[Slg1]

Hello all... Well, I can't believe it has been a full year since my car accident. I am still have uncontrolled neuropathic chronic pain and still have issues with post-concussion syndrome. My hearing (hyperacusis) is getting better but the rest is not. I have had wonderful support from family and the friends that stuck around but I am frustrated that I can't find a support group near where I live or better attention to my concussion issues! It's like it's being forgotten amongst the plethora of pain issues I am having. Well, my head feels worse as I used to be able to do things like read, do basic math in my head and not talk without slurring, stuttering or forgetting words; not to mention lack of short-term memory. It's a lot to cope with and thinking of going through this for another year is frightening. I am a new member but am glad to be here.

[Mark in Idaho]

Slg1,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your struggles.

Please tell us more about your struggles and what we can do to help.

What diagnostics and treatments have you had ?

Where is your pain ?

[anon1028]

stay hopeful. The next year may see quite a bit is improvement.

[Hockey]

Welcome to NT.

MVAs brought many of us to this place.

Given your pain issues, and the mechanism of injury, I'm assuming you're battling whiplash and/or other spinal issues. I know the pain is terrible, and the medicine taken to control it, can contribute to the fogginess of the TBI.

I agree that it is very hard to access care, especially for TBI. In my province, what meaningful care I got, I had to pay for privately.

Before you do that, do try and push you GP for a neuro-psych referral to identify your problem areas. Your TBI "dream team" should include a neurologist, physical medical specialist, psychologist, PT, OT, cognitive therapist and a speech language pathologist (before SLP, I slurred, stuttered and fought for words, too).

I know it's hard, but if you don't fight for care, you probably won't get it.

Hang in there!

[Slg1]

Mark In Idaho, sorry it has taken me so long to write back. My sternum was broken when the accident happened so I still get aches and pains there. Most of my pain is neuropathic and I feel it from my neck to my lower back. I get dizzy when walking (mostly when I look around). I also had an eye injury and had to get my prescription changed. Now I wear glasses all the time and the vision has not improved.

I am on Lyrica right now, 2 antidepressants and sleeping pills. I can take some stronger pain pills when needed and I always try to use the TENS unit before I take those.

I joined the group just to be able to seek out those who know what I am going through and also to help where I can; learn something new.

Thanks!

[Hockey]

Have you contacted the Brain Injury Association of Canada? I don't know in which province you reside, but the main site will a provide link to the relevant chapter. http://www.biac-aclc.ca

What sort of support you'll find will vary from province to province, and even community to community. Until recently, my local chapter was pretty much moribund. However, with a new director, things are looking up.

[Mark in Idaho]

You ought to try high doses of Omega 3 DHA fish oil. It helps with nerve fiber injuries. Also, the complete B regimen listed in the Vitamins sticky at the top.

What antidepressants are you taking ? two sounds extreme.

[Slg1]

Hockey: I did take a look at the BIAC and there is nothing in my area. I also checked the Health Unit and Hospitals. Hence, here I am!

Mark: I am taking high doses of Omega-3 - when I remember!!! I was on Bupropion before the accident and Cipralex was added after. Actually, I couldn't get back into the car before they doubled my dose of Cipralex. Now I can drive short distance, although I still am a white-knuckled driver. And heaven forbid an emergency vehicle siren is within earshot. I don't even have to be in the car for that to bother me.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD as well as depression, somatic symptom disorder, anxiety, and adjustment disorder.