Thread: Concussed
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Old 06-24-18 | 07:38 PM
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canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Texas

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

Glad you're doing reasonably well all things considered. Be sure you have a family member or friend to check on you at least once a day for the next week. Concussion effects are often delayed. Ask them to watch for sudden bouts of confusion, mood swings, etc. Those can be symptoms of underlying physical complications.

Even without additional physical complications you may experience PTSD. If you suddenly feel depressed, unusually angry, anything out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to talk with a psychiatrist or psychologist about therapy.

After my car was t-boned in 2001, breaking my back and neck (no unconsciousness or memory loss, but probably some concussion), as I recovered physically from the shock and early pain I began experiencing tunnel vision in traffic and, worse, road rage over minor stuff. After two incidents in which family members were passengers while I was driving and chasing down other drivers, I realized I needed help. I went into one on one therapy for a couple of years, took the psych meds prescribed by a really good psychiatrist, and avoided unnecessary driving until I got myself under control. After five years I weaned myself off the meds (fairly typical stuff - depakote, Wellbutrin - which also reduced my migraines).

Made a huge difference in improving my life, and I still practice the same techniques when riding my bike. Before each ride I go through a mental prep, reminders to stay alert, stay calm, ignore unintentional close calls, react appropriately to threats only when absolutely necessary and always defensively rather than aggressively. I'll walk away rather than fight. Traffic tiffs aren't important enough for anyone to get hurt. And most importantly to smile and acknowledge every courtesy shown by drivers. And the same method worked last month when I was struck by an inattentive driver. No tantrums, everything was handled as well as possible under the circumstances, and nobody was alienated or verbally abused in public.

And absolutely yes regarding the helmet. In years of riding bikes and many crashes I'd never struck my head... until last month. Even as I was falling I was telling myself to fall a certain way, keep my head up, etc. But my shoulder hit hard and snapped audibly. And in the instant I tried to avoid hitting my head, it smacked the pavement moderately hard but not enough to crack the shell. Helmet did its job, no loss of consciousness, no symptoms of concussion.

Other than the indoor trainer I've been off the bike since. But last night I started shopping for a new helmet. I knew if I ordered one sooner I'd be too tempted to ride outdoors before my ortho doc cleared me. Another week or so and I'll be ready.
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