I suffered a severe TBI about 3 years ago. Bleeding on the right side and SDH. Overall I am doing well but can't seem to get back physically. I didn't have any paralysis just some left side weakness that cleared within a couple of months.

I tried to get back to my running routine that I was doing before my accident 3-5 miles a day but I can barely run a half mile before I get hit with headaches and trouble catching my breath. Have seen many doctors and they don't have a clue. I just can't build up any stamina. Does anyone know why? Again we are 3 years out from my accident so I would think my brain has healed. I also read where others are running and almost back to "normal". I want to be that way too. I am only 23 years old but feel like I am 63 with all the body and headaches.

I do stay well hydrated and I know this is very important to help with the headaches. I had asked that the doctors do some blood work and the only thing was that my vitamin levels could be better. My vitamin D was marked low so I will supplement for that. But doctor said it really doesn't explain why physically I struggle to get back to the form I was.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Stuck in Boston

First I would guess that you are going to have to set a goal for yourself.
Not the 3 miles you used to do. But even say the 1/2 a mile you can
do before the headache comes on. I would also look into a exercise program
that does things that will help you get into shape without the running exactly.

It also might be that the sun is helping with part of the problem with the
headaches. So you might try different parts of the day. Do say the 1/2 mile
then stop till the evening.

I am trying very hard to get back to my exercising at a gym myself.

Donna

with an injury like that, people see headaches with returning to activity. i think it's due to vascular spasm in reaction to the increased pressure. in theory, taking a preemptive indomethacin or ibuprofen should help, but people have a limited response to that. a blood pressure medication that works on the calcium channel--namely, amlodipine or verapamil--should be effective as they prevent vessel caliber fluctuation. talk to your doc about these options.

Just wanted to thank you for the replies.

I have tried setting goals. I gradually have tried to increase how far I run but can't get past the 1/2 mile. I do work out in a gym but even there I can have headaches after lifting.

I have told the doctors it feels like pressure headaches but their words of wisdom is to just stay hydrated and that medically there is no reason that I should be having these issues so far out from my injury. My response to them was, OK I understand that, but I am having these issues and I really want to stay active but it is getting harder to push myself, then be down for several days trying to recover.

The spasm thought is interesting. I think the last doctor is going along those lines. He stated that he feels that my brain's autonomic system is struggling to keep up when I run or workout but he wasn't 100% sure that is what was going on.

I am 6 months out from my head injury. Right after my injury, I was able to snowshoe, etc. For the past 3 months, I have been unable to work out very hard. I definitely cannot run. After just a few steps, my head is hurting. I have been trying to ride bike and do the elliptical, but I think weight bearing is important - just can't do it. I also try to lift 2-3 days a week, but find that the day after I work out I am exhausted and can't work out the following day. I don't know what it means to work out in moderation. Stationary biking does not do it for me. I even have a hard time while riding in a vehicle due to the bumps.

I have told my neurologist about this and she doesn't seem concerned at all. I never would have guessed that a mild injury could cause this kind of frustration.

That is what I am dealing with. I can work out but then the next day or two I feel like crap. I have a meeting with my doctor next week and I hope to try to get them to explain why. I have pretty much stopped running and my workouts are shorter with less weights.

If you ever come up with something please let me know...

Hi..haven't been to this board in months and doing well. Your question got my attention as working out was an important part of my recovery measurement - that is, can I work out the same way I did before?

After several failed attempts on my own to get back to working out, I finally signed on with an agency that helped me surrender to what I needed to do. And that was basically, start over and go slow. Like a stroke victim that needs to relearn certain things, I found my brain needed to relearn how to cope with workouts again (increased vascular activity and balance were the big issues for me). I started VERY slowly with cardio and weights, increased VERY slowly and always stopped at any sign of headache. It took several months, but I am now pretty much back to the level I was at before.

I can't stress enough that you have to surrender to healing and coming back slowly to things you did before. Every time you push to hard, you start over. That was a tough lesson for me. Even now, I have to watch it - just like most of the posters on this board. Good luck.

That is exactly where I am at...can I do the things now as before. Exercising is the last piece of the puzzle but seems to be the hardest piece to make fit. Like you said, if I push to far I can be set back days - if I don't push myself I feel that I am not getting any benefit from the exercise. Which then just triggers my frustration level.

Got a call earlier this week and the new neurologist can see me sooner. Really don't think he is going to have anymore insight but will try one more, then I am done with doctors.

Just wanted to let you know that doctor wanted to test cortisol levels and mine came back low. He said that could be why I was struggling to exercise. Anyway need to go back and have another test and then decide from there.

Have not really been feeling very well with fatigue, nausea, lightheaded that is why he wanted some more blood work. Also my vitamin d has dropped again so looking to add a higher dose.

StuckinBoston,

Re: Vitamin D,

Has your doctor told you that you need to increase your Vit D for months before it starts to show a difference.

Just FYI