HI ALL!
I am now almost 5 months PCS symptoms. I am just having rant and here to ask a few questions.
Now, I’ve had a CT scan of my brain and an MRI of my neck, and like everyone else they were all clear. Does this mean there is no damage? If there is damage what sort of damage could it be??
I have had a lot of symptoms over the last 5 months, but the only one that really remains is a debilitating headache, and the overall feeling of ‘not feeling right’. Are these signs of PCS, TBI, or could it be other things like anxiety or a neck/postural problem??
If It is a TBI/PCS, what is my likely prognosis… now I know everyone is going to say its undeterminable! But any reassurance is like gold to me. I’m 22, and feel like I have been able to do more the last few weeks; going out, seeing friends occasionally, etc… but then I have relapses, like the last few days. The headaches have been unbelievably debilitating! I feel like if the headaches lifted I would be 100%!! Also, are my symptoms likely to get worse over time or better?
Anyway just looking for thoughts and advice. Will I ever feel like myself again!??

I'm only at 6 1/2 months so I really shouldn't give advice.... I just wanted to point out that you've had a huge recovery already if you feel like your only symptom is headaches!!! Take that as a very positive sign that you are going in the right direction!

Sounds like you did too much once you were feeling better. Perhaps, when this headache goes away, try slowly adding things back and see how it goes. Remember that if you overdo it one day your symptoms may not get worse till a day or two after.

Can you get some medication for the headaches? Maybe something preventative? Nobody knows how well you're going to heal or how long its going to take but I'd say you're making great progress and if you take it slowly now it will pay off in the long run.

Wishing you restorative sleep so you can shake that headache!

CC

Peter,

Your anxiety is killing you. Expecting and even desiring to return to normal sets your thinking on the wrong path. Your generation has unfortunately been taught to expect everything to go your way. Life just is not like that. There are ups and downs and all sorts of interruptions to ones plans for life. Those that learn to accept this are much more capable of having a full and successful life.

If you are having a good day, that is just one day. When you have 14 good days in a row, that is a positive trend worth considering. The brain needs these 14 good days in a row to heal. The ups and downs are not conducive to healing. You need to learn to recognize the activities and other triggers for your relapses. Then, avoid them until you have experienced a 2 week good spell. Even then, just add one episode of a trigger activity to see how you respond.

Recovery is not a sprint. It is a marathon. A marathon of effort to prevent relapses.

Those who learn how to run this marathon do quite well. Some try other ways for a long time before they learn to run the marathon. The sooner you accept the need to run this recovery as a marathon, the sooner you will start to see lasting improvement.

The fact that you need reassurance shows your propensity for anxiety. Getting help to deal with your anxiety will be a big help.

My best to you.

Peter,

I can relate since I posted a similar post looking for re-assurance earlier in my recovery and I think Mark gave me some similar responses.

I started feeling much better around 6 months and had returned to work, had a setback then anxiety hit me pretty hard. I only started to recovery properly once I relaxed and focused on my sleep and anxiety issues. If those 2 are issues for you deal with them as soon as you can, I found everything else slowly fell into place afterwards.

Dealing with a brain injury is quite difficult, many of us have difficulty with the concept of Brain rest vs physical rest. I still avoid busy public locations or family restaurants during busy hours. I am 14 months along and back to work not but did not really start getting better until my 9th month.

As for your question about being yourself. It depends how you define yourself. If you were a boxer you likely should stop boxing and may feel a sense of loss until you find another purpose. I find that I am more relaxed and casual towards life than before my injury, I can play with my kids, go to work and be mostly normal with some exceptions that are still improving.

Thanks again for the advice, mark I know I am in it for the long haul. But its hard, I just need tere to be some light at the end of the tunnel to keep me going! I agree, my anxiety is killing me But I am slowly finding ways to deal with this. Like I said the only real symptom I have left is a headache, but this is debilitating. I affects my communication, brain fog etc.... I honestly believe that If my headache lifts I could be 100%. Thoughts?

Are you on a headache preventive medication?

Have you had your vision checked?

How is your neck?

What causes the headache? Where is it? What makes it worse? Does anything make it better?

HI!,

I was on NSAIDS daily for about 2 months, they didnt help a great deal...if at all,, so my doc said to stop taking them,, which i agree with. I have had my vision checked, and it was apparently 'good'.

My neck is always sore! I saw a chiro for 6 weeks as my c1 and c2 were out of wack. (he took an x ray). I just recently had an MRI of my neck, and that didnt show any misalignment or anythign else for that matter.. so the chiro must have done his job. I am now seeing a physio, in relation to my neck and posture.

I have constant popping in the back of my neck when i jerk my head... im guessing these are muscles that are tight. The doc and chiro and physio seem to believe the headaches are coming from my neck... but there still hasnt been anything major found there...

Whe I wake i have a dull ache, then it ramps up intensity when Im working, stressed, in crowds, etc...all the usual stressors. I find almost instant relief from the headache when I LIE DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!! the headache is located in the back of my head at the base of my skull. its awlays been localised and never really moved to the front....

thoughts?~!

Trigger points perhaps? They can refer pain & symptoms.
http://www.pressurepointer.com/pain_reference_chart.htm
http://www.pressurepointer.com/Users1.htm

You don't need a special toll , finger,thumb , tennis bal or anything that fits to press the spot

Have you asked your doctor about a headache preventive such as amitriptyline (elavil)? If it is actually neck-related I don't know if it would help, but that is commonly prescribed for post-traumatic headaches.

Strengthening your neck may also help. I got some relief from my headaches after going through med-x spinal strengthening treatment.

Hi, yea im not so into taking drugs,,,,but I guess i could enquire about it. at the moment im seing a physio, who is helpign to strengthen my upper spine, neck shoulders, etc. thoughts?