Where to from here

[RangerBaker]

My name is Patricia I am married and we have a fur child. I have had issues my whole life starting from around the age of 2. I had experienced issues on and off my whole life but from the age of 17 things really settled down I wasn't on medication, I was in a good head space, I was working in a carrer I loved and everything had improved. I met my now husband back in 2012 and couldn't of been happier but everything changed in Feb 2013. I was sick with the flu and had some cough lollies, later on that day I had a reaction to them which made me collapse and suffer a serve head injury due to the force of hitting my head it caused me convulsions, I went to hospital where I received medical treatment for the head injury, I had a ct scan which came back clear and was cleared of having epilepsy. But something changed in me that day and I have never been the same since, I have issues remembering things, concentrating, I constantly feel shaky, I suffer extreme neck pain I don't feel right. Ever since then I have suffered anxiety, serve depression, and have had issues completing my adl and not being able to function enough to work. I thought that was bad enough but in April 2014 on my wedding day I was disowned by my family. That really pushed me over the edge. I have changed Dr 2 years ago in the hopes of getting to the bottom of why I feel and am different from having that fall. All that is ever said to me is that my ct scan came back clear and that it is just my mental health issues. I know people think it is just mental health but I feel there is more to it, as I can't of gone from being normal one day to experiencing what I do still to day and not being able to function. Please give me some advice I am truly lost on what to do

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi RangerBaker,

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. It sounds like things have been difficult for quite sometime. I am sorry to hear that you've had a rough time since your fall after what sounds like quite a good period of recovery. What this says to me is that you can feel good again. Being an advocate for your own health is really difficult and I know you have said you have seen two doctors but I wonder if another opinion is in order? Or perhaps a referral to a neurologist where further investigations could be undertaken such as an MRI and they could review your case with fresh eyes? I often tell people to go with their gut feeling and since you feel quite strongly that things all changed after the incident, you might pursue another opinion.

I also wonder if you have seen any psychologists or other therapists about your symptoms of worry and low mood that you have described? Or even an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for your neck pain and difficulties with completing your ADLs? These are other options that you may consider and you could get some advise from your GP on accessing these professionals .

Having a plan towards getting back to wellness is a big first step. Writing out specific goals and bringing them to your GP can sometimes be a way to make sure that you are covering all the things that you need to get back on track. I also encourage people to bring with them an advocate to health appointments such as a close friend, spouse or someone you trust. This way you can assure that you get all your questions answered and don't forget details. I know how tough it can be when you are feeling low or unwell and visit a doctor. It is really common that you walk out forgetting the discussion or forgetting to ask about one thing or another and this is often made worse when you have symptoms like worry.

There are some great things in your post such as having a fur-baby and a spouse but also some big stressors such as not being able to work and being disowned by your family. Finding your balance again has not happened as of yet but continuing to seek out support until you find yourself on the right path is really important. By posting on the forum, it says to me that you have the motivation required to recover. You are doing a great job already and you are not alone.

If you would like to talk to someone you can always reach out to the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[RangerBaker]

Hi Nurse Jenn,

Sorry I am not sure what you mean by a good period of recovery the issue is I have never recovered. I have seen a physio and unfortunately after 12 months of treatment I was getting constantly worse then better, I have even sought a chiropractor and osteopath to try and get some relief but haven't had any success. I regularly see a Psycologist and do talk about the above issues, I also have other issues I have t mentioned. Being disowned doesn't do much worry me. I just need to find out why I don't feel right. I have previously had a ct scan about 6 months ago and 2 different gps feel as since it is clear that it is just mental health issues. I don't know how to get them to listen to take me seriously