How did you acquire your brain injury?
I was attending a parent-teacher meeting at my daughter’s high school. When I tried to sit in the chair opposite the teacher, it collapsed beneath me as soon as I put weight on it. I fell backwards and slammed the back of my head hard into the corner of the counter behind me. I went to the emergency department and was told I had a concussion and I’d probably be better in a few days. After a few days, my doctor told me I’d be fine in a few weeks. Then I was referred to a neurologist who told me I’d be fine in a few months. That was over 20 years ago.
What are some things that have helped you throughout the recovery journey?
Disclaimer: Brain Injury Canada does not provide medical recommendations or endorsements.
The three things I found most helpful: First, my chiropractor. He specialized in cervical spine issues and the tiny adjustments he made (so small it didn’t seem like he’d done anything at all until I realized I was feeling a bit better) were the only thing that got me through the first incredibly painful weeks and months. Second, seeing a qualified neuro-optometrist about four months after the injury. He diagnosed post-trauma vision syndrome and prescribed special glasses with prisms in them. That helped enormously. I still wear those glasses. Third, massage therapy. I tried several therapists and most of them triggered more of a headache. But then I found one who was able to work on my head and neck so lightly that her work gradually reduced the hypersensitivity I was experiencing.
Fourth, I saw a physiatrist who recommended Pulsed Signal Therapy. That was about five years post-injury and it was the last thing I did that helped in a significant way. Fifth, I started getting Botox injections in my forehead, temples, and neck. I continued that for close to twenty years. I finally stopped recently because the pain has receded significantly. I still have symptoms, including vision problems and headaches, but I’m able to get through my days as a freelance writer and editor now.
If you could go back to when you first acquired your brain injury and tell yourself one thing, what would that be?
Don’t let people gaslight you into questioning whether your pain and suffering are legitimate. Trust yourself and your perceptions and don’t give up on looking for help just because some people don’t believe you. Concussion is an invisible injury and many people have a hard time believing what they can’t see. That’s their issue, not yours.
What would you like people who don’t have a brain injury to know?
When people tell you they’re suffering, believe them. Do your own research. Let them guide you in terms of what’s helpful and what’s not. Pushing people to do things when they’re saying they really can’t do them doesn’t help. Being overprotective in ways that they’re telling you aren’t helpful also doesn’t help. Basically: listen.
I’ve written a book about my experiences. I believe what I experienced can help others people for the same reason these individual stories can help people: because it helps so much to know you’re not alone and you’re NOT imagining things.
If you would like to learn more about Lynne’s book and publication journey, here is the link.
Please note: Brain Injury Canada does not provide any endorsements or recommendations for books. We do include links that are provided in story submissions, and are not responsible for the information on or the updates for these links.
