Ok, it's been more than a month since my symptoms returned I still can't function normally. Still have short term memory problems, troubles concentrating, slow information processing, anger issues, depression, EXTREME fatigue, anxiety attacks, brain fog(this one comes and goes) - these are just some of the symptoms I can think of.

All of the above is a result of a very minor bump (my son was hugging me too hard and bumped into me). I rest, take my vitamins - do everything I'm supposed to be doing. Nothing works. My broken ankle makes the situation even worse (I broke my ankle in the beginning of August, still not able to walk - it was a very complicated fracture).

The question is - what do I do? Is it ever gonna go away? it did several times before - I was at a completely symptom-free stage. I'm desperate. Any suggestions are welcome.

I'm so sorry to hear of your set back. my daughter has had a few. Acupuncture has worked for her. It's not for everyone. I hope this helps.

--hopeful

Marina,

Did your broken ankle require surgery or pain meds ? Both can cause concussion symptoms to magnify, especially anesthesia. Plus, the stress of dealing with immobility can antagonize your concussion symptoms.

Did your son hug you around the neck ? Is you neck sore or stiff at all ? Maybe some caution with your neck and gentle traction if called for.

It may just take time. It can be frustrating, especially after the time it took to start feeling better the first time.

My best to you.

Mark, hopefulmom,

thank you for your responses!
Yes, I had a surgery on August 9th and was on pain med for about 2 weeks after that. My setback happened on September 18th. So, I don't know if there is any connection between anesthesia and my symptoms. Wonder what's your opinion about this.

Also my doctor allowed me to put some weight on my ankle while wearing a boot. However, walking in a walking boot makes my symptoms worse. How do I deal with that?

It is unbelievable how a setback can appear to be disconnected to possible stressful events. You may have been a bit chemo brained from the anesthesia and pain meds such that you did not notice your setback until your chemo brain cleared. Then, just the slightest trauma (your son's bump/hug) and the symptoms come flooding back.

Regardless of the cause of your setback, returning to low stress quiet rest is likely the best for you.

Also, different times in a woman's cycle can cause different neurological responses. Low progesterone levels tend to leave the brain more sensitive to trauma.

My best to you.

Marina22 - I am in a similar situation and glad to know I am not alone and it is "normal" (or as normal as things get with PCS)

I hit my head on pipe in a parking garage about 2 months ago (not quite sure, but I guess I walked into it or there was something hanging down?) It hurt but I kept walking. Soon I felt shaky and strange and within an hour my husband picked me up from work and the nausea started. The next couples days got worse with severe fatigue and headaches, light/noise sensitivity and increased nausea. I spent at least two weeks having emotional meltdowns or sobbing spells every night.

I've had a couple symptoms come on recently: numbness/tingling in my right arm (already had slight protrusions in C5/6/7 but no change), pins and needles in my back and this week increased anxiety and some shortness of breathe.

I continued to try to go to work - off and on or part days - for about a month until my boss "talked" with me about my "work ethic" and not getting enough work done. I went on medical leave two weeks ago. The first week I slept a lot, but felt pretty functional when I was awake, but this week I feel terrible - sleeping/fatigue, headaches, blurry vision.

For those old hats - I guess backsliding is common? Two steps forward, one step back?

I was already being treated for depression (wellbutrin and cymbalta) as well as degenerative disk disease. After seeing a neurologist who put me on topomax (thanks to this forum, I only took once and then stopped), I saw a neuro who specializes in concussion -- I got an actual physical and eye exam and he thinks the pre-existing conditions are slowing my recovery. I'm going in for a neuro psych eval next week. My psychiatrist increased the Cymbalta and gave me Xanax (started today). I've also begun Mark's vitamin regime. I ate pretty healthy before and took a multi + D + folic but have increased Bs, Omegas, and C/E.

Marina22 - If not already, I highly recommend trying to find specialists for TBI -- it made a HUGE difference for me.

Mark - I am very interested in the link between TBI and progesterone you mentioned. I have had irratic periods since the concussion with my cycles averaging about 2 weeks. I talked to my GYN who said she thought it could be caused by the TBI but advised me to wait. Do you know of any articles on the subject? I'm wondering if taking progesterone would help ...

Lastly, I know none of you can really answer the how long question, but I originally thought I'd be on medical leave for 2-3 weeks. It's now 2 weeks and the idea of working 8 hours + lunch + commuting, 5 days in a row seems impossible. What was the lead up to recovery or at least full-time work for you all? Was it sudden or very gradual? I'm wondering if I need to anticipate 2 more months?

(ps - Marina22, sorry if I totally hijacked your thread. I just got excited to tell my story to others who understand ...)

Mark, thank you for response!

bmwbzz, hang in there. I think, you have a very good chance of recovery (if it was your first concussion). Just be careful - don't get a second concussion! Every time it takes much longer to recover up to a point when your symptoms just don't go away.

I've had ~6-7 concussion and some number of sub-concussive impact. All happened purely by accident and/or out of my own stupidity. So, now almost anything now(minor impacts, anything that makes my heart rate go up even a common cold) causes a setback. However, this is a first time when it takes so long to recover considering that I managed to go the whole year symptom-free.

So, you hang in there and it will get better. This is scary and frustrating, but it gets better. Wishing you quick and full recovery!

Marina