I am 37 year old woman, and six weeks ago, I was racing to get inside my house (I had to pee!), and I smashed myself in the forehead with my aluminum screen door (I am a total klutz). I didn't pass out, felt dazed, and there was an immediate HUGE goose egg-like bump on my forehead. I put ice on it that night, but otherwise felt OK. The next morning I felt really tired, but I'm High School teacher, so that's par for the course. However, while driving to work, I got off on the wrong exit. I was confused and flusterd, but just chalked it up to being tired. The next day I was at the grocery store, and I started to feel like I was going to throw up, then faint--the world started shrinking down, and I felt like I was going to disappear or die. I was taken to the hospital where I was diagnosed with a concussion. Cat scan was negative.

I tried to go back to work a few days later, but symptoms intensified to where I would have that horrible fainting feeling all day long. I found myself bursting into tears fro no reason, and just basically unable to function. I took two weeks off of work, then had to go back because they were going to stop paying me. I've only been at this job for 9 months, and haven't worked long enough to qualify for disability. The nausea has mostly resolved, but I've been having horrible headaches that last for weeks at a time, resolve for a day or two, then come right back. My sleep is very disturbed and I never feel like I'm really resting at night--I always wake up exhausted. I was diagnosed with PCS a few weeks ago, but my neurologist didn't put me on any meds until yesterday when he prescribed Amiltryptelline (SP?) Its an antidepressant that's supposed to help w/sleeping and headaches. I haven't taken it yet, but was nervous about the side effects, which can be nausea, vomiting and headache! Umm . . . aren't those what I'm trying to get RID of?

I had anxiety disorder before my accident, but now it's out of control. I've had 3 cat scans and an MRI--all negative--and am still convinced that I'm going to drop dead at any time. I had two weeks off for spring break, and am not feeling much better. I just don't know how I'm going to get through the last few months of school, and I'm so totally sick of this. I want my life back! I'm starting to not even remember what it feels like to feel "normal" and that really frightens me. No one understands what I'm going through--the most common comment I get is "It was a screen DOOR! How could you POSSIBLY be this ill?" I don't know what to tell anyone anymore. Even my boyfriend doesn't really understand, though he tries to be patient.

Hi, you poor thing. I know exactly what you are going through.

3 months ago I hit my head on the corner of a overhead cupboard door. And it really hurt, but that's about it. That night I went to bed and started going really dizzy and feeling sick etc. The next morning I was the same, had a bit more of a sleep, then I was ok.

About a week later I was just watching tv when the room started spinning, I felt sick and really thought I was going to die. I have also had a CAT scan, and had to fly 1900kms just this week to get an MRI scan and see a specialist - the MRI was fine. No signs of anything nasty.

I was also put on anti-depressants. Have been on them for two weeks. The anxiety attacks I was having got really bad. Mind you, I would have one doctor at the hospital tell me I might have a tumor, and another said it could be MS, then they would do nothing about it!!

I am also seeing a councilor - I was convinced that myself and my two sons (2 & 4) were dying of cancer. Its all part of the PCS. Depression, anxiety, the feeling of loosing your mind!! I basically stay indoors now and don't venture out. But I am lucky and don't have to work.

The anti-depressants are doing their job. But the only thing to beware of is that you will feel worse before you felt better. For the first few days I was an absolute mess!! I had to make sure my mum or husband was at home with me - mainly to help with the boys. And I would just lock myself in the bathroom and cry loudly into a towel - for no reason. I also didn't sleep for the first night or two either. This is all normal. I am starting to feel a bit better. And I even went and did some shopping yesterday which is something I had been having anxiety attacks about since hitting my head.

I think the worst feeling with PCS for me is the 'out of it' feeling I am having. Like my eyes aren't connected properly with my head?? Or like I am drugged?? Its really hard to explain.

Don't feel you are alone, you're not! There are millions of people out there going through this same thing. Ask any questions you need to. Anything to re-assure yourself that you are normal and will get through this.

I get the same comment too. Its just a overhead cupboard, how could it do that. Well, it did!!

Those that try to minimize your symptoms because it was "only a screen door" or "only a cupboard" are fortunate they have never experienced what we have experienced.

I got the same symptoms from riding a tilt-a-whirl when I was just a kid. I knew what caused it but knew that I could not explain it so I didn't.

Now, after a few more concussions, I can get a concussion from shaking my head "no."

Believe us, we know what you are going through. If the doctor dismisses you, dismiss the doctor.

Some on this board report good results with a very low dose (10 mg) of Amiltryptilline (Elavil). It is an off label use but the small dose lowers the risk.

If the doctor dismisses you, dismiss the doctor, nice one mark

Well, I tried the Elavil and it knocked out my headache immediately--I slept for 14 hrs though! I felt like MYSELF for the next two days without taking it, so my dr. told me to discontinue. Yesterday I felt good all day, but progressively started to get fuzzier and fuzzier as the day went on. Today, I felt like I was right back a square one, and I could hardly function. My head hurts where I hit it (over my left eye), and I'm confused and very emotional. I'm so tired of this, so tired of being scared that something is REALLY wrong with me. Am sobbing as I type this. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Am wondering if I did something to hurt my sinus on my left side when I hit my head, as there is a lot of pressure there that worsens when I lie down, and pain behind my eye. I just feel like I have no options and nowhere to turn for help. My dr. doesn't know how to help me, and now wants me to have an EEG. I have no idea how I'm going to get through work tomorrow, and I feel so completely alone and scared. Some kind words would mean a lot to me right now.

You said something I have never heard but it is brilliant wording ''like your eyes aren't connected with your head'' god it does feel that way,I'm finding strength turning to GOD in this time.Thanks Nikkie!!!

hi it will pass you may well have effected the sinus system many people think sinus and nose but there are lot of small tubes running all over our heads from the ear to the nose and throat but even if you have pcs MOST CASES RECOVERY IS in the first six weeks or three months so do not panic, it will do no good, your doctor is doing tests GOOD it is hard to adjust to living with pain and feeling different I personally don,t want to take drugs to fix as they also alter how you feel and then you may be getting back to normal and not notice coz of the medication the work thing IF you can take time off, do so, see your doc and get a note

remember some of us here have had major head injury's so there is every possibility you will be fine . I don,t know your location but there are contact details on the sticky, for head injured people, you can phone them after the holidays, and have a chat they will put your mind at rest, because they see many people with similar symptoms all the time

so be cool, eat chocolate your not alone

Vini has it right. I truly believe the "EAT CHOCOLATE" prescription. There is just something about chocolate that sooths the anxious mind.

"Dove" dark chocolate is my best remedy.

I find it is best to take very small bites and let them melt in your mouth. I believe chocolate is God's food for us because it melts at body temperature.

jbanash,

Do you have access to a good comfy recliner chair? I find them best as a place to nap without laying down. I have my best dreams sleeping in my recliner. I use a neck pillow to keep my head from dropping off to the side. I am ready for a nap right now.

I know how hard it is, I was where you are at a few weeks ago. You think you are dying and that you will never be the same again. This is completely normal for PCS. But talk to your doctor about getting more tests done. I don't know how it is wherever in the world you are, but here in Australia, it is better to go through the hospital to get things done like MRI & CT scans, that way it is free. At least then your mind will be at ease and will help with the anxiety.

For me, it wasn't until I had the MRI (which showed nothing abnormal) and started taking Zoloft that I am now starting to feel a bit like myself again. I think I became so stressed and upset over the the whole thing (which is completely understandable) that I wasn't giving my brain/head any rest to repair itself and its now taken longer to get to this point than it would've otherwise.

All the feelings you are experiencing are normal and you will get through this. I know suicide is something that may come across your mind. You don't want to keep feeling like this. But please remember that that is not you, it is the PCS. I have what most call the 'perfect life'. Great husband, two beautiful children, great friends/support, financial stability etc etc and I still had thoughts of harming myself - again, its all part of the PCS.

My email address is nacooper@msn.com if you find you need support during a low moment, please email me and I will hopefully be able to reassure you.

Good luck and hang in there!! This wont last - trust me, I know!!

Before read my history, know that over 90% of people with PCS recover. I am one of the unfortunate 10%. This month will be my 11th year dealing with PCS. Believe me, I am much better than the first few years. Just have to stay away from the triggers for my symptoms. Anyway, since I've had such a long history with it, I think I can share a few thoughts.

When you are going through a day like you described it is very isolating. No one who hasn't experienced it will not understand. They will try and try to make you feel better but the experience is so unlike anything others have been through. I know what you are feeling. PSC is so horrible - yet no test will show anything is wrong. So as long as you find a good neurologist and get all your tests done...I've had them all...know that you will be OK. The symptoms do mean something is wrong - you have PCS. But try your best to relax. Get plenty of rest and be good to yourself. I am now on Cymbalta. It does not knock me out, but is supposed to give you more energy. My symptoms occur much less than before. I don't think it is a popular anti-depressant to use for PCS, but it just happened to work well for me. If that doesn't work try something else. Accupuncture, craniosacral therapy, massage. Something will help. In the meantime, know that you are not alone, you are not going crazy, and that something will help you.