February 23, 2020 One of the things that I don’t talk about very often is the amount of pain that comes when your body meets a SUV at 30 MPH. Our bodies are not meant to take on such force and walk away from it, so of course there are lasting effects. When I was … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: when your body meets a SUV
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: you will not ignore me!
December 28, 2019 One of the first lessons I learned after being thrown into the brain injury world was that you could not ignore a brain injury...you could try but you would pay a dear price for doing so. Despite being taught this lesson often over the past five years, I still try to test … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: you will not ignore me!
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: “at the foot of this mountain, I only see clouds”
December 21, 2019 Sometimes I get stuck in these days of intense sadness where I feel extra fragile. This is now my life but I did not sign up for this. I don’t know if I have it in me to keep fighting the brain injury battle. You were able to walk away that day … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: “at the foot of this mountain, I only see clouds”
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. I was diagnosed with PTSD two years after a SUV decided not to share the road with me. On a day to day basis my symptoms include a heightened startle response, nightmares, increased … Continue reading Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: PTSD
Confessions of a Concussed Cyclist: What not to say to someone with a TBI!
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
