM me I can share some more.

And just relax- you'll be you and you are you still, your body is just teaching you to slow down. You'll be back!

Hey bud,

I had a passion for rugby as well, and have a similar story. I received a concussion my freshman year of college (2012) in a match, and returned to play too soon. I still encounter symptoms, and am actively seeking ways to cope/heal (if possible). I know you posted this a few years back, but I am curious about your journey, and methods of recovery. Please get back to me if possible. i hope all is well.

Brent

BTSgaels,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

MuddyRiver has not been around in over 2 years. The key to recovery most of us follow is quiet rest and good brain nutrition. Quiet rest means low stress and low stimulation activities.

Please feel free to introduce yourself and tell us about what you are already doing to aid in your recovery.

Mark,

I appreciate your prompt response, and warming words of advice. To provide some context about my injury, I mostly encounter symptoms of fatigue (mental which turns into physical), slower processing, and poor memory, all of which progress into depression-like symptoms. I have experienced this for about 2.5 years now, and was finally feeling a little better until I had a collision about a month ago, which I feel has set me back even further.

As for recovery, I try to get as much rest as possible, but it is difficult because I am a full time college student. I have already had to take a semester off of school because of my injury, and would hate to do so again. I try to rest as much as possible, and I am fully abstaining from alcohol or any drugs. Have any supplements, medications, or vitamins helped you or anybody else with the symptoms I mentioned?

I have also seen a few medical practitioners, ones who take a different approach to healing. They focused on fixing/straightening my spine and upper vertebrae, in hopes of aiding the healing process.

Thank you for reaching out mark, I hope to keep in touch and to collaborate on the difficult healing process.

It sounds like you found a chiro, maybe even an upper cervical chiro who believes all ailments come from the spine. These are often known as 'wellness' chiros. They can be helpful but not as effective as they claim. The sticky at the top has a thread called Vitamins. Post # 101 from November has the latest update. Many find it very helpful. It is not a cure. Just a way to help your brain tolerate stress and function more effectively.

Your living and study environment may need to be moderated. You may need to take a lighter load of classes. Ask your disabilities department if they have any assistance for you.