concussion recovery

[distracts]

So I got a concussion last weekend. It's pretty lame. In addition to the insane headache, I'm also bursting into tears for no reason several times a day and picking fights with my husband 24/7 and can barely concentrate on anything. I am going to the doctor this next week so hopefully they'll have some useful things to say. (As to how I got the concussion - this is embarrassing - I was getting into a car and bashed my head on the edge of the door opening. 100% self-inflicted! WOE. Isn't that mortifying? Who even knew I could move with enough force to inflict damage?)

I DO feel much better when I get "cognitive rest" as they call it, or in other words when I do nothing but sit around staring at the ceiling thinking about how infuriatingly bored I am. But that is SUPER BORING.

So I was wondering if anyone on here has had a concussion and how they dealt with the tedium of recovery? Any tips? If I'm not supposed to read, write, watch tv, play video games, drive a car, talk to people, text, do housework... WHAT IS LEFT? Contemplating the futility of existence while reclining on a divan? Like??????? How do you turn brains off? It hurts to think but I don't know how to NOT think.

(Also, while I am making a thread, an update on my cat - he's in perfect health now and has really blossomed as an individual. He isn't a lap cat but likes to be beside me all the time. We're still working on him and the dog getting along - progress is super slow but it's going, and the issue isn't the dog, who is perfectly fine with leaving the cat alone, but the cat, who is very stressed by the presence of any non-me creature. He is only JUST calming down around my husband and he sees my husband much more than he does the dog, so I think it'll just take more time/exposure.)

 

[the_mother_thing]

No experience with head trauma, but I do wish you a full and speedy recovery. Concussions are nothing to mess with.

 

[anne_h]

I had a concussion last summer and experienced a number of side effects both shortly afterwards and beyond, and even still have short bouts of dizziness today. Initially I did also experience some of what you describe... like not feeling as fully in control of my emotions as usual. I also had balance issues and my mouth and tongue would feel numb sometimes.

I did not seek medical attention until 3 months afterwards, which was probably not wise.

I think it's great you are on cognitive rest... take the time you need to get well.

No concrete suggestions, just empathy and encouragement.

Anne

PS - My concussion triggered a telogen effluvian, which is a rapid onset hair loss. I had no idea that could happen. It's not likely, but just letting you know. Mine is still ongoing, due to other complicating factors (bleh).

 

[SparklySoprano]

I happen to be suffering from PCS (post concussion syndrome) right now. On April 13, I fell unconsciousness (due to a yet undiagnosed 12-year long question mark, so by the way, if anyone is or knows of an amazing GI doctor, please share! I'm hoping my insurance will allow a trip to Mayo, which is what my doctors want too.) Anyway... I didn't even think of having a concussion as I was dealing with other things in the hospital for three days after but then a few days later I realized something was not right. I felt like I was on a boat and also experienced double vision, my left eye not wanting to move and other things. Anyway, I was then diagnosed with PCS. I was told to rest as much as possible, but with my job I couldn't just stay at home 24/7. But, I would say that the best thing to do is rest as much as you can. There is not much the doctors can do (that I know of) except give you more effective pain med for very bad headaches that can arise. (If you are told otherwise, let me know!) They also may want to run a CT scan or MRI of your brain.

Be careful not to get another one. I found out that subsequent concussions are worse, which may be why I'm not doing as well. I had one 33 years ago and even that much time apart doesn't matter. You can even develop epilepsy.

It's a really big pain to have especially now we are entering warmer months. Riding a bike, going on rides at the amusement park with the kids, will not happen this summer for me. So, really listen to your body and take the time now. I read that if you rest a lot right away, it improves your recovery time by a lot. Honestly, I only did absolutely nothing when my body told me to do so. So that is my advice. And perhaps try one thing here and there to see how you do. I did read somewhere that if you start to feel tired with ten minutes of reading, e.g., then next time do not do that much. You need to build up your abilities. I really liked the tip that someone wrote... if you sprain your ankle, you stay off of it. This is what us PCS sufferers must do with our brains right now.

Best of luck!! And please keep us posted as you progress. I'd also love to know if you get any more tips from your doctors. Wishing you a super speedy recovery!!!

 

[distracts]

JoCoJenn - thank you!

Anne_h - Thanks for your insight - very sorry you've had one of these too.

Sparkly_Soprano - I'm a housewife currently so I have PLENTY of time to rest. The first few days after it I was pretty much in denial and since I already had a lot of social events planned I went to all of them... and consequently felt reaaaallly bad on Wednesday/Thursday, which lead to the "oh yes, this is definitely a concussion" and trying to rest. I have had THE WORST headaches - like migraines but different, and with light sensitivity instead of sound sensitivity (which is what I normally get with migraines). Usually two Aleve destroy my migraines but you can't take Aleve with concussions and Tylenol is having zero impact. Cognitive rest did make it subside to a dull thumping rather than feeling like someone was driving railroad spikes through my skull but dull thumping is still no fun. I am currently using the increasing headache as a sign of when I should stop doing whatever I'm doing and take a nap.

I know about the danger of repeat concussions - we are avid hockey fans so I knew all about concussions in theory. I actually wonder if I've had one before, because I cracked my head open when I was about 4 years old and had to have a boatload of stitches.

One other interesting thing I was reading was about the interactions between concussions and hormones. The day after my concussion, my period came, a week and a half early, when I am usually very regular. So I googled and apparently that can happen if the function of the pituitary gland is interrupted, and there were a few interesting studies on that, primarily focusing on how a sudden drop in progesterone can slow recovery. Fun reading. Probably not really helping recovery to read medical journal articles though.

Wishing y'all continued recovery!

 

[distracts]

Mr. T is tired of being photographed. When he gets like this he reminds me of Henri the cat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M

He is a very good concussion companion, as he loves nothing more than taking naps.

 

[kenny]

How do you turn brains off? It hurts to think but I don't know how to NOT think.

Meditation.

I'm sorry this happened to you.

 

[jordyonbass]

Having played Rugby Union and trained Mixed Martial Arts, I have probably had more concussions than this entire forum combined (not necessarily a good thing lol). Obviously you have figured out that you need to find a task that works off of physical motor skills and does not require any intensive brain activity in order to complete - something that needs to be looked at on a person-to-person basis.

Whenever I had concussions and was recovering, I was usually at home playing with my fishing gear or playing simple songs on my bass guitar to kill time. Nothing that was overly strenuous, just something that would separate my brain from muscle activity. Even washing dishes was good as the mechanical movement without a cognitive skill would mean my brain was virtually shutdown while completing these tasks. I could imagine something like knitting would be fantastic for recovery time. What do you enjoy doing with your time and could do 'blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back'?

And on a side note: don't expect to feel yourself for a little while, but it does gradually get better over time. The best way it was described to me is like a drug addict trying to get clean but without the withdrawl symptoms, although for me it is a little hard to even gauge that as I have never had an addiction bad enough and then quit to end up with withdrawl symptoms.
Over my years of sports and combat training, I have probably had close to 10 concussiuons. While I don't seem to be affected by it at the age of 27, I sometimes worry about what my future might hold.....

 

[D2B]

Hi
Couldn't help but post. I am also recovering from a concussion. It has been about six weeks now and slowly getting better. First few weeks cognitive rest and now slowly working a few hours a day. It is very hard, very emotional and I am frustrated - just want to get my agile brain back. I should probably up the cognitive rest, but it is hard.

I found meditation helps, www.headspace.com is a great meditation app, and colouring in books ( there are some great ones for adults now like Enchanted Forest by J Bamford, gentle slow walks, massages, and eating healthy.

You have my full sympathy, it is a weird and strange thing to happen. I just want to get better and be there for my family and work, but i have to remind myself it could have been much worse - it is only concussion and there is no bleeding to the brain, so long term prognosis should be good.

take care, be gentle on yourself and stay away from the PC lol
D2b

 

[momhappy]

I have no insight to offer, but just wanted to say that I'm sorry that you're dealing with this. It sounds awful and I hope that you feel better soon!

 

[azstonie]

Distracts, I'm sorry to hear about this; what you are experiencing is "emotional lability" and it can come with post concussion syndrome. I'm glad you're headed to the doc and that you are taking this seriously. I feel you on the long list of stuff you can't/aren't supposed to do. Mr T is a STUNNER, what a cool looking cat!

Sparkly, I just wrapped up 9 years with Mayo Arizona. The GI specialists are truly wonderful: Dr Russell Heigh, Dr Lucinda Harris, Dr Arthur Shiff, Dr George Burdick, you just cannot go wrong with any of them. Very compassionate AND skilled physicians, all board certified not only in GI but also Internal Medicine, which is important. You can self-refer to the GI Department, you don't have to have your internist or family practice doc do it. You will need your medical reports from the start of the problems/complaints and any testing including the actual images (Radiology departments can make you a disc or email images to you) and the radiologist's report (this is their interpretation of the images) and any pathology reports you may have.

 

[SparklySoprano]

Aztonie,

Thank you so much for the Mayo advice. I live in WI so MN is much closer, but I would love to go to AZ. So pretty there! My doctor is referring me since my insurance doesn't cover Mayo as in network. I found out yesterday that if they don't approve Mayo as in network it's $1000 deductible and 70% self-pay. :-/ I'm hoping I get approved. Apparently the test my doc says I need can only be done at Mayo. I just need answers!!!! And a treatment plan!!!!

All current and former concussion survivors,

Do you know when it's safe to resume intimate relations? I'm worried about how that could negatively affect my head/recovery. Now, any slightest activity, e.g. laundry, puts me down and out. This certainly takes the phrase, "Not tonight, dear, I have a headache" to a whole new level! (Moderator, if this is TMI, feel free to delete.)

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I have (fortunately) not suffered from a concussion, however my husband suffered from a concussion 4 years ago while ice skating. He was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and has seen several neurologists, underwent cognitive and brain function testing (tested his memory, ability to recall small details, etc.) and has had 1 or 2 MRIs just to make sure there were no visible damage to his brain (most concussions result in microscopic tears, nothing an MRI could pick up).

His symptoms were very similar to many of yours: vertigo, more prone to motion sickness, no ability to concentrate, more emotional, plus his left arm shakes/seems weaker. Plus he was generally just depressed about his inability to get better. His doctor wanted him to take short-term disability from work so he could get more rest, but my husband never did. As his brain heals, his symptoms are better, but he still has bouts where he feels worse (just in the past week his arm has started shaking again). When he has these setbacks, getting rest is really important. I feel like it really is the only way to truly heal.

Good luck to you, I know it must be very frustrating. I'm glad you are taking it seriously--I'm guilty of not taking it as seriously when DH suffered his as I should have. I thought he was just being sensitive at first, so I should have been more supportive. I hope you're getting support from friends an family.

 

[SparklySoprano]

NewEnglandLady,

(I love your profile pic by the way!) I'm wondering if your husband (and/or you) felt that seeing a neurologist was helpful in any way. I'm debating about going to see one, but I am still trying to work out this other health issue that caused me to have the passing out fall that resulted in the concussion. If there is really nothing they can do other than tell me to rest, I feel my appointment times are better spent focusing on the other things. I've seen my regular doctor and my ophthalmologist, and like your hubby, have had MRIs. Thanks!

 

[cflutist]

Aztonie,

Thank you so much for the Mayo advice. I live in WI so MN is much closer, but I would love to go to AZ. So pretty there! My doctor is referring me since my insurance doesn't cover Mayo as in network. I found out yesterday that if they don't approve Mayo as in network it's $1000 deductible and 70% self-pay. :-/ I'm hoping I get approved. Apparently the test my doc says I need can only be done at Mayo. I just need answers!!!! And a treatment plan!!!!

All current and former concussion survivors,

Do you know when it's safe to resume intimate relations? I'm worried about how that could negatively affect my head/recovery. Now, any slightest activity, e.g. laundry, puts me down and out. This certainly takes the phrase, "Not tonight, dear, I have a headache" to a whole new level! (Moderator, if this is TMI, feel free to delete.)

I didn't have a concussion but did have a craniotomy and neurosurgery to remove a brain tumor in March. Discharge instructions said to abstain for two weeks. Also cannot climb a ladder or no strenuous sports for 3 months. Anything that happens to the brain is scary stuff. Good luck to all of you.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

My husband didn't get much additional advice from the neurologist, but he is the type of person who wants to cover all of the bases just to make sure he did everything he could. Which I understand. The neurologist is who did his testing, but even the neurologist admitted that the testing is flawed because there is no baseline (DH didn't take any of these tests prior to the concussion, so even though his scores were high, it doesn't necessarily mean there wasn't some brain function loss). Basically, DH was glad he want, but also frustrated that nobody could really help him.

As for intimate relations, I don't remember the ER doc or the subsequent neurologists telling him to abstain. They did tell him not to workout for several weeks, so maybe that was included. The general idea was to take things as easy as possible. I will say that when we did..ahem (on work computer), his symptoms were worse afterward, but only temporarily. I can't remember when that stopped.

 

[Victoria10]

Sadly I got a concussion when I was still in my Master's program the week I was defending the thesis. All thanks to my wonderful ADHD son, but at the time he was only 18 months old. He banged the back of his head with all his might into my temporal lobe area. knocked me unconscious. This was 7 years ago and been fine since, so I hope you feel better soon. I can say I was instructed to take motrin, and if need be tylenol, around the clock for the first week to keep swelling and migraines down. I had to move slower and definitely not stand quick. I think after 2-3wks all better. I still remember those migraines and loosing track in the middle of talking or doing stuff. I hope you feel better soon!

 

[distracts]

Hi
Couldn't help but post. I am also recovering from a concussion. It has been about six weeks now and slowly getting better. First few weeks cognitive rest and now slowly working a few hours a day. It is very hard, very emotional and I am frustrated - just want to get my agile brain back. I should probably up the cognitive rest, but it is hard.

I found meditation helps, www.headspace.com is a great meditation app, and colouring in books ( there are some great ones for adults now like Enchanted Forest by J Bamford, gentle slow walks, massages, and eating healthy.

You have my full sympathy, it is a weird and strange thing to happen. I just want to get better and be there for my family and work, but i have to remind myself it could have been much worse - it is only concussion and there is no bleeding to the brain, so long term prognosis should be good.

Thanks, D2B! I will check out the website you linked. I'm the WORST at meditation type stuff. Hope you feel fully better asap!

Meditation.

I'm sorry this happened to you.

Thanks, Kenny. I have been trying to meditate or at least just lie down and listen to the rain, but my mind is often restless. I'm going to be giving a few of the suggestions in this thread a shot. I've also been just trying to concentrate on breathing exercises and relaxing the muscles in my face, which I had to do a lot for TMJ therapy and seems pretty meditation-like.

I have no insight to offer, but just wanted to say that I'm sorry that you're dealing with this. It sounds awful and I hope that you feel better soon!

Thank you, momhappy. I have felt better this week than I did last week, but then on Wednesday I went out with my parents and subsequently felt not so great on Thursday - but still better than I did the previous Thursday, thankfully. I knew I probably shouldn't have but they were very worried about me and I wanted to show them I was fine.

Distracts, I'm sorry to hear about this; what you are experiencing is "emotional lability" and it can come with post concussion syndrome. I'm glad you're headed to the doc and that you are taking this seriously. I feel you on the long list of stuff you can't/aren't supposed to do. Mr T is a STUNNER, what a cool looking cat!

The weirdest thing about the emotional stuff is that it's so DIFFERENT from the emotional stuff that comes with depression/anxiety, which I am well used to. I don't know why I always thought it might be kind of similar when I read about concussions. It's really not similar at all, and my techniques for dealing with depression/anxiety - which mainly consist of getting up and actually doing stuff instead of laying in bed and hiding from the world - are exactly the opposite of what is going to work for this.

I couldn't get an appointment with a specialist but my regular doctor said he didn't think I needed to see one or get a CT scan or MRI or anything, so I guess we'll go with that for now. I am very paranoid about subdural hematomas as I have read that chronic ones can wait to present for weeks or months (!). I'll be getting an appointment with my psychiatrist for soon though and probably seeing my psychologist as well to see if she has any strategies for coping with the fun emotional aspects of this or helping with meditation.

I didn't have a concussion but did have a craniotomy and neurosurgery to remove a brain tumor in March. Discharge instructions said to abstain for two weeks. Also cannot climb a ladder or no strenuous sports for 3 months. Anything that happens to the brain is scary stuff. Good luck to all of you.

Brain tumor!? That sounds terrifying, cflutist - I hope you are now okay or on your way to it. Many hugs and wishing you much strength and dust.

 

[distracts]

I had a migraine for five days, which is unusually long for me, and before giving me migraine meds I did have to get my head all scanned to make sure nothing else was going on. But the scans all came back normal, which is a relief, and I was able to take migraine medicine and stop the migraine, which is even MORE of a relief.

 

[missy]

I had a migraine for five days, which is unusually long for me, and before giving me migraine meds I did have to get my head all scanned to make sure nothing else was going on. But the scans all came back normal, which is a relief, and I was able to take migraine medicine and stop the migraine, which is even MORE of a relief.

Oh my distracts, I am so sorry you are experiencing this and relieved for you that all scans came back normal. Sending you lots of healing ***DUST*** and hugs for a full recovery!

 

[Victoria10]

That's good news!!

I think it depends on where on the head is hit the forehead ( frontal) will give more emotional, executive functioning issues. Mine was temporal. I was unconscious so not much memory only from what was told. I had slurred speech when found issues going from sit to and from stand. Please do take it easy even still feel better, esp transitioning sit to stand.

Many hugs for further recovery. It is very difficult and scary.

 

[cflutist]

Distracts,

Glad to read that your scans were good. Continued hugs and dust for your recovery.

 

[tyty333]

I'm no help but I do hope that you feel better soon. Head trauma sounds terrible. I hate having headaches...can't imagine going
through multiple days of major migraine!

Lots of rest...feel better soon.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Distracts, Hope you feel better soon..

 

[distracts]

Thank you all - I felt very nearly normal today but still took it easy. I'm going to step up the activity a bit tomorrow and see if I continue to feel well.