TV

[lisa85]

Hi guys, just a little message for you, on BBC1 Wales this evening there is a programme Panorama Rugby and the Brain - Tackling the Truth, it's on at 8.30pm, if you can't watch it live, try and record it or watch it on BBC IPlayer tomorrow.

Lisa85

[cat3]

We've just been discussing this a couple of minutes ago Lisa. I shall certainly be watching it, especially as it's now a government plan to introduce it into schools as an alternative to football !!

At least in the US they have the sense to wear helmets. Should be interesting.

Hope you're doing ok. x

[lisa85 in reply to cat3]

Hi yes I totally agree with you there. I am doing well thank you, just plodding along with every day life.

How are you?

Lisa85 xx

[sporan in reply to cat3]

Hi Cat,

The problem with helmets is that they can actually make some injuries worse.

A helmet will stop fractures, split, bruised, or cut skin but the fact is they increase the leverage that spins the head and also allows players to use harder impact and so increase the risk of brain injury from the important jell call brain tissue to slop around even more violently inside the skull.

In fact I think from the information in last nights programme is that deliberate helmet to helmet take downs are now forbidden or severly penalised in American football.

I think this was also the reason they didn't adopt helmets in boxing. Bare knuckle fights used to make the components really ugly from scars and cuts but the risk of brain injury was slightly less because the hitter stood a greater risk of breaking a hand not enclosed in a superbly padded glove. The other hting being the fights tended to be a lot shorter.

Geoff

[cat3]

OK thanks Lisa. Hoping things will improve further after seeing an endocrinologist in October.................fingers crossed.

Take care xx

[lisa85]

Hi Cat3,

I shall keep everything crossed for you going to see an endocrinologist in October.

Lisa85 x

[cat3 in reply to lisa85]

xx

[cat3]

I found it quite disturbing that the players themselves admitted to hiding their symptoms so they could continue playing, despite knowing they might have sustained a serious head injury. And just for the sake of winning a game.

I've never had an interest in ruby because it's about the survival of the biggest/fittest, unlike football which requires more skill. But since last night's programme, I think the whole thing is completely bonkers !

[RogerCMerriman in reply to cat3]

I rember 'waking up" or rather one of the islands of memory in hospital thinking I'd be out on the new hadn't even been ridden yet, expensive MTB it reality it would take 5 months before i went for a very gentle ride on it, and another few before i was riding close to proper.

Denial is common, rationally you'd not risk it but at the time your not thinking rationally.

Clearly it's going to have to change one concussion per 6 nation match on average, is not tenable.

Risk is a funny thing, firstly we get so accustomed to some risks we don't see the true risks, and equally we over exaggerate others.

And clearly also need to accept that others may take risks, I ride up and over mountains clearly there are risks within that, my wife does worry but she also knows it's what I love.

[MXman]

Didn't see the program but what a shame they feel they have to hide their symptoms to play a game, which I know they love. I couldn't have hidden my symptoms nor would have wanted to. Im not too keen on Rugby or football for that matter as its now a money game and its all about the money not the sport. I must be one of the only men who's not interested in the rugby world cup and don't i know it.

Moto Cross for me all day long.

Hope everyone has a great day. Nick

[sospan]

At school as a teenager in the 70's myself and another guy were both knocked out cold and both of us played on!

One thing they didn't cover is that players are paid to play..... if they don't play or state they are injured their value drops and hence their revenue earning potential. It is the same for all self employed people we will (i used to) carry on until someone tells us you have to stop. In the past I have worked when I was clearly not correct for me to do so.

Take a chance on the long term future or earn for the family....... even now when I am still not well if someone offered me my old job back I would drag myself in there without hesitation.

[sporan in reply to sospan]

While I've mostly been employed I too have gone to work when I knew full well I shouldn't be there even with the wife telling and begging me not too but apart fromt the money pressure if you really enjoy what you are doing then you don't seem to even think of it being a risk to your own health and safety and if you did you probably wouldn't care too much.

I think people should remember that these proffesional players are driven people that succeed because of their commitment and sacrifices. All successful people are driven and make massive sacrifices for that sucess.

Yes I do think that there should be schemes in place to try and stop these injuries from happening but you'll never stop a driven person from hiding or minimising their problem to be able to do what they love doing regardless of the risks.

[sospan in reply to sporan]

I must admit I follow the same mantra.

I did a 500 mile round trip with a broken bone in my neck to get a job. Got the job and drove back.

Like most of us I suffer from fatigue but also worn away my knee cap which makes it difficult to walk. My sleep doctor told me one of the ways to improve is to walk for at least 90 mins a day. I went out with my brother for a walk and after an hour he asked me what was wrong with my trainer as it was squelching - my feet were bleeding because I was dragging my leg too much. Rather than quit because of the discomfort you just carry on to meet the objective

I have always pushed myself and been self reliant which is why I find the head injury so difficult to deal with

[sporan in reply to sospan]

I keep getting told off by my wife when we're out walking for not stopping and resting when I should. I just keep saying well once we get to the top and then once there I'l say not resting it's easy noy it's all down hill.

My son took me to a motor sport event at the weekend and determined not to let him know how fatigued I get I did the whole 'push through it' malarky and when we got back he told my beloved that I'd done better than him and he was totally Kn'd.

What he didn't see was the 2-3 days it's taken me to recover.

It's so hard to accept. I do and do and do then flump axactly the opposite of the med advice I keep getting but I NEED to try and do and enjoy what I've got while I still can.

[sospan in reply to sporan]

I used to get conflicting advice all the time one the one hand they were saying pace yourself and rest often the other was to push though. I used to get in circular conversation with the Physical Therapist -

how far can you walk, how far do you want me to walk. how far can you walk, i could do 5 miles if you want,

but won't that make you tired and hurt, it hurts now so whats the difference?

Seriously I think pushing yourself is the way forward. I sat down for a year and did nothing which i think set me back.

I spent the last year repeatedly doing the things I found difficult that I could before - simple things like knocking a nail in wood or walking in a straight line. I would practice and practice until I got near to where I want.

I still get days when I can't move but at least I know I have achieved something to get to that stage.

All the best on your journey

[sporan in reply to sospan]

Thank you and I return the sentiment. It is hard but I think worth it, although for me at least, the pay back for the push is harsh and hard to deal with.

Often though gain outweighs the pain.

Take care and long may your progress continue.

[moo196]

true - sospan - they didn't mention the money aspect.... but would you really - knowing now how much brain damage can affect your quality of life for weeks/months/years after - take that chance just for money ?? I certainly wouldn't risk it knowing what I know now. And I'm one who wasn't / hasn't been paid for not going into work - would rather have a healthy brain for sure ...

[sospan in reply to moo196]

It is strange I would still take the risks now. After a working life living on benefits is tolerable.

[Danslatete]

I watched it and I was interested in the fact that some club at lower level are looking at tackles for saftey and in top level rugby an ex player in charge says its a risk you take.

I think that they as the top dogs should be made to visit ITU and rehab and BI folk who are stuck with what they said was not too bad, p.c.s. They reported it can last days weeks or months but there are some folk who are stuck with post concussion syndrome for life.

I thought the dad was very brave to show his sons final game to the reporter. It must be horrific to see that death over and over. It was great point he made about if there is a blood injury they get sent off, if they rip muscles and ligaments they're off, so why with a head injury are they kept on.

As he said concussion causes death. Second impact injury is what killed his son, if they had taken him off and kept him off at the initial injury he would be alive.

Money or life, what is important?

[sospan in reply to Danslatete]

Bill Beaumont head of the RFU had a massive BI himself at the age of 30 and had to retire from the game which made his comments rather strange.

[EleanorS]

Rugby is a beautiful and terrible game. Like someone said "All that to risk a head injury" Agree with roger c and danslatete. My dad swore that bill beaumont dint have a brain injury, denial again. Shall try to catch up with programme