My first day at NCEP went pretty well. I spent the first hour there talking with the case manager and signing paperwork. By the time we were done, it was already lunch time...One hour break, got to meet with a lot of the staff and other people in the program. I must say that I'm much more humble and blessed that my injury was not more severe. Some of the people there were in a pretty bad way.

Nobody else there has the problems that I do...as far as getting overstimulated fast. Every one seemed to function very well in groups and watching TV. Its frustrating...because I have nobody to relate to.

I was doing well until I was given some cognitive activities to do (letter search, math and a bill paying activity)...then it was overload city. They were okay with me taking closed eye breaks to regain my composure. Strangely, I was the only person doing this. Every one else seemed fine...

At the end of the day, I was in a group of about 10 people. We watched a video about cars and were asked questions (kinda like a memory game) about the cars, like the color, model, etc. I spent most of the video with my eyes closed because the television was overloading me. Again, I was the only person doing this.

I'm home now...completely spaced out. It was a very intense day. Tomorrow they will really see how bad I am cognitively after a day full of activity.

Nick

Keep in mind that you are still in the early diagnostics stage.

I'd like to see what their physiatrist has to say about my backwards progress. I should be meeting with him/her before the end of this week.

Once again, I didn't have these problems until a few months ago. Even the case manager said he's afraid I'm not going to make it through the program because of my over-stimulation issues and the time it takes to recover.

If not being able to watch TV due to overstimulation was a common symptom, I doubt they'd be using it during groups and therapy.

I'm the odd man out.

I totally get what you're saying Nick. I was attending a support group at the brain care centre, but I just didn't fit because I too seem to be the only one with overstimulation issues and the whole PCS thing. I felt like the odd one out too. Wearing sunglasses and closing my eyes.

Like you, I too felt appreciative of my injury severity as most folks had either severe brain injuries or strokes. On one hand I really admired their strength to overcome many physical limitations (many have walkers, wheel chairs, etc), but on the other hand at least their injuries were evident to people. I find expectations of me (family and friends) are often too high. But if you could see the suffering..... But in the end I am truly thankful to be as well as I am, it really can be worse. I plan to start back this Friday and was told that there is another person attending who has pcs. Wouldn't it be great to connect with a fellow PCS'er in person?!

Good luck with this program, I hope it helps you in some way. Even if it's just to help you understand your situation better and get the understanding from the docs that you need.

Wow, someone who can relate. Wait...that's not cool, because overstimulation SUCKS!!! It's the number one reason I'm unable to work right now. I'm sorry you struggle(d) with the same thing and I feel your pain. I like the program, I like the staff, I like the people who are in it. They are all so awesome and positive. I just don't like how easily my brain shuts down...it's embarrassing. Especially when I'm the only one who needs to walk out of the room every 10-15 minutes. Not just embarrassing, it's frustrating, too. I'm just trying to get better...I'm trying to take in what they are teaching me and it's just so hard to do when your brain shuts down and everything is a blur.

Thank you for your kind words and support. You, are awesome.



Nick