I posted in new members but here's the quick run down. I'm a school bus monitor and was attacked by a student on 3/17 of this year, he beat my head off the inside of the bus and I was eventually diagnosed with a concussion and now PCS.

I try to stay positive, and I know a lot of you out there have been dealing with these type of symptoms much longer, but some days I'm just so frustrated. I still don't feel like myself. The doctor has me on nortriptyline for the headaches and mood issues, meclizine for the dizziness, and I just started adderall for concentration, though it seems to be making everything worse.

I already had fibromyalgia before all of this, and that's the whole reason I was working as a bus monitor in the first place. I just feel like, I'm only 31, and I already had to manage one crappy disability, and I'm kind of terrified I'm going to have another. I'm sorry if this seems whiny or anything, it just seems like no one in my life understands what I'm going through right now, plus I still can't drive and I'm at home on workman's comp and kind of going crazy some days haha. Thanks for letting me vent a little.

Don't worry. You are not alone. We are all feeling very frustrated due to the lack of understanding from the loved ones, as well as the inability to carry out the life we are used to. Sometimes I dread getting up in the morning for the fear of being bored out of my mind the all day. Killing time has never been more difficult.

I am sorry to hear about what happened to you. I also understand that your frustration may also come from how you sustained your injury.

I use to sleep a lot just to avoid how I felt, but it had to stop because I have a 5 year old that needs me. I was lucky enough that my parents helped me out in the beginning. I've been trying to do crafts to keep myself busy, but the ability to do them isn't always there, and I can't seem to concentrate on reading a book either.

you are only five months into recovery and can improve very much still. I know it is hard but try to be patient. people with more experience will be along today to give you some guidance and help.

Akasya,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I am sorry to her of your injury.

I think you are too early to be on a stimulant like Adderral . Even the dizziness med might be rough. It is an antihistamine. The two may be working against each other. The Nortriptyline is common and many get good results from it.

It will help to get on a brain nutrition supplement regimen. Check out the Vitamins sticky at the top.

And, here, we all understand what you are going through.

My best to you.

The nortriptyline has helped a lot, especially with the headaches. He gave me the meclizine months ago, but I've taken it very sparingly. I'm going to give the adderall like a week and if I keep feeling like this I'm going to call my doctor back. I have a neuropsych evaluation scheduled for next month, so I'm hoping it helps. I'm going to check out that thread now, I just have to ask my doctor to approve anything I take since it's a workman's comp case. Thank you

Your doctor has to approve vitamins ?

I have never heard of anything like that.

If the WC doc prescribed the Adderral, I would be concerned. He may be trying to get you back to work faster than your brain is ready. You should not be settling your WC claim and going back to work until you don't need meds.

My best to you.

He's been pretty good so far, and super careful because I have what he calls floating eye. My workers comp is very picky, so he has to be aware of everything before I take it. I see him every 4 weeks so I'm going to bring it up at my next appointment. I'm not happy with the Adderral at all. Workers comp already pressured him to release me and he refused, so I'm hoping he stays more concerned for me. I just don't understand why he prescribed it so soon in recovery.

Hi

I realize you already had some difficulties before your head injury. Hang in there. The brain takes a long time to heal and it is very frusterating at times, but believe it. Your brain can heal.

Do look at the vitamin stickie. I took vitamins and fish oil for years before my injury and I do swear by these as helps to sooth your injured brain and help you deal with stress.

But I am mostly healed, back at work, and I come here to offer hope to people like you. Ask your questions, do your part to rest and take charge of your nutrition, and buckle in for patience. Brain injuries can teach that.

Sincerely

poetrymom

yes. i hear you loud and clear. Only six weeks into this, and feel like it's me versus the world. Upped my antidepressant, and seeking out a therapist. May need to quit my job (been back at work two days, and it's rough).