Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-31-2017, 10:16 AM #1
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
Default So I'm a 'software guy'...

Hi Everyone,

I posted this last night in the 'introduction' area and it was suggested that posting it here might be a good idea. Here goes...

I'll keep this brief, but I could really use some help or insight from people here. I'm a 66 year old software developer. I was in a car accident in April '17 and received a concussion. It's 4 month since that happened. I'm still dealing with headaches, dizziness, foggy thinking, and confusion at many levels.

I've been to doctors. I'm currently receiving routine care, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and have an appointment with a vocational therapist tomorrow.

Are there any other IT folks out there? I'm really struggling to see any way forward as a developer. The 'creative' side of it - making something out of nothing doesn't seem to be something I can even think about doing. The coding its self is a real struggle. I'm afraid to work on any project I have on my plate for fear of touching something in one place, breaking it in another, and not knowing how to get things back again. Developers will know what I mean :-)

When I talk with doctors/therapists about returning, they just don't relate to what it is I actually DO. I've often said, "writing software isn't difficult - it's just lots of little things". Now it's all those 'little things' that I've lost my grip on.

I'll cut it off here. If you've been in my shoes, I could sure use some insight or advise. Am I just done?
TedW is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 08-31-2017, 11:11 AM #2
Hains Hains is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 58
5 yr Member
Hains Hains is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 58
5 yr Member
Default

I'm no software developer, but I do know that it requires tones of brain energy. I would assume you typically have highly productive executive functions. This creates a conflict with your concussed brain because a) your brain energy (ATP) production is compromised from the concussion, and b) your brain is trying to use all of its available energy to address the concussion.

My two cents is don't try to develop software at the same time as trying to recover from a concussion. In other words, take time off and rest your brain.
Hains is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 08-31-2017, 11:38 AM #3
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Default

TedW,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I am also not a software developer but I think I have some ideas. I learned a tiny bit of original Apple Basic so I understand how the application can jump around.

As you write code, you are doing a juggling like skill. You need to keep all the balls in the air at the same time. This can be difficult with PCS. The memory load needed to keep track of each 'ball' of code is often more than the PCS brain can handle.

You may do better if you can find a new way to juggle the balls that does not require so much dependence on keeping the information in mind memory and instead uses a visual or other memory aid. When I was doing complex document creation, I needed multiple screens with all of the different information tiled on screen where I could scan to find it rather than cascaded where I would have to remember which tab it was hidden under.

Think of it as going 'old school' with on-paper organizational charts.

What kind of cognitive therapy are you receiving ? What are the objective of your CT ?
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 08-31-2017, 03:14 PM #4
bluesfan bluesfan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 733
8 yr Member
bluesfan bluesfan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 733
8 yr Member
Default

Hi TedW,

Welcome to NT. Sorry to read of the reason you've come here but the fact that you are reaching out for advice is a good sign toward recovery.

I'm not a software developer either - I'd go as far as calling myself technically challenged. I can however relate to the loss of cognitive function - not as a result of accident but chronic illness (7+ years). During the worst moments I describe my brain to doctors as being like a TV where someone else has the remote control and is channel surfing.

Software development is inherently a creative process - as someone who was previously artistic I can relate. As yet I haven't recovered the ability to draw - hopefully one day. As for ideas to help with regaining skills I can only speak of my own experience. Recently I was 'propelled' into volunteering in a campaign for a not-for-profit cause I believe passionately in - saving a community facility that is scheduled for closure. Subsequently I've found myself pushed to using my brain far more than in recent years . . . writing letters, drafting strategies, coordinating plans etc. As a result I'm finding my cognitive function gradually improving.

I've had to accept there are limits to my capabilities and find ways to work around the deficits. For instance; you may find that medications you take can enhance performance during one part of the day and impede it during others. Use this to schedule your work efforts. When your brain says it's down time - listen to it. Sometimes a short nap may be all that's needed, other times doing something completely different like going for a walk, gardening or even housework etc, can refresh the circuits. Try not to do too much at once - I find overload results in confusing brain fog and I have to tell myself Enough! - come back to it tomorrow. Be prepared that you will make mistakes - I've let others who are involved in our campaign know some of my limitations and we share the load. Some of them are working full time and are grateful that someone else is doing the tedious work but they are happy to proof-read my slow and sometimes ponderous efforts.

While this may not help with the issue of the projects you currently have in development maybe you can find someone to work alongside you. If this is not a possibility at present please don't think you are done - you may find you need to do something else as a stepping stone until your brain has recovered sufficiently to co-operate.

My recommendation is don't just do work that keeps you busy but take on something that you're passionate about and that involves a challenge - both of these will stimulate the brain cells.

All the best - let us know how you get on.

Last edited by bluesfan; 08-31-2017 at 03:18 PM. Reason: clarity
bluesfan is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 08-31-2017, 05:32 PM #5
davOD davOD is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: AZ.
Posts: 375
8 yr Member
davOD davOD is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: AZ.
Posts: 375
8 yr Member
Default

I have little to offer.....My real great side was trouble shooting electrical!....After my accident I lost executive function, so any time I go there it causes giant confusion!

So if your job is to figure out problems, or problems before there is one....careful..

A good Neuropsychological Evaluation can really help at understanding what has happened to you.

Please rest your brain, as it is so precious!
davOD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
TedW (09-01-2017)
Old 08-31-2017, 08:28 PM #6
CCMommy CCMommy is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 3
5 yr Member
CCMommy CCMommy is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 3
5 yr Member
Default

Hi there, I'm new here too. I joined a few weeks ago intending to introduce myself then had a round of testing that caused me to have a few very bad weeks and not wanting to be near a computer or reading. I'm sure everyone can relate.

I am/was a software developer before my accident and brain injury so I know exactly what you are going through. My accident was late last year so I'm about 9 or 10 months into recovery. I have been through all kinds of therapies and am trying to get some vision therapy right now.

I know that I still have a long road of recovery ahead of me and you probably do too, but the honest truth is I don't know if I will ever be able to return to development. I can't bounce around files like I used to. Simple logic confuses me. Algorithms? Forget it. Picking up a new language in a week or working through architecture and design...I would be incredibly slow. As you said, fix a bug here, create a bigger bug somewhere else but not realize it. I wish it were as simple as teaching yourself a new way to work, like the file thing someone mentioned, but I just don't see that really helping a great deal.

I'm not trying to be negative I just know what it takes to be a programmer from many years experience and post-injury me just can't do it. I'm hopeful maybe one day, but that will be a long time from now. My advice is to make it a long term goal but rest a lot. If you're still working, stop and go on disability. If/when you feel up to it, try a very simple side project that you can work on in 20 minute chunks once or twice a day and if it brings symtomps, put it away for at least 2 days then give it a try again.

Writing software IS difficult but I know what you mean when you say that. I can't say if you're "done" b/c only you can decide that yourself. But I am much younger than you and most days I fear that I'm "done".
CCMommy is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
bluesfan (09-01-2017)
Old 09-01-2017, 06:16 PM #7
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
Default How to describe what a developer does

Thanks for chiming in! I'm a self-taught programmer. I used to work for a large government department doing desktop development. If an app was needed at the desktop level (apart from mainframe data), I'd write it. Some of it was mission critical and a semi-big deal. Around 2000, I found a niche market I was familiar with and wrote an app for a need that wasn't really handled by any other software available. Shortly after that, I left government work and have successfully operated my one-man-shop software company.

As the dust is settling around my post-concussion self, I'm not confident that I'll ever be able to pick up where I left off. One of the biggest frustrations I have is trying to explain to lawyers, doctors, and therapists exactly what I do (did) for a living. Last night I realized that I can use the standard 'software development cycle' model as a way to try to get across all the roles, parts, and pieces I cover day in and day out. We'll see. Right now, I can handle about 30 minutes of mental focus at a time - then I'm done for the day. Even then, though, I process things very slowly and I'm not sure how much I'm retaining.

I'm happy to have found this forum. Really happy.



Quote:
Originally Posted by CCMommy View Post
Hi there, I'm new here too. I joined a few weeks ago intending to introduce myself then had a round of testing that caused me to have a few very bad weeks and not wanting to be near a computer or reading. I'm sure everyone can relate.

I am/was a software developer before my accident and brain injury so I know exactly what you are going through. My accident was late last year so I'm about 9 or 10 months into recovery. I have been through all kinds of therapies and am trying to get some vision therapy right now.

I know that I still have a long road of recovery ahead of me and you probably do too, but the honest truth is I don't know if I will ever be able to return to development. I can't bounce around files like I used to. Simple logic confuses me. Algorithms? Forget it. Picking up a new language in a week or working through architecture and design...I would be incredibly slow. As you said, fix a bug here, create a bigger bug somewhere else but not realize it. I wish it were as simple as teaching yourself a new way to work, like the file thing someone mentioned, but I just don't see that really helping a great deal.

I'm not trying to be negative I just know what it takes to be a programmer from many years experience and post-injury me just can't do it. I'm hopeful maybe one day, but that will be a long time from now. My advice is to make it a long term goal but rest a lot. If you're still working, stop and go on disability. If/when you feel up to it, try a very simple side project that you can work on in 20 minute chunks once or twice a day and if it brings symtomps, put it away for at least 2 days then give it a try again.

Writing software IS difficult but I know what you mean when you say that. I can't say if you're "done" b/c only you can decide that yourself. But I am much younger than you and most days I fear that I'm "done".
TedW is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
bluesfan (09-01-2017)
Old 09-01-2017, 07:45 PM #8
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,416
15 yr Member
Default

TedW,

I suggest you try to notice if there is a sign at 20 minutes or so that indicates you are starting to fatigue. There are often such signs. It might be needing to reread a line of text or code or a need to 'look' harder to read. If you can discover this early warning, you can possibly stop and change to a different activity for a while. The goal is to change the load on your brain. If you were doing memory intensive work, change to reading light fare.

As you recognize these signs, you may be able to slowly extend the time before the early fatigue kicks in.

I suggest you download the TBI survival guide at tbiguide.com Print it out and slowly read through it with a highlighter. It can help you define your struggles so you can relate them to attorneys, doctors and such.

As you learn to define your struggles, it is easier to avoid pushing those limits so you can function longer. Pushing to accomplish a task is often counter productive. But, by accepting the struggle with the task and looking for a way to work around your struggle, you will find you can do more than you would expect. Just try to avoid pushing yourself.

My best to you.
__________________
Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
Mark in Idaho is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-02-2017, 01:58 PM #9
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
TedW TedW is offline
Newly Joined
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 4
5 yr Member
Default TBI Guide

Thanks, Mark. I'll go find the TBI Survival Guide you mentioned right now.

BTW, I like your tag line...
TedW is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 09-09-2017, 04:28 PM #10
seth8a seth8a is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 95
8 yr Member
seth8a seth8a is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 95
8 yr Member
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TedW View Post
Thanks, Mark. I'll go find the TBI Survival Guide you mentioned right now.

BTW, I like your tag line...
Ted--I write quite a bit of code in my job and also work with metadata. I know exactly what you are going through. All I can say is that about 12 months after my concussion it all started coming back and honestly 2 years later I can blast through code and data as well as I ever could.

It will all come back!!! Hang in there.
seth8a is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
developer, insight, software, therapy, touching

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
So I'm a 'software guy'... TedW New Member Introductions 1 08-30-2017 11:39 PM
New DBS software badboy99 Parkinson's Disease 0 12-05-2013 05:23 PM
Mri software. need help strizzlow20 Multiple Sclerosis 8 05-21-2013 08:34 PM
F.lux Software orfray Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome 3 03-25-2012 08:22 AM
? re: Anti-virus software and anti-spyware software MelodyL Computers and Technology 2 09-01-2008 09:05 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:57 AM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.