[allday310]

Hello Everyone i have post concussion syndrome. In a year span i have had multiple concussions from soccer. The first one i was playing soccer and i was sprinting full speed and the dude made a b-line to me and took me out. I hit the side of my head, but after a week the symptoms passed & i was fine (or so i felt ). About 5 months later i was playing and i must have hit the back of my head b/c i fell on my back but a couple of days later i had major concussion symptoms.

This time the symptoms were stronger and lasted longer so i took a few weeks off from playing, but i unfortunately continued to work (cleaning pools) b/c i have to support myself and help the family out. School started a couple of weeks later and I had fogginess the entire quarter. I played pick up games at school and did not feel any symptoms except fogginess. After winter break i felt it was time to get back to competitive play and of course 1st game back, 1 day before the quarter i was pushed down by a dude and he then proceeded to run to the ball over me and his knee hit the back of my head. Had major symptoms, you name it and went to the ER twice had a CAT scan MRI and blood work. Did not see a neurologist though. Actually after the 1st 2 weeks i felt like i was getting better so of course i foolishly went back out there and played. Didn't get hurt but i did head the ball once and suffice to say everything became a 100X worse.That is when i had all tests done and what not.

I did not get a chance to rest from this last one as i went through the quarter dealing with these symptoms and getting anxiety attacks for no reason at all. I did not take time off b/c of family pressure and no one taking me seriously. Even the doctors were leaning towards anxiety recommending to me to see a psychologist rather than a neurologist. But i can honestly say i KNOW for a fact something is/was neurologically not right.

Never loss consciousness once and that was about 5 months ago. Ive also hit my head multiple times in my dorm due to my desk under my bunk bed b/c id have confusion and dizziness and forget to not go straight up. Quit working and playing b/c i cannot physically do it. Ive been getting better, thank God but i tried to exercise lately by running and it back fired. With summer rolling around i might have to work again. Anyone with advice, experience or have helpful knowledge and insights to help would be appreciated!

[ThomasZan]

Take a break from soccer, possibly indefinite.

I played very high level soccer, and have not been able to play after my concussion. I could probably play a friendly non-agressive game without too many symptoms except heading the ball is really out of the question for me, and without that skill playing at a high level is not possible.

Take time off to let your brain heal, and pick up a less intensive sport, I personally am thinking about starting to swim more competitively.

[poetrymom]

Hi Allday

Sorry to hear of your struggles. Your symptoms are real though and you do need to rest your brain and I hope just stay away from soccer now. The CT scan will show nothing but there are things broken up in your brain.

Take a look at the stickie on vitamins and get some good nutrition going too. that will help your brain deal with anxiety and of course just reduce stress in your life every way you can.

Not sure if you had your neck looked at, but it too can get out of whack from head hits and it can mimic concussion symptoms.

Hope you rest and heal.

Sincerely,

poetrymom

[allday310]

Thanks for the comments. ThomasZan i too was playing at a high level and was actually a couple of weeks away from going to Chivas USA open tryouts before i fell apart, but could not physically do it. I was thinking about swimming myself but i cannot do any physical activity right now 5 months after my last known concussion. School has not allowed me to rest

Poetrymom thanks for your insight. I did not have my neck checked doctors advised me to let myself stabilize before i do any chiropractic evaluations or anything. I am currently taking oneaday mens vitamins and eating walnuts for omega 3. I know salmon is the best but i have a hard time digesting fish.