[andromeda]

I don't know where to begin...I am a complete mess at the moment.

I saw my GP today to get some diazepam to help me with the stress of my father's sudden illness. He started asking me all these questions like "do you have trouble concentrating?" and "do you feel lethargic all the time?" and "is your speech slow?"

So I answered yes and he started going on about depression and writing me an prescription for anti-depressants. My thinking was, I DIDN'T FEEL DEPRESSED BEFORE THE INJURY, and who wouldn't feel depressed with everything that's happene since? I told him I couldn't even afford the anti depressants since i cant work from the accident.

I spoke to my neurologist who I have seen once for one hour, who diagnose me with a 'moderately severe brain injury' at the time. I told him I'm having trouble controlling my bladder and that my GP thinks I'm depressed. He told me my MRI came back negative so there's "no evidence of a brain injury" and therefore it can't account for my bladder problems. Then he started saying that depression could be accounting for my problems.

I'm so furious. All this talk of depression. I feel miserable because I can't work, I can't sleep because of headaches and I've lost all my friends because I can't talk properly or remember anything. NOT the other way around. Before the accident I was happy, enjoying life, in control, steady job etc etc.

I'm so concerned they're going to start putting this down to depression with will then probably void the insurance claim and not only will I be in severe debt from all of this with my life in ruins, about to have to move to a womens' shelter because I can't pay rent, but I will receive no compensation for the car crash that destroyed everything in my life.

My lawyer told me before how my neurologist doesn't specialise in brain injury but works with patients with Parkinsons Disease so that he wasn't really appropriate for me to see. He's sending me to see someone in London last I heard, hopefully they will be less dismissive of my symptoms. I am going to try to speak to my lawyer again today, see what he thinks of this depression stuff.

So they're now saying its PCS, which is fine, but when I asked if that could account for my bladder he says no. See your GP. My GP tells me it's to do with my head injury.

I don't know what to think/do anymore. This is awful. So sorry, I just need to get it all off my chest before I implode.

[andromeda]

Oh, and to top it off it's my birthday tomorrow. All I have to look forward to it is going to the YMCA to see where I can live. This is by far te worst year of my life and I think I've come to the point that I can't take it anymore. 6 months ago i had a career, money, friends, car, a home. Either they need to put me in a coma or I'm going to jump off a bridge.

[Mark in Idaho]

The trauma of a brain injury can easily mess up the brain's chemistry and cause depression. There are some very good antidepressants that can help one think better. The relief from the mind numbing issues of depression can enable one to better understand what is going on. Don't dismiss the value of an antidepressant.

It sounds like your GP happens to know more about TBI that the neuro. That is not uncommon. Often, Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctors) are good at helping someone with a brain injury.

Please stay away from bridges. Try to find someone who you can talk to who understand PCS. Have you checked if there is a Headway clinic nearby?

My best to you.

[sospan]

Andromeda,

After I broke my neck and went to see the Neuro guys about my chronic pain and difficulty walking, they asked me why I was so relatively happy. I pointed out that I walked into the room (in some pain) but at least I wasn't in a wheelchair and that they have seen many people worse off than me that day already.

It is the same with my head injury it is quite humbling if you go to a headway meeting and you see people with a catastrophic injury still carrying on and living a productive and useful life - remember there is always someone worse off than you.

Now onto the practicalities. Have you applied for a Disability living allowance, motability ad carers allowance and also a disabled parking permit. These alone will contribute £600 per month to your upkeep. There will not affect any other benefit that you may be getting and will certainly keep the wolf from the door in terms of paying some bills.

PM me if you want so more details on how to complete them

[lizz4m]

I am so sorry. We are having some very trying issues as well with those in the medical field listening. I just read briefly about your situation. My son is going through a very traumatic situation as well.
Were you able to find someone who listened to you?

[andromeda]

Originally Posted by sospan

Now onto the practicalities. Have you applied for a Disability living allowance, motability ad carers allowance and also a disabled parking permit. These alone will contribute £600 per month to your upkeep. There will not affect any other benefit that you may be getting and will certainly keep the wolf from the door in terms of paying some bills.

PM me if you want so more details on how to complete them

Of course I know there are others worse off than me. People starving in Africa for instance. It's not a competition - all of our pain is relevant and worthy.

I've applied for DLA but they're waiting for 'more info', that was weeks ago now. I appreciate your reply, I just needed to get it out, I'm in so much pain and can't take much more.

[andromeda]

Originally Posted by lizz4m

I am so sorry. We are having some very trying issues as well with those in the medical field listening. I just read briefly about your situation. My son is going through a very traumatic situation as well.
Were you able to find someone who listened to you?

I'm so sorry to hear your son is struggling. I spoke to my lawyer who reassure me that 'normal' MRIs aren't indicative of there not being a problem,he also said that even if I had come away from the accident unhurt but developed mental health problems because of it then I would still receive compensation.

Thank you for replying, best to you and your son and hopefully you will find this forum helpful.

[andromeda]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

The trauma of a brain injury can easily mess up the brain's chemistry and cause depression. There are some very good antidepressants that can help one think better. The relief from the mind numbing issues of depression can enable one to better understand what is going on. Don't dismiss the value of an antidepressant.

It sounds like your GP happens to know more about TBI that the neuro. That is not uncommon. Often, Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctors) are good at helping someone with a brain injury.

Please stay away from bridges. Try to find someone who you can talk to who understand PCS. Have you checked if there is a Headway clinic nearby?

My best to you.

Thank you...I can't tell you how much it helps to speak to people here who understand.