[TommyB]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum. I skimmed through Neuro Talk a few times earlier in my PCS recovery, but often left scared and anxious, overloaded by stories of brain injuries that have severely affected so many vibrant people. I can handle these realities better now.

I am a 42 yr old husband, father of 3 children(3yrs, 7yrs & 9 yrs), friend of many and family member to a special few. My life has been drastically altered by a Sydney Crosby-like concussion (blindside blow to the left temple playing helmetless shinny - outdoor hockey with buddies) that happened 13 months ago. I am not back at work yet at my job as a high school teacher and coach.

My symptoms over the past year have included:
fogginess, dizziness, brain fatigue, photo sensitivity, audio sensitivity, ringing in the ears, head pressure, neck and shoulder stiffness, anxiety, depression, foul mood.

The first few months of my recovery were devoted to rest and a long battle with anxiety and low mood. I needed sleeping medication and could not nap for 8 months. Now I am calm enough to do so (thanks to medication and perhaps learning to take it easy - not easy for a energizer bunny like myself) and have a 2 hr nap every day.

Here are the actions I have taken to improve recovery:
* Consulted with a supportive GP often (continue today)
* Consulted with a "Concussion Specialist" / Sports Medicine Dr. - mainly tracked my condition and told me to calm down (discontinued)
* Went to Restorative Yoga 2 times per week (continue today)
* Psychologist that uses EMDR (continue today)
* Massage 1-2 times per week - back and neck (discontinued after many months - felt good, but didn't improve symptoms)
* Went to MyoWorx for 2 weeks in Guelph Ontario - cervical and back muscle stimulation, massage and daily stretching routine (discontinued after 3 months, but still do some stretches)
* Went to U of Buffalo to Concussion Clinic - treadmill test, vestibular testing, vestibular physio & workout program (discontinued after a few months, but still do as much exercise as brain allows)
* Vestibular Physio - not much help (discontinued, but might try again)
* Cervical Chiropractic (studied with Sidney Crosby's guy in Atlanta)- focusing on C1 and C2 vertebrae (discontinued due to lack of progress)
* Cranial Sacral (discontinued -no improvement but felt good)
* Brain Balancing by Brain State Technologies at Valentus Clinic in Victoria BC for 10 sessions - 1 week (interesting, but no major improvements)

New Actions:
MD/Naturopath/holistic healer - just beginning treatment
Chiropractic Neurologist who studied with Sidney Crosby's Dr. Ted Carrick - just beginning consultations

As you can see, looking for a treatment that will help me reduce my symptoms and make me more resiliant to setbacks has taken a lot of my time. Not to mention, slimmed my wallet.

I am resting well these days, but am in the middle of a major symptom flare up due to a big day at the nordic ski club with the kids 6 days ago(light skiing, dehydration, shoveling, playing active games).

Is there anything I have missed, or should try again in my PCS recovery? Any advice from the wise veterans on this forum would be welcome.

Anyone in the Ottawa, Ontario area who wants to talk and compare notes about local treatments?