Hi all,

Last month I had my first neurologist appointment. I didn't have very high hopes that it would help, but I figured it was worth a visit to at least see and what the doctor had to offer. At the appointment he asked a bunch of questions about my concussion and my medical history. He then performed some simple balance tests. Nearing the end of the appointment I was especting him to offer me some medication options to deal with my symptoms or have me get an mri or ct scan. Nothing. The only thing he told me to do was take Advil or Tylenol for headache pain and workout. This made me feel very hopeless and alone knowing that the doctor can't/won't do anything for me.

Lately I have been having increasing problems with concentration especially when trying to work on my school work. I don't know what to do!! This is the only class I am taking this semester and I still feel like I am in over my head!!!

I have been trying to take the doctor's advice about trying to workout more especially since I want/need to lose weight. I started a running program, but after two weeks I started having issues with shin splints and pounding the pavement was too jaring for my fragile, concussed brain.

Thanks in advance for anyone who reads this. I mainly just wanted to get my frustrations out, but if anyone has any advice for how to cope with the concentration problems or some less agressive exercise ideas, they will be greatly appretiated.

PS.... On a more happy note, since graduating high school and having a decreased work load, I have been having less severe and less frequent headaches!!!

Beauty,

The neuro was wrong in not giving you some better direction. You need to scale back your exercise. Maybe a exercise bike will be less traumatic. You should get a blood pressure kit to check your BP and pulse. You need to keep both at 10 to 20% below your symptomatic levels. Exercising for strength building is not appropriate right now.

Your entire list of daily activities needs to be considered. Moderating your cognitive and sensory load will be to your benefit.

If you want, you can post a list of your daily activities and time spent in each activity. We can give you some observations as to whether you are pushing too hard.

The neuro was correct about just treating the head aches. There are very few treatment modalities or medications that work for Post Concussion Syndrome.

My best to you.

Mark,

Thanks for the reply.

My average day usually just consists of a few hours of homework and then relaxing for the rest of the day. I sometimes knit and do household chores.

Beauty wrote: "I have been trying to take the doctor's advice about trying to workout more especially since I want/need to lose weight."
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Beauty,

Are you able/capable of simple cooking for yourself in your present state?
(I ask, because I myself was cognitively not competently-capable of doing so, e.g. anything more than using a microwave. )

Is simple cooking something you could enjoy doing, in a mindful, meditative sort of way? If so, there are two very simple and excellent
"slimming soups and stews" recipes that I can share with you, which are healthful and can help.

i too feel pretty hopeless at this point. i'm getting more and more out of shape. my social life is floundering. my career is stalled. i can't find a doctor to want to do anything to help other than to give me drugs that don't seem to fit the problem. i'm turning to self medication which leads to its own issues. sorry for your issues, but you aren't alone. good luck!

You are not alone. Hang in there!

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SleepingBeauty, ericalou, 1144, et al -

Theta here, just checking in with ya to see how you are doing?
Let us know whenever you feel up to/okay to drop us a line.

Sincerely,
Theta

Thanks for the support everyone!!!

I have been feeling much better recently since reducing my course load. My headaches have been much better although I still have issues with fatigue and ringing in the ears.

Hope you are all doing well.

Beauty,
It is indeed good to hear of your good news, update.
Thanks for posting; often think of you & have wondered how you are doing. Great news that you are no longer feeling hopeless.
Kudos. Keep taking good care.

Sincerely,
Theta

Thanks so much Theta!!!!

I forgot to mention this before, but part of my improvement is due to me starting to take medication for my anxiety. Anxiety wise, I feel better then I have in years!!