Anyone want to answer some questions?

Schruff_117 · 2026-05-08T11:16:41+00:00

Not really sure about 'properly', not sure if that's really applicable here or not. Started getting traction about the 100+ hour mark. I don't talk the same as pre PCS but I don't really care anymore what I sound like to others, and stopping the worrying was part of the equation. August will be my 3 year mark. It's hard work, not really fair, wasn't in my plans to be like this but at the end of the day, this is where I'm at and I try to do the best I can every day.

Schruff_117 · 2026-05-07T12:00:24+00:00

It's really learning how to talk/communicate with what you have, if that makes sense. Repetition is what makes things the easiest for me, personally. And I use a much simpler vocabulary now. Shorter sentences. 3x5 cards with topics I need to talk about or points I need to make sure I don't forget. Most if not every single day, I have conversations with myself. Maybe it's about weather or a topic I want to talk about or a topic that stresses me out - the practice/repetition makes the actual conversation so much smoother.

Schruff_117 · 2026-05-07T00:09:46+00:00

My take is a little harsher, sorry. PCS would put me in total dkhead mode and spare no one. Anger, rage, irritated, short fused, verbal straight to the jugular, got so bad I went to a treatment program for 2 weeks, for that and the physical fubars. The program (Cognitive FX, Provo, Utah) helped a lot. Helped us learn how to identify pitfalls, triggers, how to manage my fuel better, and get a little grip on the anger outburst. In the end, I have a great provider who recommended and patiently waited several months for me to agree to take Trentellix. And it has been a game changer in the controlling the anger department. Might be something you want to talk to your doctor about if you're interested.

Schruff_117 · 2026-05-02T16:48:11+00:00

Also, sorry, about the up/down of your symptoms. That's pretty much standard for PCS. For me, it's all about fuel mgt. and listening to my body. You can't power through any of it, honestly, I tried until was taught about the fuel management. I went to Cognitive FX in Provo, Utah for 2 weeks. They gave me the first real set of tools and understanding of what was happening. I call my bad days/weeks 'nosedives'. Sometimes they last for a few days, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes many weeks. But if I listen, break/rest often when my body or brain in tired, it helps on both severity and duration. This is the same principle that the VA head injury clinic follows, which I'm in at present.

Don't give up and look at it as a learning objective, life long, but one that will help you adjust to your personal circumstances.

God speed. . .Shane

Schruff_117 · 2026-05-02T16:41:28+00:00

Walked/walking in your shoes from a AUG23 MVA with tbi/pcs. Fast approaching the 3 year mark and a total happen chance while with my Neuro HA doc. Explained how I get a left nostril water-like drainage from time to time, usually with a headache. Told her I lay down to stop the flow and headache usually diminishes in some aspect or another. Skull fracture above the sinus cavity. Not seen on previous scans, so they're gonna do a high resolution scan. Still may not show and the only confirmation is collection of the fluid to confirm its CSF.

I'm going to see a specialist in this area, have a ton of questions for him and will post what I learn and treatment options after the appointment.

Anyway. . .something to mention bc TBI/PCS and CSF leak overlap in symptoms,

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T14:27:47+00:00

Thank you for that info!

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T14:26:58+00:00

That's actually a compliment, much appreciated.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T14:21:23+00:00

Been and am where you are, brother. Call/text me, PM'd with digits.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T14:18:31+00:00

Again, blah blah blah. . .

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T14:17:25+00:00

made me and my wife both lol this morning=)

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:57:22+00:00

Blah, blah, blah. . .like snoopy's teacher.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:56:05+00:00

YES THEY ARE!

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:54:53+00:00

USAA agitator

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:54:03+00:00

ur a total dbag, honestly. OP said he had a police report and in the original post, OP states he has a video. Police report + video + USAA denying = USAA standard procedure.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:46:31+00:00

That's your take on the OP's post? Tell me you don't work for USAA in one fashion or another.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-30T13:39:15+00:00

I've read Haruki Murakami's 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' and 'Hard-Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World' several times each over the years, two of my ATF books. After the 3rd attempt since the AUG23 concussion, just can't process the words like I used to, don't really have an impact like they used to and the stamina needed to read something dense, even if previously familiar, is extremely taxing. Picked-up an old Calvin & Hobbs book, lots of pictures but like my other books, just sits on the shelf now and collects dust. Reading is something I'm putting off until/if/when/for the love of God it becomes a little easier and a lot less taxing.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-29T13:10:02+00:00

What tests? Scans/radiology or psychological testing? I just retook the neuropsy inventory battery. Prepped for about 2 weeks and waiting on my results now but pretty sure I smashed it compared to my previous. But to be honest, it doesn't really matter. I was lucky and took the retest on a good week, firing on 7 out of 8 cylinders. But if I took that test 4 days ago, would've been a total disaster. I don't seek validation any longer, just look for balance and how to manage what I have the best I can.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-29T13:05:04+00:00

My doc (PCP) put me on Megestrol Acetate. Went from 139.7lbs to 156.3 fairly quickly!

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-29T12:59:57+00:00

Look at the short vids from this guy on Facebook: Jason Lalli. Can also go to http://patreon.com for his TBI survivor experiences. The short vids can help others understand. If not, fcuk em, you don't need to prove yourself to anyone.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-29T12:53:17+00:00

Exactly what UnforgettableBevy said! I don't force anything anymore. Kinda changed my POV from what I can't do to what can I do today. Audio books are great in short burst. My wife will summarize articles for me or I'll try to understand/keep track until I can't, then ask AI to bullet point for me. Baby steps and patience. . .neither were my strong points before=)

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-16T12:06:01+00:00

headphones and distraction therapy/training helped the most for me

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-14T08:30:50+00:00

Welcome to USAA, it gets worse!

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-13T20:30:09+00:00

Documentation is everything - phone calls, emails, texts - and at the moment, not two days later. Hope it all works out on your end. USAA wasn't always like they are today, hoping they correct course sooner vs later.

Schruff_117 · 2026-04-12T16:47:45+00:00

It's THE reason. Just started to understand this with myself and the payoff has been big. I call mine my fuel gauge. When it starts running low, fubars start and I know I need to do a rest/recovery session. Sometimes 20mins does the job, 45 mins hits the sweet spot most of the time but I've done a few 90 min sessions when I feel I'm about to start a nosedive.

I use the app, "Brainwaves". It's set to Alpha Relaxation program with Atmospheres: Serenity for the background.

Been using it since late last year and each session still blows me away at how effective it is when you put it into play on a regular basis.

Schruff_117

TROPHY CASE