Hi Willem, Like Lara my first thought was it sounds like PTSD you're suffering from. Glad you kicked alcohol, that doesn't help any psychosis, it can take months for the brain to overcome the effects. Do you exercise at all? I was thinking maybe the endorphins would help your anxiety and doing a team sport would help your confidence.

Thank you for the response. I used to gym intensely before then, and stopped when the issues started. I lost about 10kg in a month. How does one treat this? It feels like I am going to be a irrationally nervous, anxious, depressed, fearful person for the rest of my life.

Everything that I am experiencing had been present since the injury, but now it's intensity is a hundred fold.

It also feels to me personally that therapy would make things worse, or just not better at all. I am so scared.

I'm currently on Cilift (citalopram) 20mg, and have been for many years. I am worried that it is actually making my symptoms worse. I tried to wean myself off of it over a span of a month or so before however, and it turned out really badly.

Like you I lost weight early on with PCS, I lost about 12 pounds, which I've put on again.

Anxiety leading to depression seems to be a common thread regarding PCS, most of us on this forum have suffered from it to some degree. Most doctors prescribe AD's for it, first Amitryptaline then SSRI's or SNRI's like citalopram and mirtazapine which helps the majority. I didn't find them particularly helpful so had to find other ways to cope which wasn't easy. I found walking to be beneficial, gradually increasing the length, I found it made me feel healthier, took my mind off myself. I also try using mindfulness, thinking about positive things, happy memories and such like, basically day dreaming I suppose lol.

I would give talking therapy a go, you might find it unlocks doors for you.

Regarding your citalopram I think you were a little ambitious trying to wean off it in only a month after being on it so long. I think it would take 3/4 months of very gradual tapering, ask your doctor to see if you can get it in liquid form for easier dosing. Also, sometimes doctors can prescribe another AD for limited time to wean you off the one you're on when you get to a difficult low level.

Personally I think getting drugs fee is the way to go but everyone has their own view on this including doctors.

Good luck!

I am glad I was able to lift your spirits! I hope that I can give back to this forum as much as it has given to me.

Sorry to hear about your disappointment with the EEG results. My opinion is to just bite the bullet, as you say, and attend the follow up appointment. As I'm sure you know, there seems to be a lot of chasing nothing when it comes to seeking help for PCS symptoms. Who knows, maybe the next test will show something.

Don't get discouraged! There is always hope. I know that as long as I am on this Earth I will continue to fight. You should do the same! I'm pulling for you, my friend . We are all stronger if we join together in this battle.

I would be grateful the EEG came back negative. It means your brain is working correctly, at least in the recognizable seizure category. An EEG is not going to show how your mind is thinking. It looks at how your brain is functioning. The brain and the mind are two different things.

Have you had any blood work done ? Thyroid and other hormones would be good. Weight loss can indicate a thyroid problem. Thyroid malfunction can effect thinking processes, depression, etc. Also, a good blood sugar test may be in order. Getting B-12, folate, D3, mag and some other levels tested would be good.

Are you taking any B-12 vitamin supplements ? It would be a great start to finding solutions. Weight loss is a symptom of B-12 deficiency. 2000 to 5000 mcgs per day would be good. Methylcobalamin B-12 is best.

Hi,

It's been some time since I have made this topic, and there have been vast improvements with my mental state.

I have experienced such major improvements, that I feel more alive than I have in many many years- all through the power of God.

Have been baptised since, and given my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, and gotten rid of all negative influences in my life.

Going strong now, almost a year, without alcohol and illegal drugs

I am still struggling a lot with certain things though, mainly: focus, attention span, major memory issues, and mental processing. Major distracting issues.

Major hyperfocus and boredom/distracting issues.

It is affecting my work negatively, and I even avoid driving anymore because I get distracted so easily, and zone out that I forget the rules of the road.

Have nearly caused a couple of accidents, so I'm driving as little as possible now. Fortunately, I have an amazing loving and understanding wife that helps me in this, and many other regards to my weaknesses.

So, now I am wondering if it would not be worth approaching doctors with the possibility of the treatment of ADHD symptoms via example Ritalin. Because that is exactly what it feels like, after reading somewhat into the symptoms.

It's hard to explain. It feels like my mind is everywhere, but nowhere at the same time?

Could anyone please share or give some advice to this?

Willem,

There is an Adderall thread just a bit back, maybe a week ago. Have you tried caffeine to see if it helps ?

Regarding driving, I find I am safest in a vehicle with lots of steering feedback. Cushy seats and soft power steering allows me to lose track of the task at hand.

Congrats on your new birthday.

Thank you, especially for the new birthday comment!!

Coffee, I have about 2 in the morning which I do think helps me wake up somewhat from the hazy feeling.

I have enquired about Adderall before, but it's not available in my country (South Africa). So I've been wondering about Ritalin instead.

But will have a look non the less

Like Mark, it's taking me time to work through your post.

I echo the suggestion of a neuro-psychological test. It really is the best way to access how your brain in working and how that is impacting your day to day functioning. Once your issues/deficits have been identified, therapies can be targeted accordingly.

Just from the symptoms you've described, you sound like a candidate for intervention to help you with PTSD. Attention processing therapy might also help you improve your focus and get those racing thoughts under control.

The point is, once your neuro-psych identifies your problems, there are medications, therapies and adaptations that can improve your life. Knowledge is power.

Hi Willem,

Here are some things the psychiatrists suggested for focus/attention issue:

Stimulants - Vyvanse, Concerta, Adderall
Non Stimulants - Intuniv, kapvay, Strattera, Aplenzin

But definitely see a neuropsych, they are very helpful in determining what your brain issues are.

Hang in there!