I know it seems like it goes on forever. It is SO discouraging.

And I know the doctors don't tell you really anything to do besides rest. That makes it EXTRA frustrating. Most of the things I found to do I found on my own.

But don't give up hope. Things can and do get better, slowly, with time and effort.

Here are the natural things I found helpful that anyone can easily do at home:

- Eat a diet high in omega-3s and tryptophan. Take 3 tbsp of ground flax seed in juice every morning for a complete daily dose of both and then whatever you eat during the day is bonus.
- Stay well hydrated. There are also hot and cold water treatments you can do to increase circulation to the brain.
- Sunlight through the skin is good for vitamin D and through the eyes is good for melatonin (sleeping at night).
- Listening to baroque music (such as Bach) can help strengthen frontal lobe function.
- Exercise (even light exercise such as walking) can reduce harmful biochemicals and release endorphins.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and other non-prescribed drugs.
- Get fresh air daily and take 10-20 minutes specifically to do deep diaphragmatic breathing.
- Try to have regular times for sleeping and waking.
- Connect with spiritual practice, even something as small as making a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for.

As far as medical treatment, the most important things I did were get my vision evaluated and see a physiatrist.

If you have your eyes checked, be sure the doctor does a Vision Efficiency Evaluation, not just a regular medical eye exam. You can find providers who do VEEs here: http://www.braininjuries.org and http://www.nora.cc

Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Their focus is not only on figuring out what is wrong with you, but also how you can get better. You can find a listing here: http://www.aapmr.org/patients/findph...s/default.aspx (although I see that my doctor is NOT listed there, so there may be other providers in your area who are not listed on this website). If you are having cognitive or vestibular issues, a physiatrist may be able to refer you to occupational and/or physical therapy to help out with those.

I'm glad that you're here, and I'm glad that you're posting! We're all in this together, and together we can find a way through.

^^^ I LOVE this list!

Thanks! This is a great help.

Responses below.

What kind of work do you try to do?

Do you have anything you can do that is simple to occupy your mind?
Do you have access to anybody, a therapist or counselor, to help you reduce you stressful thinking?

Getting relief from getting caught in the loop of frustration and anger will be very beneficial.

The stress of PCS can be its own worst enemy. Learning to let go and live a lower stress life will help you get better.

It take strong discipline to let go. I hope you can find someone who can help.

My best to you.

Thanks Mark. Helpful as always.

I am just another member who tries to make people welcome on NT. I am sorry you feel so bad these days. I have lots on my plate and get overwhelmed and hopeless at times too. I can tell you that you are not alone, and people on this site will care about you. Keep trying to post, and stay in touch with us. If we can offer some measure of comfort, that is one moment in the day, where things can be OK. Just start with one minute to feel something of joy, and then maybe more can happen. I know some about TBI and the effects of it. Recovery does take time, and each patient with this injury is different. If you feel this bad all the time, please go back to your doctor and ask for more help. If your current physisican can offer no assistance, please find another to help with this. Nobody can handle this kind of problem alone. We all need the medical community and friends to cope with all that happens medically. We are a mind body connection and we do need each other. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Feel free to contact me at any time. I have spinal issues, and a bunch of other stuff going on, but I am OK enough to reach out back to you. Have a good weekend and find that moment of peace. ginnie

At a certain point, I became well-informed enough (thanks to this forum, and some other PCS people I met elsewhere) that I took an active approach to my own recovery. I stopped seeing medical professionals as experts and deferring to them, and started advocating for my own recovery.

It allowed me to ditch any medical professional who didn't get it without a second thought or worrying about hurting their egos.

I went to the Buffalo clinic, and for the first time I had an identifiable set of issues that could be addressed (problems in my cervical spine, balance issues) and things that were not issues with me (what they call a "physiological concussion" - the issue they're famous for where exercise-induced changes in blood pressure led to symptoms). This was huge psychologically.

Eventually, through some digging of my own and the help of a TBI support organization, I found a government-run rehab centre that had a dedicated mTBI unit (hurray for universal healthcare!).

I think that having the right team around me was the most important element in my recovery. They were able to recognize the elements of my concussion that could be rehabilitated, those that required readaptation, and most importantly were experienced in treating concussions, and took an active team-based goal-driven approach to their work.

Specifically, I had in that team:

* one physiotherapist applying manual therapy and dry needling to address muscular problems in my neck

* one physiotherapist supporting the first one's work on my neck with an osteotherapeutic approach, and also doing vestibular therapy

* a kinesiologist that got me moving and kept me motivated

* a neuropsychologist who helped me get over the fear that there was any kind of cognitive damage

* a psychologist to address PCS-based depression and other issues

* a psychiatrist to address PCS-based depression

* a general practitioner

It was nice to have all these health professionals talking to one another so that everyone was moving in the same direction at once.

It was also nice that they set objectives for every stage of recovery first, to keep me motivated and help me see that I was making progress and second to make sure that rehab was customized to addressing my concerns about the way I would like to function in day-to-day life.

Finally, it was nice that they were open to trying to different approaches, throwing out stuff that didn't work, and keeping stuff that did, without any prejudices.

They aren't perfect, but they are pretty darned good.

Outside of that team, I also visited two massage therapists who also addressed the muscular problems in my neck.

Also, gardening.

I'm not kidding. Started during the summer after my concussion. Got friends and neighbours to help with the heavy lifting. Started most of my plants from seed. Taught me patience, kept my mind working without overstimulating it, and was very, very therapeutic.

Coming from a very macho sport, I never expected to become a gardener. But it pretty much kept me from losing my mind.

We could all learn a lesson from you in being our own advocate. I have done the same and found a physiatrist also. This was the best choice I could have ever have done for myself.. When folks are "stuck" with improper care, I would advise all to see this kind of doctor. I wish you all the best in your healing. ginnie