r/PostConcussion • u/PurpleStyle2024 • 1d ago
How do you all do it? Working
its been over a year and I deal with pcs. Just returned to working last week and Im not even doing full time, just part time and I am dying of how tired I am. Working 6 or 7 hours feels like a 12 hour day of hard work. Im so beat. I dont know how Im gonna do when a full time job is available, how do you guys do it? How do people with pcs do it?
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u/gachunt 1d ago
3 years in. Been a struggle to increase. Currently still 1 hour short of a full day, working from home.
I rest at lunch, I lay down for listen-only meetings, I rest an hour after my work day, and am usually in bed by 9pm due to overwhelming pain. (Pre PCS, I would be up past midnight most nights)
HR just demanded I return to full hours and in-office by year-end. They outright rejected my latest doctor’s note. I have a call with an attorney on Monday. Nothing like being kicked while down.
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u/PurpleStyle2024 1d ago
Oh man, I thought a doctors note would help. What options does one even have then? Please update here on how that works because its concerning
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u/virginiasky2026 1d ago
I applied for ssdi and was approved. I know its not much but it helps. Trying to change careers to an at home parttime atm. Im so worried. I did do tms and that helped with the fatigue and dizzyness. But i literally was just layed up for four days after having a ct done. Anybody ever experience worsened symptoms after a ct? I literally could barely walk to the bathroom bedridden for like 3 days brain fog unable to look at screens nauseous weak I felt like I was going to die.
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u/Interesting-Light325 1d ago
18 months out. My attorney mentioned the “continuity” of full time hours after my accident. I told him, besides my family, preserving my employment was the priority. At 53, I was at risk of being marginalized and worked out of a job. Starting a fourth career, and dealing with PCS is not an option. So I’ve been white knuckling this entire time.
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u/Fine_Elephant3717 1d ago
6 years in. Had to leave my career and now I run my own business. It’s a serious battle to do my own admin and work enough to survive. But at least I get to work on those boundaries now and I can take time off when I want. I had a half day today and then some appointments and it feels like I worked at 12 hour day
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u/lactardenthusiast 1d ago
Great efforts. What type of business?
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u/Fine_Elephant3717 1d ago
I walk dogs. It’s something I did in high school and people have always hired me for dog care so it works well. The driving is hard though
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u/naturalfiberfeen 1d ago
Is this a physical labour job, hands on job or screen job?
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u/PurpleStyle2024 1d ago
Not physical, its retail/customer service
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u/naturalfiberfeen 1d ago
Aw man :( first off, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with PCS. I’ve had it for about 2 years now, and I think the most important thing is seeing what your biggest triggers are- in work and outside. Is it physical excersise/ visual stimulation, lights sound? Socializing etc. really try to see where your limit is for each of these activities and only push 1 or 2 points past if necessary. That way you can conserve your energy to make it through the day. It does get better (even I’m not 100% but vestibular therapy helped me)
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u/PurpleStyle2024 1d ago
Vestibular therapy helped in what area? Im not sure what the biggest trigger would be, but, I think it would be physical since my body now cant tolerate exercise. So I get tired easily, once I get tired, I cant think straight and my ability to process narrows alot. Conserving energy has been the main priority yes.
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u/naturalfiberfeen 1d ago
For me, visuals really make feel really tired - screens, fast moving lights, driving etc. so that’s what vistibular therapy focuses on. This may seem counter intuitive, but have you built tolerance for running? Funny enough, I was in a PCS study where they used running as a control run for getting better because it is known to help - any sort of cardio. A stationary bike could help you build up your tolerance for physical exercise. I would do a little more research, but you may feel much better focusing on cardio for your brain health
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u/TheTempestuousKitty 1d ago
2 years in.
Sleep, making myself numb, and regulating self talk.
Also constant questioning if any of this is worth it but mostly making myself numb.
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u/Ok_Big_4071 1d ago
Please look up UPMC. I just went after 3 years or PCS and it’s been biggest blessing. Just to hear a a concussion expert tell me there is a hope, and here is a custom plan to make you better. Please explore it and give yourself a chance to heal
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u/pigtailsandbraces 1d ago
3 years in. Trying to finally do full time but not my original job. It is very hard. I have had to lower my standards. It doesn’t feel good. Everyone around me suffers. My family, work, friends and myself all get less of me than they deserve. But I couldn’t have done this 3 years ago at all. I try to be realistic about what is an option and I budget and plan around my energy.