I had my concussion 2.5 years ago. Many of my symptoms have lessened considerably but I still have many bad days. Initially, I took 6 weeks off but then returned to work on a reduced schedule. I've tried everything to get better. (I've seen 4 neurologists, 2 acupuncturists, 2 physical therapist, I got prismatic glasses, am going to a NUCA chiropractor, use a C-pap machine, see a dentist for jaw re-alignment, on a low does of cymbalta for facial neurologia, take lunesta, get a couple of massages a month, meditate daily, avoid alcohol and processed food). Now I'm thinking of taking a couple of months just to rest to see if that kick starts the process. Does anybody have experience with resting two years in? I wonder if this will be a waste. I will take a big financial hit, but if there is a chance it could work, it may be worth it. Or is it better for my brain to keep plugging along? I can still perform my work, it is just exhausting and I don't have much left over for my husband and kids. Any insights out there?

You can afford to take the time off, and you have a supportive family? Yes, were I in your shoes, definitely do it. It sounds like you've got a good broad scope approach to your care with traditional medical & therapeutic care, PT, NUCA chiro, acupuncture, vision/eyecare, adjunctive care, therapeutic massage, meditation, excellent selfcare. With all of that going for you and you still find your work exhausting for you/your brain, leading to bad days, definitely go for the time off, yes.

Sounds like a good plan, new approach to work-with-it-all, to hopefully experience less exhaustion, fewer 'bad days', and more quality capacity to be with your family. That's what I would choose to do, were it me.

Sincerely, concussedlawyrer,
Theta

Thanks, Theta. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. It is great that you are staying on the site to support others.

Hi concussed lawyer,

It will be three years for me in December and by reading your older posts I can tell we are going through a similar experience.

What I can tell you is that if you do feel like you need to take two months off you should, before you reach total exhaustion.

That happened to me this summer : I went to the point where I thought I would faint if I took one more step...and I am not exaggerating. So following the advice of a neuropsychologist I spread my work on a little longer schedule to see even less clients.

The goal here is to take one step back to be able to move two steps forward! (and not the opposite, which I think indicates that you are not respecting your limits).

Like you, I did improved a lot until now but I was sacrificing everything to get a professional career.

The danger with that is to fall into deep depression: because no one can "only work" without having quality time for themselves or with their family and friends .

I think given the right conditions our brains can still heal if it progressively did until now (although very slowly...in fact too slowly).

If you do decide to take 2 months off, maybe you should also review how you want to organise your work schedule when you come back ,so that every day you save a bit of energy for yourself instead of giving everything you have!

I know, it's a lot of "sacrifice " but in the long term it will pay...and hopefully these little changes will help you recover totally for good...if you do not , at least you will be able to enjoy your life like most people do.

Thanks, Pepa. That's my instinct also. I talked to my internist about the idea of taking some time off and her thinking was interesting. She thought I should keep plugging along, switch from Amadatine to aderol, get more cardio exercise and see a nutritionist. Her view was that I should keep working-kinda a use it or lose it idea. This is not what I wanted to hear at all. I see my neuro at the end of the month so I'll get his opinion. Did you feel better once you took some time off?

Re: "I talked to my internist about the idea of taking some time off and her thinking was interesting. She thought I should keep plugging along, switch from Amadatine to aderol, get more cardio exercise and see a nutritionist. Her view was that I should keep working-kinda a use it or lose it idea. This is not what I wanted to hear at all. I see my neuro at the end of the month so I'll get his opinion."
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Adderall? (Generic = D-amphetamine salts.)
Did your internist offer any reasoning for the choice?

Perhaps you might want to read this neurotalk archived thread.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/ar.../t-161501.html

Hello first off sorry for your constant head pain and all the syptoms. I can kinda relate with you. I have psdotumer papademia, meaning there was too much spinal fluid on the brain and actually almost cost me my sight in the beginning, when we didn't know what was going on. That was in the 80s and I happy to say we have kept it at bay with no need of surgery only meds to keep under control. However a concussion is by far the sickest I have ever been. I had a provoked brain stem when they let pressure off the brain.
I am so sorry for your long time discomfort.
Personally I would live for yourself and your family, meaning be the best you can be by takeing care of your body. Rest its what your body is telling you. Maybe if you try that you'll heal faster, from your bruised brain. It slowed me down and I do have it return once in a blue moon, but rest makes my body feel its best and that makes my family happier too. Of course they worry and I don't like to cause it as much as possible.
Money isn't everything, you are more important then that, and if you heal, you'll be back in the office again. what ever you do decide, take it slowly because I'm sure that you are precious to them.
God Bless and Good Luck,
SalfuZ