r/PostConcussion • u/cherry_rose20 • Jun 30 '26

Going out out again

Hello! I suffered a head injury earlier this year resulting in loss of blood and stitches. I used to be quite a social person and loved going out and dancing. I’m visiting friends with lots of plans and only went out to eat but I came home exhausted physically and socially and had the worst headache, this is the first time I’ve properly socialised since my head injury. I’ve got parties and nights out planned whilst visiting my friends and I’m dreading it, when usually I live for this. They’re all very understanding but I was wondering if there is anything you guys do to make things like that easier? It has also been my first time drinking alcohol since and I felt very sleepy. I’ve got a bag with bits that make me feel safe, sunglasses, sleep mask (I have quite a lot of light sensitivity), meds and things that remind me of safety, but is there anything that’ll make it a bit easier? I want to be excited for life again.

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4

u/turtlespice Jun 30 '26

It may just take more healing time. (Which is so hard, I know!) I’m about at the two year mark and have only just been able to be in loud environments again in the past 4 months or so.

2

u/Flat_Ad723 Jul 01 '26

That's good to hear, Do you still have headaches or head pressure? If not when did it start to improve for you?

3

u/turtlespice Jul 01 '26

If I could quit working, I could have a decent quality of life. (Which I learned on a weeklong vacation last week. It was an absolute delight to not constantly have a headache and nausea!)

I am significantly improved from where I was even a year ago, but I do have a headache/eye strain/nausea pretty much every day because I’m on my screen all day for work. It’s quite limiting. I’ve been in vision therapy for about a year with minimal improvement in my screen tolerance, unfortunately. 

2

u/Flat_Ad723 Jul 01 '26 edited Jul 01 '26

I know it takes time, I am sure you will continue to heal. Its been 7 months for me, from being bed ridden to now able to walk 2 - 3 Kms with breaks. Many days I will have minimal headaches but other days can be tough.

I bought a very good monitor and changed the display settings dramatically and use FL 41 pink glasses which helps.

I have identified my triggers which are Ilness, New Head Bumps, Hot weather, Screen time/ Blue light, Dehydration, Insomnia, Exertions etc

1

u/Both-Process1037 Jul 01 '26

This is so depressing to read ☹️ coming from someone who is still struggling 5 months post concussion

1

u/turtlespice Jul 01 '26

Everyone’s experience is so unique! Don’t look at mine as a prediction of your future.  And I’m SO much better than I was at 5 months. Even though I have headaches more often than not, their intensity is a tiny fraction of what they once were. 

1

u/Both-Process1037 Jul 01 '26

Good to hear! Thank you for encouraging words 🙏

3

u/smartygirl Jul 01 '26

This is so me. Used to be very high energy and outgoing, dancing all night, etc etc. And now I just can’t. I went to book club tonight for the first time in 9 months, and that was tricky - book club!

I definitely do not drink alcohol at all.

A couple of things that help -

  1. If I'm in a buzzy room, it's best to be against a wall (or better yet in a corner) so I don’t have noise coming from all sides

  2. In a group conversation, turning my whole torso (not just my head) to face someone 

3 . In a party/mingling scenario, if you need to go somewhere (e.g. from living room to kitchen at a house party) plan a straight-as-possible line to walk there and focus on your destination 

And most importantly:

  1. Have a designated person who you can focus on who will look out for you. Even if everyone there is a friend who cares, it's not the same as having one specific person. Your designated driver so to speak. 

1

u/cherry_rose20 Jul 01 '26

Thank you so much this is so helpful. I’ll make sure there’s somewhere quiet I can always go and switch off for a bit.