Mild concussion? Update in first post

[Kassia]

1 hour ago, Catwoman said:

@Kassia  — Ok, I haven’t nagged you for a few days, but I’m wondering how you’re feeling. I hope you’re doing much better!!!!

Aw, you are not nagging me at all!  It's so sweet of you to think of me and I appreciate it.

I'm doing okay.  I was optimistic that things were slowly improving but today has been a rough day.  😞  Hoping it's just an up and down thing with more ups than downs until I'm better.  Saturday was kind of bad, yesterday was better, and then today has been rough again.

Thanks for checking up on me.  ❤️

 

[mommyoffive]

1 minute ago, Kassia said:

Aw, you are not nagging me at all!  It's so sweet of you to think of me and I appreciate it.

I'm doing okay.  I was optimistic that things were slowly improving but today has been a rough day.  😞  Hoping it's just an up and down thing with more ups than downs until I'm better.  Saturday was kind of bad, yesterday was better, and then today has been rough again.

Thanks for checking up on me.  ❤️

 

I am really sorry to hear that.  Sending some hugs your way.  Is it all the head issues that make it a hard day or is the the foot recovery too?

[Kassia]

29 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

I am really sorry to hear that.  Sending some hugs your way.  Is it all the head issues that make it a hard day or is the the foot recovery too?

Just the head.  The foot recovery at this point is just patience until I can start learning to walk again (hopefully in a couple of weeks).  This morning was frustrating because I went to pour myself some iced tea from a pitcher and somehow the lid came off and went flying and tea spilled everywhere.  DH ran over and helped me (getting anything from the floor is nearly impossible and I don't know how I'd actually wipe something up).  I hate feeling like a toddler or some helpless person who spills and then needs someone to come clean up after them.  

Thanks for the hugs.  🙂  

Edited January 17, 2022 by Kassia

[Tap]

I would put a call into your doctor and see what she says. After a week, I would expect to have a visit to make sure there isn't more going on. If nothing else, you can ask her to start the referral process to be seen buy a neurologist who specialize in concussions. That process can take a week or two, so if you get an appointment scheduled and you feel better by then, you can always cancel.

(((HUGS)))

[Kassia]

4 minutes ago, Tap said:

I would put a call into your doctor and see what she says. After a week, I would expect to have a visit to make sure there isn't more going on. If nothing else, you can ask her to start the referral process to be seen buy a neurologist who specialize in concussions. That process can take a week or two, so if you get an appointment scheduled and you feel better by then, you can always cancel.

(((HUGS)))

Thanks.  I don't need a referral and you're right that I should get an appt. with a neurologist with the hope that I can cancel if things get better since I doubt I could get in anytime soon.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since I hit my head.  I contacted my family doctor a while ago and she said not to worry unless symptoms got worse or if new symptoms appeared.  Neither of those have happened.  OTOH, she's a terrible awful doctor so I don't trust what she says anyway.  It's really tough to know what to do.  😞  I was so optimistic yesterday thinking I was getting better.  Hoping tomorrow is another day so I don't have to make a decision.

[klmama]

Depending on your local health care system, there may be a concussion clinic affiliated with sports medicine.  It may be a lot faster to get in to see them than a neurologist.  When my dc had a concussion a year ago, they were able to set up an appointment there within a week and then arranged for PT to start almost immediately for vision issues, balance issues, head pain/neck pain, etc.  Just something to consider, if a neurology appt. will take a long time.  Regardless, I hope you feel better soon.  

 

[Kassia]

1 minute ago, klmama said:

Depending on your local health care system, there may be a concussion clinic affiliated with sports medicine.  It may be a lot faster to get in to see them than a neurologist.  When my dc had a concussion a year ago, they were able to set up an appointment there within a week and then arranged for PT to start almost immediately for vision issues, balance issues, head pain/neck pain, etc.  Just something to consider, if a neurology appt. will take a long time.  Regardless, I hope you feel better soon.  

 

Thanks.  We do have one nearby but I don't know how our insurance works for PT.  I'm already going to need PT after my foot reconstruction surgery and I don't know if there is a limit.  I'll have to find out.  

Do you know if they work with you with no official diagnosis?  I haven't been seen/scanned.  I just hit my head and have had symptoms ever since.  

[Tap]

15 minutes ago, Kassia said:

Thanks.  I don't need a referral and you're right that I should get an appt. with a neurologist with the hope that I can cancel if things get better since I doubt I could get in anytime soon.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since I hit my head.  I contacted my family doctor a while ago and she said not to worry unless symptoms got worse or if new symptoms appeared.  Neither of those have happened.  OTOH, she's a terrible awful doctor so I don't trust what she says anyway.  It's really tough to know what to do.  😞  I was so optimistic yesterday thinking I was getting better.  Hoping tomorrow is another day so I don't have to make a decision.

Did she say when you should start feeling better? 

Many specialists require a referral to accept a patient. So, even if you insurance doesn't require it, the doctor may.

[Harriet Vane]

It's been two weeks. I think you should get a scan.

Gentle hugs for you.

[Kassia]

45 minutes ago, Tap said:

Did she say when you should start feeling better? 

Many specialists require a referral to accept a patient. So, even if you insurance doesn't require it, the doctor may.

No, of course not.  She's an awful doctor.  

We've had this insurance for years and I've never needed a referral in the past to see a specialist and I've seen many (unfortunately).  

 

39 minutes ago, Harriet Vane said:

It's been two weeks. I think you should get a scan.

Gentle hugs for you.

Thanks.  The only way I can get one is to go through ER, which means thousands of dollars and covid exposure for me and DH.  Otherwise, I have to have a doctor order it and wait two weeks for insurance preauthorization - and even then it's so expensive.  I just don't want to spend all that money just to be told to go home and rest, which I'm doing anyway.

Last year we spent $4k on diagnostics - no treatment.  It was so frustrating.  Finally, I had my surgery and that took care of the rest of my high out of pocket expenses.  But that first 4k was pretty discouraging.  I just hate being such a burden on DH in every way.  😞  

[thewellerman]

Have you tried any vestibular therapy exercises?  And are you staying very hydrated and paying attention to electrolytes?  

Two weeks does seem a little long to have constant nausea, but I've been surprised how long it took us to recover from concussions, and how easy it was to trigger symptoms for quite some time. 

[Kassia]

1 minute ago, thewellerman said:

Have you tried any vestibular therapy exercises?  And are you staying very hydrated and paying attention to electrolytes?  

Two weeks does seem a little long to have constant nausea, but I've been surprised how long it took us to recover from concussions, and how easy it was to trigger symptoms for quite some time. 

I haven't tried any exercises and my main issue right now is just being tired and sleeping frequently.  I am definitely staying hydrated and am going to start taking sodium tablets tomorrow.  I used to take them prior to surgery (I have issues with low sodium) but didn't think I'd need them post-op and also I didn't want to raise my sodium and increase any swelling.  

The nausea definitely isn't constant.  It's mostly when I get too tired or try to focus for too long (like online - oops).  A friend of mine said she had concussion symptoms for a month - she said she felt like she was drunk.  She said they gradually decreased after the first two weeks and I'm hoping for the same - tomorrow will be two weeks for me.  

 

[klmama]

Kassia, you need to let your brain rest.  Sleeping frequently is exactly what you need!  Reading, watching screens, concentrating - anything that makes your brain work harder may cause worsening headache and nausea.  I hope you'll feel better soon, but it doesn't magically happen - you do need to take care of yourself!  Please turn off the computer now and rest!!!!!  

[Kassia]

6 hours ago, klmama said:

Kassia, you need to let your brain rest.  Sleeping frequently is exactly what you need!  Reading, watching screens, concentrating - anything that makes your brain work harder may cause worsening headache and nausea.  I hope you'll feel better soon, but it doesn't magically happen - you do need to take care of yourself!  Please turn off the computer now and rest!!!!!  

Thank you!  I do know that and take lots and lots of naps throughout the day in addition to sleeping all night.  but I have to do something during the time I'm awake so I go on the internet for short periods of time.  There's nothing else I can really do since I'm off my feet due to the surgery.  

 

[Miss Tick]

I'm so sorry that you are still suffering from this! I'm also sorry that I didn't take you totally seriously from the get-go. 😟 I hope you get some relief soon.

[Kassia]

2 hours ago, SusanC said:

I'm so sorry that you are still suffering from this! I'm also sorry that I didn't take you totally seriously from the get-go. 😟 I hope you get some relief soon.

Thanks. Right now I'm really upset because I just discovered that my surgeon didn't remove all of the stitches in my foot and I think I am going to have to go back right away.  I'm really squeamish about stuff like that and was so relieved at my last appt. because I thought that was done and over with.  Plus I feel so guilty that DH is going to have to drag me back to the office for this - it's not close and it's such a hassle to get me out and around.  And the office is in a hospital overwhelmed with covid patients.  

I really do think I'm slowly getting better from the concussion.  And all the sleeping is really helping.  I'm lucky that I have the opportunity to do that.  

[Jann in TX]

Kassia,

Just jumping in here.

You are worried about money and being a burden-- well if you do not take care of yourself you will be a BIGGER burden and that will cost MORE money!

Brain injuries are significant.

This can be an issue associated with the anesthesia used in your surgery OR it can be the result of a concussion.

Waiting one week or now 2 without resolution means there is an issue!

Your GP may not be concerned (GP Drs are not specialists in everything...) Please speak with your surgeon and then start looking at getting a GP you can trust.

If you can see a neurologist I would to this ASAP-- describe your symptoms/situation and you should get an express pass (immediate appointment).  You are worth the money.  You are not a burden-- YOU ARE IMPORTANT.

Jann-- stepping down from the chair now

[Kassia]

18 minutes ago, Jann in TX said:

Kassia,

Just jumping in here.

You are worried about money and being a burden-- well if you do not take care of yourself you will be a BIGGER burden and that will cost MORE money!

Brain injuries are significant.

This can be an issue associated with the anesthesia used in your surgery OR it can be the result of a concussion.

Waiting one week or now 2 without resolution means there is an issue!

Your GP may not be concerned (GP Drs are not specialists in everything...) Please speak with your surgeon and then start looking at getting a GP you can trust.

If you can see a neurologist I would to this ASAP-- describe your symptoms/situation and you should get an express pass (immediate appointment).  You are worth the money.  You are not a burden-- YOU ARE IMPORTANT.

Jann-- stepping down from the chair now

Thank you.  ❤️

It's definitely not related to the anesthesia because it happened right after I hit my head and that was almost 4 weeks post-op.  

It's been two weeks since I hit my head and I do feel like I'm gradually getting better.  If I didn't, I would definitely be seeing someone at this point so this doesn't result in long-term damage or issues. 

At this point, my main symptom is sleeping much more than usual and tiring easily - especially if I'm focusing on something.   But I think that is improving very gradually as well. 

And I am definitely a burden.  I've had nonstop medical issues since 7/2017.  I feel terrible!  😞  

Thank you again.  If I don't continue to feel like I'm improving then I will definitely see someone ASAP.  I just can't afford to see someone now and be told to rest. 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2022 by Kassia

[MEmama]

55 minutes ago, Kassia said:

Thank you.  ❤️

It's definitely not related to the anesthesia because it happened right after I hit my head and that was almost 4 weeks post-op.  

It's been two weeks since I hit my head and I do feel like I'm gradually getting better.  If I didn't, I would definitely be seeing someone at this point so this doesn't result in long-term damage or issues. 

At this point, my main symptom is sleeping much more than usual and tiring easily - especially if I'm focusing on something.   But I think that is improving very gradually as well. 

And I am definitely a burden.  I've had nonstop medical issues since 7/2017.  I feel terrible!  😞  

Thank you again.  If I don't continue to feel like I'm improving then I will definitely see someone ASAP.  I just can't afford to see someone now and be told to rest. 

 

 

Gently, I know I am not the only one here who knows you as a shining light and example of kindness, and if Internet strangers feel that way about you I can only imagine what goodness you bring to your family and people in your “real” life. There is simply no way you could be a burden, please don’t think that way about yourself. Your medical issues do not define you, your heart does. And you, my friend, have a huge, lovely, generous and kind heart. 
 

Sending you much love. ❤️

[mommyoffive]

8 minutes ago, MEmama said:

Gently, I know I am not the only one here who knows you as a shining light and example of kindness, and if Internet strangers feel that way about you I can only imagine what goodness you bring to your family and people in your “real” life. There is simply no way you could be a burden, please don’t think that way about yourself. Your medical issues do not define you, your heart does. And you, my friend, have a huge, lovely, generous and kind heart. 
 

Sending you much love. ❤️

Love this!!  You said it so much better than I could.  I totally agree!

[Kassia]

@MEmama and @mommyoffive

Thank you so much for the kind words!  You brought tears to my eyes - I am so touched.

I love the WTM community but always feel like I receive more than I give.  Not because I don't want to give more but just because there's only so much time to spend here.  There are so many posts I want to respond to but don't because of time issues.  So I especially appreciate it when others take the time to give their advice/opinions/support when I post because I know it's a sacrifice.  And it means so much to me if I have helped someone else here in any way.  I just wish I could do more.  

As far as being a burden.  There's no doubt that I have been a burden to DH over the years.  He would never say that and he treats me like a princess - I am very lucky.  But it's a fact and something I feel terrible about.  He deserves so much better.  

ETA - hope this made sense.  🙂  Thank you again.

 

 

Edited January 18, 2022 by Kassia

[klmama]

He treats you like a princess because he loves you and knows your true value.  And it sounds like you found a real prince yourself!       

[MEmama]

1 minute ago, klmama said:

He treats you like a princess because he loves you and knows your true value.  And it sounds like you found a real prince yourself!       

That’s what I’m thinking. Any man who treats his wife like a princess certainly  knows her worth and doesn’t view her as a burden.

@Kassia, I’m being totally honest when I say that hearing you think that about yourself brings tears to my eyes. Would you ever say such a thing about your husband? Or a good friend? I’m going to go out on a limb and say of course not, am I right? Please— and I know you are having such a difficult time right now and things are extra hard— but please, don’t feel that about yourself. I think you have *no idea* what a positive force you are. 
 

I wish I could give you a big hug right now. ❤️

[Kassia]

21 minutes ago, klmama said:

 it sounds like you found a real prince yourself!       

I did!  After 35+ years together I still have to pinch myself that he's mine!  He's not perfect by any means, but he's so wonderful to me and the kids.  

13 minutes ago, MEmama said:

That’s what I’m thinking. Any man who treats his wife like a princess certainly  knows her worth and doesn’t view her as a burden.

@Kassia, I’m being totally honest when I say that hearing you think that about yourself brings tears to my eyes. Would you ever say such a thing about your husband? Or a good friend? I’m going to go out on a limb and say of course not, am I right? Please— and I know you are having such a difficult time right now and things are extra hard— but please, don’t feel that about yourself. I think you have *no idea* what a positive force you are. 
 

I wish I could give you a big hug right now. ❤️

Thank you!  I'm really lucky to have him.  And you and all the other wonderful members here.  You don't know how much your support means to me.  

Edited January 18, 2022 by Kassia

[Terabith]

For what it's worth, my husband had a pretty serious concussion after a car accident, and for about six months to a year afterwards, every couple of months he'd sort of "wake up" and realize that he'd been foggy.  After a week or two, none of the rest of us could tell a difference from his baseline, but he could tell, but only in retrospect.  

I really think you're using screens too much.  

[Kassia]

1 hour ago, Terabith said:

 

I really think you're using screens too much.  

You are right.  I do limit myself to short periods of time but it's probably still too much.  

I just don't know what else to do with myself.  I'm lying on the couch elevating my leg pretty much 24/7.  My screen time is the only thing keeping me sane.  The only other thing I can do right now to pass the time is eat.  Screen time is much easier on me than trying to read a book.  Maybe because I only have to focus for short periods of time rather than invest a lot into an actual book.  

 

 

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[thewellerman]

https://thischangedmypractice.com/concussions-and-rest/

I just grabbed a quick link that sums it up, but the latest research concerning concussion recovery indicates limiting brain rest to 48 hours is best.  Longer than that can delay healing.  After the initial rest period, a gradual return to physical and mental activities as tolerated is recommended.  With greater activity, mild worsening of symptoms can be expected, but isn't worrisome. 

[ktgrok]

On 1/17/2022 at 4:16 PM, Kassia said:

No, of course not.  She's an awful doctor.  

We've had this insurance for years and I've never needed a referral in the past to see a specialist and I've seen many (unfortunately).  

 

Thanks.  The only way I can get one is to go through ER, which means thousands of dollars and covid exposure for me and DH.  Otherwise, I have to have a doctor order it and wait two weeks for insurance preauthorization - and even then it's so expensive.  I just don't want to spend all that money just to be told to go home and rest, which I'm doing anyway.

Last year we spent $4k on diagnostics - no treatment.  It was so frustrating.  Finally, I had my surgery and that took care of the rest of my high out of pocket expenses.  But that first 4k was pretty discouraging.  I just hate being such a burden on DH in every way.  😞  

OK so you say it takes weeks to get in for a scan because of insurance pre-authorization. So start that process now. You can always cancel it, but if you need it it will be available.

[Kassia]

16 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

OK so you say it takes weeks to get in for a scan because of insurance pre-authorization. So start that process now. You can always cancel it, but if you need it it will be available.

True, but I need a doctor to order it, which means a doctor appointment.  I don't think she'll order without seeing me first.  I don't even know if she can - insurance probably won't allow it.  I do think I'm gradually getting better otherwise we'd be doing something now since today is the two week mark since I hit my head.  If I don't continue to see improvement, I'll make an appointment.

 

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[thewellerman]

https://hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=21642&publicid=461

https://health.mil/News/Articles/2021/09/28/Mild-TBI-may-be-linked-to-Depression-Anxiety-and-PTSD-Studies-Show

Two more links.  It is normal to be frustrated when you are dependent on someone else, and have 2 injuries at once!  It is also not uncommon to develop depression after a concussion.  I'm mentioning it because you mention feeling terrible about "being a burden."  Could be nothing, could be something to keep an eye on. 

[Kassia]

9 hours ago, thewellerman said:

https://hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=21642&publicid=461

https://health.mil/News/Articles/2021/09/28/Mild-TBI-may-be-linked-to-Depression-Anxiety-and-PTSD-Studies-Show

Two more links.  It is normal to be frustrated when you are dependent on someone else, and have 2 injuries at once!  It is also not uncommon to develop depression after a concussion.  I'm mentioning it because you mention feeling terrible about "being a burden."  Could be nothing, could be something to keep an eye on. 

Thank you. 

I was already struggling with depression prior to the concussion for some of the same reasons I am now - feeling like such a burden to my poor DH in so many ways.  It is one of the reasons I thought I should seek treatment for the concussion because I don't want the depression to become worse as a result of the concussion and then be an even bigger burden than I already am.

On the bright side, I made a really big effort yesterday to be positive around him and made him laugh a few times.  That felt really good.  I'm going to make an effort to do that more often - it's the least I can do for him.  

[ktgrok]

10 hours ago, Kassia said:

True, but I need a doctor to order it, which means a doctor appointment.  I don't think she'll order without seeing me first.  I don't even know if she can - insurance probably won't allow it.  I do think I'm gradually getting better otherwise we'd be doing something now since today is the two week mark since I hit my head.  If I don't continue to see improvement, I'll make an appointment.

 

 To make an appointment to see the doctor. Otherwise if you don't continue to improve or take a turn for the worse it's gonna take you weeks to get in for a scan. Go see the doctor, that won't cost you that much I'm sure and is worth it. Have the scan process started. It's two weeks from now when you finally have the appointment you feel better you can cancel it. If you don't you will need to scan.

[Kassia]

30 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

 To make an appointment to see the doctor. Otherwise if you don't continue to improve or take a turn for the worse it's gonna take you weeks to get in for a scan. Go see the doctor, that won't cost you that much I'm sure and is worth it. Have the scan process started. It's two weeks from now when you finally have the appointment you feel better you can cancel it. If you don't you will need to scan.

It will still be close to $100 plus DH would have to take me since I can't drive so he'd lose even more work time than he already has due to my foot surgery.  Then there's the issue that my doctor's office building has stairs or a ramp to get in.  I'm on crutches and haven't used them on stairs yet - I scoot up and down on my butt at home but won't do that at an office building (plus we just had a huge snowstorm).  We don't have a wheelchair so a ramp isn't helpful.  So, just getting in the darn building would be a challenge.  That just seems like a lot of money/hassle/time just to get an order for a CT scan I don't think I'll need.  

But thank you for the advice - I do appreciate it.  

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[Katy]

If you don’t have a slow brain bleed (and you might, and this is still VERY dangerous, and I’m guessing your funeral would be more expensive than specialist visits and imaging, not to mention devastating to your family), and this is only a concussion you’re supposed to be in a dark quiet room, resting.

My neurologist said 3-4 months with my severe concussion but she released me at 8 weeks because I couldn’t do it anymore. It’s totally normal to still have nausea, confusion, headaches, and sleepiness with a brain injury, for weeks afterwards. 

[Kassia]

6 minutes ago, Katy said:

If you don’t have a slow brain bleed (and you might, and this is still VERY dangerous, and I’m guessing your funeral would be more expensive than specialist visits and imaging, not to mention devastating to your family), and this is only a concussion you’re supposed to be in a dark quiet room, resting.

My neurologist said 3-4 months with my severe concussion but she released me at 8 weeks because I couldn’t do it anymore. It’s totally normal to still have nausea, confusion, headaches, and sleepiness with a brain injury, for weeks afterwards. 

If I had a slow brain bleed would my symptoms be improving?  A brain bleed is the only thing I'm concerned about but I don't think it's likely based on what I feel is slow and steady progress.  I'm not as worried about dying as I am about having some permanent disability due to a brain bleed.  
 

[ktgrok]

23 minutes ago, Kassia said:

It will still be close to $100 plus DH would have to take me since I can't drive so he'd lose even more work time than he already has due to my foot surgery.  Then there's the issue that my doctor's office building has stairs or a ramp to get in.  I'm on crutches and haven't used them on stairs yet - I scoot up and down on my butt at home but won't do that at an office building (plus we just had a huge snowstorm).  We don't have a wheelchair so a ramp isn't helpful.  So, just getting in the darn building would be a challenge.  That just seems like a lot of money/hassle/time just to get an order for a CT scan I don't think I'll need.  

But thank you for the advice - I do appreciate it.  

So what happens in two weeks from now if you get worse? Then you go see the doctor, and then you have to wait another two weeks for insurance to approve the scan? That's crazy. $100 is the price you pay to deal with smacking your head hard enough to give you a concussion. That's life. And your husband is the one pushing you to be seen so stop blaming him for why you were not going in.

Also given how long you would need to be off your feet rent a freaking wheelchair or put out a post on social media asking if someone has one you can borrow.

[Katy]

8 minutes ago, Kassia said:

If I had a slow brain bleed would my symptoms be improving?  A brain bleed is the only thing I'm concerned about but I don't think it's likely based on what I feel is slow and steady progress.  I'm not as worried about dying as I am about having some permanent disability due to a brain bleed.  
 

Concussion symptoms can improve while other symptoms get worse. It’s impossible to know. Even if you don’t get imaging you need someone doing neurological exams every 10 days at least. 

[Kassia]

17 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

So what happens in two weeks from now if you get worse? Then you go see the doctor, and then you have to wait another two weeks for insurance to approve the scan? That's crazy. $100 is the price you pay to deal with smacking your head hard enough to give you a concussion. That's life. And your husband is the one pushing you to be seen so stop blaming him for why you were not going in.

Also given how long you would need to be off your feet rent a freaking wheelchair or put out a post on social media asking if someone has one you can borrow.

I don't think I ever said DH was pushing me to be seen (but maybe I'm wrong - I'd have to look back on the thread).  Only that he was concerned about me.  And I'm certainly not blaming him at all - I just don't want to cause him even more trouble than I already have in every way.  

The CT scan would still be expensive even if preauthorized.  If I get worse or any new symptoms appear, I'll go through ER and/or call my doctor to see if there are any alternatives for scanning.  But, for right now, my symptoms are normal and stable and I'm not experiencing anything alarming.  Mostly just tiring easily.  

Hopefully, I won't be completely non weightbearing for much longer - I see my surgeon on Monday and think she'll allow me to start putting my foot down a little with two crutches either next week or the following week.  Depends on how x-rays look but I think my foot is healing well.  In that case, I shouldn't need a wheelchair anymore since crutches would be much easier with partial weightbearing. 

 

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[Kassia]

8 minutes ago, Katy said:

Concussion symptoms can improve while other symptoms get worse. It’s impossible to know. Even if you don’t get imaging you need someone doing neurological exams every 10 days at least. 

Thanks.  I don't have confusion, dizziness, weakness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, balance issues (thank goodness since I'm on one foot!), etc.  Is there something they could see that I wouldn't know about if I don't have any of those symptoms?  That's what I'm confused about.  If I see my doctor, she'll test me for all of those things and I would expect them to be normal.  She can't test me for fatigue, which is my main symptom at this point.

[Katy]

39 minutes ago, Kassia said:

Thanks.  I don't have confusion, dizziness, weakness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, balance issues (thank goodness since I'm on one foot!), etc.  Is there something they could see that I wouldn't know about if I don't have any of those symptoms?  That's what I'm confused about.  If I see my doctor, she'll test me for all of those things and I would expect them to be normal.  She can't test me for fatigue, which is my main symptom at this point.

Yes, neurological exams test for more than those symptoms.

Edited January 19, 2022 by Katy

[ktgrok]

1 hour ago, Kassia said:

If I had a slow brain bleed would my symptoms be improving?  A brain bleed is the only thing I'm concerned about but I don't think it's likely based on what I feel is slow and steady progress.  I'm not as worried about dying as I am about having some permanent disability due to a brain bleed.  
 

I don't know. That's why you need to see a doctor. Since your doctor you don't love and has difficult logistics for getting into the office I would just schedule an appointment with a neurologist. The Neuro might have an easier time scheduling the scan as well. And it seems like their offices would be set up for people with limited mobility.

[ktgrok]

And honestly there could be something else causing the fatigue. This level seems extreme for the level of injury you had. Heck, have you had a Covid test lately? Or could you have some bleeding from something else, potentially medication that you were on for the foot, that overtime is causing anemia and fatigue? These are questions Adopter needs to answer. Heck there are other questions that need to be asked that only a doctor knows to ask.

[ktgrok]

I can say that our Neuro work up on my son showed things I never had noticed. Neither had heat. So yes it can pick up subtle things just on examination.

[ktgrok]

This is your brain. Spend some money and effort now to see a doctor, or potentially need to spend much more and have higher risk going to the ER later. Yes you may end up wasting money. But you might waste more if you don't go I need to go in through the ER later.

This is not a pinky finger this is your brain. If physically you feel a burden to your husband imagine how much worse it would be if you were not mentally as able as you are now. If you do not want to burden him further get your brain checked. Find out why you were having the fatigue. Time is tissue. If you absolutely can't afford food and medical care that is one thing. But if you don't want to spend the money that is another. I can't think of anything more worthwhile to spend money on than your brain.

Edited because speech to text changed able to evil. Oops.

Edited January 19, 2022 by ktgrok

[Kassia]

20 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

And honestly there could be something else causing the fatigue. This level seems extreme for the level of injury you had. Heck, have you had a Covid test lately? Or could you have some bleeding from something else, potentially medication that you were on for the foot, that overtime is causing anemia and fatigue? These are questions Adopter needs to answer. Heck there are other questions that need to be asked that only a doctor knows to ask.

Definitely not covid.  And it's too much of a coincidence that I hit my head hard and then had concussion symptoms - headache/nausea/sleepiness.  I don't think it's uncommon to still feel fatigued two weeks later.  A friend of mine said she felt like she was drunk for a month after she had a concussion and it gradually got better after the first two weeks.  

The only bleeding issue would be the baby aspirin - I take it twice a day to prevent blood clots from being so immobile.  But I'm certain the fatigue is due to hitting my head.  And it does seem to be lifting a bit.  Still sleeping great at night (which hasn't happened in 20 years) but I seem to not need as much during the day.  Trying to focus is what really wears me out.  😞  

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[Kassia]

20 minutes ago, ktgrok said:

 

If physically you feel a burden to your husband imagine how much worse it would be if you were not mentally as able as you are now.

This is really my only concern right now.  But since my main symptom is fatigue and I do feel like it's improving (very slowly) I don't feel a rush to be checked.  I am going to look at my insurance right now and see if there are any decent neurologists nearby, though.  I can at least make an appt. and cancel later.  

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia

[Starr]

When we don't feel well we often don't process well. Here's some info from the CDC. Don't discount the emotional effects. Your body has a lot of healing going on, from one end to the other 😉 and you are going to have to give into it for a while. It's really hard but you will get through it. I'm personally a fan of  seeing the doctor, having the scan and being told I'm okay over finding out I'm not later by increased symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/concussion/symptoms.html

[ktgrok]

Just now, Kassia said:

This is really my only concern right now.  But since my only symptom is fatigue and I do feel like it's improving I don't feel a rush to be checked.  I am going to look at my insurance right now and see if there are any decent neurologists nearby, though.  I can at least make an appt. and cancel later.  

Great. I get not rushing, but since it will likely take a while to get an appointment, and then potentially weeks longer to get any scanning done, starting now it's not rushing. At this point it has been two weeks, even if you started today it would be another two weeks to get a scan. Doing a scan a month after an injury we were still having symptoms is not rushing.

[Starr]

Your orthopedist can make you an appointment with neuro. They overlap patients and may well have a recommendation.

[Kassia]

18 minutes ago, Starr said:

Your orthopedist can make you an appointment with neuro. They overlap patients and may well have a recommendation.

My surgeon isn't an orthopedist, though.  he's a podiatrist specializing in reconstructive surgery.  I did find a neurology group that works out of our local nearby hospital.  My surgeon also isn't nearby - the surgeon closest to me is absolutely awful - so any recommendations he'd have would probably be a longer drive than necessary.

 

ETA - my family doctor probably could get me in sooner though if I contacted her and she was concerned.  She's done that before with other specialists.

Edited January 19, 2022 by Kassia