[jemahon4]

Hello everyone. I suffered a concussion at work on April 2, 2009 and joined this site back then. When my symptoms resolved in September of 2010 I was so relieved. The only symptom that remained was mild tinnitus. Although I haven't followed up because I felt well enough to go on with a near normal life.

My employer in April of 2010 when I filed the official claim for workers comp (form 30C). Within weeks attempted to eliminate my position after 14 years. I knew it was discrimination for filing the claim, as I filed one day short of the one year deadline as I was scared the PCS would never resolve. Good thing I am a Union employee and they saved my job although my hours were cut. This past June, I got into some minor legal issues over domestic issues as I am going through a divorce. No assaults or the like. Case was turned over to family services. Although my old friendly employer who I know still harbors ill will because he wasn't successful in eliminating my job in 2010, is now making an issue of my being taken into custody claiming it is a bad reflection for a public servant to be in the arrest report in the newspaper.

I started searching the web to see if my old work related injury would offer me protection from disciplinary action including termination. I believe the old me never returned and although I was symptom free, my personality had changed in many ways. Ironically, my research cursed me as I suffered another at work concussion on August 14, 2013. I tripped over a broken file cabinet and whacked my head on a wooden book case. I seemed to be not even close to being as injured as I was in 2009 as my mental faculties came back rapidly. I was taken to the local ER, and discharged in a couple hours. Almost exactly one week later I began having a lot of cognitive problems. The headaches and brain fog were there, but I expected that. I didn't expect extreme fatigue, insomnia, forgetting where I parked my vehicle, when getting up at a buffet, I had no recall as to where or what section I was seated at. I was scared. I never took one comp day off from work until today as I feared what my employer may retaliate as he did in 2010. I just was so tired, headaches, confusion, tinnitus, and hadn't slept all night. I needed to see a doctor and just rest my head even if I didn't sleep.

The thought of possibly having to endure another 1.5 years with PCS frightens me. I saw a general practitioner today, and he recommended Benadryl for sleep, and Tylenol for the headaches. I bought some generic Benadryl and will try it tonight as I so long for just one night of restorative sleep.

Sorry for the rant, but has anyone else had a work related concussion and suffered retaliation, or treated nasty? I'm just so tired and overwhelmed right now I even hate to post this. I am just trying to lay all the cards on the table so that in subsequent posts, you understand where I am coming from and what exactly happened.

Thanks a lot!

[Mark in Idaho]

jemahon,

Welcome back. Sorry to hear the reason you have returned. Regarding your domestic issues, personality changes are common and often include struggles with getting loud or over-reactive.

Regarding your head aches, ibuprofen is safer than Tylenol for head injuries, unless you are taking an SSRI. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may be OK but if it leaves you drowsy, maybe you can ask your doctor for a script for gabapentin. I use it to help my brain and body 'let go.'

I hope your arrest did not cause an overnight stay. Jails are a very stressful place for someone with PCS.

Regarding WC, many of us have had bad experiences after our work related head injuries. The WC system nationwide has too many barriers against those of us who are the invisible wounded. Since there is no way to image a concussion, the WC insurance companies make it difficult to get benefits. It is difficult to find a WC attorney to take your case because of the high work load for low fees.

Just know that you are not alone.

My best to you.

[jemahon4]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

jemahon,

Welcome back. Sorry to hear the reason you have returned. Regarding your domestic issues, personality changes are common and often include struggles with getting loud or over-reactive.

Regarding your head aches, ibuprofen is safer than Tylenol for head injuries, unless you are taking an SSRI. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may be OK but if it leaves you drowsy, maybe you can ask your doctor for a script for gabapentin. I use it to help my brain and body 'let go.'

I hope your arrest did not cause an overnight stay. Jails are a very stressful place for someone with PCS.

Regarding WC, many of us have had bad experiences after our work related head injuries. The WC system nationwide has too many barriers against those of us who are the invisible wounded. Since there is no way to image a concussion, the WC insurance companies make it difficult to get benefits. It is difficult to find a WC attorney to take your case because of the high work load for low fees.

Just know that you are not alone.

My best to you.

Hello again Mark,

You and Kate were the most helpful 4 years ago. The arrest occurred before the most recent PCS. You are correct that ibuprofen is best. The doc I saw today said the same thing. I cannot take it because I am on aspirin and Plavix after having two stents placed in a major coronary artery. NSAIDS run the risk of GI bleeds, and for a person like myself it would be very dangerous as I am still very bruised from the fall. The wonders of life after 50.

Thank you again. I was praying for a response before I go and lay down. God has blessed me.

Thanks Mark...God Bless You Too,

John

P.S. I was hospitalized after the arrest as I had discovered my wife of 26 years had a secret phone and had been in an affair...I just mentally and emotionally collapsed. I though we shared the same dreams and morals. They put me in the psych ward for 72 hours fearing I was suicidal.

[PCS-Recovering]

I am so sorry to hear about the second concussion, I hope you were able to get some rest. That is so important in the brains recovery. I understand you not wanting to relive another long recovery period after your first one. However, I do find encouragement in the fact you made a full recovery the first time. I am 8 months from my concussion and still waiting for that point. So thank you for giving me hope. I will look for your updates and hope things are both restful and smooth for you.