Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-10-2013, 03:42 PM #1
Tpont21 Tpont21 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 58
10 yr Member
Tpont21 Tpont21 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 58
10 yr Member
Default Coping with anxiety

Ugh. I'm just having a rough day here. I feel my anxiety is taking over my life. I feel like it's so hard to relax and I keep thinking about how much my life has changed since this injury. I'm alone on Friday and Saturday nights now which puts me down in the dumps. I should be out hanging with my friends.

Does anybody have any recommendations to cope with anxiety? I feel it's just getting worse for me. I started taking yoga and I also went out and rescued a cat from an animal shelter to keep me company at home. Both have helped a little but I feel I need to give it more time.

I never suffered from anxiety in my life prior to my injury. Now I feel it's a struggle everyday to maintain my calmness. The stress, nervousness, and worry are overwhelming at times. Weightlifting was my escape before, but now since I can't really do that I feel the stress is building. I really don't want to go down the route of medication, so any natural recommendations would be much appreciated. I thought maybe a good book might be a start?
__________________
I was in a snowboarding accident on January 19, 2013. I caught an edge on my snowboard while carving down the mountain without a helmet. I smacked the back of my head hard on the ground. I was not knocked out and it took about a week for symptoms to come into full effect.

Since my accident I have been in a cycle of feeling better and then relapsing. It has happened many times. Although I think the overall trend is slowly traveling up. My symptoms included headaches, anxiety, sensitivity to light and noise, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, trouble concentrating, brain fog, loss of social interest, irritability, and mood swings.

Many symptoms have since resolved and I am left with slight dizziness, sensitivity to large crowds and busy environments, small amounts of anxiety, and brain fog off and on.

I am currently under the care of a neuropsychologist at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic. I am also undergoing balance/vestibular physical therapy to help with my remaining symptoms.
Tpont21 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
anon22217 (05-10-2013), Lightrail11 (05-10-2013)

advertisement
Old 05-10-2013, 05:03 PM #2
DFayesMom DFayesMom is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Columbus
Posts: 304
10 yr Member
DFayesMom DFayesMom is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Columbus
Posts: 304
10 yr Member
Default Suggestions

Walking, meditation, journal writing, talking on the phone to a friend or family member, starting a crafty project: those are my suggestions. A crafty project could almost be anything, from putting photos in an album to writing a nice letter of thanks to your mom for mothers' day (I'm aware that such a suggestion might not work for everyone, but I thought I'd mention it because I enjoyed doing it yesterday!)

That said, there's no shame in treating anxiety with medicine IMO. It's a nice idea to try to go natural and I respect people's choice to do so, but anxiety is also something that can exacerbate PCS symptoms, so if you're still really struggling after trying the natural route, I'd consider all options! I've hit some bumps with meds and wish I didn't have to take so many dang pills, but I guess it's what I need for the moment to cope. "Whatever gets you through the night" is my motto! Not trying to be pushy though! Everyone is different.
__________________
I have recovered my cognitive function, and I've overcome severe vertigo through sensory integration therapy. Wellbutrin has helped me escape depression. I have recently had a few stress-related migraines, as well as headaches stemming from eye strain. I'm also dealing with tinnitus, lack of stamina, extreme light sensitivity, and eye pain. Diagnosed with 9 different vision issues: convergence insufficiency, pursuit eye movement deficit, egocentric visual midline shift, photophobia, visual information processing delays, accommodative insufficiency, saccadic eye movement deficit, lack of coordination, and central peripheral visual integration deficit.

*First concussion: October 2010. I was pregnant and got rear ended. I associated my mild PCS symptoms with baby brain and blamed my light sensitivity on allergies and dry eyes.
*Second concussion: December 2011. I hit my head on a wooden beam, saw stars but did not lose consciousness, and I had very disturbing PCS symptoms but didn't go to the doctor.
*Third concussion: August 2012. I caused a car accident as a result of PCS symptoms. Thankfully no one was injured but me. My husband confronted me, and I finally sought help and took medical leave from work. My symptoms worsened, and I developed severe vertigo.
*Fourth concussion: November 2012. I was riding in a car with a friend and we were hit head on by a driver who lost control of her car. I didn't have a big increase in PCS symptoms.
DFayesMom is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-10-2013, 05:43 PM #3
Lightrail11's Avatar
Lightrail11 Lightrail11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 531
10 yr Member
Lightrail11 Lightrail11 is offline
Member
Lightrail11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 531
10 yr Member
Default

Anxiety is common to a lot of us. It can hit me in unusual ways such as going grocery shopping or other mundane daily activities.

Some things I have found helpful include meditation, gentle yoga, and massage therapy. Depending on where you live you may also be able to find a TBI support group which could be helpful. The BIAA website may have a link to a support group in your area.

http://www.biausa.org/
__________________
What Happened: On November 29, 2010, I was walking across the street and was hit by a light rail commuter train. Result was a severe traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures (skull, pelvis, ribs). Total hospital stay was two months, one in ICU followed by an additional month in neuro-rehab. Upon hospital discharge, neurological testing revealed deficits in short term memory, executive functioning, and spatial recognition.

Today: Neuropsychological examination five months post-accident indicated a return to normal cognitive functioning, and I returned to work approximately 6 months after the accident. I am grateful to be alive and am looking forward to enjoying the rest of my life.
Lightrail11 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
anon22217 (05-10-2013), MiaVita2012 (05-11-2013), Su seb (05-12-2013)
Old 05-10-2013, 07:24 PM #4
anon22217
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
anon22217
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I think anxiety is a major symptom that comes with every injury or traumatic event. I am plagued by it too. I think it can really hinder our recovery so I think anti anxiety meds help and also in end just working through your emotions by journalling or seeing a psychotherapist. I completely understand how you feel. I always think of my life beforehand and feel so discouraged at times. I think acceptance and moving on is key and these are emotions we have to work through For me , talking with others who have expereinced something very similar is really helpful for me. And just look straight ahead not back. You are getting better...and the light at the end of the tunnel is near.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightrail11 View Post
Anxiety is common to a lot of us. It can hit me in unusual ways such as going grocery shopping or other mundane daily activities.

Some things I have found helpful include meditation, gentle yoga, and massage therapy. Depending on where you live you may also be able to find a TBI support group which could be helpful. The BIAA website may have a link to a support group in your area.

http://www.biausa.org/
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Su seb (05-12-2013)
Old 05-10-2013, 07:40 PM #5
NormaW NormaW is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 161
10 yr Member
NormaW NormaW is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 161
10 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tpont21 View Post
Ugh. I'm just having a rough day here. I feel my anxiety is taking over my life. I feel like it's so hard to relax and I keep thinking about how much my life has changed since this injury. I'm alone on Friday and Saturday nights now which puts me down in the dumps. I should be out hanging with my friends.

Does anybody have any recommendations to cope with anxiety? I feel it's just getting worse for me. I started taking yoga and I also went out and rescued a cat from an animal shelter to keep me company at home. Both have helped a little but I feel I need to give it more time.

I never suffered from anxiety in my life prior to my injury. Now I feel it's a struggle everyday to maintain my calmness. The stress, nervousness, and worry are overwhelming at times. Weightlifting was my escape before, but now since I can't really do that I feel the stress is building. I really don't want to go down the route of medication, so any natural recommendations would be much appreciated. I thought maybe a good book might be a start?
I am having the same issue this week. I just got back from a week away at Daytona Beach. It was really nice not to have to do anything or answer up to anybody, but now that I am back I am a mess just trying to reintegrate into life. I tried a message which really helped, I was having trouble sleeping and this relaxed me enough to sleep. I am not that interested in medication but signed up this week for a psychologist to help me deal with my life. There are hugh adjustments, financial stress etc. and the outcome is not know. It is really hard to deal with the unknown. I have not been working for 14 months now and have been told it might be another year before I can work, but nobody really knows. I also use a journal, I write down everything I need to do and schedule it out. It somehow gives me control (even a little) of my life. I think trying to do something you enjoy is important, but like the rest of us there is not alot we can do. I look forward to t.v. shows every week, although I limited to watch 2 hours a day of t.v. but those 2 shows can keep me going.

Good Luck.....Some nights it really sucks!!! I do have 2 dogs who keep me company.
NormaW is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
MiaVita2012 (05-11-2013)
Old 05-10-2013, 08:11 PM #6
berkeleybrain berkeleybrain is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 205
10 yr Member
berkeleybrain berkeleybrain is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 205
10 yr Member
Default

Anxiety is also one of my biggest daily struggles. I do the breathing, walking, meditating exercises. I really wanted to go as natural as possible.

I must confess, however, the propanolol (beta blocker for heart often used in pcs) and the L-Tryptophan (thanks, Mark) have really helped.

L-Tryptophan I use 1 or 2 throughout the day. I find it very mellow and uplifting.

The propanolol is a short term crutch because often my hyper vigilance is triggering panic attacks even before I can identify them. I even wake up from nightmares---my poor unconscious.

Learning to manage the anxiety and social isolation is learning to reframe the experience not as "being away from friends" but perhaps "being in quietness with my self". Not easy but necessary.
__________________
The event: Rear ended on freeway with son when I was at a stop in stop and go traffic July 2012. Lost consciousness.

Post-event: Diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, ptsd, whiplash, peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction and convergence insufficiency. MRI/CT scans fine.

Symptoms: daily headaches, dizziness/vertigo, nausea, cognitive fog, light/noise sensitivities, anxiety/irritability, fatigued, convergence insufficiency, tinnitus and numbness in arms/legs.

Therapies: Now topamax 50mg daily; Propanolol and Tramadol when migraine. Off nortryptiline and trazodone. Accupuncture. Vitamin regime. Prism glasses/vision therapy. Vestibular therapy 3month. Gluten free diet. Dairy free diet. On sick leave from teaching until Sept. 2014.
berkeleybrain is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
MiaVita2012 (05-11-2013)
Old 05-10-2013, 08:50 PM #7
poetrymom's Avatar
poetrymom poetrymom is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 398
10 yr Member
poetrymom poetrymom is offline
Member
poetrymom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 398
10 yr Member
Default Anxiety

I feel really lucky and blessed that I have not been plagued with too much of it due to this PCS situation.

However, I wonder a lot if it is because for at least 3.5 years I take Gaba, 5-Htp, and L-thanine every night due to some horrible anxiety I had from mid life hormone changes. Prior to finding these supplements I had brain fog and just horrible, crippling anxiety that I hope never to feel again.

I do get depressed sometimes these days, but I handle that with my hobbies, positive thinking, and prayer.

I know this is a hard time and you're a young person wanting to be out with friends.

Try to think on how far you have come, and that you will recover, bit by bit, and be changed surely by this experience.

Here's hoping you find something to take the anxiety away!

pm
__________________
[SIZE="1"]What happened. I was in a car accident 2-23-2013, and got a mild concussion from it. I had some time off for brain rest, got somewhat better, but slipped into PCS in March 2013.

Symptoms I had: dizziness, light and sound sensitivity, fatigue, tinitis, occasional headaches and migraines,

Symptoms as of 5--2013: poor sleep, tinitis, some confusion /short term memory blanks, balance. The other symptoms are mostly gone, but flare up if I OVERdo something.

Therapy I had: vestibular

3 months in: I could drive more and for longer distances. I felt like a younger, happier version of myself and I feel so blessed to have this feeling.

9 months in and I am working full time. I do get tired, and some sound and light sensitivity from time to time, but mostly I am over most of my symptoms.
I pray every day and I m praying for your recovery.

Over a year in: I can multi task (limited) and have humor in my life. But when I am tired, I am very tired.
poetrymom is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-11-2013, 02:24 PM #8
MiaVita2012's Avatar
MiaVita2012 MiaVita2012 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N/A
Posts: 685
10 yr Member
MiaVita2012 MiaVita2012 is offline
Member
MiaVita2012's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N/A
Posts: 685
10 yr Member
Heart Your Not Alone

Weekends are the worst for me and have been for awhile.I really did not care about in the winter because it was cold etc.But now it is getting nice out and my friends call and tell me about BBQ's their going to or what they are doing over the weekend.My daughter is enjoying life and time with friends etc and here I am in my 30's single and isolated to myself.I just have to be thankful for the things I do have like I am still able to drive, talk, walk etc.

I know how hard it is and it really sucks so I put a comedy movie on to laugh the sadness away!Hang in there you are not alone
__________________
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~*~
MiaVita2012 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-11-2013, 04:33 PM #9
ginnie ginnie is offline
Elder
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Anna Maria Island Florida
Posts: 6,278
10 yr Member
ginnie ginnie is offline
Elder
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Anna Maria Island Florida
Posts: 6,278
10 yr Member
Default Hi tpont

I never really read a book for pleasure until I got these issues of mine. Now I can't not read, and am more or less a book worm. Find something you are intersted in, and go for it. This does wonders for me with both pain and anxiety. I also turn up blues music quite loud at times! ginnie
ginnie is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 05-12-2013, 04:18 PM #10
Consider's Avatar
Consider Consider is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 196
10 yr Member
Consider Consider is offline
Member
Consider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 196
10 yr Member
Default

Anxiety is hard to cope with, I had it to the extreme and it affected my recovery. When I went on an antidepressant combo, that's when I began my healing. Anxiety and stress even without a brain injury are two things that are bad for the brain, depression also. A happy brain is a healthy brain. My recommendation is to check the Vitamin and Supplements thread Mark posted. Also, check in to see a therapist, and this is optional but it really helps, check out a psychiratist. These people are here to help you.
__________________
College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012.

Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia.
2 MRI's and CT normal.

Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now.

Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy.

Was experiencing:
Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit.

Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm.

Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside!
Consider is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Not coping. peacheysncream Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome 6 10-12-2012 02:57 AM
Coping with PD Inspiration New Member Introductions 1 10-11-2010 04:45 PM
Coping with ALS? Jomar ALS 1 01-07-2008 05:13 PM
Coping? daniella Peripheral Neuropathy 24 09-18-2007 07:52 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:43 PM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.