Headaches
I would say my baseline headache or in other words, my everyday headache is somewhat reduced. This is encouraging because I believe it means the Botox shots, as well as other medication, is actually working!
My “emergency” headache medication, the stuff that I take when my migraines get really intense, I have not had to take nearly as often. I probably used that medication half as much as last month,
Neuro fatigue
This is one of my biggest problems as of recently. Thanksgiving was exhausting. Just a lot of going place to place and overstimulation. I lost one of my earplugs so that didn’t help. Hopefully, Santa will bring me a new pair for Christmas.
Also, I think that this symptom is aggravated by sitting around out in the cold teaching lessons. It seems like I can’t keep myself warm and my body and muscles are tense. Staying warm is physically exhausting and then once I warm up I feel done physically and mentally.
I also have had a cold from hell that refuses to go away. I know that zaps my energy as well.
Vision
My eyesight has not improved as much as one would hope for how long it has been since my accident. My peripheral vision thank goodness is almost back to normal. Months ago I practically had tunnel vision. So I cant complain about that!
I feel that is hindering my recovery more than anything else at this point. For my eyes, I watch first-person videos as well as play a labyrinth puzzle to work on keeping my eyes focused. Double vision is still a problem, especially when straining to see or when I have a terrible headache.
Strength/ Balance
My strength has improved so much. I attribute this to just being able to get out and use the walker better. I do my workouts every day. Including the addition of yoga. Which I believe has made a tremendous difference. Not to mention I really enjoy it,
Since I’m strong and using the walker well, and I have my forearm canes purchased and ready to go. My PT wants me to bring them to my lesson next week. That way I can start using them and getting used to them. Then eventually I will transition from the walker to the canes for good!
Current Exercise Plan
I do 30 minutes on the “igallop”, which is a horseback riding simulator. It is great for core and balance. Next, I do 30 minutes on the bike to nowhere a.ka. recumbent bike. Also, I do my favorite part of my exercise plan, which is the yoga of course!
Continually Improved Mobility And Energy
Throughout this process, I have slowly but surely improved my strength and stamina. Obviously, like everything else involved with T.B.I. there are good days and bad. Every day is different. I would have to say that generally speaking my energy and stamina is much better most days.
Milestone!
Not sure how far it was, but last weekend I took my nephews on a scavenger hunt in my parent’s neighborhood. It must have looked ridiculous, me with my walker and two elementary-age kids wandering around!
I don’t know how far it was, but it was far enough! It was exhausting and so I was glad to sit down and color with them for the rest of the afternoon. I slept well that night and when I woke up Sunday morning pleasantly surprised that I felt pretty okay. I had a lazy day Sunday, but it wasn’t as bad as a crash day normally would be. It was just a low key kind of day.
So Anyway…
So that is where I’m at progress wise. Slow and steady, but continued progress is all that matters. I’m going to keep on keepin’ on.
If you are an unfortunate member of the TBI tribe, you should keep on keepin’ on as well!