This forum is full of negative energy. It really needs an overhaul. I believe when people visit they are filled with anxiety and hopelessness.

Like today, I just checked in and I saw people reporting how their deficits are permanent. I am barely holding on and need to believe I will get better. I can't see these types of stories.

I know plenty of people in person who have gotten better. Where are these people?! Tell your stories! We need this more than anything!!!

You may be spending too much time reading too many threads. What posts mentioned permanent deficits ? I have not seen any lately.

I have stated many times. Brain injuries are permanent. But, improvements are attainable for all but a very few. Rehab experience shows that the best recoveries happen when the patient accepts their current state of injury and symptoms and uses that as a foundation to move forward. When we constantly look at things as "I can't do that." versus, "I'll do that activity a different way," we get stuck in negativity. Moving forward despite our struggles allows us to rebuild our lives and reinvent our lives.

I have lived with horrible PCS limitations but can't understand why so many dive for a dark cave every time they encounter a struggle. I've had to leave stores, restaurants, church functions, etc. Over time, I have learned how to moderate these events so I can attend most of them.

Our lives changed when we got injured. But, we still can live a full life.

What have you tried to do to reinvent your life so you can move forward with the struggles you have ?

What Mark is saying is so, so true: I didn't really start to recover, until I stopped denying my injury. Once I stopped thinking I'd somehow just get back to 100%, I started working on the adaptations that have made my daily life so much better.

Yeah, I am still disabled and, barring a medical miracle, always will be. However, when I compare my initial prognosis to where I am now, I think, "WOW!"

If I can do it, anybody can.

Mark,

Why do you think all brain injuries are permanent? What about people that say they feel they have recovered fully from PCS? And why couldn't the brain heal fully if you take supplements, sleep well and exercise?

The brain is not like an injured muscle. It does not regrow and replace cells like the rest of the body does. It can't because it needs to keep those cells because they have information stored in them. So, those cells need to heal. Some do but some don't. Slowly, some new cells grow but not to replace the injured cells. Unfortunately, the axons and myelin sheath between cells do not heal very well. They can function is a weakened state but not at the same level. This leaves the brain in a weakened state and more susceptible to dysfunction with the next concussion. This is why lowering stress is important.

But, permanent injury does not mean permanent symptoms or dysfunction. The brain is very good at adapting to injury and finding new pathways to make up for weakened pathways. It takes effort and many repetitions to help the brain establish these new pathways. It takes discipline to help the brain recover.

Neuro-plasticity is amazing! I found the documentary "The Brain the Changes Itself" so inspiring. www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL77A7359E49522204

When I was injured, I beat the odds, just to survive. Then, the neurologist told my husband I was a write-off. We just refused to accept that and went looking for therapists willing to help me.

I had to work my butt off, but I have come a long, long way. We all can!

I had wonderful support from the medical community, family and friends. To share a positive story, my NPA upon release from hospital said in part:

"Patient shows significant difficulties with visuospatial learning and recall, as well as mental flexibility and multitasking. He displays weaknesses in aspects of executive system functioning (retrieval of learned information, mental flexibility, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and verbal fluency).”

After three additional months of outpatient therapy, a second NPA said in part:

“On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months ago. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving”

Healing can and does happen.

Danny,
It is human nature.
When folks are doing well they don't need to vent, seek support or communicate as often.
Just like your post, it is negative and complaining because you are upset about something and that is OK. Maybe start a post with a title called, " Please give me good news about TBI and PCS". That may get more posts with good news but in my experience on forums, folks move on with life when feeling better and don't post as often.

I wish you the best Danny....I know it is frustrating to hear bad news all the time.

Take care,
D.

I wasn't complaining at all but saying what I believe the majority of folks feel who visit.

Surely, one cannot "overhaul" a forum of real people in different phases of dealing with what has happened in their brain/mind/body after TBI/PCS??
Everyone here should feel safe to respectfully express themselves and find the support and information they need.