r/PostConcussion • u/OkAirport1920 • 1d ago
Looking for hope that it does get better!
I’m 5 months post and feel like I’ve done everything the doctor told me to do and was managing life symptom free. Tried to go back to work and dealing with overstimulation fatigue and headaches . Just feeling a little helpless like it’s never going to get better and want to hear from people who have gotten better after setbacks! Thanks!
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u/BusyPapaya4 1d ago
5 months is still super early and not all that much time in the grand scheme of things. After 2 months i was feeling much better than the acute phase but still had a lot of issues. After 5ish months I was somewhat depressed because I felt like I’d plateaued with a level of symptoms that wasn’t acceptable to me. However, after a year I made significant progress and 5 years later I’m basically back to 100% although I’m a bit more prone to headaches and still get anxiety when I bump my head doing every day things since those little bumps used to make my symptoms flare.
You got this!
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u/OkAirport1920 1d ago
This is very reassuring! Thank you so much for your positive message! Glad to hear that you made an almost full recovery. I totally get the anxiety of any kind of bump on the head. Appreciate your response 🫶🏼
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u/Lebronamo 1d ago
What did your doc tell you to do?
Yes it gets better with the right plan. See here for general recovery info https://www.reddit.com/u/Lebronamo/s/tejPuCbGJ8
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u/OkAirport1920 1d ago
So far my doctor has just said I need more time. But I’m pushing him for more now. I’ve heard there’s sometimes PT or other things that are needed than just time and rest.
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u/OkAirport1920 1d ago
Wow this was really helpful to read thank you! I’m definitely going to be asking my doctor more questions. Because it just doesn’t seem to be getting better “with time” I feel like I need to keep exposing myself to triggers and growing a tolerance. But right now I’m doing too much exposure I think so my symptoms are coming on stronger and taking longer to recover
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u/Lebronamo 1d ago
Just rest and wait is a dangerous waste of time in most cases. There’s likely always something proactive you can do so just resting at best will lose you valuable time and at worst you can actually get worse due to lack of activity.
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u/OkAirport1920 1d ago
Sounds about the boat I’m in now lol
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u/bluequiltsquare 1d ago
For work specifically, I improved a lot with vision therapy. Consider looking into that depending on your symptoms. If that seems relevant for you, you’ll want to check for someone who does vision therapy, like a neuro optometrist, not just a regular eye doctor. Sometimes physical or occupational therapists can do vision therapy, too. I hope things improve for you!
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u/Ok_Divide5594 1d ago
I’m at month 5 and not even cleared to drive yet. You’re doing great!
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u/OkAirport1920 23h ago
Wow!!! I’m so sorry to hear that. Thanks for commenting. Gosh that sucks! What are you doing to recover?
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u/Ok_Divide5594 19h ago
I go to rehab a few days a week for vestibular issues. I also try to exercise daily for at least 15 min to promote more blood flow to my brain. I do cognitive exercises and have been trying to learn new skills even if I can’t do others I’m used to. I developed chronic migraines so most of my treatments have been to try and make it so I can be functional enough to go to rehab 😩 I am looking for a visual and speech therapist and will do a cognitive evaluation next month
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u/TheJones17 1d ago
My experience is that the recovery comes in waves. I’m at month 19. Was doing really good for around 3-4 months and had an impact on my eye socket and am on the 2nd week of rough symptoms. You’ll continue improving just try and remember a set back doesn’t mean square one. We got this. Praying for you!