This past October I had a fall which was nearly fatal resulting in 3 contusions and 2 skull fractures and my HR 2 away from a coma for 17 days.. So I count my blessings but I still don't know how to handle it. I'm a college student so I'm working on taking it easy while not putting my life on hold. I was just wondering if no one could relate to what's going on with me- its hard to talk to family and friends about all this because you can try am understand these things but until it is you there really is no grasp in the reality of it.. I have uncontrollable mood swings where I can go from laughing and smiling to screaming and cry for no reason.. I haven't had any taste or smell but its almost as if my brain captures an odor from around me and locks it in my nose for weeks at a time, very strange and I haven't heard of anything like this... My anxiety is through the roof- just to opposite of my attention span.. I get these headaches still that are unbearable and last for weeks at a time even with prescription drugs.. My memory is shot and I struggle to remember simple information (as an example and I apologize if this is too much information for y'all but when I have my period I have to set hourly reminders to use the bathroom and make sure I haven't leaked), I still am super sensitive in car rides with bumps, turns and whiplash and was wondering if its normal to experience that..
If anyone can give me any feedback, experiences from you or others anything I can relate to so I don't feel like I'm loosing my mind I'd be so grateful!!

Keepingmyheadhigh<

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your head injury.

The symptoms you describe are common to a TBI. The struggle to get friends and family to understand is a big problem.

You say you don't want to put your life on hold...... At this point, you will do better if you do put your life on hold. The brain needs quiet rest to heal. Even head aches react to stress or activity levels.

To start, you should check out my Vitamin Regimen thread. It has some links at the bottom that you can direct your friends and family to. They are excellent ways for them to get on board and support you in your recovery.

I don't understand when you said, "my HR 2 away from a coma for 17 days.."

What have your doctors been recommending for your during your recovery? Are you trying to continue your studies at school ?

What is your current living situation? Is it a quiet and supportive environment?

Feel free to tell us anything. We have heard it all.

My best to you.

Hi and welcome, glad you are "Keeping my head high".

I can relate. Like you, my TBI went along with a skull fracture, and also included craniotomy surgery and an extended hospital stay. October 2012 probably seems like a long time ago, but as TBIs go yours is relatively recent. All brain injuries are different and they heal on their own schedule.

Your mood swings are not uncommon. At the 3-4 month markers on my journey I would start crying for no particular reason. I had similar anxiety and memory problems. These mostly resolved somewhere around the 5 month point for me, although I still have some anxiety challenges 2 years + after my TBI.

I’d suggest you have a neuropsychological assessment from a clinical neuropsychologist. They can pinpoint specific deficit areas and recommend therapies. I benefited greatly from therapy sessions with speech and occupational therapists. You mention not “putting your life on hold”, but as it relates to your academic efforts that may be the most effective thing to do.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Best to you as you recover, come back often and let us know how you are doing.

Welcome here! I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles. I applaud you for keeping your head held high. You should be very proud of your own strength!

You've definitely come to the right place for community, for understanding, for hope, and for information.

I'm not great at the advice department but I know you will find others on here, as helpful as I have. This community has helped me far more than any medical professional has.

You are not losing your mind. As posted mood swing are common. Anger, memory, and sometimes sensory loss to olfactory happen. You are in good company we know because we have lived it to. You will get plenty of advice so ask lots of questions. Vent if you have to, it's OK. Better to do it here than direct it at your loved ones. You may want to watch with your family, "You look great parts 1 thru 6" on you tube.

mTBI can be hard to cope with so a good support system is a tremendous help. Try to rest, especially with regard to sensory input. I.E. TV,computer, socially... These things can overload you and make your symptoms much worse. Patience is key as recovery takes longer than any of us wants it to. Think months not days or weeks. I am so sorry this has happened to you.