post from YouthfulGranny

[YouthfulGranny]

hi

In December I was on a three night trip to Paris with my daughter and took the metro to go to Notre Dam. My daughter got off first followed by me but as I moved towards the door my head was shut in the heavy metro doors. It was horrific both sides by my ears completely stuck for some seconds - the doors opened suddenly when I pulled my head back - then the train proceeded to go to the next station where I got off. One lady got off with me and tried to help.

Unfortunately I didn’t get her details as all I could think about was to get back to my daughter.

reason for writing this is that the effects were not bad to start with but weeks and now a few months later I have been having headaches, pins and needle feeling in my scalp and huge fatigue. I had a CT scan which showed soft tissue damage. It is difficult to find anyone to talk to or compare after effects with. Doctor just gave me a link to Headway which does have lots of information. It is affected my life and I am seeking help please.

[GCS3]

Hi. What a dreadful story. I'm glad that your doctor at least put you in touch with Headway, as they do have a lot of information. Depending on where you live, there may be a Headway support centre in your area, or nearby, which would be very helpful and supportive. (There are many Headway centres all over the UK).

I think it would be very helpful if you could persuade your doctor to refer you to either a neurologist or a neuropsychologist as a matter of urgency, since what you are experiencing is all "inside" and quite probably you actually "look just fine". Brain injury is known as the invisible injury, since very often on the surface everything seems normal, but in reality everything has changed.

I hope this helps a little bit - your doctor can be of more help, and do check to see if you have a Headway group locally.

Good luck in finding the support you need ... it really is available. x

[TreesMTBI]

Yikes that sounds like an awful and traumatic experience for you.

Yes I would second all that GCS3 has written.

Also I would actually call Headway and speak to one of their lovely people. In my experience it was so good to be able to speak to someone sympathetic and in the know. I was able to share at length what had happened and it was the first time I had been able to fully do that. I found this really helpful. They’ll probably have more targeted advice for you at this early stage in your journey - although this forum is actually great too, for support and any specific questions you might have about treatments etc, or just to have a rant with people who really understand.

Brain injury is a fickle thing - as well as being invisible, it is different for all of us, affects us differently, have a different healing time and things that work and don’t work, as well as having lots of things in common between us all. One thing I would say is clear in recovery - get plenty of rest at this stage, including rest from screens, allow your body and brain time to continue with the healing process.

Good luck in your healing journey and remember to take extra good care of yourself.

People are always on here to offer encouragement and support as best they can, so always come back when you need.

Trees x

[Butterfly28]

Hello - I’m sorry to hear about that awful experience. Do go back to your doctor - GP’s can and should do more. Ask for a referral to a neurologist (don’t expect it to happen quickly) and if fatigue is having a significant impact ask your GP to refer you to an occupational therapist- a good OT can help you manage fatigue.

Don’t expect too much of yourself - your brain is trying to heal and needs rest but with support you can manage this.

I hope you can get the help you need.

[Graceissufficient]

search "mild head injury and concussion Headway" and a pdf will come up which is v thorough and I found extremely useful.

I take it there was no loss of consciousness or memory at the time - even so you will find a lot of it helpful.

The sentence which most helped me said something like "this is going to take the longest time to get better of anything you've experienced so far" ie, don't panic, the brain - perhaps especially in the older sector - heals slowly, that's normal.

The fatigue seems omnipresent and I read is the last thing to go. Your symptoms will link to the areas hit too.

Give yourself a lot of rest, don't pish yourself. The medical literature suggests that most mild concussive symptoms remaining after six weeks will go in six months - but that's not always true.

[Teazymaid]

hi youthful Granny welcome to the group .. I’m sure you will get a lot of help and support here ( I certainly did and still do ) I’m not thinking straight at the mo so nothing I can think of to write but just to welcome you from a what I thought pre accident a youthful Nanna 😁 know I’m a bit wonky Nana …. Sue 😊

[Nemo24]

You're in the right place. Have added a few questions and got helpful replies. Best bit is getting to know their are other people in similar situation to me. Some areas also have groups who meet up. Have recently gone back to my doctor as 3.5 years in it felt like something was missing for me. They have contacted local hospital on my behalf. May take a while but not stressing on it. Look after yourself.

[skydivesurvivor]

suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2000. Very trying time ever since! Learnt to SMILE to spite my injury!! Weirdly it relieves any anxiety, before dr put me on antidepressants!! All I wail say , it does get easier!! Good luck