Overcoming Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post Concussion Syndrome changed my life immediately. 

I went from working 40 hours a week to not being able to work at all. I went from being a fitness instructor and working in a restaurant to barely being able to shower. The brain fog and fatigue were so bad some days that I would forget how to do simple things like cutting my meat at dinner. My balance was horrible. Just trying to do simple things like carrying a laundry basket upstairs was exhausting. And forget socializing. Following conversations was very difficult! 

The problem was, that I still looked exactly the same. People didn't understand my limitations because they couldn't see my injury. It was hard to cancel and not go to a gathering. People didn't understand how much that gathering would leave me drained. A simple holiday dinner could leave me in bed the entire next day. I had to make the tough decision to back out of being a bridesmaid for a close friend. I had to walk away from a job I had loved. 

Some people just stopped talking to me. My family made sacrifices so we could pay for my therapy. My son struggled with Mom not being able to play video games with him, play dates were cut back because I couldn't handle the noise. There was a lot of loss and a lot to grieve. 

Over the past few years I have worked very hard at my rehab. I did vestibular rehab and vision therapy. Both were very intense and sometimes I left a session feeling pretty sick but I managed to keep going. Eventually, I was able to return to the working world. My first job after my injury was stocking shampoo and deodorant at the local pharmacy twice a week. A far cry from what I had been capable of in the past. 

There has been a lot of healing that has taken place in the last couple of years, as well as learning the tools, tips and tricks of living with Post-Concussion Syndrome. Learning how to pace myself throughout the day was a game-changer. I have special earplugs to deal with noise sensitivity and tinted glasses to deal with light sensitivity. I know if I have a social function scheduled I need the next day off to rest and recover. I know my limits and try not to push them if I don't have to.

Before this experience, I had no idea how much a concussion could impact your life, nor did the people around me! We had no idea it would leave me with issues that I may now live with for the rest of my life. Throughout my journey I have seen that there needs to be more awareness and I want to tell my story to help create awareness. If we share our survival stories we can help others on their journey. I choose to be a light for others who are struggling. 

This can be a very isolating injury. Reach out for help. There are online and in-person support groups available. It does get better! 

- Julie Eaton