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Man, it’s been a while. But I knew it, I knew you
One of the biggest frustrations that came as a result of my concussion was losing my ability to sew. I used to be an active sewist, regularly making my own clothes, especially the dresses I wore to work. However, once my symptoms started, I quickly realised sewing had become the perfect storm for triggering my…
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Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve
Today, I woke up yet again from another dream about work. This time, I was talking to my former Head of Department, Tom, a very dear person to me. He had left for another school while I was on maternity leave, which meant he wasn’t there to support me when my car accident happened. In…
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It’s Nice to Have a Friend
It was the summer after my accident when I reconnected with Sara. It had been a couple of months since I developed Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and I was already feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by the reality of living with a concussion. So, as a family, we decided that we desperately needed a holiday to reset,…
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Trauma will shape you. Make it a masterpiece
This summer, my family and I visited Berlin. Had we gone six months ago, this post would be completely different and would entirely focus on how the city triggered my concussion symptoms at every single turn. Back then, that was all I could see. But I am no longer in that stage of my recovery.…
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Nobody’s heard from me for months, I’m doin’ better than I ever was
“Nobody’s heard from me for monthsI’m doin’ better than I ever was.” Call It What You Want, Reputation And it is completely true. Don’t get me wrong, I am still physically struggling with the same symptoms of my ongoing concussion. That daily battle, unfortunately, hasn’t changed. But emotionally and mentally? I genuinely feel better than…
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Cruel Summer
As a teacher, I used to count down the days to the school summer holidays. I would spend months planning, dreaming of hot sunshine, lazy mornings, and incredible food. I used to think of summer as the gentle break when my world finally slowed down, and my body and brain could finally rest. But ever…
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You never called it what it was
Dear NHS Medical Professionals and Specialists, I write this letter to you in rage, in heartbreak, but also in hope. In the hope that this letter might change the way you deal with patients like me. Because as Taylor sings, despite everything I’ve gone through, I am still “livin’ for the hope of it all.”…
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Dear Reader
Dear Reader, Since developing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), reading has become one of my greatest struggles. As a teacher, I took it for granted and relied on it every single day. Now, it feels like an uphill battle. Reading with PCS means every single sentence requires intense physical effort. Staring at the stark black-and-white contrast of…
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Try and come for my job
A few days ago, I was talking to someone about sourdough baking. I mentioned that while it isn’t really a high-maintenance hobby, it does require you to be around, especially during the 48-hour lead-up to the bake. They responded that, of course, it suited me since I didn’t have anything to do. Ouch. That really…
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Long story short, I survived
A few weekends ago, I went to a friend’s 40th birthday party. This isn’t a post about personal growth, lessons learned, or silver linings. It is a raw diary entry of my reality. This is what actually happens when you live with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and try to do something as normal as attending a…
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And the road not taken looks real good now
What if the road not taken – the one where we pack up as a family, step away from the daily grind, and explore the world – is the path that actually leads me back to myself? What if it is the very thing that cures my burnout and helps me heal from Post-Concussion Syndrome…
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What happened, you? That’s what happened, you
I am completely burnt out by Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and I have been for months. Looking back, the signs were written all over this blog; subconsciously, I guess I have been singing these lyrics all along: ‘I’m lonely but I’m goodI’m bitter but I swear I’m fine.’ I Hate It Here, TTPD It is not…
