Concussion Update

[TheKnight]

I just wanted to give you guys an update on my condition.
Today Wednesday September 12th 2007, I went to my neurologist for my follow-up visit. Here's the report:

I. I have two herniated discs in my lower back.

II. I have a herniated neck on the left side.

III. I have a narrowed vein on the left side of my neck by 20-30%.

My condition has gotten much worse and I'm at the point right now where it's hard for me even to sit in a chair for more then an hour. Whether it's reading, using the computer, or writing. After an hour or so everything starts to spin, I feel like I'm going to throw up, and I have to lie down for anywhere from 30min-1hour.

I've been back to work off and on over this month, and my condition has degraded everyday since the accident happened back on July 22nd, where I'm at the point where I can barely move around without help.

The Neurologist has me scheduled to do physical therapy starting tomorrow, in order to get my otoconia realigned so that I'm not having such massive dizziness, vertigo, and feeling like vomiting.
You can see more about it here:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=21685

It's at the bottom of the page under Vestibule.

I'm currently on 3weeks of medical leave from the doctor and will have another followup with him then, to see how my progress is going.
He changed all my medications and I am to take them during this time, some as needed and others daily to relive the mind numbing pain, the dizziness, vertigo, feeling like vomiting etc.

I'm not going to sugar coat this, I'm in pretty bad shape right now and am trying my best to cope with this day by day.

I'll keep you guys updated on how I'm doing and let you know what happens.

Now I'm focusing on getting better, that's priority number one right now.
Everything else is on the back burner.

I'll keep you guys updated on my condition as time goes, and thank you for any prays and thoughts.

[Erica]

PM sent Knight.

[TheKnight]

Thanks for your kind words Erica.

I went to physical therapy today and got some exercises to do to help relive
the pain, vertigo, nausea etc.

I'm to do this for six weeks, three times a week.
It's a very slow process, but things are at least moving in the right direction.

I'll keep you all updated.


Regards

[Atarax]

Stay strong TK! Hope to have you back in action soon!

[TheKnight]

Thanks Sarge, will do.

With the physical therapy lasting 6weeks and these exercises lasting for 3weeks or so, I've got a ways to go. Today was the first step of a long recovery process. Hopefully I recover sooner, rather then later.

Regards

[Raui]

Good luck. I hope in the end you don't have (too much) brain damage.

[TheKnight]

My memory is fuzzy a lot of the times, but the doctor says that's normal with Concussions and that it should, with time dissipate.

So I'm hoping it's not a permanent thing, as I can still think quite clearly. My body is wrecked, but my mind is still sharp.

I'll keep you guys updated as I go. Thanks again for the well wishes and prays.

Regards

[Frelorn]

Good luck! We are all pulling for you. :)

[Erica]

^ Hey Knight, how sweet is that? ;)

[TheKnight]

Thanks Andy, that means a lot to me.
Tell the team I said thank you very much.

Recovery is going very slowly, feels like it's been weeks when it's not even been a week yet since my medical leave.

I'll keep you guys posted on my condition. Thanks again for all the support, kind words, and prays. It means so much to me in this very low point in my life, battling this horrible thing. Not sure If I'm ever going to be the same again, as I'm in really bad shape.

I know I'm in the right place, as this community and dev team time and time again shows that it truly cares about it's players. All of your support is helping me get through this rough time, and for that I offer my deepest thanks.

Regards

[Logan Conrad]

I hope you get well soon!

*salute*


My brother had a few concussions from playing Rugby. After his last concussion the doctor told him NOT to play anymore. As a result of his last concussion he has a constant ringing in one ear and a permanent blue dot in his field of vision which he has named "My Little Blue Friend."

[Raui]

*pray*
*meditate*

*bow*
*nod*

[TheKnight]

I just wanted to update you guys on my condition.

I'm still battling this nasty concussion and am not much use to anyone right now in my present condition. I check the boards now and again and keep in touch with family & friends with updates.

It's week one of my medical leave today and the recovery is going very very slowly. Not sure if I'm ever going to recover 100%, if this is going to last months, years, or for the rest of my life. The neurologist is unsure at the point in time, as I see him for a followup in 2weeks. I've been suffering with this for going on 3months now, since my initial accident back on July 22nd 2007.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words, prays, and well wishes in this dark time in my life. You guys are the best, and I am honored and blessed to have friends like you in my life.

Regards

[TheKnight]

Another update on my condition. It's now week 2 from when I started physical therapy.
Here's the current results:

I. No minor/major improvement from last update, in fact it's getting worse.

II. The physical therapist has had me stop doing the exercises this week to give my body
a change to recover, as I was getting really bad with the symptoms. (see below)

Symptoms are still:

Extreme dizziness, Vertigo, Nausea, UnAble to walk around without someone holding me, weak muscles on my left side, hard to breath sometimes, and bad muscle spasms.

III. The therapist says that it might take upwards of a year to recover from this, but won't say for sure until my followup with my Neurologist sometime next week.

I've been told to keep taking the medications and keep going to physical therapy, and to hang in there. It looks like this is going to take a very long time for me to overcome, if ever.

It's been really brutal for me and there are days when it's so bad I can't even get out of bed.
The only way I can describe the pain is like if you just got off one of those amusement park rides that spin around 60MPH and you walk out and your all disoriented, feel like throwing up, got major migraines etc. Take that feeling you get temporary from a ride like that, and make it last all day/night. That's how bad it is for me right now, even with the strong medications I'm taking.

I'll keep you guys updated on my condition and let you know what the doctor says next week.
Thank you for all your prays and kind words throughout this dark time in my life, I am eternally grateful.

Regards

[Lancelore]

What can I say The Knight .........

Sorry I did not read this post earlier. In your situation every kind word is welcome. You deserve it, because you are one of the big quest leaders of Solclaim. Because our times differ much, I am not able to join your quests, but have seen your actions on the boards.

I really, realy hope your condition will improve in time. Not only to take your place among us, but more important to take part in RL again.

Take care and I hope to see you in action again !!!!!!!

[TheKnight]

Thanks for the kind words Lancelore, it's greatly appreciated.
I see the neurologist this Wednesday, so I'll find out then what my status is and how much longer this is going to go on for.

I'll keep you guys updated. Thanks again for all the kind words and prays, they are all deeply appreciated.

Regards

[TheKnight]

Thursday October 4th 2007. (My appointment go moved from Wednesday To Thursday)

Here's the current update on my condition. It's now week 3 from when I started physical therapy.

Here's what my neurologist said:

I. No minor/major improvement from last time I saw him. My symptoms are getting worse.

II. The neurologist has put me on 5 different medications to combat the various effects of the concussion such as:

A. Dizziness
B. Extreme Vertigo
C. Nausea,
D. Excruciating Migraines which cause the above symptoms to be 10X worse.
E. Uncontrolled muscle spasms on the left and right side of my body.
F. Weakness in all muscles, where I need someone to help me walk around, otherwise I fall over from the vertigo.

II. The physical therapist has me restarting my exercises this Saturday.
I am to no longer:

A. Use heat for the pain, as this causes me to become extremely dizzy and I am to use Ice instead.

B. I am to limit myself in movement that puts a great deal of stress on my neck such as, bending down and up, using the computer for a long time, sitting for a long time, sudden movements, no heavy lifting etc.

III. The neurologist has written me out for 4 weeks from today.

He told me this could last up to 1year and 1/2. And that some people can have these Vertigo symptoms all of their lives.

So I am supposed to keep taking all these medications, and continue to go to physical therapy and keep on pushing my way through slowly but surely.

This is going to be the mother of all battles for me to come back through this and get back to at least a semi-normal life that I once had. But I can promise each and every one of you, that I will never give up, regardless of the odds.

As for AC, you might see me in game now and again but unfortunately it's not going to be like it was before. I won't be running major public Quests like I've done for years, as I just am in no condition to do so in my present state.

Next time you all see the broadcast go out over /cg that I'm running a Public Quest, then you know that I'm back as close to 100% as I'm ever going to get.
So I'll never say never, it's just going to take time for me to heal.

I'll keep you guys updated on my condition and let you know what the doctor says in 4weeks, as well as if there is any breakthrough news throughout this.

I'd like to personally thank you for all your prays and kind words throughout this dark time in my life, your kind words and prays have meant so very much to me during this very difficult time in my life, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thank You Again My Friends


Regards

[Lancelore]

It will not be easy, but hang in man, keep up the fight !!!!!!

[TheKnight]

Monday October 22 2007.

I just wanted to update you guys on my condition.
I'm doing slightly better then when I first started my physical therapy.
Still on about 6medications, and have the dizziness and vertigo, but it's not
as bad as it was last month. So things are slowly starting to improve.

I'm now able to walk around somewhat without needing someone to hold onto, don't have nausea every day like I did before, and am able to do things I did before I got hurt on a small scale.

So I am showing signs of improvement, although it is a very slow process. I'm doing exercises daily to help combat the vertigo and dizziness, which in turn makes me even more dizzy then before. But that's the plan as I'm slowly supposed to adjust to the imbalance.

My next followup visit with my doctor is on November 7th, and he'll have the results of an EMG test they did on me 2weeks back or so. I'll post more information then and keep you guys updated.

As For AC, I've been in AC on and off for a short time for a day or two now, and will be around here and there. I am in no shape currently to run any public quests, so I've just been out and about here and there. Eventually I will get better to the point where I can resume running public quests, and once that time comes, I'll let you folks know in advance.

I'll have an update for you all on Nov 7th, and until then I want to continue to thank you all for your kind words and prays during this rough time in my life. My deepest thanks to you all.

Regards

[Logan Conrad]

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better!

Hang in there!

[Erica]

Thats good news Knight, *claps* and keep hangin in there! :)

[Septa Scarabae]

I'm glad to hear you're improving, Theknight. I hope you get well soon. :)

[Sibella]

Good to hear you are on the mend. Keep getting better!

[Lancelore]

Wtg Knight !!!!!!!

Glad to hear you are feeling better :)

[TheKnight]

Thanks all, your kind prays and thoughts have been a big help during this time.
I'll have another update for your guys come November 7th.

Thanks again for all the support, it is most appreciated.

Regards

[TheKnight]

Wednesday November 07 2007.

Update on my condition.

I'm showing signs of improvement, and am now able to walk around without the help of other people. I'm able to do the little things in life that most folks take for granted, like walking straight without falling over (due to vertigo), read a book, spend time talking on the phones with friends, posting on forums, and playing AC.

As some of you may have noticed, I've been back in AC now for about one week and a half, and have run Colosseum, and just yesterday (Tuesday) I ran a public Bobo/Dark Bobo quest.

So I'm back in the saddle, but not 100% yet. I still have dizziness, nausea, migraines, and vertigo, but it's not as bad as it was when I first started Physical Therapy. The medications are helping a great deal, as is the Physical Therapy.

The doctor wrote me out for 2months, and I have a followup with him come December 5th. He does not want to push me as forcing me to do more then I can at this stage would cause serious problems and may cause an a relapse.

So good news all in all. It's a very slow process, but I am making progress towards a recovery.

The only bad news is that if I forget to take the medication, my symptoms become 10X worse and I can't even move around it gets so bad. As well as the possibility that I might never fully recover, as my neurologist explained to me.
He's remaining hopeful on my road to recovery, as am I.

I want to thank everyone who has wished me well and offered their prays during this time in my life. My deepest heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.

I'll have another update for you guys come December 5th 2007.


Regards

[Erica]

Great update Knight, and welcome back to AC, :D (but dont forget those meds!)

[Lancelore]

Was a very nice meeting on Viss Island TheKnight. Thanks again for the help. Great to have you back !!!!!!

But far more important, you are recovering and doing small things you enjoy. Pls don't force yourself and take your medicine ;)

[Logan Conrad]

I'm glad to hear that you're improving!! Hang in there! :cool:

[TheKnight]

Friday December 7th 2007.

I wanted to give you all an update on my condition.

As of today Friday December 7th 2007, my condition has gotten worse from my last update. I am now experiencing muscle spasms randomly throughout the day. This started occurring about a week or so ago.

The doctor has written me out for another month, and I'm to have more testing done on me to find out what is causing my continuing issues.
Currently I'm experiencing the following:

I. Short term memory loss. I can't remember the day & time most of the time.
The year I can remember fine.

II. Dizziness, Nausea, Vertigo, Major Migraines.

III. Weak leg & kneed. I'm having a hard time going up/down stairs, as well as sitting down or getting up from a chair/bed.

IV. Random Muscle Spasms throughout the day. I will start to clap, but not a full clap. It will be with the palms of my hands hitting each other. I can not stop this when it occurs, as when I try my head hurts.

V. Am not able to do any activity for more then two hours. After this time, I must lie down and rest for at least 30min-1hour before I have enough strength again.

VI. My physical therapist has recommended I take home a traction machine, that is for my neck. It stretches the neck muscles and neck and has been helping a great deal. The doctor just needs to sign off on it.

The doctor has scheduled some tests of my brain to see if there is a possible blood clot, or permanent brain damage from this second major concussion.
He has also told me that these muscle spasms might be a sign of a seizure.

So overall while I can move around some, I am having some major difficulties as you all can see above. To top it all off, I have some kind of major infection as I've been throwing up for a week now and I ache all over.
Chills, nausea, coughing, ribs are killing me etc.

So I'm going to my family doctor tomorrow and have to reschedule my physical therapy and one of the test, as I'm in no condition to attend either.

My next meeting with my neurologist is January 11th or so for a followup.
I'll keep you guys updated on my condition & my progress.

I'm back in AC as most of you have seen, but I'm not around as much as I used to be before the accident. Needless to say my health is first and foremost, and I'll be in AC as I'm able.

I want to continue to thank all of you for you kind words and prays throughout this time in my life. Your support and warm wishes have made a difference and I thank each and every one of you for that.

Hopefully I'll have some good news after these tests are done, at the very least I'm hoping my doctor can find out what is causing this and can treat it before it gets any worse then it is and my condition degrades further.

Again thank you all for your kind words and prays throughout this, they are very much appreciated.

Regards

[Logan Conrad]

Sorry to hear.

Hopefully 2008 will be a better year for you.

[TheKnight]

Friday February 2nd 2007.

I wanted to give you all an update on my condition, as it's been almost two months since my last update.

As of today Friday February 2nd 2007, my condition has gotten worse.
The doctor has written me out for some much needed tests back in November, but they where never done due to the workman's compensation company refusing to pay for anymore tests or physical therapy.

I am currently in the process of a legal battle with them to get my tests done that my doctor has ordered, and for them to pay the medical bills relating to my injury. I'm unable to go into anymore detail then that, due to legal reasons.

I also have to go to an independent doctor on February 6th for examination.
So either way this would have required a lawyer as they are now playing dirty. Needless to say this has put a major hold on my recovery, and I've gotten worse. So this has made a bad situation one hundred times worse.

The doctor has written me out for another two months, and I see him again come March.

I'm still experiencing the following:

I. Short term memory loss. I can't remember the day & time most of the time.
The year I can remember fine.

II. Dizziness, Nausea, Vertigo, Major Migraines.

III. Weak leg & kneed. I'm having a hard time going up/down stairs, as well as sitting down or getting up from a chair/bed.

IV. Random Muscle Spasms throughout the day. I will start to clap, but not a full clap. It will be with the palms of my hands hitting each other. I can not stop this when it occurs, as when I try my head hurts.

V. Am not able to do any activity for more then two hours. After this time, I must lie down and rest for at least 30min-1hour before I have enough strength again.

My next meeting with my neurologist is in March for a followup.
I'll keep you guys updated on my condition & my progress.

As for AC, I'm only on for a little bit of time here and there. I'm simply not able to be in game for prolonged periods of time due to my condition.

I want to continue to thank all of you for you kind words and prays throughout this time in my life. Your support and warm wishes have made a difference and I thank each and every one of you for that.

Hopefully I'll have some good news for you all once all this legal mess is taken care of and I can get the tests & physical therapy that I need.

Again thank you all for your kind words and prays throughout this, they are very much appreciated.

Regards

[Thargos]

hang tight man.

prayers and wellwishes to you and your loved ones.

[TheKnight]

Thanks Thargos, your kind comments are most appriciated.

Regards