The first two weeks I experienced the worst headaches I have ever had. I also had nausea, confusion and depression. Suicidal thoughts were normal- because the pain from the headaches were so bad. I just wanted it to end. I think it's important for people to understand PCS recovery. It's not "just in your head" or something you can "get better soon" from.
I remember laying in bed, in my dark room, unable to function. I am thankful for kind neighbors and of course my husband and kids for running errands. I couldn't go grocery shopping. I tried and it was just sensory overload. I''m so thankful two sweet friends made trips to the store just to get me oranges. If you know someone suffering from PCS, don't ask them, just do it. Go grocery shopping for them. It will be so appreciated!
The first real turning point came when my sweet and patient husband suggested we go for a walk on a nearby recpath. We walked REALLY slow. I mean, like painfully slow to anyone watching. One might have thought I was actually 90 yrs old. It was THAT slow. We sat on benches several times. Our focus was on nature. We notices bushes, flowers, trees. The sun set, the mountains, birds and the creek. Rick wasn't in a hurry, which was nice. We weren't out there to exercise, do cardio, complete a segment on Strava or anything else. We were on a mission to HEAL MY BRAIN. Slow and steady.
I noticed that night that my head wasn't hurting as bad.
The next day I laid outside in the sun. Again, I choose to focus on the sun, the wind in the trees and the birds. My dog cuddled up on my lap. She wouldn't leave my side. The sun felt so good. I had never really liked being in the sun- must be the ice skater in me. I preferred inside, air conditioning and staying away from all the plants in Utah that cause my allergies and asthma to flair up. But after seeing how nature was helping my head, I knew I HAD to go out every day. I started craving it!
The headaches were still there but not as bad. And the nausea was far less. I started walking every day. Sometimes on a rec path. Sometimes on mtn bike trails. And I even started visiting a campground near by. I would park in the picnic area and then walk up and down the road. The smells, sounds and environment were so calming. I took my dog, daughter, husband and even my dad when he came to visit.
Being outside became my new normal!
