Concussion

Kittenopolis
Kittenopolis Posts: 26 Member
edited January 21 in Motivation and Support
Here's the back story:

I somehow managed to hit my head (and had bruising all over my body in strange places) in my home on a Fri night; my brother found me Sat morning & took me to the ER. I don't remember any of this whatsoever (so, yes, I had a loss of consciousness) & all I remember about Saturday was waking up a few moments at a time to see the Dr, take a drug screen, waking up in my bed (having no idea what day it was & not remembering the hospital at that time), then going to the bathroom & not being steady enough to step on the scale to weigh myself. Other than that, nothing (not even my dad coming over & trying to feed me a sandwich apparently). I woke up Sunday & felt okay... but I was having blurred/double vision, I don't remember getting to or being in the car at all, I had a very unsteady gait (whole family wouldn't let me walk without assistance), and eventually very mild hallucinations on my hands.

Monday I went in to work & was sent back to the ER for another CT scan of my head & face, then saw the Dr at our office immediately after & he did another drug screen, per company policy, and diagnosed me with exactly what I thought: a concussion.

I'm finally back at work after a week of recovery at my family's house. No reading allowed. Nothing that could put strain on my brain or eyes. I slept a lot. I only had a headache one day, but eye soreness/fatigue on & off. Car rides for the first few days were difficult & made me feel dizzy & kind of sick (I've NEVER had car sickness). I felt pretty much normal for two days before returning to work (per Dr's orders) but my eyes/head are killing me again all of a sudden. After eating & drinking a few cups of water, that has lessened some.

The Dr said sometimes concussion syndrome can last up to 6 weeks, but thankfully my biggest issues have all mostly resolved & I can drive again after only a week.

I want to start working out again bc I've gained 5 lbs from sitting on my butt & not being allowed to do anything for a week, but I'm terrified to start running because I'm afraid it will make full recovery for my brain even more difficult.

Should I wait out the full 6 weeks it can take before doing anything? Or just take body cues & try when I'm ready & see how my body responds? The issues today could be because I read a lot yesterday, but I'm just not sure.

Any thoughts, suggestions, help?

Replies

  • jenniferrusso7393
    jenniferrusso7393 Posts: 189 Member
    If I was you, this is a question I wouldask the DR... I'm not a health professional, and wouldn't dare give any other advice on this one... Good luck to you-- hope your recovery goes well! :smile:
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    I would take it as slow as possible. Exercise can make concussion symptoms worse.

    I fell while running a few months ago (landed on my face) and ended up with a mild concussion, I don't think I ran for 2 weeks at least. I remember driving being very hard, and I spent a few days in bed. As frustrating as it was, I didn't want to screw myself up further by getting back into tough exercise too soon. It sounds like your case is much more severe. Don't worry, you won't lose fitness after just a few weeks.
  • waylandcool
    waylandcool Posts: 175 Member
    I'd start real slow and see how it goes. Maybe walk around the block for a few days first. Don't go too hard too fast.

    Treat it like you've never worked out before for a few weeks and then start easing back into your old routine.
  • dazzo62
    dazzo62 Posts: 78
    Listen to your body. I have been suffering from L3 concussion symptoms for 6 months.

    I have had constant post concussive (dull) headaches, blinding migraines I and have greater occipital neuralgia.

    I have fallen and re concussed. It has been hell.

    I have only been able to walk - and most times at a slow pace. It stinks.

    I have had to lower my caloric intake, change my diet to eliminate a bunch of migraine triggering foods, it has just been horrible.

    I have spent the majority of my time cooped up in bed in a dark room - if I do to much I wind up violently ill. I just had over 30 injections of Botox in my head, neck and shoulders on Friday as a last ditch attempt (but they are pretty confident it will work).

    I do, however, do isometric exercises and follow core "scooping motion" of my abs, without moving my head.

    Please take your time and be careful.
  • dazzo62
    dazzo62 Posts: 78
    PS I am not a DR either - have just been to 3 neurologists and a lot of pain
  • bpotts44
    bpotts44 Posts: 1,066 Member
    I had a serious concussion after an awful bike crash. I would listen to your doctor and sit on your *kitten* for 6 weeks. Decision making is tough with the concussion, but just focus on diet. Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon.
  • watchhillgirl
    watchhillgirl Posts: 597 Member
    I would listen to the doctor and take it easy. He is the medical professional. Just focus on your diet.
  • Kittenopolis
    Kittenopolis Posts: 26 Member
    Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions/support.

    I will take it slow, just walking & listening to my body cues, until the 6 weeks are up. Then I can try to start jogging, etc.

    Tough to do, but worth not risking another fall/extended recovery time/future problems/etc.

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  • dazzo62
    dazzo62 Posts: 78
    Best of luck and I hope that you heal quickly!:smile:
  • Kittenopolis
    Kittenopolis Posts: 26 Member
    Best of luck and I hope that you heal quickly!:smile:

    Thank you so much!! <3
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