Thanks again everyone. Really appreciated.




I'm trying my Hardest to look at everything more positive. But it's just hard.


I'm going to definetly be talking to my parents about the concussion clinic, and school. And keep In mind all the advice you have all told me.


I look back to when I first got this injury... Would have never thought I would still be struggling so much 10 months later.



Sam

Sam,

I can understand your disappointment in the nurse and others dropping you....I was supposed to have been seen by my neuro surgeon at 6 months. They forgot and took another 3 months to get me in.

He was surprised to see me in as poor a condition as I was at 9 months and said," I didn't expect you to be this bad, I've done all I can." No recommendations as to where to turn were given.

A successful guy I knew told me once, "Don't be afraid to kick the door open to get somewhere." Sometimes schools respond to a squeaky wheel if you know what I mean.

Bud

There are online schools, K12, and up- many are free, those might be worth looking into you can set your own pace and take breaks as needed..

http://www.onlineschools.org/

I thought of that too but they mean computer screen time.

Sam really needs to find a concussion specialist like at Mass General rather than a pediatrician and alternative therapy system.

Exactly my feelings. This is our new reality though and we both have to move forward to regain some sense of ourselves. I completely empathize with you.

Hi Sam,

A couple thoughts:

1. About school: when my daughter had her concussion, we were under the care of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, so her Return-to-School plan was amazing. They controlled how the school parsed out her work in a very slow manner while she continued under their care, and the school could not increase work without the doctors' sign-off. All her teachers & nurse were aware of the plan. I've no doubt it's because we were able to be in the CHOP system. I have heard very different stories from many other people, not just you. If you can get to Mark's suggested hospital, GO. It makes a difference and you need it now, and yes, you probably need/qualify for a 504/IEP but your parents should contact the school district now to start getting info.

2. About therapy: Since my concussions over the past 13 months, I have struggled with suicidal thoughts. Seeing a therapist does help. First of all, it is a lifeline to someone who is not bogged down by us at home. Second, they are professionals who can help give us practical skills on how to manage these feelings when they come up: our brains are messed up, so it's even harder to work with intense feelings on our own. I do Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which is mindfulness based and teaches lots of practical skills, but you can see any recommended therapist you are comfortable with.

I would recommend really prioritizing finding the therapist.

It's very hard to feel so humbled and ask for all this help, right? I've been there.

Be well.
Julie