My son is nine years old.

He plays hockey. (Of course, because its mandatory in Canada. Just kidding)

Tonight at his game he got hit (in a no-contact level it still happens) AND we got back tonight from the ER with the diagnosis of... You guessed it. Concussion.

I can't believe it, yet I can. I'm starting to think my whole family belongs in bubble wrap.

So. I've learned a lot here but I haven't spent much time learning about first aid, more like coping with PCS. I've never had to concern myself with the sports side of it.

I find I'm a bit clueless as to what to do for concussion, I didn't find you guys until I was already in the PCS phase.

What should his next couple of days look like? Anything I should be watching for?

I've told him no TV no video games until he is pain free. Dark quiet rest... But for how long?

Any ideas of approved activity?

Doc says 2 weeks no hockey, gradual return to play once pain free and regularly monitored progress. I am guessing this is sound advice?

Ouch,

I am sorry to hear you are going through this with your boy.

I would direct him to Lego play and other manual type play. The dark rest may be a bit much. Just moderate his visual and audio exposure for a while. Learn to play Dominoes with him and maybe checkers.

And, go find him a Jack in the Box size helmet wrapped in bubble wrap. LOL.

Personally, I would keep him off the ice for 6 weeks. Two weeks is a minimum period for the brain to recover most function. Then, it needs to strengthen.

My best to you both.

Wow sorry to hear that. Maybe it will be good for both of you with all the quiet time! I don't know if I'd ever let him go back if I were you! After all the stuff I've heard, read and watched in documentaries, if my son wasn't 18 (today!) I'd make him wear a helmet everywhere!!

Don't worry though...he'll heal quickly!

So sorry to hear about your son!! I can only imagine how you must feel. I have 2 kids and always worry what it would be like for them to go through this. Know that I'm hoping that his recovery will be brief and that he is back on his feet in no time

And I'm exhausted. Lol. Oh kids require so much more time and attention than I can give in this state. My husband had to go coach the hockey team on a road game so he's gone most of the day.

How embarrassing that the absence of TV and video games renders my 9y/o child so bored he wants to poke his eyes out. Lol I'm obviously not the worlds best parent. I'll have to give my trophy back... Haha!

So far we have:
Looked at Lego picture books
Looked at hockey cards
Talked a lot more than I'm used to
Iced his neck for about 15 mins
Had breakfast and lunch
Drew and coloured pictures
Played with a sticker book
Played X's and O's

Soon to:
Bake cookies together
Eat them
Have a nap

Then I'll have to get up and make supper and then we'll do some colouring and play a quiet game of something or do some easy Lego.

The notion of no electronics and no physical activity for even one day has never crossed this child's mind. I'm laughing because the difference between his concussed energy level versus mine is huuuuuuuge. I delight in him but man he wears me out. I'd never trade it though. Time to just focus on him is a gift even if I'm a head case next week.

Ima sleep good tonight!

It sounds like you're on the right track!

I'm sorry to hear about your son's injury. The good news is that children heal faster and better than adults when it comes to head injuries. At least that's what I've read. Just keep doing what you're doing.

You're a great mother and your son is lucky to have you. ..

Wow the brain is interesting. To see the injury unfold from the other side of it is very sobering.

Poor child. Day two started ok, but he has significantly more head and neck pain despite a good sleep.

Very quiet morning, he sang to himself while doing a hockey sticker book and I was encouraged... Then...

Total emotional outburst. Rarely breaks down like that, says he's just so confused by everything. Everything hurts and its too bright. Got him calmed down. Once again Dad is gone because he's coaching the team and my boy just fell apart when he left. "I want Daddy when will Daddy be back" which is also very unlike him to revert to younger-child type worries.

My heart is breaking for him. If I could add a year to my misery to save him one day of his, I would.

I wonder.... when my son was your son's age, he was pretty emotional sometimes. We used bathtub play, and that really calmed him down. It is something to think about. The sensory input from water, is very different from eyes, and hearing.

I even did it before school when he had an episode of fear about a new teacher. Having pillow punching contests also helped, channel that tension. For a while we had an inflatable punching
toy...I don't know even know if they make these anymore!

My son was born with severe vision defects, and was considered blind for a while. So he used to get overloaded because he didn't get glasses until he was 8mos old. And still with his astigmatism, they can't correct that until the child is much older.
He didn't have a head injury, but emotional overloads in kids are pretty common and mostly due to excessive stimulation.

I often wonder how he would have turned out today, with all this emphasis on video games, etc.

So sorry to hear about your son! I can imagine that this is so difficult for you both. My 9 year old daughter plays hockey and her getting hurt (brain) is a huge fear for me.

Sounds like you are doing the right things. Lots of love and hugging too. Reassurance. But it must be hard with your own injury?

Thinking of you and sending you both positive energy.

I really thought he'd be much better by now. It is deeply concerning me that he is having a very difficult time.

He also has been kept home from school now for the last two days, keeping him home tomorrow as well. The homework is piling up, the expectation of which astounds me for grade four. (No way he's ready to tackle brain work, IMO)

It also astounds me that he has so many of my symptoms, weird to hear my thoughts coming from his mouth.

My ears are ringing so loud Mom. When I lay down its worse.
I can't sleep Mommy.
My head hurts.
My neck hurts.
It's way too bright, I need sunglasses.
I am so confused! (Usually while in tears)

It occurs to me that because he is a child, no doctor would doubt that these symptoms are real. Real, and a direct result of injury. How interesting that once we are adults and suffer these things for any duration, we are told and we even grow to believe its simply anxiety.

Anyway... I realize we're all strangers here but if any of you are the spiritual types I'd ask for prayer for my son. I'm very concerned (although I don't speak of it aloud) that he will suffer symptoms a long time like his mama and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy let alone my pride and joy.

I want my happy little guy back!