Hi, my name is Michelle; I am new to this forum, and I guess I am just looking to share our story and maybe get some advice. My fiance hit his head at work about 4 months ago...then again about a month later. We were a bit worried that night (the 2nd time) about him falling asleep because he felt so weird, but all seemed fine the next day. He was working a lot of overtime & basically for the whole month of July...he overdid it, in my opinion. At the beginning of August, he started experiencing some major headaches, nausea, and muscle spasms...and over the next couple of weeks he started forgetting words, not being able to finish sentences, and forgetting things. His muscle spasms were so bad, at times he could barely walk. By the time we saw a neurologist, he basically had 24 hour headaches & nausea, using 2 canes to walk, and I was having to talk for him about 80% of the time.

As you can imagine, this has been very scary for both of us. He has been emotional...I have been extra emotional (I already am)...and stress has not helped either of us. The neurologist prescribed Vayacog to help with his mind. Though it took a few very scary days for his mind to adjust, this stuff is amazing. It is not FDA approved, so insurance won't cover it...and as frugal as I can be, it is worth every penny. His mind is back to full function in a matter of weeks. They tried to put him on Mirapex, but that made him very sick. He is on several medication, but I think we have finally found a good drug concoction for him.

About a month ago, he fell on the concrete outside of his job...ambulance, hospital....sprained hip joint. It seems like every time he starts feeling any better, something happens. Though that was the worst one, he has fallen about 5 times due to his lack of muscle control & coordination.

On Monday, we had a doc appointment & they gave him a shot of something for the pain...his hip & knees always hurt, but he was having additional shoulder pain. I have no idea what they gave him, but I will be finding out. For the first time in months, he is able to walk around for a bit without his cane. The pain is still there...it is just very dulled. I know its not a cure, but even some relief of pain is much appreciated.

The docs are saying he has dystonia...and that may be so, but I really believe these are all symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome based on my research.

Now, me. I love this man so very much...I will marry him, but I am so stressed beyond belief. Obviously watching my man struggle to live life has been difficult for me, but on top of that we are in the middle of moving. The medical stuff is so expensive & the money side of this is very hard on me...he has had to miss a lot of work. I think I have had a few small anxiety attacks & maybe even some depression. Over the last week, we have both been more irritable with each other. I am so scared our relationship is going to suffer before he gets better...or I am going to have a breakdown.

I know there are many of you loving wife, fiances, and girlfriends out there who have gone through at least some of this. Any helpful advice or encouraging words are much appreciated. Thanks for listening.

Hello, I moved your post here to our TBI/PCS forum, I think you'll get much help here.

Be sure to explore the sticky threads up above on the main forum page -
\http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum92.html

Sounds like your husband has a cervical instability in his neck... what most doctors fail to tell you is when you hit your head you also damage your neck.. does he have neck pain as well? Id look into a upper cervical chiropractor (nucca) to look at your husbands neck and spine

LadyM,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm sorry to hear of your fiance's struggles. I can understand the stress load you are both under.

Vayacog is an interesting prescription because its components are available over the counter. Phosphatidylserine and Omega-3 fish oil are common in the supplement industry. This appears to be a special expensive version of the substances. Glad it helps.

I'm confused as to why he is working if he is struggling so. Work Comp should be covering his care and paycheck. Has he been seen in a neuro rehab clinic/hospital by a physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)? The combination of specialists, PT, OT, Vestibular Therapist, etc. should be helpful.

It is not uncommon for a brain injury to have a delayed onset of symptoms. Plus, his second injury was extremely unfortunate as it happened during a critical time of brain healing.

I wish I knew how to offer support for you as a spouse/fiance'. My wife says that relationship can be a very stressful one as you not only become the caregiver but are also a partner. The Brain Injury Association of American may have a link to a support group in your area. http://www.biausa.org/Texas/support-groups.htm

Please know you can count on us to be in your corner. We are hear for you.

My best to you.

LadyM,

I am the head case in my family...insure my wife would not mind speaking with you. She has been a rock over the 18 months of my recovery.

You can pm me.

Bud

We have had an EEG, an EMG, and an MRI scheduled soon. His nerves seem to all be firing & reacting very well. Thank you for the suggestion...I am mentioning everything I have concern about to both his regular physician & his neurologist.

Life has been improving...there are plenty of bad days, but I think we are figuring out how to live with this until its gone. Thanks so much for offering your support!

LadyM,

The common issue with upper cervical injuries is not how it effects the rest of the body but how inflammation can reduce proper blood flow to the brain, specifically the brain stem and related areas. This effects motor control and autonomic nervous system functions.

Most upper cervical injuries are very subtle. MRI's and CT Scans will not image them. Gentle mobilization with disciplined straight head and neck posture during sleep and rest can help these injuries slowly heal. It take weeks or even months of discipline.