Thank you Kitt

If you are thinking of trying to return to work, there is a great booklet put out by the Mayo Clinic for employers that helps them understand issues you may encounter as you come back to work.

I sent it to my boss and closest co-workers before I started back to work.

You can download it here: http://www.mayo.edu/pmts/mc1200-mc1299/mc1298.pdf

Sleep sleep and more sleep!

Just returned to work last week and here's my regimen:

4 hours a day 3 days a week for 1 month - the rest of the schedule is to be determined.

I understand your concerns with returning to work. I found on the day that I did not get adequate sleep the night before I had many of my symptoms reoccur - photophobia, dizziness, feeling out of sorts, inability to concentrate etc. When these symptoms start- I immediately go take a 10-15 minute brain break. An app called HeadSpace is great for this as it's a quick guided relaxation exercise.

Also- I now show up 15 minutes earlier than before to associate myself to the day, and plan my day out. This really seems to have helped.

My Neuro Ot also said 'be in control' and when I begin to feel out of control I remember that I am my own advocate for me and I will bot allow situations to dictate me (haha easier thought than done) however it does remind me to center myself by focusing on something not moving and regain control.

Go slow and be honest with your bosses and co-workers. They know you had your bell rung and will be more then willing to allow you what you need to succeed.

And if not- remember your body is your first priority- take the steps you need to heal=} Hope it goes smoothly!

I should also note that my employer had been extremely graceful on me. I also have a neuro OT I am working with who had come to my job and spoken to my coworkers and suggested implementing some things to help with my symptoms such as window coverings for glare and computer coverings for glare as well.

My OT has designed the re-entry work schedule for me and it's a 6-10 week re-entry before I'm back to 40 hours. I still have my benefits and still have my position. I come in for my allotted time- do a brain break half way through- and do the best I can and the most I can for those 4 hours.

Then I come home and rest before continuing on with home life.

My biggest whoopsie originally was not resting and taking on the I can do it all even with a brain injury motto. Let's say that made my healing more like a slow degradation of my capacity and brain functioning than it was 'healing'.

With the right knowledge now to get back to work I think I will have less symptoms. And I do just as thrasher does .... Brain Break immediately when a symptom pops up.