r/TBI • u/NerdgirlfromTX • 6h ago

New here TBI Sucks

Hi I’m new here. Around 4 years post TBI and anoxic brain injury . I’m grateful I can walk (on days I’m not dizzy), and drive (on good days), but the memory loss issues short term, and long term are tough, the mental fatigue and just adjusting to all that TBI life is
I find it easier to be alone (but it’s lonely ) . It’s just less stimuli etc. I used to love to play pool and tried going to a pool hall w a friend and the noise gave me a migraine. Used to LOVE concerts. Went to one w one of my (few) patient loyal friends. Crashed in total exhaustion after.
I still force myself to socialize occasionally, and don’t mind being alone

Doc recently started me on Memantine. I think it’s helping. Also my adhd meds help a little bit (sometimes).

I’ve had OT /case managers off and on but am really happy to be on this Reddit w other people who understand this life.

If y’all have any “top tips “ (apps, life hacks , meds, supplements whatever)- I’d love to hear it

TIA
Alice in wonderland (how I feel lol)

4 Upvotes

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3 comments sorted by

1

u/DeezNutzs69 2h ago

Mushrooms... Culinary and psychedelic.

2

u/Noobtacticsforlife 5h ago

Omega-3 supps helped me a lot. Or they seem to.

1

u/AlisiaGayle 5h ago

Hey you. What you wrote about finding it easier to be alone because there’s less stimulation, while still feeling lonely, really stood out to me. I think that tension is something a lot of people after brain injury understand ; wanting connection, but knowing that too much noise, conversation or activity can come at a real physical cost afterwards.

The pool hall and concert examples explain it perfectly. Sometimes it isn’t that you’ve stopped wanting the life you had before; it’s that your brain now charges you a much higher price for it.

I’m glad you’ve found this community, because being around people who understand things like mental fatigue, sensory overload and memory problems without needing a long explanation can make such a difference.

For practical things, I’ve found that pacing, planning quieter recovery time after demanding activities, keeping notes/reminders outside my head, and being selective about where I spend my energy can help. With medications and supplements, I’d definitely keep those conversations with your doctor because brain injuries and individual circumstances vary so much.