I have attempted to return to work this week. My doctor who is a sports medicine MD put me on 4 hours every other day for the first two weeks.

I am really struggling with spending that much time on the computer. After my 4 hours and the drive home, I have headaches for the rest of the day and into the next day.

Headaches have been a big problem with my PCS. I am on nortripiline which helps but I am finding is not enough now that I am back to work. I also take prescribed Naproxen but am still struggling.

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

It sounds to me like you are definitely pushing it too hard. I would talk to your doctor about slowing down. Headaches are not a good sign. I'm not sure about your financial situation though.

When did your injury take place? Any other symptoms?

I always feel sorry for someone who is subjected to a formula for return to work and such rather than a symptoms based approach that considers the work environment. Computer work is known to be a heavy stress on a recovering brain.

I hope you get some relief from your head ache.

My best to you.

Like danny T said if you can financially try and talk with your employer and decrease it to 3 days per week, or 2 hours every day. . . .it seems like 4 hours daily is not helping you heal at the moment. Headaches are a sign you're pushing too hard and could probably prolong healing.

If you must work and can't get more reduced hours, perhaps there is some special computer glasses? Or a glare reducing screen or settings to make it more tolerable?
https://www.google.com/search?q=conc...+computer+work


Sometimes the overhead lights can be a problem also.. maybe a hat or visor if they seem to be bothersome?

Thanks for the feedback. I was in a car accident 11/14 so I am a little over the 3 month mark in recovery.

My other symptoms are fatigue, light and noise sensitivity, head pressure, headaches and fogginess.

I have huge problems with computers, tv and reading.

Do you think a neuro ophthalmologist would be of any help?

Hi Sharon,

The computer work is brutal- have you had your vision assessed?

If not, look for a behavioral optometrist-- I just saw one on Tuesday & the work struggles are finally documented.

Earplugs while shopping will help--avoid driving @ night as well.

In hindsight, overdoing it always seems not worth the momentary satisfaction.

Are you on the vitamin regimen?

We know how it feels if that helps,
Grace

Sharon- so sorry for your troubles.

I'm on the same back to work schedule - 3 days at 4 hours and it increases every month. I've also had some days wheee my headaches were worse. The days that are better are when I take my brain break (10-20 minutes of dark quite room, no screens, prayer or meditation and ....a slinky as I walk around the room --I can give you info on this if you Pm me). It seems after my brain breaks I'm way more adept at handling computer work and leave work feeling confident and headache free.

Days I don't BB or forget to eat and hydrate- forget it! I just smile and nod my way through the intense pain.

Pacing is important!

I went to a neuroopthamalogist and though she was outstanding- all she could really tell me was that I had a brain injury.

The BIGGEST help was finding a Neuro Rehab center that works with stroke and brain injury patients (your sports med doc may know of one) but finding a vision Occupational Therapist who knows about visual processing, ambient vs focal vision, and can help you recover. That after 2 years of wondering what was going on with my sight- was my saving grace. I worked with mine 2xs a week for 4 months so far and she's been amazing. At first I could only last 1/2 hour before I'd get a mega headache and have to lay down- by the 3rd month I was rocking it!

I'd recommend trying to do it through a hospital as opposed to an optrition (sp?) as insurance will cover it unless your insurance covers vision. Pm me if you want more detail.

Pace yourself! Brain Breaks - my doc says - every 2 hours or earlier are essential!

I thought I was doing pretty well with taking breaks from the computer.

Maybe my brain is not ready.

I ordered some computer glasses, thanks for the tip. I hope they help. They should get here tomorrow.

I am going to try another week and see what happens.

This is very frustrating. I appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thank you.

Glad I am not alone but sorry others are suffering.

Hi Sharon,
I just went looking for some of the older threads and posts about computer tips. I found one I posted that has other links in there as well.


<<I remembered there were quite a number of threads posted in the past regarding light sensitivity and working at the computer.

I found a couple of them that xanadu posted.

Tips for working with light sensitivity:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread163832.html

Making your computer more accessible:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread166767.html

There are more throughout the TBI/PCS forum.
You can do a search for specific keywords in the forum search feature
or at the top right of the list of threads and posts here, it says Search this Forum.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/search.php

>>