returning from a traumatic brain injury

[loopybunny]

I'm trying to be more independent because my mom is leaving tomorrow so I tried making myself nachos for a snack. I couldn't remember how to open the bag of chips. Then I got dizzy and disoriented and spilled cheese on the floor.

I'm also quite sick of having a constant headache and being sensitive to sounds. I'm hopeful this will go away soon.

My main concern right now is that my vision in the left eye is not what it used to be. I'll talk to my doctor tomorrow.

[marni]

I was sick dizzy and cruising on pain meds because of broken ribs for about six weeks, then I weaned off the pain meds because the ribs were starting to heal up. Dizziness had reduced down to just if I stood up suddenly or when I lay down in bed at night. I started in with easy stationary and recumbent biking at 8 weeks and eased into cardio rate and some intensity over the next three weeks. Took my first road bike ride at 12 weeks, with someone riding along with me just in case. Did a short and very easy 25. The dizziness at night continued for another couple of weeks and gradually eased off and was totally gone by about 4 1/2 months. Only thing I really notice now is that I seem to have lost a bit more short term memory, so write copious steps by step lists to compensate, but then I am also going through the menopause process yet again because of breast cancer chemo therapy issues, and menopause the first time did a real trip on my brain. I am resigned to being ditzy and totally absent minded and not dizzy. I should also point out that the whole episode was probably more severe because it was the second head hit/helmet/ accident in two months.

[redrhodie]

I'm trying to be more independent because my mom is leaving tomorrow so I tried making myself nachos for a snack. I couldn't remember how to open the bag of chips. Then I got dizzy and disoriented and spilled cheese on the floor.

I'm also quite sick of having a constant headache and being sensitive to sounds. I'm hopeful this will go away soon.

My main concern right now is that my vision in the left eye is not what it used to be. I'll talk to my doctor tomorrow.

Do you have anyone else to help? Or, can you go home with your mom to recover with her care a little longer? It sounds like you still could use some help. I know you want to get back to normal as soon as possible, but maybe that will happen faster if you get more rest.

[loopybunny]

Do you have anyone else to help? Or, can you go home with your mom to recover with her care a little longer? It sounds like you still could use some help. I know you want to get back to normal as soon as possible, but maybe that will happen faster if you get more rest.

I have some coworkers that are willing to come over if needed.

Had my staples removed today. What an ordeal. First of all, I had to wait for an hour and 15 minutes before they called me in. The first woman didn't know what to do then brought in an RN. They both left to get the doctor. By the time he walked in, it was 10 min before I was supposed to have a phone appointment with him.

He did some quick vision tests and determined that I need to be referred to a neurologist. Apparently when one suffers a severe concussion with a brain hemorrhage, this doesn't warrant an automatic referral to one. Although, they had no problem spending the money to transfer me from San Francisco to Modesto by ambulance. My doctor seems to be completely unaware of the extent of my injuries. The nurse even said that she could find no record of me having any sort of sutures or why. Nice.

[lo123]

My main concern right now is that my vision in the left eye is not what it used to be. I'll talk to my doctor tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that I ended up needing to get new glasses. I was advised my the neurosurgeon to wait a few months to let it stabilize. They also said it was likely that I had some nerve issues because of where I hit being so close to the optic nerve.

Turned out that I lost the ability to compensate for my astigmatism.

Hang in there.

[loopybunny]

I forgot to mention that I ended up needing to get new glasses. I was advised my the neurosurgeon to wait a few months to let it stabilize. They also said it was likely that I had some nerve issues because of where I hit being so close to the optic nerve.

Turned out that I lost the ability to compensate for my astigmatism.

Hang in there.

That's good to know. My Oakley glasses were undamaged, but I had Rx Transitions lenses in them that disappeared. Obviously I need new ones. I'm not due for a new pair until July though.

[lo123]

Because glasses are so expensive, maybe you could use an online service like http://www.zennioptical.com/ ?

I haven't tried them myself, but I'm going to order some RX sunglasses from them. I have a hard time wearing the astigmatism contact lenses, and I need my sun protection! anyway, I've read good things about that particular site. Even if you still have to pay for the exam out of pocket, at least the glasses won't set you back quite so much.

[Crankin]

You haven't seen a neurologist ?
Get yourself there pronto.

[crazycanuck]

Just a story for you & I understand she was released from hospital today.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/hall...ad-to-recovery

[loopybunny]

Just a story for you & I understand she was released from hospital today.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/hall...ad-to-recovery

Thanks for sharing that. I hadn't seen it!

Just a little update re: my condition: My eyesight still seems off. In fact, my left eye feels a bit fatigued. I have an appointment this afternoon with a neurologist.

Ironically, I have an appointment tomorrow at the DMV for my license. I wasn't supposed to have to go in, but California is changing the DMV computer system and because of some glitch, they decided two months after I renewed online that I have to come in for a new pic. My license says I must wear corrective lenses, which is a mistake, but I have to retake the eye exam to have that removed. This will be fun! Glad my vision isn't that different.

Also, I joined the Raisin Hope Foundation (because Saul made me). It's a small foundation formed by former pro cyclist, Saul Raisin, to offer support for those with traumatic brain injuries.