Concussion

**Midnightmoon** · 06-30-2018, 08:11 AM

I bumped my head on one of our garage doors Thursday afternoon (I was closing the overhead door and trying to walk out at the same time....not smart). Anyway, I didn't get knocked out out or feel anything out of the ordinary except for a little bump on the top of the head.

I worked outside all day yesterday, built a little storage shed, towed a tractor for my neighbor, etc. Felt fine all day. When I got back in the house, the kids wanted pizza so I drove over to town to pick up a couple. On my way home, I felt a little dizzy and my vision was a little off. I can't describe exactly what it was like, but almost as if my eyes weren't moving together as a pair.

When I got home and after we had dinner, the feeling wasn't getting any better. Knowing my families history of stroke, I decided to go to the local urgent care just to be sure. Sure enough, a concussion.

I'm telling you, I just bumped my head. I didn't fall or hit hard. I can't believe that something that little could cause a concussion. I've been hit dozens of times harder that that over the years with no issue. What is even more frustrating is that the symptoms were not immediate. Rather, it took over 24 hours for them to start.

I have to follow up with my primary care Dr. next week but the urgent care said that there isn't really much you can do except rest, drink lots of fluids, and let it heal. When I asked how long it would take, they said it could be days or weeks before the symptoms cleared completely.

Does anyone have experience on recovering from a concussion? Do I really just have to sit and rest until this clears?

sasiki · 06-30-2018, 08:34 AM

I had one last year but it was also associated with a broken collarbone. I had no choice but to take it easy for a few weeks while recovering from surgery. I'm sure every concussion is different but my symptoms were gone after a few days. The collarbone, on the other hand, still bothers me due to the nerve damage from surgery

**Midnightmoon** · 06-30-2018, 08:42 AM

Did they tell you the same thing...Just Rest?

WeRJuliian · 06-30-2018, 09:13 AM

This is something that I can speak to, having been concussed twice, and having been a card-carrying Industrial First Responder.

Yes, it can take a while for the symptoms of "mild concussion" to show up. (If it's more than "mild" then you probably woke up with a crowd of people looking down at you. This is a clue...)

Often, the victim will wake up the next day feeling the effects.

As long as there is no actual injury, there's no real "cure" for concussion, other than rest and feeling sorry for yourself. Avoid painkillers, at least at first... in case there is any internal damage.

If at all possible, have somebody check on you from time to time, during the feeling-terrible phase.

It is, however, very important to present to your Dr. or local ER if you show any of the symptoms... headache, nausea/vomiting, balance problems, confusion, memory loss, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light/sound, changes in taste, smell, vision or hearing.. especially if any of them persist.
So, if you feel like you have a terrible hangover, but you didn't do any drinking, you may be concussed.

One very good tip: If you're ambulance transported, ask them to turn the sirens off. Those things are Not Good if you have a headache,,, :-)

RavenBC · 06-30-2018, 11:33 AM

I am a retired rugby player, and had my fair share of concussions. Best thing is rest, and to make sure you keep your activities to a minimum. Even jarring your body with no impact to your head can cause a follow up concussion, (such as running, jumping etc) Take it easy and just be more aware that you have a injury and it needs time to heal.

Vasquez Kid · 06-30-2018, 12:48 PM

Some excellent advise here. Good on you Midnightmoon for sharing what happened to you and not letting your pride or ego get in the way.

With my twins playing hockey and riding motocross we've dealt with it too.
Sounds like you're doing the right thing by following up with your dr. The only thing that I can amplify here is to make sure that you don't get re-injured anytime soon.

It's amazing how much we've learned about this subject just in the last few years.

Feel better and get out there and go camping - one of the best ways to heal!

Jeff.

**Midnightmoon** · 06-30-2018, 06:01 PM

Well, my wife has the trailer set up in the driveway of all places (this is our 3rd camper in the last 20 years and this is the first time she has done it on her own). Going to spend the next couple of days just sleeping in the air conditioning. We don't have air in the house so it feels good just staying cool.

Watching TV at the moment is out of the question. It messes with my eyes and causes some dizziness. So, I'll just lay around and listen to an audio book and sleep.

For those of you who are like me and are constantly on the go, doing nothing is hard.

FeatherFam · 06-30-2018, 06:10 PM

I am sorry. Take care. They're not to be taken lightly. I hope that you feel better.

Parcany · 06-30-2018, 08:38 PM

Hey take care and get better soon.

cabinetmaker · 06-30-2018, 09:21 PM

Thanks for sharing this...a nice reminder of what can happen and how do deal with it. Head injuries are very dangerous!

Prayers for a fast and complete recovery!

Ohiofinlander · 07-01-2018, 04:15 AM

Sorry to hear this. Sit back and relax a bit, and yes I know this is easier said than done. Sounds like you have a great DW taking care of you.

**Midnightmoon** · 07-01-2018, 07:54 AM

Thanks everyone. I talked the wife in to letting me go to church. I can't stand sitting here anymore today.

WeRJuliian · 07-01-2018, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenBC

I am a retired rugby player, and had my fair share of concussions. .

Ah, yes. "A game played by gentlemen with odd-shaped balls" :-)

I still have the ceramic crown that I got when I was 17, after an especially enthusiastic game of rugby. Dentists hate it, because it has't worn out and needed replacing, like it's supposed to :-)

Never suffered a concussion from it, though. I did, however, get knocked out by a cricket ball...

RavenBC · 07-01-2018, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeRJuliian

Ah, yes. "A game played by gentlemen with odd-shaped balls" :-)

I still have the ceramic crown that I got when I was 17, after an especially enthusiastic game of rugby. Dentists hate it, because it has't worn out and needed replacing, like it's supposed to :-)

Never suffered a concussion from it, though. I did, however, get knocked out by a cricket ball...

Played for over 20 yrs, never lost a tooth, only had a handful of concussions, lots of sprains, lots of skin sewed back together, one ear that need to be partially re attached, and some how not one broken bone. But 2 years after I quit playing I did my back in playing tennis.....

**Midnightmoon** · 07-08-2018, 06:18 PM

Just a quick update. Feeling great the last couple of days. Still taking it easy, but it is amazing what a little rest will do.

Follow up with the Dr. on the 19th, but I believe that things are moving in the right direction.

Vasquez Kid · 07-08-2018, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Just a quick update. Feeling great the last couple of days. Still taking it easy, but it is amazing what a little rest will do.

Follow up with the Dr. on the 19th, but I believe that things are moving in the right direction.

Glad to hear this. Thanks for updating us.

Now go out there and go camping!

**Midnightmoon** · 07-08-2018, 07:28 PM

Thanks. Looking forward to getting away in a few weeks.

Ohiofinlander · 07-09-2018, 04:45 AM

Great to hear you're feeling better!

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