It was a day I won't forget. One misstep on a ladder led to a painful fall, and suddenly, my world was turned upside down. The impact on the back of my head left me reeling, not just physically, but mentally too.
In the beginning, it seemed like a typical bump on the head. Just soreness where it had hit the table. But as the days passed, new symptoms emerged – headaches, sensitivity to light and sound. These were unfamiliar territory for someone living with MS like myself.
Concerned, I sought advice from my MS neurologist. Was this a relapse triggered by the concussion? Fortunately, the MRI revealed otherwise – it was indeed the aftermath of the concussion wreaking havoc on my body.
The fatigue hit me like a freight train. Days turned into cycles of sleeping for 18-20 hours, leaving me drained and depleted. Even now, months later, I find myself needing more rest than before. The irony? Any exertion, physical or mental, only worsened the fatigue, making it a vicious cycle of exhaustion.
But it didn't stop there. The impact of the concussion also took its toll on my muscle condition, particularly in my legs. What few muscle fibers I had left, weakened further, leaving me far more fragile than before.
It felt like a double, or perhaps a triple blow. Concussion symptoms alone, MS symptoms exacerbated directly and indirectly by the concussion – it was a lot to bear.
Yet, through the struggle, I found resilience. Slowly but surely, I'm reclaiming my life. While there's still a journey ahead, I see a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. The depression that clouded my days is lifting, replaced by a renewed determination to live well with MS.
So, to those who have reached out and waited patiently for my response, thank you for your understanding. I may have been slow to reply, but know that I'm on the path to recovery, one step at a time.
Here's to brighter days ahead, where every setback becomes a stepping stone to strength. Cheers to resilience and the unwavering spirit within us all.
1 comment
Hi Alan – wishing you all the very best. I too fell two years ago and slammed my head into a brick wall. Pretty confident that I yelled out an expletive.
Fortunately my retina didn’t detached but I still see bright flashes of light when looking sideways in the dark.
I really appreciate how you are keeping up with your positive facadé and suggest that you check out the Happy Feed app. It’s a Gratitude Journal that I am sure will give you a new positive perspective. Go well.
Cheers Graham