I've been wondering how other's are dealing w/ PCS and Life after TBi.
It's good to hear about progress--of Nancy's son but the regressions, resurfacing PCS problems is sad, and familiar. As Donna has shared she's improved but symptoms have persisted. the relization of being different, changed in ways that are difficult to express, for many to understand, that may never be same as before head injury is a reality bite-

Hit hard yesterday after I was assessed for a traumatic brain injury program. After the exhaustive interviews by nurse & program co-orrdinator, I became so aware of my issues & problems stemming from TBi , I cried & cried. I know I've not been the same since TBi. I try to deal w/ issues, but to have so much put on the table for all to see & know.... put into a different perspective for me , that Overwhelmed...

I was making progress, then regressed. Felt "stuck". So call went out for help-will see what this program may offer me & my family. Because it's state [funded ] involves long process of assessments/interviews by various agencies, med professionals, etc. that will take several weeks just to find out IF qualify. Meanwhile.... try to get on w/ Life....

I've been doing research on TBi, to learn more, for understanding what was going on so would not be so at affect of; also to pursue most appropriate treatments, interventions, support, advocacy.

I have learned much...that every Brain & injury is different.

Many do heal- well & quickly- research indicates majority of mild head injury/concussions resolve.
but some experience persisting, and even devasting affects in many areas of Life-changes in personality; cognitive, perceptual, emotional problems--that affect family, social, work & personal functions.

Organic damage can show up as depression; headaches; visual, hearing or hormonal disturbances; bowel or bladder control--soon after injury or weeks, months later, based on severity, location, area of brain injured. TBi is unique....presenting diversity of challenges to professionals & all affected; Familys, loved ones like Nancy intimately know this.

All head injurys differ-in severity, manifestations & recovery process. "Mild" TBi seems to be more misunderstood, with multiple diverse symptoms that are often not easily recognizable; diagnostic difficulties, delays in treatments (or none) and if/ when persists.... crazy making...

Some of us , inc. DRs & other professionals, know that even "mild" head injury can be seriously disabling, that Life can- does change after TBi and we aren't the same as before.

My Hx of traumatic brain injury-several in 10 years-complicated; last injury 6 mths ago & post concussive syndrome symptoms that persist are disabling for me. my Life changed after first TBi but now ....
I'm experiencing many of the problems addressed --Cognitive, perceptual; visual; headaches; bladder control, even depression appear to be "organic" (may also be psychogenic compoments ) but last injury was Left side of Brain.

[per research] Damage to left side of brain results in depletion of monamin neurotransmitters (seratonin, dopamin, etc) resulting in insomnia w/ sleep debt & fatigue {my big complaint} and perhaps lowered Thyroid hormone and overproduction of stress hormone Cortisol.
Insomnia blocks replenishment of "feel good " hormones. These & other TBI "stressors' all contribute to depression and poor memory by atrophy of Hippocampus-the memory center of brain.... there is more -research that validates [some] things that change Life afer Tbi...

My Life is different; each of us affected by TBi goes thru a unique process. Education & support are essential. I wish all -the best.

Pono,
Thank you for all your articles. I have been busy with work and summer and have not read all but will browse more in the next few days. Alot of interesting stuff coming forward about neuro deficits that alot of people just do not realize. I hope your rehab program helps. I am sure all the assessment involved initially is painful and tedious to go through. As you and Donna both say, you will never be the some but maybe somewhere in all the struggles, you are better than you were before, perhaps more compassionate and wiser in a different way. I respect you both so much for your efforts and empathy for others. Knowledge does enpower you and take away alot of fear and anxiety. I am sending positive vibes your way and wish you all the best!

Nancy, thanks.... for your ongoing support & positivity. wish you & family the best too!

While I deal w/ daily challenges, going thru this process for TBi program. Just got call from program director, who's a great advocate, asking if I'd gotten to DR -- for the essential medical forms, TBi certification , needs , etc. - that should be OK & process can continue.

For me more issues came up w/ the DR. -- highly recommended Brain Injury specialist--physiatrist-Dr of physical medicine working in Rehab.

he said "I can't help you" . Realize, My Hx & Sx are bit complex, but at my 3rd appt. this Specialist was indicating he'd run out of options for me. Hes more med focused than I'd hoped -thought Physiatrists would know more about brain injury (from treating TBi, strokes, MS & more) and have variety of treatmt options, alternatives, etc.--Besides meds. I was initailly skeptical of going to Rehab Dr--felt Sx of my "mild" injury too minimal? or obsucre for viable treatment in this setting dealing w/ more Severe injurys , But everyone said "he's Good-the Best" inc. TBi program director, and counselor of support TBI group, who made referrel.

while TBi may be cause of many of my problems & issues, my diverse presentation of Sx complicates. Besides "common" PCS affects, I also have chronic pain, neuropathies, & Hx of "falls"< this is The complicator--originally thought to Seizures-tests ruled out. Then Cervical /spine dis. like Chiari II ruled out per recent tests; MRI showed nothing. This is Good News-don't need surgery, but what is it?? Why do I fall, like a rag doll?? Been to so many specialists/ Neuro's --no answer. My concern is that these falls have generated additional head injurys--cumulative damage??? What culd that next fall do?? even if "mild" ...as all my TBi's classified.

Per my request, DR. did give RX for Keppra-anticonvulsant, w/ fewer side f/x than others I've used (like Topamax-for migraines; Lyrica--for nerve pain] -- all indicated for other uses besides seizures, for many of my Sx.

I haven't tried Keppra-yet. I seem to be very sensitive to meds. Just stopped Cymalta--heart palps, chest pain were too much. I do try to allow time for body to adjust to meds, endure Side f/x hoping will eventually help but so far limited benefits outnumbered by adverse & scary side f/x.

I 'd prefer "non-drug" interventions. Even more benign supplements & vitamins can have affects or interactions.
I'm taking Methyl B12 -for fatigue; brain -nerve cell "protection".
MSM--recently begun per recommendation of other's whose nerve pain was helped w/ use .
Melatonin-- for sleep problems; Not helping-yet; will try increase dose.
Magnisium Oxide-- prescribed by Dr; do wonder if Mag Ox is best form??
[have to visit Vit/supplmt, herb Forum]

Know Exercise & focused Breathing reported as the BEST for TBi and most everything. Haven't generated the discipline to incorporate daily. Trying various forms--yoga, Tai chi, etc.

My PCP just referred me to new Neurologist.... hate going to new Drs.... but.... I also hate falling ....and other Sx of TBi...

also finally got referall for NeuroPsychologist--actually communication issue resulted in my missing-coz i didn't know had appt. DR D called me when this occured, had chance to discuss some things w/ him, really liked him. so will f/u ...

Meanwhile, try to get thru day, & Nite<for me worst for pain, neuropathies. Sleep debt w/ fatigue .... affects so much--Cognitively, emotionally, physically....
Challenges continue, Life goes on in different ways, after TBi

life since TBi continues to be up and down... Brain Injury program director said this is what he's seen in the years he's worked w/ people with brain injury--severe, moderate, mild-- some have made great progress esp. w/ support, assistive devices and technology but still go thru good & bad times from affects of TBi...

Jon said the most common is short term memory .
I shared fears about cooking, using stove after burning things when I walked away & "forgot" what I was doing, creating another issue: safety. Prefer use microwave also because of fatigue; I can barely stand long enough to heat food.

I'd hoped supplements would've helped more; been using Methyl B12 which has helped (got me up & out of bed) but still drag thru day.
Ongoing sleep problems, which melatonin or prescription meds , hasn't helped much; sleep a bit but wake unrefreshed.

I feel this is a contributor to depression that's hitting hard again.
but other situations in my Life also exacerbators .... affects of the affects of prior cognitive dysfunction, w/ managing finances, bills, etc.
and medical issues that may or may not be connected to brain injury-- chronic pain , neuro problems, & more....much more....

Focus again placed on my "disabilities" w/ another intensive interview yesterday-- w/ nurse from another agency --last phases of assessment for Brain Injury program. These interviews/ questions make me feel worse, focusing on Negatives.... to access support. I wish I didn't "need"..

Jon feels I will qualify for program. My Hx of TBi spans 12 years now.
Last injury 7 mths ago exaccerbated all. problems resulting may be helped by program but it's not a fix all... services are good, but limited. more services for those w/ severe TBi, but Jon agrees that mild TBI very challenging. Good to have someone who understands as advocate, offering support & more.

Hope all are progressing, finding ways to deal w/ Life after TBi...