Hi Nitro,

I imagine it must be frustrating and confusing to not have much support. There generally is not much awareness of PCS in the medical field and although the NHL has increased the public's knowledge of the dangers somewhat, I believe the health care industry has some catching up to do where concussions ans PCS are concerned.

It's an invisible injury and there is some controversy around it because our health care providers must rely on the patient's account of symptoms and improvements.

If you think about Sidney Crosby and how frustrated he must be to be sitting out of the playoffs right now. We fell pretty close to the same time that he was diagnosed. During his recovery he flew home to get the peace and quiet he needed to recover. He started very slow as well and didn't get on the bike until about 2 mths after full rest. I believe he started skating with the team wearing a no contact coloured jersey but is now not skating with the team anymore. My key learning from him is that nothing is more important than your health. He is a good example of someone recovering from PCS.

I know you are looking on the internet for info. If you haven't already, you may find it helpful to read the info in the www.tbiguide.com. It gives you some advice on dealing with the doctors. I can imagine that our long list of inconsistent and invisible symptoms are not always taken seriously which adds to more stress and frustration. You can help yourself with being prepared when you see the neurologist, i.e. have a written account of your fall, what happened after, your current symptoms and all the questions you have.

Take good care and know that we are here to support you.

Nitro, There are plenty of Activities of Daily Living (ADL's to the rehabilitation community) that you can start getting involved in that will give you an indication of your exertion limitations. Taking a walk or just doing some light physical tasks (vacuuming, Yes, anybody can run a vacuum, washing windows) etc, will give you some good experience with your tolerance levels.

I need ear plugs to run the vacuum. The physical exertion of vacuuming is a good light workout.

Slowing start back into life. Experience different body positions. Rolling on the floor, getting up and down, leaning over, etc all will give you some idea of your tolerance for movements. Tolerance for movements were my first hurdle.

Use some common sense as your body 'talks' to you.

My best to you.

Hi Mark,

I've been able to go for a 5 min walk and feel little to no change in my head. Anything more though and I feel dizzy and my balance issue kicks in...I still get very lightheaded if I stand up too quickly however this was an issue prior to my fall.

I found this interesting from the TBI guide that Skiconcussion posted:

Exercise improves your ability to think. This seems pretty obvious, but for individuals with head injury, it becomes crucial. If your doctor has cleared you to do exercise, you should make a conscious effort to do it. Why? Even though the brain weighs less than 5% of the entire body, it uses 30% of the oxygen in the body, and probably the same amount of glucose (which is the energy that runs your body). If we use a car analogy, a clogged air filter and gunked up carburetor will not allow full power. With exercise, you get more oxygen into your blood system. Also, for people who have chronic pain syndromes, some types of exercise are very beneficial. For example, swimming is a very good exercise for people who have neck or back pain. Always talk with your doctor about what exercise works best for you.

I know I'm not ready for this, but me being 26 years old and only 11 weeks PCS this is something I look forward to working towards in the future.

A low impact exercise I used to do is walking in a pool. It is a relaxing but worthwhile way to exercise. No impact from foot plants and no overheating from effort.

The important point from the TBI Guide is the oxygenation of the brain. Gentle brain stimulation such as good music can give me a great feeling of rest. Good rest only happens when the brain is properly oxygenated. You do not need aerobic activity to oxygenate the brain.

Do some reading about fMRI. They can see how the brain gets oxygenated during different tasks.

I'm almost at the 2 month point of my last whiplash. I am in physical
therapy for my neck and shoulder's right now. I have to make sure
I'm careful to watch my steps. And to make sure I go slowly.

I also had a problem with my foot and ankle so it has to be put into consideration too.

I'm a expert as it would seem for these things. Unlucky or whatever
it is. It finds me regularly. I'm hoping this is my last one.

Donna

WELL....I'm the same...computer and tv exhausts me...10 mins at a time at either one...SOOOOO Frustrating! Driving same thing.

Do you get an immediate headache or notice it more later??

I usually seem to notice the majority of my symptoms the next day. And headaches luckily are not a huge one for me. I only get a few headaches a week that don't seem to last that long.

My biggest symptom is the DIZZINESS/UNSTEADINESS and foggy headed feeling. And a very noticeable difference in my left and right feet when I walk. A much heavier left foot.

Before I knew what complete cognitive rest was I watched 3 movies in one day. The next day I was noticeably dizzier and unsteady.

I have to pack all my stuff into a trailer and drive 7 hours to go live at my cabin...which is a positive decision. The drive is certainly going to be a test.

For me it was quit college or walk at least 2 hours a day to get to and from classes and meals. I stayed. Yes, the walks going uphill do cause headaches. But I find that if I consistently do it I have less headaches when I do other things like watch movies etc...I have only now after a full year since my last concussion started to do light exercises at the gym. Mostly I stick to the floor but all of it is low impact such as no jump-rope and no treadmill. I try to go for an hour but have only made it to 40 minutes. I had to do this, I am tired of being 15lbs overweight and panting when I do the slightest things. I can't be consistent with the gym though, it all depends on the week.

I think it is up to you, just be slow, be gentle, and stop when you can't do it anymore.

Good Luck
Margarite

I too wonder about exercise...I've tried the treadmill here and there and not good result headache wise. I've walked outside...same thing.

I guess I have to look at it --well if I'm getting a headache either way -- enjoy life a little....do things in small doses. right??

I am going stir crazy ...and looking forward to the HOT weather....lay on a lounge chair...at least I'll have a nice tan on my body!

First you have to take small steps.

And when you are outside try wearing sunglasses. That should help
with the headaches.

Donna