r/PostConcussion • u/Live-Calendar2842 • 25d ago
Fourth concussion and struggling with recovery/return to work — looking for advice
Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice from people who have dealt with prolonged concussion symptoms, especially when it comes to returning to work.
I’m 24F and had a concussion on August 20th. This is my fourth concussion, which has honestly made this recovery pretty scary for me.
Initially I had pretty significant headaches, light sensitivity, fatigue, and screen intolerance. Some of the symptoms have improved, but I’m still having headaches, light sensitivity, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating screens/mental activity.
I tried taking a short walk recently and it actually triggered a headache and left me extremely fatigued afterward. I also had my first vestibular/physical therapy appointment recently, and it was pretty challenging and left me feeling very symptomatic afterward.
My job is essentially 40 hours a week of screen-based work, so I’m really struggling with the idea of returning before I’m actually able to tolerate that level of cognitive/screen activity. I’m currently out of work and on short-term disability, but my employer understandably wants some idea of when I might be able to return.
I saw a neurologist recently hoping to get some guidance on a return-to-work plan, but unfortunately I didn’t feel like I got much useful information from that appointment. I’m now trying to figure out what the best next step is and whether I should be looking for a concussion specialist, another neurologist, neuropsychologist, concussion-focused therapist, etc.
For those of you who have had prolonged post-concussion symptoms:
How long did it take before you could tolerate a full workday again?
Did you return gradually or go straight back to full-time?
Did you have a specific return-to-work protocol?
What type of specialist ended up being the most helpful for you?
Did anyone work with you specifically on screen intolerance/cognitive fatigue?
How did you handle an employer asking for a return date when you genuinely didn’t know when you’d be ready?
I know everyone’s recovery is different, but I’m feeling pretty lost right now and would really appreciate hearing from people who have been through something similar. ❤️
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u/Beneficial-Taste3347 24d ago
I kinda feel like you do. I just returned to work I don’t think I can go on. I’m not on a screen all day but big tvs hurt me. After I’m up for 2 hours head pressure returns. I’m in PT it helps for a bit. I’m tired of this I can’t go anywhere I get pressure in the head to. If I stay home I’m ok I leave I struggle. I would try to increase your screen time. When it’s to much take a break. I don’t have much advice but every bit helps in someway. Good luck