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| Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS). |
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05-18-2013, 11:43 AM
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Just a friendly reminder to my TBI friends. Please avoid stress at all costs. It will flare up your symptoms to the max, and cause you to relapse. I've even dealing with stress my entire recovery and always wondered why I never started to feel better. Once I removed myself from the stressful situation, my recovery started to head in the right direction.
After two years, I was finally starting to feel the old me coming back. My personality came flowing back to me. I was able to communicate myself fluently to people. My problems with overstimulation started to let up. Then, I hung out with my son's mother for a few days. Over a three day period, she's caused me to have multiple anger outbursts. These fits of anger have set me back MONTHS now and I feel very discouraged. I don't want this to happen to any of you. So, stay away from stressful situations. I know it's hard to with "emotional lability" as a common symptom of TBI, but you'll be glad you did (and not too happy if you don't). Oh, and try not to hit your head. That's a big no-no in the PCS world. I've done that at least 3 times in the last 2-3 weeks and it didn't turn out well. Stay away from psycho exes and protect your brain. This is your friendly neighborhood TBI buddy "SpaceCadet" signing out". Nick
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What happened: I was randomly assaulted from behind in June of 2011. I was knocked unconscious for an unknown amount of time (less than 30 minutes) and have no memory of the event. CT scan showed contusion and hematoma of the left frontal lobe. I spent 3 days in the hospital. Diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome in September 2011. Currently have Medicaid, Medicare and SSI. Current symptoms: Brain fog, mild memory issues, problems with spontaneity, occasional spacing out, word finding difficulties, tinnitus in right ear and some other things that I can't explain. Life after the brain injury: 4 years after the injury, I'm engaged to my beautiful girlfriend of 5 years, I'm the CEO of my own business, Notorious Labs, I've taught myself how to program complex games and apps which is a feat I never thought I'd accomplish and now live a semi-normal life with very mild PCS symptoms. Slowly but surely regaining my life back. |
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05-18-2013, 12:03 PM
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I agree 100% ANY people that cause stress.It can be hard because some of the people could be people that you love but cannot be around them for your health!Nick I am happy for you that your brain is feeling better.
I can relate I was with a guy for a year and half of PCS and he did the BEST thing for me by moving away!He still tries to haunt me by phone lol I blocked him off my phone and my LIFE!Along with a list of other's....sad but true!We aren't being selfish.We are trying to heal ourselves. 
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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~*~ |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | poetrymom (05-18-2013), SpaceCadet (05-18-2013) |
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05-18-2013, 12:13 PM
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Stress
It's horrible yes -- bad, horrible stresss -- it's poison for our bodies OK, maybe poison goes a bit far, but it's bad Getting worked up, mad, angry -- who can afford the emotional energy for that when the brain is healing? I can feel myself get worked up too sometimes, and it's hard, but we have to remember.. step back take a deep breath let it go.....let it go.... or get out of the way of it..... but don't go near that stress mess or you're right Space Cadet our brains will make our bodies pay for it with (fill in the blank) ______________________ (noise insensitivity) ________________________ ________________________ It's not worth it. Find some peace and hold onto it. Peace! pm
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[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. |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | SpaceCadet (05-18-2013) |
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05-18-2013, 12:22 PM
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Not that I completely disagree but allow me to suggest an alternate view.
Eliminating stress 100% is next to impossible. Life continues to happen. Bills need to be paid, we deal with traffic, jobs, other people. It's how we deal with the stressors that is important. Things that help me deal with stress caused anxiety include mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, massage therapy, talking to spouse and friends about it, etc. Wishing all of you a stress reduced weekend.
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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. Last edited by Lightrail11; 05-18-2013 at 12:56 PM. |
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05-18-2013, 12:37 PM
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I agree with the above poster.
Let me rephrase my original statement: Avoid UNNECESSARY Stress at all Costs. It's virtually impossible to entirely avoid stress. It's everywhere you go and it's a natural part of life. I've got three kids -- my life will never be completely stress free. Even after they are grown up and leave home. There's also bills, family emergencies, work, plus much more. So, stay away from stress that can be avoided. Nick
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What happened: I was randomly assaulted from behind in June of 2011. I was knocked unconscious for an unknown amount of time (less than 30 minutes) and have no memory of the event. CT scan showed contusion and hematoma of the left frontal lobe. I spent 3 days in the hospital. Diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome in September 2011. Currently have Medicaid, Medicare and SSI. Current symptoms: Brain fog, mild memory issues, problems with spontaneity, occasional spacing out, word finding difficulties, tinnitus in right ear and some other things that I can't explain. Life after the brain injury: 4 years after the injury, I'm engaged to my beautiful girlfriend of 5 years, I'm the CEO of my own business, Notorious Labs, I've taught myself how to program complex games and apps which is a feat I never thought I'd accomplish and now live a semi-normal life with very mild PCS symptoms. Slowly but surely regaining my life back. |
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05-18-2013, 12:41 PM
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Avoiding stress is great, and early on in recovery, it is so important, but at some point, you have to try to improve how you cope with stress. My physiological reactions have not been good recently. I tend to just burst into tears. I can't help it! But where do I go from there? I've been working on ways to calm myself down and then I try to focus on positive things. I also have to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't do and be forgiving of myself.
But you are right to stay away from people who only bring stress to your life! It isn't worth it!
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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. |
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05-18-2013, 01:26 PM
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Avoiding stress is great, and early on in recovery, it is so important, but at some point, you have to try to improve how you cope with stress. My physiological reactions have not been good recently. I tend to just burst into tears. I can't help it! But where do I go from there? I've been working on ways to calm myself down and then I try to focus on positive things. I also have to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't do and to be forgiving of myself.
But you are right to stay away from people who only bring stress to your life! It isn't worth it!
__________________
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. |
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05-18-2013, 02:50 PM
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I agree with the sentiments of other posters regarding stress.
I completely avoided other people as much as possible - including my wife and children for a couple of months and before I knew it I was back working again. It cost a fair bit of money because the kids went to a childminder after school, but it was money well spent. It also took a lot of patience and effort from my wife also as she took the children out all weekend or looked after them whilst I was in another room. Avoiding noise and stress is crucial, for me this meant isolating myself and getting quiet rest. The other crucial component was an antidepressant which took my stress levels down further. Reflexology and massage also helped. Good luck with reducing stress because this helps recovery.
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PCS following head injury November 2012. Experienced dizzyness, light and noise sensitivity, hypercusis, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, facial pain, problems concentrating, irritability, sensory overload, exercise intolerance. Symptoms mostly resolved, working full time and I am now mostly better. I wake 6am daily since my injury. Was experiencing daily Neuralgia which was controlled with Cymbalta 30mg, Lyrica 200mg daily. Now only on 30mg Cymbalta. |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | poetrymom (05-19-2013) |
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05-18-2013, 07:47 PM
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In all fairness, Nick, you said "avoid" stress, not "eliminate" it completely. As such I completely understood what you were originally trying to say.
Also got you on the whole anger triggers situation. Anger has been a huge issue with me since the accident, and I mean huge, as in legal problems huge. I have personally found my martial arts training to be a major help in this area, as martial arts is all about self-control. But it's much better if the anger doesn't get triggered in the first place, as you suggested.
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Passenger in auto wreck, mTBI:
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | MiaVita2012 (05-19-2013), SpaceCadet (05-19-2013) |
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05-19-2013, 07:10 AM
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I still have 3 teenagers at home and putting everything in perspective can be difficult. I have recently started a restorative yoga class and I find that great. Massage is really wonderful. I also took a 21 day meditation challenge which really put me in the right frame of mind. The key to stress is how you react to everything and what spin you can put on it. Thanks for the reinforcement, somethings I forget.
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