between the concussion and acquired brain injury, I was lucky to avoid any cognitive difficulties, at least I think so. but the sensory symptoms - tinnitus, parasthesia, burning pain, fatigue from terrible sleep - are quite incapacitating. it's been 7 years and athough I a going to take marks advice and to to physiatrist, I have to decide for my peace of mind whether I will work again or not. I do not have kids or much family near me so it is quite hard to keep busy and get company so work was my personal as well as business life. don't know what to think. I was able to work after concussion. the abi did me in.

I don't think you can make a hard decision like that right now. You have unresolved issues that need to be resolved. Create a list of goals and a list of the things you need to do to attain those goals. Then, start chipping away at that second list bit by bit.

mark your help and advice have been invaluable the past few weeks and I feel like I have some direction and dare I say hope after all these years. waiting to hear back from a few physiatrists.

Never give up.

I have the same thought daily... Will I go back to work... Can I do my job... My entire recovery is based on "will this get me back to work?" I have become obsessed... and probably not in a good way...

damn straight

if it motivates you that is good but don't let it get you upset. you are early n your recovery and believe me after one tbi and two abi's I've found the recuperative powers of the brain are stronger than thought. I remember waking up not knowing where I was, and not being able to type. I just take each day now

You are going to be a better person from this experience. As such, you will be better at your job. I believe it is not what you do or how much you do, but with what attitude you approach it. I believe if you do your job with more passion, appreciation, love and gratitude, you will get a "better" result.

My approach is to plan for the worst, but hope (and work) for the best.

To cover the worst case scenario, I fought - and won - a lawsuit.
Still, I would LOVE to be able to work, again.

I have resigned myself to the fact that I will never be able to return to my demanding, high octane career. However, I've reached the point where I would be happy to be able to do ANYTHING that gave me the validation of a pay cheque.

I'm not there, yet, and maybe I never will be (so say my doctors and PT), but I'm not going to give up.

No matter how hard I work at my recovery, there is no guarantee I'll succeed. All I can know is, that if I stop trying, I'm guaranteed to fail.

Never give up! The brain continues to grow and heal until we die. I know how hard it is and my return to work is not easy nor very successful. I don't work in a noisy place, luckily,and I work a lot in silence. But I mess deadlines, forget to do things, am not doing my core duties well and my promotion opportunities are dead. But I feel pride that I am doing it. It means a huge step for me and I have to reframe my definition of success.Success now is that I showed up and took my place.

I hope you can keep your hope alive.