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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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11-03-2013, 09:50 PM
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I will be "celebrating" the nine-month anniversary of my injury in a few days.
Though I am mainly over the feeling, I have occasionally felt guilty about my injury--because I love the snow, I decided to go out in a blizzard and slipped and fell on wet snow in front of a business that had not adequately shoveled. I sometimes feel like an idiot for going out, and wish I could take that day back. How have others dealt with that feeling?
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What happened: in February of this past year, I suffered a fall. Though I did not hit my head, I came within three or four inches of hitting the ground, and the whiplash/ coup countercoup has caused lingering concussion symptoms. I have had five or six prior head injuries, most of which completely healed within a few weeks, though one took about three months. When I get my most depressed, I remember that I could have killed myself, which would have been far worse than anything I have gone through. June and July of 2013 were the absolute worst. I have managed to keep my job in a field that demands a lot from my brain, though I do get cognitively tired very easily, and have some problems with reading comprehension and short-term memory, though some days I feel close to my pre-injury self. The headaches of the Summer are gone (mainly) and I drink a lot of water and rest more than before. I am on a supplement regimen, and that has helped; probably the medical intervention that helped the most were seven chiropractic manipulations of my neck in June and July. I am fearful that I will be slightly brain damaged the rest of my life, but I am determined to enjoy the same things I enjoyed before, and I, even on days that I despair, know that the odds are with me. |
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11-03-2013, 11:33 PM
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Legendary
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Tom,
I believe you are making a mistake by your statement "a business that had not adequately shoveled the snow." Stuff happens. Slips and falls are a part of life. Trying to find blame is counter-productive, especially when no true blame exists. You are not at fault any more than the business that was responsible to shovel the snow. Snow creates slippery footing, even when it is adequately shoveled. You did not intend to fall nor did the business intend to create a risk. You were not being irresponsible by going out. I fell riding a bike in 1965 because the street department had not yet swept up the sand from the previous winter. It changed my life. I can not blame the Goffstown New Hampshire Streets Dept. We need to do our best to minimize risk but we do need to live life as we like. Being afraid of every possible risk makes for a boring and limited life. Every day, we take risks. Please try to forgive yourself and the business with the snowy sidewalk and even God for making it snow. You have a life to plan and look forward to. Try not to look back so much. My best to you.
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Mark in Idaho "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10 |
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11-04-2013, 11:50 AM
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Well said Mark.
Guilt over your falling is an unwarranted negative emotion that can exacerbate feeling of depression and lower self-esteem, which are counterproductive to your recovery and general well-being. Mark is right, stuff happens. You feel like an idiot for slipping on some snow? I walked right in front of a moving light rail commuter train. Do I feel like that was careless and stupid? Yes. Do I feel guilty about it? No. In regards to dealing with guilt and other negative feelings, things that work for me include: • I give thanks every day that I am alive. • Take time to let those around me know that I appreciate them, especially for the care they provided during my injury and recovery (this coming up on three years ago now). • I take time to meditate; I include meditations on gratitude and loving kindness during my sessions. I include group yoga classes in addition to my private meditation practice. • I actively practice having compassion, this include compassion for myself as well as for others. Best to you as you contunue on your recovery journey.
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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. |
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11-04-2013, 04:42 PM
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i feel very guilty for the problems i have encountered...i trusted a chiro to make adjustments to my upper cervical vertabrae using the controversial "Blair Technique".
at the time, i had no idea how risky the adjustment was. i was provided no information to the risks involved until i found evidence after my injury on what had happened. i should have known better than to trust anyone to touch my neck in that way. of course, the chiro should have provided some info of the risks involved, but that never happened. she was a very good friend and did the adjustments outside of her office...the same adjustments she does 50+ times per day - all with signed disclaimers - yet no disclaimer was offered and the risks were not explained to me...none at all... i am injured, angry and frustrated how quickly my life changed the day of my last adjustment... i am very much ashamed and want my life back. after suffering from Fibro pain for 25+ years, i was hoping for some relief. i have found out the devil comes disguised as hope... and as friends. fortunately, i have found that God reveals himself the same way. i guess how to know the difference is something i have yet to learn in 52 years... Jimbo |
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11-04-2013, 05:33 PM
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I completely understand, I think about the moment of my injury every single day. I just find it crazy that a split second flip your life around 180 so quick, but that's just life I guess.
Despite all the crap I'm so grateful for my injury. I'm only 16 and I'm pretty sure I can safely say I possess more wisdom than most people 3x my age. Without this I was going blindly in the direction of the Marine Corps, which I've learned would have truly made me miserable. I've learned a lot about myself and I'm grateful for it all. Many good days -Will |
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11-07-2013, 07:19 AM
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Will:
that is a very mature view on life from someone your age...or any age... your wisdom will help you tremendously in your life journey... i pray your life will be filled with grace...you will help many people in your life. thank you. Brainstemmed |
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| "Thanks for this!" says: | Tom from Queens (11-07-2013) |
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