[comeback_kid_11]

I am a 2nd year university student who got a concussion playing hockey. I've had PCS for over 3 months now.

I am on a work placement for the summer. I initially started working full days, which was a big mistake as it really aggravated my symptoms. I have since cut back to working 3-4 hrs/ day. Some days I feel pretty good, other days I have a headache pretty much the whole time.

Does anyone have any experience whether I would heal faster if I stopped working altogether? The difficulty I am finding is that some days I am fine for 3 hours while others are not good at all so it is hard to set a specific duration I will work for since my symptoms day-to-day can be so unpredictable. I am getting frustrated as I have seen little improvement over the 3 months. I also have never had full cognitive rest. I have had complete physical rest but I got my concussion during exam period and my work term began shortly after, so I have been "thinking" pretty much all throughout this concussion.

I am willing to do anything that may speed up recovery, even if it means quitting my job. Thanks

[confuused905]

looking at articles written by concussion experts, cognitive rest is just as important as physical rest. its strange that a hockey concussion would lead to prolonged pcs though. most sports concussions do not cause pcs for 3 mths. do u have a history of concussions? if not, then how bad was this one? also what r ur symptoms like and how severe are they?

[Mark in Idaho]

First, Hockey concussions and any sports concussion can be just as damaging or deadly as any other concussion.

Second, if you are working in your specialty of school study, then you are likely pushing the cognitive envelope. When you are working, you should be very aware of how you are working. If you sense that it requires more effort to concentrate or just do a simple task like reading, it is time to take the rest of the day off. One of the reading symptoms is quite simple. If you find that you need to reread a line or paragraph to understand it, you have over done it.

Most of the symptoms of over-working your brain are subtle but evident if you know what to watch out for. Any frustration with your task is a sure sign. Not knowing what you specific work tasks are, I can not suggest much more.

One big question is quite simple. Are you waking up with a aware of the world sense or do you need a jolt of coffee to get going? Caffeine is definitely bad for recovery. Maybe one cup in the morning but no more.

More information about your work environment and what you feel like when you know you have pushed too hard will be helpful.

Remember, many with PCS will have a delayed reaction to over-working their brain. You can feel lousy Tuesday afternoon when it was Monday morning that was the over-load.

[SmilinEyesMs305]

First, let me say I really feel for your situation. Before my accident, I was working full time and going to Grad school full time.

For three weeks after the accident, I tried doing school work and work for my job from home. After 3 weeks of increasingly painful symptoms, I went to a neurologist who told me I needed to stop all mental and physical activity.

I stopped working and have worked with my university to put my studies on hold until my dr feels I'm ready to pick up where I left off.

Anything that is creating symptoms, even your headaches is going to prolong your recovery, or atleast that's what I've been told.

I know it's a hard decision and I hope you can find peace and healing with whatever decision you make. Best to you!

[freezerdoor]

I'm in my 3rd month of PCS and I hit my head on the freezer. I'm sure a hockey concussion could be worse.

[freezerdoor]

Interestingly I never took cognitive rest but I took much physical rest in the beginning of my concussion. Cognitively I'm doing much better than physcially in my recovery. I'm not sure what to make of it.

I pushed through some very grueling days the first month mentally at work and I overcame the cognitive issues quickly.

I coddled myself physically and I have huge lasting issues there.

No idea what to think of that.

[Willjan]

After a "full day", even just working at home I find I need two or three days total rest. You are at an early point and I'd suggest as much rest and following doctor's advice. From my reading, PCS can take time to heal. Now is the time to use that time to heal, when you are able, return.

Good luck.

Willjan