[Mark in Idaho]

TMAC,

I missed your earlier post where you said,
"I noticed you have a lot of knowledge with concussions. i wanted to ask you a few things. I just turned 21.

I currently play football and have had many concussions. the last one I've had i was out cold for a while just laying on the field. everyone thought i was dead. My first concussion i can ever remember was in elemntary school when i smashed the back of my head while trying to sled down from a bunk bed. I couldn't see and just remember crawling into bed and falling asleep for 6 hours.

I have had many other concussions in between these. There have been to many to count. Every time I get hit i black out and see stars. This happens at least 2-4 times a game. One time I lost all balance and they carried me out of the game. Another time I was running around like a wild man without any idea what was going on or what planet i was on.

But usually i can kind of shake it off and keep going. Lately I have looked up all the symptoms of long term concussion effects. I feel like i can't connect with people most of the time, and i usuallly want to be alone. I get real agitated and angry and feel like im in a dream or fog almost every day and my vision doesnt feel right alot of the time.

I don't really know what im doing anymore. maybe im just making these things up in my mind?

I recently had an mri done on my neck and spinal cord because of nerve issues on my left side. They found a syrinx (syringomyelia in my spinal cord) it is very small. It has to be from trauma. I also have arthritis in my neck. I just thought Id talk to you about it because no one else really understands. I have just 1 yr of football left and have to make it through."

TMAC, You need to stop playing contact sports. What coach and trainer has allowed you to play contact sports with your injured brain ? They have been and are being very negligent. Your brain and body do not sound like they have one year of football impacts left. You may destroy your future with your next concussion.

I bet you are a key player. This is often why coaches and trainers hide the truth about your risk. They want to win more than they care about the players' futures. This is why there are hundreds of NFL players suing the NFL owners. Check out the Sports Legacy Institute at www.sportslegacy.org

I suggest you get a full NeuroPsychological Assessment to determine what your real dysfunctions are. Getting argumentative is a common PCS symptoms. You need some serious counsel about school, activities, and other struggles you are having. Please stop putting your life at risk. Read the Vitamins thread. It will help you support your brain with good nutrition.

My best to you.

[Su seb]

I agree completely. Your brain and overall health are more important than another year of football. I am a teacher and I see too many kids taking risks that they shouldn't. The adults/coaches around you should know better, but don't wait for anyone to help you. You need to help yourself! All of us understand the symptoms you describe because even if we get injured in different ways we often have similar symptoms. We " get it". And we all know how miserable it can feel. But many of us also know how great it feels to finally get some help and see some improvement. Get help. Do what mark says to do.
Su seb

[Brain patch]

Please listen to Mark. This is no joke. This condition sucks!
Brain