Hi everybody,

Thank you for taking the time to read this. These last two weeks have been terrifying. I have received another setback while recently getting off the subway. As I got up from my seat, I banged my head on the pole above me. Instantly, thoughts of sadness, depression, and overall despair crept in and has taken over my life.

This is my third post on this site and the third concussion in the last 2 years that has impacted me. I had a boxing incident at university where I suffered my first concussion and then I was rear ended a year later when driving. I feel like my memory has taken a huge toll and when I talk I often can't find the words to complete my sentences. I really can't remember what I did even 2-3 days ago which makes scared beyond all belief. This combination, along with the feelings of awfulness, has made it very difficult to get up out of my bed every morning. If it weren't for work, I would spend everyday in bed. Sorry for being negative but overall I feel like death.

I am 24 years old now and turning 25 later this year. I can't live with the idea that I am having memory deficits at this age. I feel like this is all my fault and that I have wasted this beautiful opportunity at life that I was given.

Thanks for listening. I wish everybody here all the best.

I am sorry that you are going through this.


I do not have expertise in this area but I believe that you have some treatment options available. Do you have access to medical care?

Can you go to the ER?

M

Post-concussion syndrome Treatments and drugs - Mayo Clinic

Amitriptyline
Topiramate
Gabapentin


I have been on on all three of those drugs.
The side affects of the Amitriptyline and Gabapentin are low the drugs might offer you benefits.

Welcome - neurosymptoms.org
This article is helpful
Treatment and Management of Prolonged Symptoms and Post-Concussion Syndrome - Sports-Related Concussions in Youth - NCBI Bookshelf


M

Thank you for the kind words Mari. This struggle is the hardest thing I'll go through. I really, really want to give up and quit work and feel sorry for myself but I know that will make things worse.

I went to my primary care doctor and told him what happened. When I told him I wouldn't care if I woke up dead tomorrow (even thought I made no mention of suicide nor do I have any intention of doing so), that was too much for him and he sent me to the psyc ward in an ambulance. Fortunately I was released the same day but I am still slightly jaded from that experience. Other than headache I have no physical symptoms so I don't know what a trip to the ER would do other than tell me what I already know.

I agree, anti-depressant meds will be the next move. I called up psychiatrists in the area to set up an appointment but no one responded. Even that act was exhausting and it will be tough to make another round of phone calls to schedule an appointment. This is unbelievably stressful... I feel like a helpless idiot. Sorry for coming on too strong and sounding immature.

Thanks

Our sticky threads help /tips @ top of each forum topic main page

Vitamin and Supplements Regimen

Things you wish you'd known when you first got post-concussion syndrome.

http://www.neurotalk.org/traumatic-b...ful-links.html

islestfw,

I understand your despair. It can be very frustrating. That horrible feeling in the morning often means you are not getting quality sleep. Sleep can be a big challenge after a concussion. The anxiety of such a change in your life is also a struggle. But, many of us have found ways to go on and live a full life despite any prolonged symptoms.

As much as the subway incident trigger some troubling symptoms, I doubt it was a concussion. The startle or aggravation effect of such a bump can cause enough mental stress to cause symptoms to return. It helps to not get focused on every bump and jostle. They cannot be avoided and are a part of life.

Have you tried any nutritional regimens ? The Vitamins sticky link has a good regimen. The struggling brain needs substantially more nutrition, especially B vitamins.

It helps to keep busy in low stress ways. The memory and word finding struggles are common and made worse by stress and anxiety. In time, these should improve.

What kind of work do you do ? How long is your commute ? By subway ?

These things can be adding to your stress levels.


My best to you.