Mark in Idaho, thankyou so much for your response and the work you do on this forum, it is literally life saving.

However, I'm sure you thought I needed a stern talking to (and I probably therefore do) but your response has scared me a bit!

You said "It appears you took time off to rest but did not use it well to get good rest." What should I have done better? What programme can I do that doesn't involve me going mad? I seem to need interaction and really struggle to switch off, I am used to working 12 hour days, driving for 2 then doing something social every evening and travelling lots - I find it really tough even to listen to an audio book for 1.5 hours an afternoon. I just need suggestions on what to do I guess, if anyone has any? I love the fishing idea but it's just not something I can do and I don't want to be alone for long periods away from my comfort zone of house or work.

My memory gets bad on bad days, mainly short term memory (I cna never remember what I did at the weekend when people ask) it was good during my original post but today I can't do mental arithmetic or focus on my work so I am on this forum instead.

You said "You really need to arrange an extended period of time off. If you do not get ahead of this, it will eat your life and spit it out." How long a period of extended time off? I need to somehow get my doctor and boss to sign off on this. You are the only person who has told me this, why isn't my neurologist saying it?!
What do you mean it will eat my life and spit it out if I don't get ahead of it? i.e. am I doing damage by not resting or just prolonging the recovery? That's the question no-one seems to be able to answer me and really scares me. If someone told me I'm doing permanent damage by continuing to work until better I'd have been off for 6 months but as it is I haven't been told that so am continuing to try to work for my sanity and of course need the money, but could manage on a little less.

Thanks re. the B vitamins - I will get some. I have not had alcohol or caffience since the fall and have been eating much healthier too and continue to drink lots of water. I think my diet is ok and I've been walking about 3-5 hours a week so I think my fitness is not too awful, even though I used to swim 60 engths most evenings and have put on quite a bit of weight, I can handle those things.

thankyou.

I'm not sure who I'm supposed to be seeing but he is supposed to be an expert in head injury. I think it's important you see a neuro with PCS experience.

I called Headway a few days ago and didn't find them very helpful, either. I really recommend Samaritans. They're not a head injury helpline but they're very supportive, no matter what you want to takl about. You can also go in and see them to speak to them face to face...even have a sleep if you find yourself too tired to get home, as I did once!

I have been off for 9 months now and have only now began to rest and switch off more. In the early stages although I wasn't going to work I was still reading technical articles and looking out for new opportunities.

After a few weeks my symptoms were still there I spent a long time trying to understand my injury and find the "silver bullet" to make me better.

Add on top claiming state benefits for the first time, dealing with bills and solicitors claims you end up working almost as hard when you're in work.

All this adds up to a lot of stress and brain activity that you well do with out.

I now spend a lot less time on the PC only watch certain types of program on the TV and spend more time in the garden

Accountant,

When I say concussion will eat your life and spit it out, I am talking about how you struggles will continue to accumulate in your work, personal and social life. As your job performance starts to be noticed as less than stellar, your personal life becomes a struggle and your social life falls apart as you eventually have an outburst or other event that is not a part of your normal experience prior to your injury, your life can come crashing down. Depression is a common result of this crash.

You are not likely making anything worse by not resting but you are putting yourself at greater risk of another head injury and the cumulative effects of that.

Concussion recovery and a busy work, social and personal life are not compatible. You may need to consider some counseling in relaxation skills. There are activities that have a more relaxing pace. I don't know what is available to you. Maybe a class in ballroom dancing or some other activity that involves physical movement. Swimming laps for distance can eat up a lot of time and provide some great physical benefit.

One thing I have experience with is the TOO Busy life. Both my own and observing others. Even the uninjured brain will suffer from constant activity. It can result in psychiatric problems, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorders, etc. Most people I know who have lived a too busy life have some sort of life crash in their 40's or early 50's. And they did not have head injuries. Head injuries just magnify this risk.

Quiet rest means your brain slows down and your body does not work to extremes. Simple manual labor can be good. You have seen how you current life of busy has not helped with your recovery. Only you can find the road to less stress and fatigue.

I wish you the best. It is a difficult struggle.