In tears here once again after watching one of your videos. Tears of gratitude. I am in bed, early, but was doing just fine. Until I wasn't. And I couldn't understand until I watched this video. It is so true, so perfect, and so healing just to be able to understand what is going on. THANK YOU! I'm checking out for awhile and sleeping. Blessings, d
Debra Dickinson . Hi Debra, I call it hitting the wall. Once my brain has hit that wall I am just done . There is no "wait for a minute " . it's just over and I have to lay down in the quiet and dark right then. It's nice to know we aren't alone.
Gosh can I relate to that one minute Im fine all of the sudden it's like someone just sucked all the energy out of my body and I just need to lay down.
You rock! Almost worse than the fatigue is people thinking that you’re being lazy. I feel like I have only one battery - Once it’s down, the day is done! And yes, pushing through it only it makes it WORSE!!! Pushing causes a crash the next day(s) until recharged. Thank for this.
Hello, same. I've been going by the spoons simile, how normal people start the day with, say- 6 spoons of energy, but brain injured people only have maybe 3-5 to start, and we lose them way faster. :(
@@ShylieKay yeah, a rare really good day is making it to 3pm and still being able to do anything. The crash after that day can take weeks to recoup from.
I get told I am lazy, since it has been 30: years since my accident it is so hard on me. I wish I could could get others to understand that stress does this
I agree with you completely. My TBI is 30yrs old and now I’m 71 and people think I have Alzheimer’s. Explaining doesn’t help. It just drains me faster. Thank you for this great video.❤️🩹
@@ftoniaromano6480 Over 40 years post brain surgeries for me. Going thru a divorce in addition to all the other stuff. Turning into a hermit. Nobody knows I have a TBI so I just carry on. Can't get motivated and instigating action is a major (huge) achievement. When and if it happens.
nearly 20 years after suffering a TBI, I'm only now finding these videos that help explain so much about "WTF is wrong with me?" Some things I was aware of but the battery analogy TOTALLY fits for me when I have to engage in something for several hours that really stresses me out (Driving long distances in particular). Afterwards I feel so completely drained that I'll hole up in my darkened bedroom all day and find it damn near impossible to stay "up" and focus on anything important for very long.
Same here Steve. Lived damn near my entire life from TBI to TBI and had no idea I wa suffering from PCS and now long term effects like memory loss short and long term not to mention varying degrees of emotional instability depending on stress levels are tough to keep at bay. It’s a struggle at times but still learning and healing one day at a time.
i had a tbi in 2005 ... this is an incredibly accurate discription of what i deal with silently every day.... stress , lack of sleep, and body fatigue, and i feelike at best i get to a full b battery. i try to explain to people this exact thing and usually they think its an excuse. thank you for this video . its comforting to know that someone understands:)
I'm a retired Army veteran myself and have been in Iraq several times and have experienced TBI back in 2003 and have been denied service connection since 2005 along with several other serious conditions and chronic pain and inflammation in my whole body and I am always FATIGUED!!!! Help is much appreciated through your wonderful videos and information, thanks so much Nathalie 🌟
A great TBI channel. I'm almost 7 years in. Explains it well. My TBI was from a bad car accident. One thing I found in the beginning and for the next few years, was that I didn't understand what had truly happened to me. As well that I was a different person. It's hard to accept the change. You never asked for it. But you will make it through it.
This is it exactly! A migraine or vertigo auto-puts me in "C" battery and I have to sleep for days to recover. Or after a visit with a friend when they insist on playing music at my house while trying to talk and eat at the same time. I just blow a fuse.
+Antoinette Arsic Thank you Antoinette! Yes, that would definitely blow the fuse! There are so so many more valuable videos being edited now. Please sign up now so you don't miss one! www.TheTBICoach.com
Preach, as one who suffered a severe TBI I completely agree. Before my injury I was a typical high functioning workaholic who ddi incredibly well in the business world. After my TBI I have struggled with basic issues. Thankfully, by pure drive and motivation I have regained a lot of my prior abilities.....unfortunately at a heavy cost.....severe fatigue. Bottom line trust your self and push yourself......recovery happens over years....the one year is complete BS. stay the course
I suffered an accident at work which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. I was in a coma for nearly two weeks and in a trauma unit for five weeks, then a rehab unit for one week. People have absolutely no idea the after affects involved and think because I look ok that I’m now better. It’s infuriating 😡
13 years after frontal cortex injury and a midline shift , after a 12 hour work day , (heavy diesel mech) , when i get home all i want to do is sit down. my wife thinks im lazy and my brain injury is cured and fine , she just thinks I'm lazy. running on c batteries when you get home from work is no joke and i believe at some point will end our marriage. great analogy , good work!
That just sent me back to 2005 and the cycling crash that ended my life. As you can tell, I lived through it. Two big differences for me - I started treatment right away. When you get paralyzed, they have to look deeper. Add to that the really good brain injury center a mile from home which was to become my second home. I also had a strong rehab work ethic. It's what I spent my time doing with patients and now I was one. These videos are really good and really useful, clear and slow enough to comprehend and there are no fast cuts or flashing lights. VERY well done. No one gets brain injury until they get a brain injury. You're in a unique place to be doing this work, Nathalie. I will definitely be following along. Thank you!!
Holy crap, this brought me to tears. I have been fighting for understanding from my TBI since 2012 and no one understands and I haven't been able to put it into words what is happening. Our local hospital dropped the ball, and no one told us there were reasons I have problems. I have had family member ask my husband if I was faking the problems. Thank you
I had a major Subdural Hematoma in 2009 that required surgery from a head injury. The prognosis was very bad with only a 5% expectation of survival but there was a miraculous recovery I went back to work after only 3 weeks and we all assumed everything was ok. Things were always a little different, with memory, difficulty being around crowds etc. Strenuous activity led to another smaller brain bleed. Your videos have helped me understand some of my difficulties. It’s important to work at many things, people around can’t possibly understand. Steve
I needed this so much. It is so empowering to have this way of describing what’s happening. After two concussions, life just hasn’t been the same. I tried to mention this to my neurologist at one point but she dismissed the idea that I could still be experiencing symptoms after the initial PCS got better. It just didn’t seem right but I didn’t push the issue. I think it’s time for a new neurologist.
I was diagnosed with M.S.multiple sclerosis in 2004. I have a lot of scar tissue or plaques on my brain. I was even put on a chemotherapy, for M.S., that almost killed me. I have had plenty of concussions over this time as well.Even after years of therapy( for mind, body, and soul,) I still forget I am not the SAME and when I have to"Radically Accept" that I Can't do the SAME types of things...including remembering anything, I get horribly depressed. My doctors try to work together but I need to bring this ,T.B.I, up to them NOW. Thanks again for your video.
Nearly 30 years into this injury, A batteries are nearly non existant. B battery is constantly trying to keep the show up and running and C battery applied to take annual leave but hasn't had a holiday since 1995. The biggest thing to learn ladies and gents is try and give yourself some love. I fought it for 20 years and it wasn't until l excepted my limits and did my best to work with it that my life got better. It takes time and help. Good luck everyone, you got this.
tzand1040 // leave the city to the countryside or a foreign country all together and rest there for a year or so then go back to your normal life routine. Trying to go back to my normal life after a brain injury was a mistake
I had a brain tumor on my pineal gland when I was 12 28 years ago. The tumor was misdiagnosed for months so I had months of pressure on my brain. During the biopsy where they stuck a needle through my brain permanently damaged short term and long term memory, optic nerve damage, loss of depth perception, limited peripheral vision, took my balance, attention, messed up my hormones, damaged speech, writing and more. For years I've been fighting sudden exhaustion and in the middle of a conversation. Had my first stoke at 39. Now I'm on disability and have had to move home which makes you feel so small. What a pain! 28 years! I tried so hard to be normal but I can't be. Though this has been a battle I get to know that Jesus is real. I get to know.
Hey Jeremiah. Yes, He is real, beautiful, and amazing. So glad you found Jesus, in the midst of your journey. An intimate relationship with Him, is our greatest blessing. I'm praying for your healing. BIG HUGS 🤗
@@jeremiahkirby6552Thank you 😊 Praying many blessings over you Jeremiah. Yes, Father (God) will have His perfect way, and we will live with Him forever. The bodies we now have, along with the pain/illnesses associated with them, will be gone. We will get new ones and everything will be perfect, forever. Life in this world is only temporary, but eternity is forever!!! O HALLELUJAH 👑 Thank You, Jesus 😘
@@kingdomthings9887 Amen we will watch Heaven move in with us while wearing our glorified bodies. Heaven move in with US. I am rich beyond belief in Heaven, all my treasure is there. I'll see you on those golden streets! Thank you Jesus! All glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My beloved family.
Thank you Nathalie. I'm still learning about my new cavernoma diagnoses that bleeds inside my brain every so often. I used to pried myself on how efficient I was at work--how I could take on any task, any amount of stress, and get the job done, until I would find myself confused driving home at night. I was fine until I hit my wall. I would hit that wall sooner and sooner and more and more often. This metaphor is the perfect thing I need right now. Often times I feel selfish in putting my rest first, but I'm coming to terms here with this perfect metaphor. Thank you so much. Please keep making videos.
I think the world would benefit hugely from seeing and understanding this. TBI survivors as well-I’ve substantially overdone it and have completely depleted all os my mental reserves entirely too much since returning to work. I thought, in classic mind over matter mentality, that I’d simply suck it up and drive on. Nope. I’ve slept 22 of the last 24 hours - the previous two days were equally bad. When somebody says you’ll return to work in 6 months, that’s extremely optimistic.
Absolutely brilliant spot on I go through all this all time speech slurs balance crap more when tired always tired I miss old me but except new me it's hard but I am a survivor been a recovery massive discovery sending luck to who go through it sending love from headway Nottingham UK xx
I have been struggling through life since my first tbi at age 8. I have had many in my life including two fatal car crashes, I am only one who lived. I went into total shutdown in August of 22'. My mother passed and 3 days later my son had work accident with amputation of his right leg below the knee. I the mind eye institute in Chicago is amazing. Dr Elliot's book is spot on, for me and my experience. I am 52 now, healing finally, it is a long road. Wonderful video thank you.
Thanks for this information. After many years I still find it hard to recognize the tiredness and try to fight it. But still feel guilty about it sometimes.
My daughter has brain cancer, and now I know how to spot when she needs sleep and total quiet. Thank you so much for this valuable insight. We live across the country from each other, and due to her Dad's Alzheimer's, she and I don't get to be together enough. I can hear her voice getting slower and slower when we talk on the phone, and her thoughts begin to wander. I tell her she sounds tired, and most of the time she agrees. There are other times when she wants to keep chatting, but I get us off the phone as quickly as I can. I didn't know I was "doing the right thing" until I saw this video. She just recently went through a vicious scam by one of her "friends". He talked her out of a lot of money, which she doesn't have. He almost got her to give him her Subaru so he could "sell it and get her a better car". Fortunately, she was able to get her car back before he could sell it. He had hidden the car several towns away, and the car he "picked out" was a total lemon, and he knew it. He was going to pocket the money from the Subaru and not give her any of it. He said the car he picked out cost as much as the Subaru sold for. A total lie. It is unspeakably tragic and wrong how so many people try to scam those with brain injuries, thinking they will get away with it. We all must protect our loved ones, because at times, they simply cannot do it for themselves!
+Sandy Collins Thank you for your comment. You are a great mom to spot her fatigue and call it quits. It is much better for her to make shorter calls more frequently. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter being financially taken advantage of. I understand that more than I would have liked to. She is not alone. There are bad apples out there, but thankfully I find most people are kind and helpful. Blessings to you both!
Sandy Collins scammers like him will eventually pay for it. Trust me when I tell u, what comes around goes around. I have seen bad ppl have bad things happen to them. You may not see it but trust that they do get what’s coming to them. Always. Nobody gets away with evil. Oh they may for a while but in the end, they get theirs.
Your video is so helpful in helping me understand this condition for someone I love. We both call them blips & in fact I get them too in a sort of way but, usually first in the body where muscles tighten up in my shoulders, neck & my head. It can feel like a migraine is coming on though this rarely happens, only twice ever, it's just like my whole body is very heavy & I just need to rest for a few hours. My point is, our meeting has been helpful to me too, as others all her life, like with myself have never really understood when this occurs. I have no real head injury just a bang as kid, though it caused a very big lump on my forehead & felt very woozy. Maybe there's a link though my condition seems gut related, who knows? Anyway, at present she is going through more than a normal blip, she has had this condition over 30 years due to a bad head injury but, yes can seem fine, as you describe then if pushing too hard needs rest for days. It's the first time I've really witnessed this in the 16 months spent together. In future I want to see the signs coming, as you say before C Battery kicks in which has happened on this occasion, though she knows it's total rest & gentle times that resolve things & I, of course just follow her wishes so as not to add to the frustration she feels herself when like this. Your video really describes it well x
Very spot on. I'm closing in on 4 years for my TBI and understanding this too well. Quiet darkness is the most amazing and blissful thing for me. It's almost euphoric when I close the curtains, put on my chilled head wrap and lie down. The darker the better.
This short video described very well how it feels living your life after a TBI. Simple metaphor powerful insight.im at my 1 anniversary from my fall/faceplant resulting in my tbi. This year my 81 year old moms health challenges have advanced now to Hospice care. Brain fatigue is so very reall During 1 Er visit with mom my brain stimulation cause me to sleep 32 hours when we arrived hom. Your may post are so good. Thank you for all the support.
Very good analogy! I acquired a severe TBI 4 1/2 years ago. What I have often compared it to is that my “gas mileages” is not as good. I’m same as a normal person at the when I’m fully rested, but I go through my “fuel” faster.
this was very helpful! now I can understand what's going on. There's times I'm so tired & I end up taking a B12 hoping that will help but only feel worse. I honestly forget these important things & still often try to do what I used to. Thx for sharing.
I work as a supervisor in a warehouse on the second shift. I have been diagnosed with insomnia / sleep apnea. By Thursday or Friday, I am wiped out. I live by myself, so on the weekend, I clean the house mow the grass. I dread Mondays to where it starts all over again. I need to find a different job, but I didn't have the energy because of fatigued all the time.
I got my TBI almost 6 years ago from a catastrophic car accident. This video is super helpful to me! I am SO much "better" than I was even one year ago, yet some days I just feel like sleeping even though I haven't eaten dinner yet. Cognitive Fatigue. I am taking notes in my journal from your video. Thank you!
I'm so tired of everything. This has been grinding on for 3 years. I'm so much better, but omg I hate what I've become.I have no interests, no hobbies, no passion or desire, no joy. I need to remember that I'm still injured and to be ok with that.... but I'm not. Reality is what it is and now I'm living a life inside an injury. IT SUCKS!
Wow, sounds hard. 6 years on and a hell of a rollar coaster. Just starting to get out a bit now. First 3 years were very hard though one of the things worked best for me was gratitude. When i started noticing all the little things i was grateful fir every day , over tine, what I had became enough, my life (and my husbands) changed dramatically though I love life now more than i did before injury by far. I am less able to do the things i used to do though now I actually enjoy what I do.
The battery metaphor is spot on! I have three acquired BI. Tumor, crani/resect, and radiation. I'm struggling with this right now. I want to push myself and the brain clearly doesn't respond to pushing when it comes to the end of B battery and tapping into C battery. I do shut down so I end up getting the rest I need. I am starting to recognize it in advance and my husband is even better at it. He tells me I need to go rest and sleep. Thank you for helping me to explain this and to accept it and for giving me hope that I can improve.
You are so welcome! You are lucky to have such a sweet understanding husband to help you through this huge challenge. Please come and join my mailing list so you don't miss out on more tips! www.theTBICoach.com
I had a stroke 5 months ago and in a Rehab. I understand what our issue. I say that I am better and worse. I do many therapies and class and daily wiped out. Maybe, the clinic that I am at believing in more therapy, class, and recreation. I have heard as "brain fog" (though I have forgotten Nathalie just said :) ) but I straight from A to C and automatic nap. Stay fighting!
Excellent analogy thank you… My recovery from my stroke has been rapid, probably due to rest, relaxation and not overdoing things… My second stroke January 6th resulted in a month stay in a recovery hospital, there was loads of physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as rest … I tire easily with neuro fatigue but a quick rest recharges my batteries.. then I’m able to complete a task that I started…
I have had a TBI for 9 years, and I still unfortunately deal with many of the symptoms to this day. But I make progress also, every so often, I am the little red caboose “I know I can “🚂. I’ve had vision therapy, a little different then what you described. Mine had music playing through headphones at different decibels, different color lights moving and the table or chair moving ( I did get sick the first couple sessions). Since the TBI I have silent migraines that look like seizures, Bell’s palsy,narcolepsy, severe anxiety and depression. I am on disability. Vestibular problems. Oh and in the car accident I broke my neck and have had 3 neck fusions and terrible memory issues. I wish I could be as positive and happy go lucky as you. My really isn’t bad. I have a wonderful husband, 3 great kids to grandchildren and I am safe and secure. No wants. You have a great program.
I'm 24 and recovering from a moderate brain injury So stressful sometimes I think I'm gonna die soon because of it or early like never see 30 or never do all the things I dreamed of doing. I'm stuck with the brain I have now and I'm trying everything I can to help it recover. Even talk to it and say to it I'm sorry u got injured. I'm going to do my best to heal u and to help heal u. But the progress is so slow. Doctors don't get it. It scares me so much. I don't want to die early I hate this anxiety
Thank you! After a bad car crash, where I sustained a TBI, I've literally been exhausted for three whole years. The 'battery' analogy made so much sense to me.
And, in case this is helpful, one cue that let's me know I'm over-tired, and in need of a rest, is if I start to mix up my words or pronunciation when speaking.
I've always watched these videos since my stroke in 2014 shut down my left side for about a week. The brain works just as hard to come back from, and work around- a dead temporal lobe as it would for a TBI. The recovery feels exactly the same. Almost 8 yrs on, and though in many ways I've recovered a lot, in many ways I still struggle daily. I feel like my 4 hour work shifts use up my A battery, and I'm using the B battery the rest of the day just watching CZcams, doing laundry, etc. After an episode of temporal lobe epilepsy, I'm into my C battery long enough to get home and laid down. Then it takes 8-12 hours to recharge.
Dude this is exactly correct add in long term memory loss and we got a winner here. So everyone who knows my face just looks at me like you don't know me. And I'm like. No. I don't know you. Now I just read vibes.
You’ve nailed this. It’s been a year since my TBI and I’m still dealing with mental fatigue and working memory. I suffered subarachnoid/intraventricular hemorrhage, facial bone fractures, carotid artery injury and diffused axonal injury. I’m told that most of the healing has happened but now I’m trying to get used to the new “hardware”. A nurse friend suggested that it could be new vessels or routes for the nerotransmitters. I’d love to hear your comments on this.
With out question my biggest issue. I suffered a severe TBI 8 years ago and I have made great improvements. Unfortunately the trade off is severe fatigue....Thank you....
This is a great explanation not only for the TBI/concussion community but also for those living with other chronic conditions like ME/CFS, CCI, Atlantoaxial instability, and MS. While recovery strategies may differ, understanding how to navigate pacing and prevent crashing, as well as post-crash care, is essential. Thanks for making this video.
That's interesting to know that vision takes up a lot of processing power. It kind of explains when I'm fatigued and in a busy environment I get 'startled' alot from things that are happening around me, particularly when gazing around. Things just seem they come out of nowhere and it kind of spooks me.
Wow. This makes so much sense but if my doctors know this none of them shared it with me. I definitely need to be rescued from myself because I will just keep pushing so I don't feel guilty for being "lazy".
Thank you so much. The battery analogy is spot on. That is exactly how it is. Very low energy. If I visit an area or a person it can be 2 to three days of sleeping continuously. Never-ending exhaustion. Every task is an effort. Because one may look okay and well put together people may not realise that you have a tbi. It's quite something to have your life change just like that overnight. Thank you again, for this video.
I love this metaphor thank you. I got a TBI 5 years ago and I struggle this may really help me if I can just remember. I shared it with my family and friends to help them understand. If they will even care enough to listen to it. At this point I am pretty much on my own. My kids think I am lazy and I am no longer able to work. Please are trying to plan my NEW life and NEW Job. I lost a career of 14 years and can hardly read anymore without getting fatigue. Can't exercise much with out Neuro Fatigue. Thank you
Wow! Great video as a stroke survivor I can relate !(TBI & strokes are all part of something called Acquired Brain Injuries ) so Your TBI videos have a lot of cross-over similarities . So well explained ! This is one that I still deal with after 3 years. Thankyou
Thanks Simeon. I am so glad to hear stroke survivors are enjoying my videos. There is SOO much cross-over! I almost regret limiting my audience by calling myself a TBI Coach. How did you find me?
Hi Friend . Interesting talk Ms K. I don't drive much or shop. I play with my pets a few times a day and this is a big stress outlet. I work at things that I really like. Sometimes I just cry a little and this helps and I have sleep days about once a week for much of a day. ps some days my car would be brown or green. Its red. I would drive the one the alarm sounded on. lol Paul
you were the first person online i found after my brain injury, i just revisited this and shared it on two of my brain groups on facebook, your videos gave me tools, mostly the confirmation i wasn't crazy
Thank you so much for explaining how cognitive fatigue affects brain injured people. My husband is due to return home after months residing in a rehabilitation facility and your explanation and advice is invaluable. The rehab specialists have tried to persuade me to place him in a high care facility but I KNOW that I will be able to help him live a comfortable and worthwhile life at home. Bless you.
thank you! I thought I was crazy! like why can I be ok and then I just .... embaress myself. I can not understand and comprehend. and the looks! when I realize I just changed batteries in front of people I do not know. this can be so hard ....
this video is so accurate and spot on, such a wonderful explanation , been going going through this for a year now post stroke and every word resonates with me, thanks for sharing this essential reference :)
good description...my injury is from immunotherapy(but still broken)... but it is like after you have had radiation therapy, your brains just says enough, lie down or suffer the consequences,and can happen at any time, usually after you do too much and don't realise.
Thanks so much for explaining this; I am sure this is what I has since my bike accident in Aug. I live in the UK and have had huge issues getting a diagnosis as gPs dont seem to know about TBI and neurologists dont care if you havent had a direct head trauma, which I didnt. you make me feel understood, thanks. I wish I could get you to talk to my doctors!!
Im sure its not the case just becuase you didnt have a particular type of injury . I had serious abi with mri's to show the areas damaged in tge brain. I had rehab offered for first year and hubby paid for neuroligist etc after that and they said best way forward was to just live life. 6 years on and I feel a real difference this last year when they said most symptoms still there at year 3 would most like be permanant. Keep the faith, brains are amazing and keep improving.
That is a good mental model to visualize and understand our experiences and how to manage them. The metaphor is good within that context. Most of the time the battery metaphor has no context, so different people understand it in surprisingly different ways. Plus you kept it short and sweet. Excellent work greatly appreciated.
I had cerebral abscesses in 2000 and, unbelievably, 10 years later, to the month. The battery analogy describes exactly what I experience. Eight years later, my Support Worker has finally persuaded me to go to a ABI local Support Group, Headway.. I’d like to go to the next meeting at the of this month, but am feeling very nervous, having lost so much confidence re-learning to talk, and all the other related problems. Thanks so much. I’ll keep a lookout for more of your videos.
I have a Traumatic Brain Injury and have had it for 3 and a half years. The examples you provided happen to me a bunch. I didn't know how to explain it, but now I can. Thank you!
I have horrible cognitive issues and extreme exhaustion and mine was from medication as prescribed. I woder if i will ever heal ....its been 6 years. My neurologist actually had me do cognitive rehabilitation which is for brain injuries.
Oh Nathalie, you explain it SO well, thank you! This fatigue is one of the very worst things about my brain injury, I HATE it so much - and that makes me hate ME because when people say 'just go and do X...' or 'why haven't you done X... ?' they have NO idea that for me that doing these things on top of everyday tasks (that before were so very easy) means a day in the bin - and maybe the next day if it was way too much for me. I don't blame people for not understanding: I knew NOTHING about all this before it happened to me, but I wish people would listen to me (even when I can't say it very well) the FIRST time and BELIEVE me, to not be believed and therefore to not get the right help really hurts, not only me but also those who care for me - and the whole of society because we are then less able to do the things we CAN do, that includes contributing to society in whatever ways we can - we surely want to! I'm tired after 'just' doing the washing up - not as bad now as at start (13 years ago) = then I had to lie down for 2 hours, it was terrible and my son & others told me I was lazy, they didn't know or understand either so I don't blame them but it really REALLY hurt. I wish everyone knew about all disabilities/illnesses - I do my best to try to learn but we all need educating - thank you for helping educate us all, I hope LOTS of people read this!
I am a chef in a very busy downtown restaurant since 2010, I got rear ended a year ago and diagnosed with Severe multiple soft tissue damage, whiplash, pcs. I'm still struggling with fatigue... I always feel so tired. If and when I get some energy I can't help but be active around the house and starts cooking as I were when I was out and about without injury. But then I would feel all the energy being drained and suffer for it for atleast 2 to 3 days after. I am 10x slower, I can't do any fast pace activity anymore. My muscles are so sore it would feel like I just worked 14 hours shift. I also experience earaches that comes in palpitations or some kind of an abrupt blast that's eerie and deafening. My hips, SI joints and glutes starts to be in pain if I am on my feet for longer than an hour, or goes for a walk, they twitch too. Headaches is everyday as soon as I wake up. Depression comes and goes, it's hard to keep positive with all the uncertainty of when this feeling would go away. Financially drained and frustrated. I worked so hard to climb up the ladder in my company from being a line cook to be one of the salaried manager, paid vacations, expenses paid conferences out of town. I thought I have built my foundations of my retirement. I am now 42 and weak and I don't know what else to do apart from being a chef, leader in the kitchen, enjoying mentoring young chefs. It's hard to walk away from a passion, work I enjoy doing. It's so hard! Now, I barely have enough to pay my bills. The lady who rear ended me admitted that she wasn't paying attention. Now robbed me of my income to support my family, my son. Robbed me of my passion.
I love this video! Have had the hardest time explaining myself overall. Especially when it comes to the ghost in my head. In 2010 I hit a tree going 73 mph with no seatbelts or airbags and I had 13 brain bleeds and bilateral lung collapse. In a coma for 2 months life support for 32 days then 13 months in rehab learning my entire life over. I’ve gotten felonies since my accident I’ve made some of the greatest recoveries I could are necessary. Some days I don’t even feel like I have a brain Injury anymore . Then I find myself on my c battery kinda just in a daze mumbling nonsense. And I’ve never understood myself until this video! Thank you so much what a blessing you must be to this world ! God bless
I went to a meeting last night at 7 and by 7:40 neuro fatigue kicked in but I stuck it out until I left at 9:30 in a fog. That was after a 1.5 hour deep sleep nap until 4:30. We'll see how it affects me today. thanks for the analogy with batteries! I'm going to share this.
+Robin Hewitt Thank you Robin! There are so so many more valuable videos being edited now. Please sign up now so you don't miss one! www.TheTBICoach.com
6 years on from serious abi and this past year i see such a improvement everywhere. Your story has put into words exactly what I see. I can now catch myself these days on the odd occasion that Im heading from b to c and stop it. I no what to look for these days. Im very in tune with my sensatiins. As soon as I feel the slipping in my head or feel a bit sea sick when no where near water I know I have to act fast to remove myself to very low stimulus. Has taken years to learn though Im managing it myself real well now. I referred to it as a curcuit breaker popping. It happens fast with no warning and there is no lights after its popped hehe
In tears here once again after watching one of your videos. Tears of gratitude. I am in bed, early, but was doing just fine. Until I wasn't. And I couldn't understand until I watched this video. It is so true, so perfect, and so healing just to be able to understand what is going on. THANK YOU! I'm checking out for awhile and sleeping. Blessings, d
Thank you for watching Debra! I am so glad my videos are helping!
Debra Dickinson . Hi Debra, I call it hitting the wall. Once my brain has hit that wall I am just done . There is no "wait for a minute " . it's just over and I have to lay down in the quiet and dark right then. It's nice to know we aren't alone.
We are not alone.
Gosh can I relate to that one minute Im fine all of the sudden it's like someone just sucked all the energy out of my body and I just need to lay down.
Debra, I'm right there with you on the tears, and then I read your About Me Section & cried some more. Lol. I'm so glad I found ya'll!
You rock! Almost worse than the fatigue is people thinking that you’re being lazy. I feel like I have only one battery - Once it’s down, the day is done! And yes, pushing through it only it makes it WORSE!!! Pushing causes a crash the next day(s) until recharged. Thank for this.
Hello, same. I've been going by the spoons simile, how normal people start the day with, say- 6 spoons of energy, but brain injured people only have maybe 3-5 to start, and we lose them way faster. :(
@@ShylieKay yeah, a rare really good day is making it to 3pm and still being able to do anything. The crash after that day can take weeks to recoup from.
When I push through it I'm just dead for weeks and I lose so much of my personality
I get told I am lazy, since it has been 30: years since my accident it is so hard on me. I wish I could could get others to understand that stress does this
I agree with you completely. My TBI is 30yrs old and now I’m 71 and people think I have Alzheimer’s. Explaining doesn’t help. It just drains me faster.
Thank you for this great video.❤️🩹
@@ftoniaromano6480 Over 40 years post brain surgeries for me. Going thru a divorce in addition to all the other stuff. Turning into a hermit. Nobody knows I have a TBI so I just carry on. Can't get motivated and instigating action is a major (huge) achievement. When and if it happens.
nearly 20 years after suffering a TBI, I'm only now finding these videos that help explain so much about "WTF is wrong with me?" Some things I was aware of but the battery analogy TOTALLY fits for me when I have to engage in something for several hours that really stresses me out (Driving long distances in particular). Afterwards I feel so completely drained that I'll hole up in my darkened bedroom all day and find it damn near impossible to stay "up" and focus on anything important for very long.
Same here Steve. Lived damn near my entire life from TBI to TBI and had no idea I wa suffering from PCS and now long term effects like memory loss short and long term not to mention varying degrees of emotional instability depending on stress levels are tough to keep at bay. It’s a struggle at times but still learning and healing one day at a time.
Me to it's been 18 years for me and this video made me cry it makes so much since. I struggle with so much right now.
I'm 5 years. Grateful I can finally walk.. drive short distances....I keep trying and hope to keep improving
i had a tbi in 2005 ... this is an incredibly accurate discription of what i deal with silently every day.... stress , lack of sleep, and body fatigue, and i feelike at best i get to a full b battery. i try to explain to people this exact thing and usually they think its an excuse. thank you for this video . its comforting to know that someone understands:)
When I was younger, I never slept. But after my TBI, I'm tired most of the time, day or night.
That is really common. Sleep as much as you need to! Your brain is healing while you sleep. Hang in there!
This video literally explains my exhaustion after dealing with a TBI for 10 years ❤️
How are you now, 3 yrs later?
I'm a retired Army veteran myself and have been in Iraq several times and have experienced TBI back in 2003 and have been denied service connection since 2005 along with several other serious conditions and chronic pain and inflammation in my whole body and I am always FATIGUED!!!! Help is much appreciated through your wonderful videos and information, thanks so much Nathalie 🌟
A great TBI channel. I'm almost 7 years in. Explains it well. My TBI was from a bad car accident. One thing I found in the beginning and for the next few years, was that I didn't understand what had truly happened to me. As well that I was a different person. It's hard to accept the change. You never asked for it. But you will make it through it.
15 years later and I still have sleep days and other days you would never know.
The 3 battery analogy is excellent... I've tried explaining neuro-fatigue to family and friends many times, sometimes they simply just don't get it.
And they never will no one who has ever had a stroke cannot relate to what it's like
This is it exactly! A migraine or vertigo auto-puts me in "C" battery and I have to sleep for days to recover. Or after a visit with a friend when they insist on playing music at my house while trying to talk and eat at the same time. I just blow a fuse.
+Antoinette Arsic Thank you Antoinette! Yes, that would definitely blow the fuse! There are so so many more valuable videos being edited now. Please sign up now so you don't miss one! www.TheTBICoach.com
Preach, as one who suffered a severe TBI I completely agree. Before my injury I was a typical high functioning workaholic who ddi incredibly well in the business world. After my TBI I have struggled with basic issues. Thankfully, by pure drive and motivation I have regained a lot of my prior abilities.....unfortunately at a heavy cost.....severe fatigue. Bottom line trust your self and push yourself......recovery happens over years....the one year is complete BS. stay the course
Does it get back to normal and how did you recover need to know bro
I suffered an accident at work which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. I was in a coma for nearly two weeks and in a trauma unit for five weeks, then a rehab unit for one week. People have absolutely no idea the after affects involved and think because I look ok that I’m now better. It’s infuriating 😡
13 years after frontal cortex injury and a midline shift , after a 12 hour work day , (heavy diesel mech) , when i get home all i want to do is sit down. my wife thinks im lazy and my brain injury is cured and fine , she just thinks I'm lazy. running on c batteries when you get home from work is no joke and i believe at some point will end our marriage. great analogy , good work!
That just sent me back to 2005 and the cycling crash that ended my life. As you can tell, I lived through it. Two big differences for me - I started treatment right away. When you get paralyzed, they have to look deeper. Add to that the really good brain injury center a mile from home which was to become my second home. I also had a strong rehab work ethic. It's what I spent my time doing with patients and now I was one.
These videos are really good and really useful, clear and slow enough to comprehend and there are no fast cuts or flashing lights. VERY well done. No one gets brain injury until they get a brain injury. You're in a unique place to be doing this work, Nathalie. I will definitely be following along. Thank you!!
Thank you Mark! Glad to have you aboard!
Holy crap, this brought me to tears. I have been fighting for understanding from my TBI since 2012 and no one understands and I haven't been able to put it into words what is happening. Our local hospital dropped the ball, and no one told us there were reasons I have problems. I have had family member ask my husband if I was faking the problems. Thank you
I had a major Subdural Hematoma in 2009 that required surgery from a head injury. The prognosis was very bad with only a 5% expectation of survival but there was a miraculous recovery I went back to work after only 3 weeks and we all assumed everything was ok. Things were always a little different, with memory, difficulty being around crowds etc. Strenuous activity led to another smaller brain bleed. Your videos have helped me understand some of my difficulties. It’s important to work at many things, people around can’t possibly understand. Steve
I needed this so much. It is so empowering to have this way of describing what’s happening. After two concussions, life just hasn’t been the same. I tried to mention this to my neurologist at one point but she dismissed the idea that I could still be experiencing symptoms after the initial PCS got better. It just didn’t seem right but I didn’t push the issue. I think it’s time for a new neurologist.
Did you end up finding a new one?
Tbi is the hardest thing to deal with it’s a living nightmare
I was diagnosed with M.S.multiple sclerosis in 2004. I have a lot of scar tissue or plaques on my brain. I was even put on a chemotherapy, for M.S., that almost killed me. I have had plenty of concussions over this time as well.Even after years of therapy( for mind, body, and soul,) I still forget I am not the SAME and when I have to"Radically Accept" that I Can't do the SAME types of things...including remembering anything, I get horribly depressed. My doctors try to work together but I need to bring this ,T.B.I,
up to them NOW. Thanks again for your video.
Nearly 30 years into this injury, A batteries are nearly non existant. B battery is constantly trying to keep the show up and running and C battery applied to take annual leave but hasn't had a holiday since 1995. The biggest thing to learn ladies and gents is try and give yourself some love. I fought it for 20 years and it wasn't until l excepted my limits and did my best to work with it that my life got better. It takes time and help. Good luck everyone, you got this.
I just cant seem ro regulate my emotions at times. im always tird snarky
tzand1040 // leave the city to the countryside or a foreign country all together and rest there for a year or so then go back to your normal life routine. Trying to go back to my normal life after a brain injury was a mistake
I had a brain tumor on my pineal gland when I was 12 28 years ago. The tumor was misdiagnosed for months so I had months of pressure on my brain. During the biopsy where they stuck a needle through my brain permanently damaged short term and long term memory, optic nerve damage, loss of depth perception, limited peripheral vision, took my balance, attention, messed up my hormones, damaged speech, writing and more. For years I've been fighting sudden exhaustion and in the middle of a conversation. Had my first stoke at 39. Now I'm on disability and have had to move home which makes you feel so small. What a pain! 28 years! I tried so hard to be normal but I can't be. Though this has been a battle I get to know that Jesus is real. I get to know.
Hey Jeremiah. Yes, He is real, beautiful, and amazing. So glad you found Jesus, in the midst of your journey. An intimate relationship with Him, is our greatest blessing. I'm praying for your healing. BIG HUGS 🤗
@@kingdomthings9887 God bless YOU! Very soon, the end is coming. The world sees it.
@@jeremiahkirby6552Thank you 😊 Praying many blessings over you Jeremiah. Yes, Father (God) will have His perfect way, and we will live with Him forever. The bodies we now have, along with the pain/illnesses associated with them, will be gone. We will get new ones and everything will be perfect, forever. Life in this world is only temporary, but eternity is forever!!! O HALLELUJAH 👑 Thank You, Jesus 😘
@@kingdomthings9887 Amen we will watch Heaven move in with us while wearing our glorified bodies. Heaven move in with US. I am rich beyond belief in Heaven, all my treasure is there. I'll see you on those golden streets! Thank you Jesus! All glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My beloved family.
@@jeremiahkirby6552 See you at home , Jeremy. 👑
This was SO helpful. With TBI comes a lot of shame in feeling so exhausted over little things.
Thank you Nathalie. I'm still learning about my new cavernoma diagnoses that bleeds inside my brain every so often. I used to pried myself on how efficient I was at work--how I could take on any task, any amount of stress, and get the job done, until I would find myself confused driving home at night. I was fine until I hit my wall. I would hit that wall sooner and sooner and more and more often. This metaphor is the perfect thing I need right now. Often times I feel selfish in putting my rest first, but I'm coming to terms here with this perfect metaphor. Thank you so much. Please keep making videos.
I think the world would benefit hugely from seeing and understanding this. TBI survivors as well-I’ve substantially overdone it and have completely depleted all os my mental reserves entirely too much since returning to work. I thought, in classic mind over matter mentality, that I’d simply suck it up and drive on. Nope. I’ve slept 22 of the last 24 hours - the previous two days were equally bad. When somebody says you’ll return to work in 6 months, that’s extremely optimistic.
Yes. I get to the C battery quite often with my Mom. I just know I get tired more easily than I used to before the brain injury occurred.
Absolutely brilliant spot on I go through all this all time speech slurs balance crap more when tired always tired I miss old me but except new me it's hard but I am a survivor been a recovery massive discovery sending luck to who go through it sending love from headway Nottingham UK xx
I have been struggling through life since my first tbi at age 8. I have had many in my life including two fatal car crashes, I am only one who lived.
I went into total shutdown in August of 22'. My mother passed and 3 days later my son had work accident with amputation of his right leg below the knee.
I the mind eye institute in Chicago is amazing. Dr Elliot's book is spot on, for me and my experience. I am 52 now, healing finally, it is a long road.
Wonderful video thank you.
I'm on week 9 post TBI. This is a very accurate explanation. Thank you for helping me understand what and why.
Thanks for this information. After many years I still find it hard to recognize the tiredness and try to fight it. But still feel guilty about it sometimes.
My daughter has brain cancer, and now I know how to spot when she needs sleep and total quiet. Thank you so much for this valuable insight. We live across the country from each other, and due to her Dad's Alzheimer's, she and I don't get to be together enough. I can hear her voice getting slower and slower when we talk on the phone, and her thoughts begin to wander. I tell her she sounds tired, and most of the time she agrees. There are other times when she wants to keep chatting, but I get us off the phone as quickly as I can. I didn't know I was "doing the right thing" until I saw this video.
She just recently went through a vicious scam by one of her "friends". He talked her out of a lot of money, which she doesn't have. He almost got her to give him her Subaru so he could "sell it and get her a better car". Fortunately, she was able to get her car back before he could sell it. He had hidden the car several towns away, and the car he "picked out" was a total lemon, and he knew it. He was going to pocket the money from the Subaru and not give her any of it. He said the car he picked out cost as much as the Subaru sold for. A total lie.
It is unspeakably tragic and wrong how so many people try to scam those with brain injuries, thinking they will get away with it.
We all must protect our loved ones, because at times, they simply cannot do it for themselves!
+Sandy Collins Thank you for your comment. You are a great mom to spot her fatigue and call it quits. It is much better for her to make shorter calls more frequently. I am so sorry to hear about your daughter being financially taken advantage of. I understand that more than I would have liked to. She is not alone. There are bad apples out there, but thankfully I find most people are kind and helpful. Blessings to you both!
Sandy Collins scammers like him will eventually pay for it. Trust me when I tell u, what comes around goes around. I have seen bad ppl have bad things happen to them. You may not see it but trust that they do get what’s coming to them. Always. Nobody gets away with evil. Oh they may for a while but in the end, they get theirs.
Your video is so helpful in helping me understand this condition for someone I love. We both call them blips & in fact I get them too in a sort of way but, usually first in the body where muscles tighten up in my shoulders, neck & my head. It can feel like a migraine is coming on though this rarely happens, only twice ever, it's just like my whole body is very heavy & I just need to rest for a few hours. My point is, our meeting has been helpful to me too, as others all her life, like with myself have never really understood when this occurs. I have no real head injury just a bang as kid, though it caused a very big lump on my forehead & felt very woozy. Maybe there's a link though my condition seems gut related, who knows? Anyway, at present she is going through more than a normal blip, she has had this condition over 30 years due to a bad head injury but, yes can seem fine, as you describe then if pushing too hard needs rest for days. It's the first time I've really witnessed this in the 16 months spent together. In future I want to see the signs coming, as you say before C Battery kicks in which has happened on this occasion, though she knows it's total rest & gentle times that resolve things & I, of course just follow her wishes so as not to add to the frustration she feels herself when like this. Your video really describes it well x
Very spot on. I'm closing in on 4 years for my TBI and understanding this too well. Quiet darkness is the most amazing and blissful thing for me. It's almost euphoric when I close the curtains, put on my chilled head wrap and lie down. The darker the better.
This short video described very well how it feels living your life after a TBI. Simple metaphor powerful insight.im at my 1 anniversary from my fall/faceplant resulting in my tbi. This year my 81 year old moms health challenges have advanced now to Hospice care. Brain fatigue is so very reall During 1 Er visit with mom my brain stimulation cause me to sleep 32 hours when we arrived hom. Your may post are so good. Thank you for all the support.
Thank you for explaining that my boyfriend didn't understand 😢
I have a tbi, and some days I do not want to even open my eyes, some days I am 100%! this is all true.
Very good analogy! I acquired a severe TBI 4 1/2 years ago. What I have often compared it to is that my “gas mileages” is not as good. I’m same as a normal person at the when I’m fully rested, but I go through my “fuel” faster.
I remember one day I had a migraine and a seizure all at one time and I had to stay in bed and sleep for two days in a row.
this was very helpful! now I can understand what's going on. There's times I'm so tired & I end up taking a B12 hoping that will help but only feel worse. I honestly forget these important things & still often try to do what I used to. Thx for sharing.
I work as a supervisor in a warehouse on the second shift. I have been diagnosed with insomnia / sleep apnea. By Thursday or Friday, I am wiped out. I live by myself, so on the weekend, I clean the house mow the grass. I dread Mondays to where it starts all over again. I need to find a different job, but I didn't have the energy because of fatigued all the time.
I got my TBI almost 6 years ago from a catastrophic car accident. This video is super helpful to me! I am SO much "better" than I was even one year ago, yet some days I just feel like sleeping even though I haven't eaten dinner yet. Cognitive Fatigue. I am taking notes in my journal from your video. Thank you!
I'm so tired of everything. This has been grinding on for 3 years. I'm so much better, but omg I hate what I've become.I have no interests, no hobbies, no passion or desire, no joy. I need to remember that I'm still injured and to be ok with that.... but I'm not. Reality is what it is and now I'm living a life inside an injury. IT SUCKS!
Wow, sounds hard. 6 years on and a hell of a rollar coaster. Just starting to get out a bit now. First 3 years were very hard though one of the things worked best for me was gratitude. When i started noticing all the little things i was grateful fir every day , over tine, what I had became enough, my life (and my husbands) changed dramatically though I love life now more than i did before injury by far. I am less able to do the things i used to do though now I actually enjoy what I do.
I go through this sometimes too.
The battery metaphor is spot on! I have three acquired BI. Tumor, crani/resect, and radiation. I'm struggling with this right now. I want to push myself and the brain clearly doesn't respond to pushing when it comes to the end of B battery and tapping into C battery. I do shut down so I end up getting the rest I need. I am starting to recognize it in advance and my husband is even better at it. He tells me I need to go rest and sleep. Thank you for helping me to explain this and to accept it and for giving me hope that I can improve.
You are so welcome! You are lucky to have such a sweet understanding husband to help you through this huge challenge. Please come and join my mailing list so you don't miss out on more tips! www.theTBICoach.com
I had a stroke 5 months ago and in a Rehab. I understand what our issue. I say that I am better and worse. I do many therapies and class and daily wiped out. Maybe, the clinic that I am at believing in more therapy, class, and recreation. I have heard as "brain fog" (though I have forgotten Nathalie just said :) ) but I straight from A to C and automatic nap. Stay fighting!
Arnt our hubbys great until we have the capability of recognising it more ourselves and doing what is required.
Excellent analogy thank you… My recovery from my stroke has been rapid, probably due to rest, relaxation and not overdoing things… My second stroke January 6th resulted in a month stay in a recovery hospital, there was loads of physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as rest … I tire easily with neuro fatigue but a quick rest recharges my batteries.. then I’m able to complete a task that I started…
I have had a TBI for 9 years, and I still unfortunately deal with many of the symptoms to this day. But I make progress also, every so often, I am the little red caboose “I know I can “🚂. I’ve had vision therapy, a little different then what you described. Mine had music playing through headphones at different decibels, different color lights moving and the table or chair moving ( I did get sick the first couple sessions). Since the TBI I have silent migraines that look like seizures, Bell’s palsy,narcolepsy, severe anxiety and depression. I am on disability. Vestibular problems. Oh and in the car accident I broke my neck and have had 3 neck fusions and terrible memory issues. I wish I could be as positive and happy go lucky as you. My really isn’t bad. I have a wonderful husband, 3 great kids to grandchildren and I am safe and secure. No wants. You have a great program.
Thank you thank you for finally giving a sensible answer to my new problem !!! God bless you
I'm 24 and recovering from a moderate brain injury So stressful sometimes I think I'm gonna die soon because of it or early like never see 30 or never do all the things I dreamed of doing. I'm stuck with the brain I have now and I'm trying everything I can to help it recover. Even talk to it and say to it I'm sorry u got injured. I'm going to do my best to heal u and to help heal u. But the progress is so slow. Doctors don't get it. It scares me so much. I don't want to die early I hate this anxiety
Thank you! After a bad car crash, where I sustained a TBI, I've literally been exhausted for three whole years. The 'battery' analogy made so much sense to me.
And, in case this is helpful, one cue that let's me know I'm over-tired, and in need of a rest, is if I start to mix up my words or pronunciation when speaking.
I sustained a TBI in 2017, and I have accepted the fact that my brain needs a daily nap of 2 or 3 hours. It definitely keeps me going.
I don't believe there is any cure for a TBI....but the way you explain how it works is spot on....
I've always watched these videos since my stroke in 2014 shut down my left side for about a week. The brain works just as hard to come back from, and work around- a dead temporal lobe as it would for a TBI. The recovery feels exactly the same. Almost 8 yrs on, and though in many ways I've recovered a lot, in many ways I still struggle daily. I feel like my 4 hour work shifts use up my A battery, and I'm using the B battery the rest of the day just watching CZcams, doing laundry, etc. After an episode of temporal lobe epilepsy, I'm into my C battery long enough to get home and laid down. Then it takes 8-12 hours to recharge.
Dude this is exactly correct add in long term memory loss and we got a winner here. So everyone who knows my face just looks at me like you don't know me. And I'm like. No. I don't know you. Now I just read vibes.
You’ve nailed this. It’s been a year since my TBI and I’m still dealing with mental fatigue and working memory. I suffered subarachnoid/intraventricular hemorrhage, facial bone fractures, carotid artery injury and diffused axonal injury. I’m told that most of the healing has happened but now I’m trying to get used to the new “hardware”. A nurse friend suggested that it could be new vessels or routes for the nerotransmitters. I’d love to hear your comments on this.
Holy crap you are describing my brain! Hemorhagic stroke survivor…. I love your channel.
I can definitely relate... I received my TBI in a bad car wreck in 1997...
With out question my biggest issue. I suffered a severe TBI 8 years ago and I have made great improvements. Unfortunately the trade off is severe fatigue....Thank you....
This is a great explanation not only for the TBI/concussion community but also for those living with other chronic conditions like ME/CFS, CCI, Atlantoaxial instability, and MS.
While recovery strategies may differ, understanding how to navigate pacing and prevent crashing, as well as post-crash care, is essential. Thanks for making this video.
this is the most helpful video I've seen since I broke my brain 7 years ago.
That's interesting to know that vision takes up a lot of processing power. It kind of explains when I'm fatigued and in a busy environment I get 'startled' alot from things that are happening around me, particularly when gazing around. Things just seem they come out of nowhere and it kind of spooks me.
Best 7 minutes spent watching clips on CZcams. Thank you! Much love from a stroke survivor from Sweden.
Wow. This makes so much sense but if my doctors know this none of them shared it with me. I definitely need to be rescued from myself because I will just keep pushing so I don't feel guilty for being "lazy".
Thank you so much. The battery analogy is spot on. That is exactly how it is. Very low energy. If I visit an area or a person it can be 2 to three days of sleeping continuously. Never-ending exhaustion. Every task is an effort. Because one may look okay and well put together people may not realise that you have a tbi. It's quite something to have your life change just like that overnight. Thank you again, for this video.
I love this metaphor thank you. I got a TBI 5 years ago and I struggle this may really help me if I can just remember. I shared it with my family and friends to help them understand. If they will even care enough to listen to it. At this point I am pretty much on my own. My kids think I am lazy and I am no longer able to work. Please are trying to plan my NEW life and NEW Job. I lost a career of 14 years and can hardly read anymore without getting fatigue. Can't exercise much with out Neuro Fatigue. Thank you
Literally crying because this is all so true..
Excellent explanation of Cognitive Fatigue. I am a Multiple Brain Injury Survivor. Thank you. Fabulous explanation!!!!
This is exactly how tbi cognitive fatigue was explained to me by my occupational therapist, at my neurological rehab clinic.
This is exactly what happened for me today. This is a great explanation.
Wow! Great video as a stroke survivor I can relate !(TBI & strokes are all part of something called Acquired Brain Injuries ) so Your TBI videos have a lot of cross-over similarities . So well explained ! This is one that I still deal with after 3 years. Thankyou
Thanks Simeon. I am so glad to hear stroke survivors are enjoying my videos. There is SOO much cross-over! I almost regret limiting my audience by calling myself a TBI Coach. How did you find me?
Facebook I think . This was timley over did it yesterday paying for it today . Shared your video on my aluckystroke facbook page!
Thanks for helping me spread the videos so more people can understand us!
I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I feel sorry for me. I just want people to freaking understand
WorkSafe and WCB need to understand this fatigue with TBI.
Hi Friend . Interesting talk Ms K. I don't drive much or shop. I play with my pets a few times a day and this is a big stress outlet. I work at things that I really like. Sometimes I just cry a little and this helps and I have sleep days about once a week for much of a day. ps some days my car would be brown or green. Its red. I would drive the one the alarm sounded on. lol Paul
you were the first person online i found after my brain injury, i just revisited this and shared it on two of my brain groups on facebook, your videos gave me tools, mostly the confirmation i wasn't crazy
I love the way TBI's are explained so simple but effective. I have learnt so much in a few minutes. Thank you Denise UK.
Thank you so much for explaining how cognitive fatigue affects brain injured people. My husband is due to return home after months residing in a rehabilitation facility and your explanation and advice is invaluable. The rehab specialists have tried to persuade me to place him in a high care facility but I KNOW that I will be able to help him live a comfortable and worthwhile life at home. Bless you.
Bless YOU for sticking with your husband when he really needs you!
thank you! I thought I was crazy! like why can I be ok and then I just .... embaress myself. I can not understand and comprehend. and the looks! when I realize I just changed batteries in front of people I do not know. this can be so hard ....
I could almost cry you describe me to a T I thought I was going crazy thank-you.
(Person ran a red light) life went askew.
I am now left handed.
this video is so accurate and spot on, such a wonderful explanation , been going going through this for a year now post stroke and every word resonates with me, thanks for sharing this essential reference :)
Totally get this. My coma was in 1987 and had no rehab. Had to figure it out on my own. Exactly what I went through and still battling the fatigue.
good description...my injury is from immunotherapy(but still broken)... but it is like after you have had radiation therapy, your brains just says enough, lie down or suffer the consequences,and can happen at any time, usually after you do too much and don't realise.
April 29, 2006 was my near to fatal accident. I am aware I am declining 17 years later with CTE, TBI
Thanks so much for explaining this; I am sure this is what I has since my bike accident in Aug. I live in the UK and have had huge issues getting a diagnosis as gPs dont seem to know about TBI and neurologists dont care if you havent had a direct head trauma, which I didnt. you make me feel understood, thanks. I wish I could get you to talk to my doctors!!
Im sure its not the case just becuase you didnt have a particular type of injury . I had serious abi with mri's to show the areas damaged in tge brain. I had rehab offered for first year and hubby paid for neuroligist etc after that and they said best way forward was to just live life. 6 years on and I feel a real difference this last year when they said most symptoms still there at year 3 would most like be permanant. Keep the faith, brains are amazing and keep improving.
Thank you so much! Best video I’ve seen in the six weeks since my concussion after being rear-ended. It all makes sense now.💚
I've been living with my brain injury since 2003. Fatigue is the worst. The world is very overwhelming
That is a good mental model to visualize and understand our experiences and how to manage them. The metaphor is good within that context. Most of the time the battery metaphor has no context, so different people understand it in surprisingly different ways. Plus you kept it short and sweet. Excellent work greatly appreciated.
I had cerebral abscesses in 2000 and, unbelievably, 10 years later, to the month. The battery analogy describes exactly what I experience. Eight years later, my Support Worker has finally persuaded me to go to a ABI local Support Group, Headway.. I’d like to go to the next meeting at the of this month, but am feeling very nervous, having lost so much confidence re-learning to talk, and all the other related problems. Thanks so much. I’ll keep a lookout for more of your videos.
I love your A, B, C Battery analogy. Thank you for another informative Video!
I have a Traumatic Brain Injury and have had it for 3 and a half years. The examples you provided happen to me a bunch. I didn't know how to explain it, but now I can. Thank you!
After five years sounds about right, and accurate thank you!
Wish I had watched this earlier. Crashing hard at the moment and really needed to hear this.
This is 100% my life , 4.5 years later.
I have horrible cognitive issues and extreme exhaustion and mine was from medication as prescribed. I woder if i will ever heal ....its been 6 years. My neurologist actually had me do cognitive rehabilitation which is for brain injuries.
Yes,I think your analogy is great! And very helpful thank you.
Oh Nathalie, you explain it SO well, thank you! This fatigue is one of the very worst things about my brain injury, I HATE it so much - and that makes me hate ME because when people say 'just go and do X...' or 'why haven't you done X... ?' they have NO idea that for me that doing these things on top of everyday tasks (that before were so very easy) means a day in the bin - and maybe the next day if it was way too much for me. I don't blame people for not understanding: I knew NOTHING about all this before it happened to me, but I wish people would listen to me (even when I can't say it very well) the FIRST time and BELIEVE me, to not be believed and therefore to not get the right help really hurts, not only me but also those who care for me - and the whole of society because we are then less able to do the things we CAN do, that includes contributing to society in whatever ways we can - we surely want to! I'm tired after 'just' doing the washing up - not as bad now as at start (13 years ago) = then I had to lie down for 2 hours, it was terrible and my son & others told me I was lazy, they didn't know or understand either so I don't blame them but it really REALLY hurt. I wish everyone knew about all disabilities/illnesses - I do my best to try to learn but we all need educating - thank you for helping educate us all, I hope LOTS of people read this!
I am a chef in a very busy downtown restaurant since 2010, I got rear ended a year ago and diagnosed with Severe multiple soft tissue damage, whiplash, pcs. I'm still struggling with fatigue... I always feel so tired. If and when I get some energy I can't help but be active around the house and starts cooking as I were when I was out and about without injury. But then I would feel all the energy being drained and suffer for it for atleast 2 to 3 days after. I am 10x slower, I can't do any fast pace activity anymore. My muscles are so sore it would feel like I just worked 14 hours shift. I also experience earaches that comes in palpitations or some kind of an abrupt blast that's eerie and deafening. My hips, SI joints and glutes starts to be in pain if I am on my feet for longer than an hour, or goes for a walk, they twitch too. Headaches is everyday as soon as I wake up. Depression comes and goes, it's hard to keep positive with all the uncertainty of when this feeling would go away. Financially drained and frustrated. I worked so hard to climb up the ladder in my company from being a line cook to be one of the salaried manager, paid vacations, expenses paid conferences out of town. I thought I have built my foundations of my retirement. I am now 42 and weak and I don't know what else to do apart from being a chef, leader in the kitchen, enjoying mentoring young chefs. It's hard to walk away from a passion, work I enjoy doing. It's so hard! Now, I barely have enough to pay my bills. The lady who rear ended me admitted that she wasn't paying attention. Now robbed me of my income to support my family, my son. Robbed me of my passion.
WOW This was so Good! LOVE LOVE LOVE the Music and your opening and closing and EVERYTHING in Between! You GO GIRL!
I love this video! Have had the hardest time explaining myself overall. Especially when it comes to the ghost in my head. In 2010 I hit a tree going 73 mph with no seatbelts or airbags and I had 13 brain bleeds and bilateral lung collapse. In a coma for 2 months life support for 32 days then 13 months in rehab learning my entire life over. I’ve gotten felonies since my accident I’ve made some of the greatest recoveries I could are necessary. Some days I don’t even feel like I have a brain Injury anymore . Then I find myself on my c battery kinda just in a daze mumbling nonsense. And I’ve never understood myself until this video! Thank you so much what a blessing you must be to this world ! God bless
Thanks Stewart. Your story touched my heart. Bless you.
I went to a meeting last night at 7 and by 7:40 neuro fatigue kicked in but I stuck it out until I left at 9:30 in a fog. That was after a 1.5 hour deep sleep nap until 4:30. We'll see how it affects me today. thanks for the analogy with batteries! I'm going to share this.
+Robin Hewitt Thank you Robin! There are so so many more valuable videos being edited now. Please sign up now so you don't miss one! www.TheTBICoach.com
6 years on from serious abi and this past year i see such a improvement everywhere. Your story has put into words exactly what I see. I can now catch myself these days on the odd occasion that Im heading from b to c and stop it. I no what to look for these days. Im very in tune with my sensatiins. As soon as I feel the slipping in my head or feel a bit sea sick when no where near water I know I have to act fast to remove myself to very low stimulus. Has taken years to learn though Im managing it myself real well now. I referred to it as a curcuit breaker popping. It happens fast with no warning and there is no lights after its popped hehe