August 29, 2019 Over the past five years people have made certain comments to me, that I am sure are meant to be helpful, when in reality they are just the opposite for me. Now I can’t speak for every person with a brain injury but for myself these certain comments really rub me the … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: What not to say to someone with a TBI!
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: 5 years
August 19, 2019 Today marks five years. Five years since the driver of a SUV decided a few minutes of her time was worth more than my safety and well being. 1,825 days. These past five years have been the hardest of my 37 years. What I thought was stress is nothing compared to what … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: 5 years
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: the hits just keep on coming
July 11, 2019 I’ve been debating for the past three months whether or not to write this particular “confession”. Let me tell you a little tale and perhaps you’ll understand my apprehension… I was hit by a SUV in August 2014. Since then I have progressively gained weight despite continuing to exercise and being careful … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: the hits just keep on coming
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: What Do You Need?
March 31, 2019 I need you to trust me when I say “I need to rest”. Please do not make me feel bad by responding with “you need to get out more!” or “it’ll be good for you”. Everything I do takes more energy than it used to therefore I require more down-time. Sometimes that … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: What Do You Need?
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: fatigue
Fatigue after a brain injury is one of the most common side-effects. This is not surprising as EVERYTHING I now do takes more energy than it ever did when my brain was damage-free. I’ve read in multiple places that the average person has about 15 hours worth of energy while a person with a brain … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: fatigue
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: post concussion migraines
March 8, 2019 My post concussion migraine began within a couple hours of being hit. While in the emergency room they gave me tylenol to help with the pain. For a few days after the crash I drank caffeinated coffee as caffeine was supposed to help with migraines and I took Excedrin Migraine. I found … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: post concussion migraines
Confession of a Concussed Cyclist: Communication
March 1, 2019 March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, so I thought I’d take the time to go into more detail about certain parts of living life with a traumatic brain injury, that I have only briefly touched upon in the past. When I first sat down to write this I thought “what is the … Continue reading Confession of a Concussed Cyclist: Communication
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
February 9, 2019 PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault. (American Psychology Association) This is a topic I have avoided writing in detail about. I avoid … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: T.B.I. Setback
January 5, 2019 I have not exercised in days. I’ve spent more time on the couch or in bed then I have doing anything else. This is a TBI Setback. The pressure in my head is unbearable. I feel like it literally may explode. The back of my head is tender and throbs as if … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: T.B.I. Setback
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: Are you disabled? No, I’m Jen!
December 22, 2018 Last night I was scrolling through instagram and I came across a mother that has a daughter with C.P. (Cerebral Palsy). She put out a question to her followers that asked “what terminology do you prefer? ‘Special Needs’, ‘Disabled’, ‘Differently Abled’, etc.” It got me thinking... I am a special education teacher. … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: Are you disabled? No, I’m Jen!
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: the story of a cyclist living life with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 