Found the forum searching the web and have read a few posts. I feel lucky & blessed that I don't have the pain that so many are suffering. But other problems concern me. I received a concussion 9 weeks ago during the biking portion of a triathlon. I'm much mended from the first two-three weeks but not much progress since then. If I have an active morning the rest of my day is shot...fatigued mentally and lethargic. And if it's been a really active day; say a long drive, late night, or a long run... then I can figure on not being able to accomplish much of anything the next day. Some days I go into a deep sleep after work that my wife can barely get me out of. Other days I'm not sleepy but can't get my head together enough to remember what I did that day.
How long will this last? Anything I can do to regain my stamina? My friends used to joke that I was the Energizer Bunny... not anymore!
If there are other links on this forum, please post in a reply. I've been at work teaching for 8 hours and even figuring out how to log in was difficult! I've rewritten this post a number of times already!

andrewl,

There is not much you can do to speed up your recovery. The symptoms you are experiencing are very common. You need time, rest, and good nutrition. Not the kind of nutrition you would need for endurance. Brain nutrition is based on B-6, B-12, E, C, Omega 3's, Niacin, folic acid, and all the anti-oxidants plus minerals, etc.

Did you finish your race after the concussion?

You fatigue is due to over-attending. Your brain has spent its energy doing too many things and specifically, too many things at once. Add physical exhaustion to it and you have a double whammy.

The deep sleep is good. It means your brain is getting the full rest it needs. Your brain's neurons only heal during REM sleep. This requires full sleep, not just dozing naps. If you can find ways to get this deep sleep, do it as often as you can. Many of us have a difficulty getting to a full sleep cycle.

Spontaneous recoveries can take three months or more. There is no rhyme or reason to how long it takes, except for those who have suffered multiple concussions. They can expect a longer recovery and less recovery from each subsequent concussion.

Limit your caffeine and MSG or processed soy foods. Limit alcohol to one serving per day. And, rest and more rest.

My best to you.

I'm going to echo Mark. I'm three months and change out of a nasty car accident and a good nap does me a world of wonder.

You need rest, a nap, and maybe then you'll be ready for bed. Welcome from another newbie.

Tami

Welcome!
I am sorry to hear about your accident and symptoms. I am 7+ weeks post injury and I am at about the same place you are.

They are right, sleep and rest are the best things you can do for yourself. I try to make sure I get at least 8 hours but I feel best after 10 or 11 hours a night.

I also try to control my environment as much as possible: dim the computer screen, turn the volume down on tv, keep windows shut and blinds down, keep the radio off in the car and enjoy the silence ect...

I find I am in many situations at school and work where I have no control over how stimulating or stressful the environment is, so if I control it when I can I feel better in the long run, or at the very least it helps take the edge off.
Just take things a day at a time and learn to laugh at yourself when you put the phone in the fridge or something similar.
Hope this helps.