10 weeks into mTBI

[BadSkater]

Hi, I'm 10 weeks after falling on my head. I had a clear CT scan. My symptoms were initially memory issues, concentration, fatigue , headaches etc etc. After 4 weeks I decided to go back to work 12 hours a week, 4 hours on Mon / Weds / Fri. I usually do 40 hours. Last week I've been trying to fill in the Tues / Thurs with 4 hours too , without much success.

The fatigue and resultant headaches are still a massive problem, they might have even got worse the last few weeks. It feels like going back to work has helped my brain functioning and memory, but yeah the fatigue is killing me.

As I'm 10 weeks in , should I retain hope my fatigue / headaches will improve with time or is this just the way I'm going to be now? Kinda starting to lose hope I will ever be able to go back full time. What are peoples experiences after 2-3 months?

Waiting for a MRI scan, then as a year wait for NHS Neurology might try and go private. Not sure what they will be able to do anyway.

Thanks for reading!

[Leaf100]

Hi BadSkaterYour injury is still fresh.

The fatigue is part of the injury. You are doing really well.

Part of the thing is you are exhausting yourself every MWF.

One thing you may find helpful is the pomodoro idea. Work 20 min, rest 10, work 20, rest 10, work 20, rest 30.

The amount of time can vary. It may take you longer to complete your half day, but you may be able to do more in the week.

The other thing you need to be mindful of, if you have insurance company once you can work half time they may cut you off subsidizing your full time wage. The other thing is you are covered by your employers insurance as long as you are there , but if you quit and work elsewhere this won't be covered as it is a preexisting condition.

It's a good idea to speak to a lawyer to get legal advice so you understand everything and it can help with decisions.

You may be doing as much as you can do for awhile by working the mwf for 4 hours.

To give you an idea, the fastest healing happens in the first 3 to 4 years.

So at 10 weeks in, your injury is still considered fresh

Everyone is different and you may be able.to return to work. You may just need to take it slow.

Leaf

[Hidden]

Hi, I went backnto work on phased return of 4 hours Mon for 3 weeks. Then it went to Mon, Tue for a few more weeks until I done Mon, tue, Thursday, Friday. That was from 5.5 months after my accident though. I was still tired and would fall asleep when I got home at lunch time for a couple of hours and then still sleep my 10 hours at night. 10 months after my accident I have gone back full time mon-fri. I still feel tired most times and can fall asleep easily after I have had my tea, but 15 months after my accident I accept that's the new me. I still work and am busy every day but I will be tired. I sometimes think I went back to work too early, but all the cognitive tests and neuro surgeon and doctors said I could go back. Plus i was fed up sitting at home watching TV all the time. Give yourself time as it seems early after your accident. Give your brain a little mote time to get used to everything again. Maybe working Mon and thursday will help you for a few months then up your days as you get used to how you are feeling. Sorry if its not any help or what you want to hear. You will get there though, if I can do it so you can you. Be positive about it all it helps keep you happier. Have a good day. 😊

[Forrest1512]

good morning,

Wow you’re extremely early in… I don’t want to make this sound like it’s going to be a long journey because just as every single person is different, so are all brain injury’s and their effects.

Be patient with the organic healing and try to look at how positive you’ve been so far in being keen to return to work. I wouldn’t recommend feeling that this is it and how you’ll be forever after merely 10 weeks, that’s a really bad idea.

I understand the impatience of NHS waiting lists and would recommend private all day long after my own experiences. They are however very expensive, mine have been provided by an accident claim, it’s also really difficult to put a price on your own health!

Keep fighting strong and continue the positivity, wish you all the best going forward 💪🏻

[Teazymaid]

hi , like everyone has said before me it is very early days after your accident .. I’m 3 years past accident and u don’t need to have a sleep every Infact if I’m not doing to much I don’t have a sleep during the day .. all I wanted to do was return to work but that has not been possible and I’m dealing with the reality that that is how it will be for the foreseeable … please don’t think your tiredness won’t change as it will improve slowly .. keep chatting on hear as this is what’s given me the best advice from people who do know . Best wishes Sue

[Nemo24]

You may find things ebb & flow. Can be effected by work and stress. I am able to do 20 hours a week, once did full time. Are you pushing yourself to do too much? I know it feels frustrating going back slowly but its about pacing what your brain can manage. Bear in mind you may need to rethink expectations and things that you used to do automatically may now need a real thought to them. All expends energy. You may be better doing hours across less days of the week to give yourself a full day off.