[wtrpk]

What has improved (how long)....and what are you still working on improving?

I'm at 4 months pcs and the fatigue is better..but dizzy sound sensitivity watching tv and computer are my main issues (other than total stimulation overload). Oh.and shopping..can't do that!

[Mark in Idaho]

I don't think you will find any 'normal' trend as people go though the many stages of PCS. There are many variables that impact recovery.

My firm belief is that improvement comes slowly and almost sneaks up on you as you accept the new you and learn and implement the many work-arounds and other accommodations that allow life to go on.

When we accept the new PCS person, we lower our stress level. When we are willing and even look for opportunities to find new ways of doing old things, we lower our stress levels. Between the lowered stress levels and the improvement in daily functionality from utilizing work-arounds and accommodations, we slowly regain many of our lost functions.

Some of these gains may be up and down. Getting used to the roller coaster ride is a big part of recovery. Accepting that we WILL have our failures and getting upset about them is counter-productive, we get out of our own way on the path to recovery.

Many of us will have some serious dysfunctions that stay with us for the rest of our lives. Leave that concern for the distant future. There are plenty of improvements we can effect today.

Learning to live a simpler and less stress ridden life will greatly improve our quality of life. The world around us does not hold the keys to quality of life. We do. You can bloom where you are currently planted. It is a choice you can make.

Look for the new perspectives your PCS has dropped in your lap. Does you aversion to noise create an opportunity to communicate with someone who needs a quieter environment?

My patience level is far greater than it ever was before 1/16/2001. My contentment is also much better.

I'd like to hear how others are doing with contentment and lowering stressful thoughts. I know there are many who have grown in their personal lives as a result of their struggles with PCS. Tell us you stories. We want to hear them.

My best to you all.

[Jeffrey]

The title of this really caught my attention. Thanks for the input & call for responses, Mark.

I've learned the need to lower my stress, and try to be content.

Much of life isn't living in fear of injuries now, but extreme caution of body movement.

It's hard to be content, being haunted by 7/15- the day I hit my head and caused my health, finances, emotions, and every other area of my life to take a dive.

I have no idea if some good has or will come from the past five months or so. Or what God's plan is.

[Margarite]

Headaches are less intense
Nausea is not daily
Dizziness is much less often
Concentration ever so slowly getting better
Fatigue is the same
Still can't have any strenuous activity without severe punishment

[wtrpk]

Well I guess I'm just looking for the infamous "when will I be better" and no one can tell me that. I have a ton of energy...and take that as a great sign, but everything brings on this weird feeling in my head and dizziness.

Having a conversation with people brings it on....walking too fast...talking! (and I love to gab on the phone)

I really don't have concentration issues. -- but I can't read long as I get that weird lightheaded feeling.

I think I feel so much better when I sleep good. Last night took a benedryl at 10pm was sleeping before 11 -- woke up at 2:30 and took another benedryl...I slept until almost 8. I feel good today --except for the dizziness brought on by talking etc.

[MarileeG]

I've learned so much about myself and about the kind of person i want to be and life i want to lead that i never would have learned had i not been injured. for that i'm truly thankful.

i now have the power to be a better spouse, friend, family member and someday even employee b/c I won't burn myself out by never saying no to work.

recovery is gradual. I've learned a lot about living in the present moment. I stunk at that before the accident. not that i've mastered it by any stretch. What a gift to be able to be thankful for the moments when I do feel better. And to know that in the awful times, those too will pass. talk about simple life lessons....

Reading Gail Denton's Book Brainlash has helped me beyond measure. I wish I would have ordered 3 months ago, but of course back then I thought i would "beat the odds" kick some serious butt on PCS within 8 weeks. Yes, I'm a reforming type A control freak. what a big gift it is to be reforming.

setbacks still happen. I"m not sure how long they will, but as time goes on I'm finding that I come back from them faster than i did weeks and months ago.

an important piece for me was to learn to stop fighting it and start figuring out how to work with it. If you haven't already, consider reading Brainlash. I would have short-cutted months of anxiety, worry, etc. which came from not understanding what my body is doing.

it does get better!