Hi

I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks, and have found this board so encouraging, I thought I would be polite and introduce myself rather than hide.

I slipped on ice and landed on the back of my head 6 weeks ago on Friday the 13th. Nothing dramatic, just clumsiness and winter combined. Within minutes the front of my head was throbbing, and my neck was sore. I didn't black out, no nausea, si I assumed I was fine. I hosted dinner for my hubby's birthday that evening and had several drinks, and went skiing the next day. Thankfully I didn't fall.

Fast forward to Monday and I had trouble at work - concentration, headache, unable to carry on a conversation coherently., slurring words. I assumed I was over tired and tried to push through. Long story short, my colleagues thought I was off, I saw a doctor and was diagnosed with a mild concussion and whiplash and told I could continue to work.

I saw my own doctor 2 days later when symptoms increased and have been off work since.

I had an MRI yesterday, because I had a bad fall in January, that I now think may have been a concussion as well. I ski with a helmet, so I thought I was safe.

After 5 weeks of brain rest, I'm returning to work Monday on a reduced schedule - 4 hrs from home for 2 days. I spend my day looking a computers, so I'm hesitant. My doctor thinks that some normal life will help me feel less frustrated. I'm willing to try and hoping it goes well. I'm still waiting for the neuro to see me.

I'm so grateful to see that I'm normal - at least for someone who has had a concussion!

Aelfaba,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear about your fall. How can we help ?

Welcome, Aelfaba!

How are you feeling now? Do you still have symptoms?

You sound nervous about returning to work. I don't blame you - 4 hours a day is a lot to jump into. However, it can be helpful to get a little bit of stimulation. You should probably be mindful and self-monitor (without being anxious), paying attention to any symptoms. If they return, take a break until they subside. If they keep returning, you probably need to stop. I think that's how you'll find out how you do with the screen time. Try not to worry in advance, but it's good that you are aware of how concussion recovery can be a non-linear progression.

Don't be hard on yourself. Keep us posted!

Julie

Thanks for the welcome! Just reading everyone's stories is very reassuring. I know I'm early to the process at 6 weeks, but I always assumed a concussion was a couple of screen free weeks, and then all was fine. I was surprised to be down so long. With 2 young kids and a busy career, this has thrown me for a loop.

I still have symptoms - headaches, ears ringing, dizzy spells, tired and hard to focus on more than 1 thing at a time.

Work is my biggest concern at the moment. I discussed with my GP and this is a trial - we will reevaluate after a couple of weeks. She wants me to see a neurologist before going full time. On a good note, I will work from home and can do several short stints in the day.

How do other people manage work?

I should add that I struggle with busy times - church on Sunday is overwhelming and exhausting. getting my kids dressed and off to school & daycare is very hard as well. My daughters school play was really overwhelming. This is particularly hard since I am a naturally social person.

A couple of important points for you to consider.

First, multi-tasking is not going to be helpful to recovery nor very successful. So, try to stop trying to focus on more than one thing at a time.

For many of us, a church environment, especially with the loud music and lots of voices, is just not possible yet. Anything that causes fatigue is slowing your recovery.

It is very likely that your slow recovery is due to trying to keep up with your family and outside activities. You need to be very selective about your activities. Just those activities needed to keep the family going, nothing more.

More later. My computer keyboard keeps freezing. Maybe it has PCS.