I've not been on this in a while as I thought my life was back to normal but recently things seem to have changed and I don't know if it's normal or if I've been living on cloud 9 and just didn't notice it.
In the passed 6 months I have been signed off from the neuropsycologist, started a fantastic new job, after 12years single I am now in an amazing relationship,been on holiday 4 times, started driving again and even climbed Ben Nevis, in 2.5 hours may I add 😀 Life has been better than it ever was before the accident.
However,in the passed 4 weeks I have been exhausted. The level of fatigue I have had is unbearable. I struggle to get up in the morning and have spells throughout the day where I am almost sleeping while I'm awake. So much so that I've not been able to go out walking much and running stopped about 2 weeks ago. On top of that I can't remember a lot of what happened in the day. Complete mind blanks. The memory issues are being noticed by those around me which I hoped would never happen.
I realise that I have been doing alot but working months it seemed like I was back to myself and there was no after effects of anything I was doing.
My question is, can a big change like what I've been experiencing just happen?
Sorry to rant on,I'm just a little lost about what to do next. Is it worth going to the doctor or just try to ride it out and hope it gets better?
thanks for reading and all advice and experience is welcomed
Callum
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CallumR85
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Self pacing might be a way forward. I've had something similar happen (in my case, neurologist yet to see me) but symptoms have been better, and then. . . I did a seven hour day, and bang !! The fatigue is back.
I guess it kind of dawns on us all that the memory of having been injured in the brain sits in the brain, and as such, there's this regulating mechanism which says "watch your pace".
It's that one bit of equipment and it's job is to learn, in order for the whole organism to survive, is the way I look at it. It's learnt that big demands on it gets it close to capacity. It rebuilds, as it is stretched. . ..and that means shutting down some of the active parts of the body - the long limbs in particular flop, in my case.
It's doing its best. But I think you're right, do take it to the doctor in case your body notices some other injury or infection that you haven't identified - maybe - why take the chance.
Delighted to hear of the major turn around in your life though. So very positive.
Hi Callum, I suggest (not being medically trained at all) that you make no assumptions regarding your BI trauma history. Think of your fatigue symptoms as being presented to you on a blank sheet. I think you could do worse than speak with your GP, who can arrange a comprehensive blood test to check thyroid, diabetes and other possible causes of fatigue. They can also check your BP and arrange for your heart/lungs to be given the once-over. Yes, sudden fatigue could be BI related, but it might not be. Assume nothing.Meanwhile, make sure you stay well hydrated and enjoy a good diet. Eat regularly, avoiding refined sugar and too much starchy food. Take it steady until you know what's going on.
The tiredness problem, once identified, could be easily remedied. One thing's for sure; worrying about these emerging symptoms cannot achieve anything positive for you. Speaking with your GP should, hopefully(!), prove more productive and reassuring!
Hello Callum, While as the others say, it would be very sensible to get yourself checked out by your GP straightaway . As it's less than a year from your accident, being hit by post BI fatigue sounds pretty plausible -if you've been carried away in the moment with the new job and relationship ( so glad for you, by the way!) I suspect you've been overdoing your own fatigue limits and it's just built up and pushed you into the 'bust' part of the boom and bust cycle. Are you able to wind things back a little, and take hourly breaks and keep a fatigue diary to give yourself a reset? I was told by my neuropsychiatrist that it is possible for us to get burnout - so don't keep pushing though this. I think this may correlate with how I do a lot of additional tasks in the run up to Christmas - and then flake out for all of January.. (by the way, my general functioning reduces when I'm fatigued, and my headaches sneak back into the picture).
Hi Callum. After only 9 months (ish) you're still well within the parameters of post-Bi meltdown. But ---new job/new relationship/4 holidays/Ben Nevis in record time 😵🙄............ Really ?
Apart from a checkup with your GP to rule out other issues, maybe take a step back to look at a guy with a recent history of multiple injuries plus serious brain injuries and ask yourself if it's time to reign things in a bit.
Meltdown can hit many months after brain injury. I'm guessing your brain is crying out for some 'quiet' time as it continues the long process of realignment and rehab., which can take a lot longer than 9 months.....
The enthusiasm for living after a life-threatening event is wonderful, but to sustain it we need to avoid repeated mental & physical exhaustion. Do take care m'love. 😏 Xx
Thanks everyone, I think I will try and slow down and make an appointment with the GP. I realise I have probably gotten carried away with life as I'm eternally greatful to have been given a second chance at it. I honestly loved it before the accident and this past few months I felt like I was smashing it, forgetting the fact I do still have a BI. Maybe I've been running on adrenalin and it masked what has always been there. Anyway, wounds have been licked today and sensible hat back on. Thanks for reading (listening) as I'm conscious those around me don't fully get it and are probably sick to the back teeth of discussing it with me.
We all do it Callum. I'm typing away on the rights & wrongs of pushing too hard, but I'm often resting up after an adrenalin marathon of my own. We all overstretch ourselves at times ; it's the 'old us' coming to the fore I guess.
With a brain injury it really does take one to know one ! x
ps..do take care, but maybe ditch the sensible hat ? We all need some silliness in our lives. 😁
You're absolutely right. I will stand by the motto of 'you only live once' but slow down a little and do things in moderation. Yesterday was one of those days where it seemed like I had hut a brick wall and the world was closing in but I woke up this morning feeling more positive about what I need to do next. You all really helped me get a handle on things, again, yesterday.
Hi Callum,I can so relate to what you are saying. Its been 9 months since my accident and I'm trying so hard to get my life back, filing it with positive things and pushing through. Unfortunately our brains are fighting back a bit and trying to slow us down. Its a really hard thing to do when thats not in your nature and lots of people depend on you being 'normal'. The problem is our normal has changed and I suppose we have to accept that. I feel the same about people around me, I look normal to them, when I'm actually far from it. Im going to say to you what I know I need to do but am finding really hard to accept, put yourself first, be kind to yourself and let your brain continue to heal. Good luck with everything, you are not alone in this. I hope you feel better soon xx
callum..take it easy lad,you have been doing so much!!im smiling as i write cos i know you wont listen..anyway go and speak with your gp,make sure all else is correct(god i sound like yr mam!)just enjoy everything at a slower pace....
how are you sleeping at night? whemn i had insomnia, i was falling asleeep during the day, but not so mucgh now i'm sleeping at night again. go with your body, if it's telling you it needs sleep, then give it sleep! you'll feel better for it and help you recover quicker.
i am sorry to hear of your setback, but keep going and stay strong and positive and you'll get through it. We were told that in recovery there would be ups and downs, so hopefully this is just one of those temperary downs and you'll be back on the up again soon. stay positive and keep going, you can do this!
I liken my brain and fatigue to a rechargeable battery…recharge overnight with a good sleep and top up at points during the day with doses of caffeine/carbs/rest. I try to avoid day time naps as then I do not sleep properly at night when the full recharge occurs!
are you sleeping at night? don't beat yourself up if you need a nap in the middle of the day. my family often remind me that when i was in hospital, there was a nurse there who had had a brain haemorhage like me and she had recovered well and even gone back to work. however, she still needed a nap during the day. I also went through a phase like that, but it passed so keep on going. also, look at how you're sleeping at night and give yourself a break and just have that nap during the day. juliet xx
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