I kept on trying to go back to work full time and it wasn't working. I was just sliding backwards. Now I am trying Wednesdays off. Shorter days didn't really work for me. I would just cram everything into the shorter day. Having Wednesdays off really helps me to be away from my high stimulus job. I just can't angle the stimulus for five days straight no matter how many accommodations I make.
Su seb

As Mark mentions, I would see this as a pro-forma schedule. You may be pleasantly surprised how much progress you make over those six weeks. I don’t know how this works in Canada and/or with your employer, but I would hope there would be some flexibility based on your tolerance to returning to work.

FWIW, I began working from home ~ 20 hours/week (was still not released to drive yet) starting about 3 months after the accident. I wasn't 100% recovered cognitively at that point (I realize that now, I didn't so much back then), but I believe getting back into the "real world" was a big help in resolving my remaining deficits, which at that time included working memory problems, problem solving, and other executive functions. It just felt good to be contributing again, and I think that emotional boost helped contribute to the recovery of the cognitive functions. A couple months later my NPA showed much improved functioning. After that, the MD release stated “Return to work part time, increase to full time as tolerated”. I was back full time six months after the accident.

Staying in the moment is a good thing. Wishing you the best in this next phase of your recovery journey.

Wow Sue and you are a teacher too, like me right? I have a lot of concerns about going back to work too. And I need to get my HR to understand this too. Anyhow, hope you are all right.

Poetrymom -- JJ

Ms. Rrio,
Hi, I am just wondering how your doing? How is your therapy coming along? Are you still feeling like you won't be able to go back to work? I was just thinking about you and worried about you. Hope things are going well for you.

I sure have a lot of problems talking to people and following the conversation. I feel like my brain is so slow. I would be unable to keep up in a work environment. Do you have this problem?

How is your depression/anxiety?

Brain

Thanks for checking on me BP!

I haven't started the therapy yet. I went to the doc on the 11th, then he spoke on the phone to WCB about the aggressiveness of the plan and from what I understand, he was convinced by my caseworker that it would be ok. Then I assumed he signed the permission form for me to begin therapy, but he was supposed to send it to WCB himself. I never saw the form.

My physiotherapist, however, still hasn't heard the "go ahead" from WCB. So maybe my doctor didn't send the permission yet. He is away until the end of April so I think by then, WCB will be freaking out. I'll likely hear soon what is happening. I'm confused! Likely not explaining very well.

My physiotherapist did explain to me more fully what is planned once I begin therapy.

Five days a week, four hours a day! Starting at 8am each day.
Arrive at physio clinic to do ... exercise! Lots of cardio work, including weight training. (What?)
Upper body physiotherapy work (massage?) on neck and shoulders
Vestibular therapy daily.

For six weeks straight. Yippee! It sounds daunting. But, never know. Maybe I'll get thru it somehow. I don't even know what to think. WCB is just doing their usual routine that they do with injured limbs, yet I have an injured brain. They really do not get it, nor do they care. It's a standard return to work therapy plan.

I believe I will work again, yes. I remember wondering if that was even possible back in January in some of my darkest days. I believe that I will heal enough to work, but I don't know yet how I will cope starting work after six weeks of intense exercise therapy.

As far as my progress - I have had some positive days. Days where I feel like my symptoms are fading somewhat. I believe I've even had a couple of pain free hours. But then I have days that I have incredible pain, ear pressure, head pressure, very sore neck, and foggy brain. I have trouble on those days, to process sounds and voices. I get overwhelmed. Today was one of those.

I've noticed a mood improvement over the last month. I have blue days but I'm coping.

Sorry to hear of your struggles but I believe you have much to offer the world even if not in a traditional workplace setting.

Thanks again for reaching out.

Sounds like it will be tough! But good that you are getting that type of support ($$$)! Paying for that rehab and training would be costly. Just don't overdo it.

Good to hear from you Ms. Rrio,
I hope all the therapy will help. I imagine you must feel pretty overwhelmed by that. Maybe they will give you some good massages.
Just do the best you can. I am glad that you are having some good days. That is how it is for me. I have a few good days and I think maybe I can do this or that and then I try and I cannot do that much. But I am trying to do what I can. It is frustrating to work your way up from being down so far.
Good luck with all the exercise and therapy. I am pulling for you and you are always in my prayers. Let me know how it goes. Thanks for your encouragement and all your kind comments to me. I appreciate you very much!
Brain

Hi MsRrio, I haven't posted in a while, but I also fell on black ice over 2 yrs ago, and still have the full feeling, pressure in my head, torqued-brain feeling, upon exertion. Symptoms are usually brought on by physical, mental, or even chemical stress...

Does your ear pressure, head pressure worsen when you lift things, or exert yourself too much ??? The therapy that was prescribed for you sounds crazy (if your symptoms are anything like mine).. Pushing thru it will just make you feel worse.

Also did you ever have your neck checked out ??? I am currently seeing an upper cervical chiropractor, who has helped me a lot when my neck is out.. I'm also seeing a myofascial therapist every 2 wks, and a cranial sacral therapist once a month.

I never give up hope in being healed, but realize it is an extremely slow process. I work part time as a Personal Trainer, and lift as little weight as possible, when working with my clients. It's tough sometimes, but I know if I push too much (or overdo it at work), I pay for it.

So when it comes times for your therapy, I would definitely not try to push thru it. You don't want to set yourself back anymore. The stress of having to go to therapy is enough on your brain already.

Good luck with everything !

Keepin'

Does your upper cervical chiro know you are seeing a cranial sacral therapist ? CST may be in conflict with the other therapies. The other two should be very capable of treating you. Glad you found an MFR therapist who helps.

Hi Mark, yes, my chiro is aware of the cranial sacral therapy. I always get relief from each CST session, and look forward to going ! My cranial sacral therapist works on the whole body, not just my head. And when I leave there, I always feel so calm afterwards, and my head cleared.. She is also a Physical Therapist. I don't go that often, every 4-5 weeks, and usually see the chiro every 1-2 weeks, depending on how I am doing.

I don't feel like there's any magic bullet at this point.. It's finding and doing what makes you feel better, getting enough rest, and staying positive..