Evelyn Onuschuk
Concussions/Brain Injuries: 3
Cause: Sports
Evelyn’s Story
Had two concussions under 20 playing sports. One was hitting my head on cement playing street ball and one from a high tackle in rugby. Went to hospital for the rugby incident. No aftereffects that I noted.
But then in mid 30s, took a tumble off my road bike and hit my head on rock - cracked my helmet. Thennnn rode 100km and drove myself home (1.5hrs) after the incident. Also tacked on a restorative yoga class to boot. Then slept and went to work next day. No symptoms for four days and then 10 years trying to heal the choices I made that day.
I highly regret getting back on that bike. Got Bell’s Palsy a month or so later so ongoing concussion symptoms were blamed on the Bell’s. I was constantly dizzy, brain fog, lightheaded/nauseous when exercising, cold extremities, increased heart rate/heart stops, and mental health challenges.
I kept pushing through (training/working) ignoring my body’s signals. Didn’t feel right for years - kept wondering if I would ever get back to «normal» or if this was my new normal. The mental health diagnosis took front seat, and my concussion was even further dismissed as the root cause. Clinicians wanted me on this supplement or this medication. I wanted to heal not mask.
My body finally shut down 4 years post concussion into a total depression. Two years later - covid shutdowns. All that extra time on my hands - read A LOT. Social media turned me on to different treatment modalities.
Found out about specific concussion treatments. The Buffalo treadmill test and specific neck treatments put me on my path to healing. Neurofeedback and EMDR trauma informed therapy fixed the mental health challenges.
All in all - I learned that we have to be our own advocates re our health. I never felt so alone, and people just do not get it unless they’ve been through it. It is invisible so not taken as seriously as say a broken limb or a cancer diagnosis. There is no sympathy. So, I at once regret but am also grateful for the experience. I grew as a person and became stronger mentally and emotionally. We can do hard things.
Buuuut - wouldn’t wish my experience on my worst enemy. I honestly thought I was going crazy. There is more talk about concussions (& emerging science) as well as a more open dialogue around mental health these days which is a saving grace.
Accounts like this one - about sharing info and experiences are sorely needed and much appreciated by those suffering. It was another account who had a patient testimonial about not being able to leave the house (for years!) prior to the neck treatment that sprung me into action. It gave me hope and a direction to head in.
It does get better. It takes time and effort, but it does get better. This might go without saying - but don’t ride 100km after hitting your head. Argh, lesson learned.
Wishing everyone the best on your journey to recovery.
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Concussion Connect has provided me a space to learn more about what is going on inside my brain and body, find the words to express how I am feeling, not feel so alone, and learn about and use different resources! It provides a sense of being understood that has been missing since my accident, even brings a sense of understanding myself. - CC Member
