NeuroTalk Support Groups - What have I missed with my PCS recovery?

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- - What have I missed with my PCS recovery? (https://www.neurotalk.org/traumatic-brain-injury-and-post-concussion-syndrome/184361-missed-pcs-recovery.html)

Tommy,

It sounds like you are too control oriented. You will never be able to control your PCS much less any risk of future impacts. The life of the highly disciplined high achieving person is shredded by PCS. The new discipline is to learn to manage stress, activity level and risk. Life can be wonderful at a slower pace.

As I and others have said, there is no cure-all or fix for PCS. Trying to find one will drive you ragged. It is not like a broken bone or illness. The brain is an entirely unique organ that does not heal/recover like the rest of the body.

There is life without Type A behaviors.

I could say that you can't see the forest (quiet rest) for the trees (the many and various therapies). mTBI is a 'let the forest heal' rather than heal individual trees.

As far as getting back to your previous life, that is a counter-productive effort. Accept your current condition, learn to live within your current condition, and as time goes by, many parts of your old life will sneak up on you. It will be a slow process with a almost imperceptible fade back to your old life. You may have some areas of your old life that never return. That is OK. Your life will still be full.

In the mean time, you will learn life skills that will serve you and your family very well. Life is amazing when it is not driven by six packs of Five Hour Energy or other efforts to stimulate oneself through the day.

As we chase after money and bigger and better things in life, we often miss more important parts of life. Little ones are born with this slower appreciation then we train it out of them. For some of us, our PCS is a lifeline to pull us back to a life more worth living.

My best to you.

Very well said Mark.. So true..

I totally know the feeling-I've asked many doctors that question. It is just so hard to believe this isn't curable. My biggest relief came from seeing a neuro-optomistrist. Someone who is part of the NORA organization. My next biggest relief comes from taking frequent breaks when I am exerting myself mentally and physically. And my third biggest relief is meditation. I'm still looking for the magic bullet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by concussedlawyer (Post 960033)

Thanks CL, I will look into a neuro-optomitrist and I should also get back to my meditation. Tough to find time with 3 little kids!! TommyB

I suffered my concussion from a blindside crosby type hit as well. I've just been trying to get some down time and rest. It seems to have helped me a lot.

My main symptom is dizziness. Someone recommended vestibular rehabilitation to me if you haven't already looked into it. I'm going to try it out this week and see if it helps.

I can't wait to get on the ice! Good luck with your recovery

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyB (Post 959624)

Thanks CC,

I guess I just want to find out if I have missed anything obvious. I would hate for there to be a relatively simple treatment to fit into my routine that would help me that I didn't know about unless I did some research. I was doing very well with a simpler schedule and lots of rest until this latest setback. I guess my brain/neck (?) is still very fragile and I was surprised by the onslaught of PCS symptoms after a fun day of activity outside. I am a little more emotional too, because my plans are dashed again (recurring theme). I am going on holiday with my family soon and wanted to be in better shape for it. I was also in the process of getting back to work part-time and that won't happen now for a while. We carry on.
TommyB ; )

Just wanted to see how you are doing now? I wanted to get more info on the Buffalo Clinic if you wouldn't mind. Did regulated exercise help? What helped the most out of all the therapies? Thanks

drich,

Tommy has not been on NT for over a year (Feb 24, 2013). Tell us about your symptoms and struggles and we can suggest ways to help with your recovery.

Hey Tommy,

I know what you're going through for it happened to me over a year ago. For me it's the monster headaches that keep me from improving at a quicker pace. My family tells me I have but it's hard not to be impatient when like both of us it's been over a year. I don't think you're missing anything for like they say,no magic bullet for PCS. It's the "ease back into your schedule " line that drives me nuts. Just try and hang in there Tommy is all I can say.

Be sure to get all of your hormone levels tested to make sure they are all within the normal ranges. Concussions can cause hormone deficiencies and accidents can trigger auto-immune diseases like Hashimoto's.

Have you tried any meditation? There's considerable research indicating that people who meditate regularly show improved and more efficient neurological activity during resting states, and my neuropsychologist recommended it as the most important therapy I could perform at home. I do basic mindfulness meditation (concentrating on breathing) and find it helps curb my daytime anxiety.