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| Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS). |
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01-30-2013, 05:10 PM
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Why in the world should it take 4 1/2 months to see an ophthalmologist!!! We're not talking about a brain surgeon here! I'm so frustrated.....
 So I started seeing my optometrist about 2 months after my concussion because my eyes seem to be one of the things holding me back the most. Blurred vision causing dizziness, headaches, confusion; dry eye; pain behind eye and above; pain with eye movement; difficult/painful to look up; unable to drive or walk; eye strain, etc. He gave me eye drops and told me that in a couple months it would all be better except the dry eye might be permanent. Luckily there was nothing wrong with my eyes, it was my brain causing the problems. Keep in mind this is an Optometrist so not a brain specialist. I went back about 2 months later and again told him how bad everything was and how it was limiting my recovery. He did a few more tests (basic tests) and again said there was no damage to my eyes. I requested to see a neuro ophthalmologist. he started the ball rolling to get me referred to one. This was two months ago... about a month ago the neuro-ophthalmologist got back to him that he required a referral from an ophthalmologist so I have to see one of them first. So a month ago my optometrist referred me to an ophthalmologist to try to get him to refer me to the neuro-op. ARE YOU STILL WITH ME!! Just found out today that my appointment with the ophthalmologist is MAY 23'rd. Yes MAY!!!!!! And then I will probably have to wait another 4 months or so to see the neuro-op. I'm very frustrated and upset. My vestibular physiotherapist and neuro psychologist both believe I cannot move forward in my progress until I get my eyes figured out. I have to be able to walk to progress! I know almost all of you have eye symptoms so maybe I'm just overreacting here but I believe they are a large key to my getting better. Out of all my symptoms.. they're the ones that if anything are getting worse not better over time. Patience and more time may be the answer though. I do have a bit of a back up plan though.. at the end of February I see a new neurologist, concussion specialist, and she will refer me to anyone she thinks I need to see so I'm hoping to circumvent the whole ophthalmologist appointment altogether and jump right to neuro-opth. I'm trying to be careful not to be too hopeful on these appointments but I think it's too late and I'll be crushed if they bomb. Just wanted to vent. Thanks for listening and understanding! My eyes are killing me from my vestibular physiotherapy today so I'm going to go rest them. I hope you are having a calm day! CC
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I'm a 39 year old, female, accountant. On July 2, 2012 I crashed my bike at the end of a 65KM road ride. I was fine that day but woke up the next morning to my current world. Ongoing symptoms include: dizziness, blurred vision, light and noise sensitivities, cognitive problems, uncontrollable emotions/depression/anxiety, headaches (but they're getting better), mental and physical fatigue, difficulty communicating and sleep disturbances. Currently seeing a fabulous Neuro Psychologist and vestibular physiotherapist and hoping to soon see a neuro ophthalmologist. I am currently doing 20 minute stationary bike rides daily, 20 minutes of meditating, 15 minutes of Lumosity and lots of resting. I have not been able to work or drive since the accident. The things that have helped me the most since the accident are vestibular therapy, gel eye drops (for blurred vision, sensitivity and dryness), amitriptyline (10mg), and meditating. I am finally starting to see some slight improvements and am hopeful! My brain WANTS to heal itself... I just have to let it and stop trying to get better! |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | greenfrog (01-30-2013) |
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01-30-2013, 05:27 PM
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I feel for you. I really do. I don't really have advice because I too, get frustrated with our health care system. The waiting and red tape just feels inhumane.
 I'm very sorry your hopes suffered today.  how awful.
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About it: October 26, 2012 I fell backward on an icy parking lot at work. I was on Workers Comp for 9 months. My PCS : everyday headaches became once in a while headaches, and neck pain became manageable. Still have occasional mild dizziness, sometimes fullness in the ears, convergence insufficiency, sequencing struggles, short term memory struggles, verbal processing delays. CT neg, MRI neg. Therapies: prism glasses, acupuncture, icing neck, resting, supplementing, Elavil 20mg at bedtime. NEW: Completed 12 weeks of physical therapy and returned to work full time. About me: I'm a marketing manager, a mom with a blended family and wife to a heart attack survivor. I believe my brain injury taught me more than it cost me. I'm grateful to still be me! |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | cyclecrash (01-30-2013), greenfrog (01-30-2013) |
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01-30-2013, 06:06 PM
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Wow. That is incredible. How frustrating - please keep us posted on things!!
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Musiclover . PCS "survivor" - first concussion 10/2010 with PCS for nearly a year. Hit back of head on a shelf. Symptoms were head and neck pain, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, anxiety & depression. Experienced greatest amount of recovery between 9-12 months, with the following year being much, much better . 2nd concussion 12/2012 - hit front left forehead on wooden edge of couch. Currently dealing with a return of PCS symptoms including headache, nausea, vertigo, brain fog, and lethargy. . ~ just trying to take it one day at a time . ~ |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | greenfrog (01-30-2013) |
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01-30-2013, 09:36 PM
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First of all i am sorry you are going through this as i am sure we have all experieinced something similiar, at least i know i have.
That being said, here is my advice. DONT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. Explain to the intake or appointment setter what you just explained to us and demand to be seen ASAP. Tell them you you are going to call everyday for a cancelled appointment. They will get to know you and get you in.
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35 year old "soon to be again" very active male. Location : San Diego September 2012 suffered concussion Wakeboarding.Recovered after a month and a half. November 24th 2012, second impact surfing. Symtoms currently have is muscle fatigue, vision problems, overall fatigue, and extreme anxiety. Support & Information |
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01-31-2013, 01:08 AM
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That is awful...the wait time in my city for the one specialist in neuro-opt and brain trauma...12 months! So I drove 8 hours and paid myself. Our system is great for some things, but the lack of specialists is very frustrating. Apparently neuro-opt. Does not pay as well as doing cataracts and laser eye surgery, so there are few students attracted to it (in Canada and the US).
Check to see if you can find a behavioural optometrist....they can do all the same testing for vision post trauma. The NORa website may have a listing. |
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01-31-2013, 03:43 PM
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Cycle~I am sorry to hear of the long waiting time...If you do have to wait that long(but hopefully plan B goes threw)try to look at the positives that your brain will be well rested so they can get you the rehabilitation you need and you will be energy ready to get the best results.Hope you find this positive feedback
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What Happened: In 2011 I was in a MVA . Symptoms: Physical: I am always cold in any season!!I cannot tolerate anything pressure on my head(sun glasses,hats)longer then a hour,Lock jaw/Displaced TMJ, Dropsey, Hands go numb, Arms go numb, back of head numb (when asleep),Muscle spasms in face & upper body,migraines, concentration headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck and back trauma (from accident), tinnitus, extreme light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, impaired vestibular system, balance off, Pupils NEVER equal, disrupted sleep cycles,speech problems. Cognitive: Cognitive Behavior, Brain fog, impulsivity, speech problems, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory, impaired complex attention Emotional: Unable to handle stress or overstimulation without getting extremely irritable or angry, easily overstimulated, MAJOR depression, major anxiety, Panic attacks Treatment so far: Treatment for PCS,PTSD,Depression & panic,Vestibular therapy, Physical therapy, Vitamin Schedule,Walking,No Dairy, No eggs, No caffeine, No artificial coloring, Sleep with 2 pillows, Very little sugars consumed, Eat healthy,No alcohol, Medications, limit stress and overstimulation. ~*~Learn to treasure yourself and your Divinity. Be willing to accept yourself completely. Be yourself, be graceful, be kind, be wild, be weird ... be true to yourself~*~ |
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4 1/2 months to see an ophthalmologist?!?!
Yikes!
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