I wasn't hit by a semi either... it was a train...

Memory loss is very common with TBIs. It probably seems like a long time ago, but as TBIs go two months is relatively recent. You didn't mention if you are seeing therapists for your memory deficits, but consider a referral for speech and/or occupational therapy. Side note, speech pathologists work on problem unrelated to speech. Mine was very effective in giving me exercises and problems to work out that made for big improvements in my memory deficits. That said it was about five months before a neuropsychological assessment indicated a return to normal cognitive function.

The getting lost while driving suggests deficits in visuospatial functions. I also had this issue, which greatly improved with occupational therapies along with rest.

I relate to the frustration of not being able to pursue all your prior activities but brain injuries take time to heal. The headaches and passing out in the car after the workout suggest you may be pushing yourself too fast too soon. Here again, a good therapist can provide advice on returning to physical activity.

Hang in there. I couldn't drive for five months, and it was six months after my injury before I was able to return to work full time. Your injury was relatively recent and significant improvement is the most likely outcome, but it will take time.

Best to you on this recovery journey.

ci,

What you are experiencing is quite normal. The short term memory struggles are common. Often, they are a result of distractions that did not distract in the past. You likely feel a bit scattered in your thoughts and struggle to focus.

You should not worry about others not believing your symptoms. This is to be expected. There is a video series on YouTube called "You Look Great" that discusses this conundrum.

The head aches from exercising is your body telling you to take it slower. You may benefit from checking your blood pressure when you get a head ache. They may be BP relayed. If so, moderating your BP may help. Ask your physician.

Keep in mind that you have visual and audio memory systems. It sounds like your visual memory system has more struggles. This is the key to losing things or getting lost. Again, distractions may make it less likely for the visual memory image to record to your visual memory system.

Take your time to observe so you can rebuild your memory skills. Lazy memory habits due to your prior sharp memory need to be strengthened to more focus on issues you need to remember. I had the same struggles as I had a photographic memory that took little to no effort. Now, I need to purpose to observe and remember.

Take your time to observe and you will do better.

My best to you.

How do you guys deal with work and doctors notes? I just saw my doctor recently and he was telling me how it could take up to a year to heal but did not provide me with a doctors note. I've tried working but I cannot do it without severe head aches that leave me feeling exhausted.

I think I'm going to have to book a doctors appointment again and ask him to write me another note, but it feels odd asking him to write a note or create a report that explains I need more time off since these head aches aren't a physical thing and some people seem to just think that others should put up and deal with it.

When I was about to be released from the hospital two months after my injury I really wanted to get back to work ASAP, but I wasn’t ready. My documentation was from my neuropsychological assessment, which said in part “Although highly motivated the patient is not ready to return to work at this time. It is anticipated that with sufficient time for recovery and rehabilitative therapies he will eventually be able to return to work, although he should do so gradually.” This documentation allowed for insurance disability coverage (not SSD).

One issue is that even the best MDs and clinical neuropsychologists can’t predict with any certainly when sufficient recovery will allow a return to work. In my case it was about 4 months after the initial NPA.

The key for me was to keep asking for the doctor and psychologists documentation in regards to returning to work. In my case I had to finish rehab, take another NPA three months later, pass a battery of reflex testing and retake my driver’s license exam, and then I asked for and received the RTW release.

Don’t feel embarrassed about asking for the MDs note. The symptoms you describe are real and need time to resolve. You also mention the memory issues. On this consider a referral to a clinical neuropsychologist for a neuropsychological assessment. I thought I was ready to get back to work but I wasn’t, and the NPA was valuable in identifying where recovery was still needed.