[lizpurc925]

Hi, my name is Liz and I just discovered this website - I am very happy there are support groups like this, but I am displeased to see that so many of you are suffering (for years even!). I would like to share my story and get all of your input because it doesn't seem like anyone in my life has experienced what I am experiencing.

About a month ago, my bin of paint bottles hit the back of my head. I got a Grade 2 concussion. I had severe amnesia, headaches, emotional issues, fatigue...you know, the usual...so I dropped out of school for the semester. I couldn't get through a class without severe migraines and without forgetting everything that was said.

The migraines got MUCH worse, but I recently quit drinking coffee which helped A TON! My migraines got cut in half and I feel better overall. My neurologist decided that nerve damage is causing the migraines, but they are usually triggered by over-stimulation or loud noises.

However, I am having some sensory overload/emotional issues. If someone does so much as says too much at once to me, there is a good chance I will get angry, disoriented, and I will snap. This happens a lot and my family gets angry with me for losing it but I feel like I have no control over it. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and those symptoms have included some severe anxiety and depression - I'm not sure what to do about that.

I feel like I am starting to improve. I can't write much or read much or do really too much of anything but I am starting to see some improvement from resting. It is annoying that people assume that me saying that I'm getting better means I can do normal things because it doesn't. It seems to be something only I understand. I don't really know what else to do besides sleep

[Mark in Idaho]

liz,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It sounds like you understand your triggers and limitations. Now, your task is to find ways to limits those triggers. People taking and saying too much can be difficult. Maybe you can respond with "Whoa. You are saying so much my injured brain is starting to overload." Turning away from the conversation may be rude but safer than exploding.

Quiet rest is good. Try to find an activity to do that in focused on manual activities. The hands can not work faster than an injured brain in most situations. Read the sticky thread at the top about Vitamins.

You are right in turning down 'normal' things until you have recovered more. Recovery can be a slow process. Being disciplined to avoid triggers and over-stimulation will help you along.

My best to you.

[rmschaver]

Watch You look great parts 1 thru 6 on you tube. HAVE your support group watch it to. Prefferably together. It will help them understand and can even answer some of your questions.

yes there have been many who continue to experience PCS but that does not mean we don't live full and productive lives.

[poetrymom]

Hello!

There are a lot of good people here who will support you. Yes, learn your triggers and how to reduce them as much as you can.

Feeling better is a tricky thing with a brain injury. I had to learn how to gently link good days together and not push too hard, too much, or too fast. All of that can lead to set backs (which might happen anyhow).

Gail Denton's book BrainLashed help explain brain healing to me. She is a therapist who got PCS from a bike accident.

Hang in there and ask your questions.

All for now,

poetrymom