not on any meds right now, although I am in a lot of pain today. I am scared to take meds. my brain is so messed up

do you find that written communication is easier? (perhaps because I can take my time?)

I am finding verbal communication really challenging also because my listening skills are out of whack.

Yes, I prefer writing to speaking. I did the former professionally, before my TBI, so my hold skills are pretty good. As you say, it gives one the chance to compose the message in our own time, without interruption (I lose my train of thought when interrupted) and can be checked before it's sent.

Whenever possible I write, limit the number of participants in a face to face verbal exchange and avoid the phone like the plague.

I initially had a great deal of trouble with this. I would even forget what I was talking about mid-sentence! It is better now, but I still have mixed-up words daily word finding problems every day. I also have a funny problem where everyone in my family is now "Bill" (my husband's name), and I don't know why I do this! It's great though, because everyone just answers, "which Bill?"!!!

I have begun to read out loud better since getting my prism glasses, but I still have those pauses where my mouth wants to say the word, but nothing comes out. Just try not to get too stressed by this, because then it just seems to get worse.

I do believe it is just fatigue or stress related, as mentioned by others here. I prefer to write rather than speak, too.

OH MY GAWD, I have that too. My mouth wants to say it, but nothing comes out or it is such a struggle to get it out even though I know exactly what words I want to say.

I was way worse before Attention Processing Training. Before APT, if something entered my visual field, I'd just incorporate it, unconsciously, into my conversation. For example: "Your fly called. She'd like you to go to your sister's birthday party."

I only knew I'd had a slip because of the strange, puzzled looks I'd get.

It still happens, but not as often.

OMG. so sorry, Hockey. man. is this concussion stuff for real... is this actually happening???!!! really? this is my life???!!!

Yes, it's real, but the takeaway message is that it can get better.

APT helped me regain the ability to ignore extraneous stimulation. Among other things, I had to do this exercise where I had to focus on one message, while others were mumbled in the background. At first, it seemed impossible, and I thought I'd go bonkers, but, now, if necessary, I can conduct a coherent conversation in a busy location.