Thankfulness.

Four weeks ago, something happened that changed life fairly drastically here at the Treichel Residence. I suffered from two concussions in less than 24 hours, and if you know anything about concussions, you know that multiple concussions, especially in such a short amount of time, can be extremely dangerous. It can be a terrifying experience and difficult to understand, as there could be a wide variety of symptoms that can take hours to weeks to appear. I am so incredibly thankful that my husband was with me for the entire day of my second concussion. He was able to notice that things were not right with me, and he calmly took action, staying by my side every moment that they would allow him (apparently you can't bring someone with you in the ambulance down here, which will never make complete sense to me). I don't remember much of that crazy experience, but I am glad I was not alone and have JT to recall things for me.

Now, almost a month later, I am still struggling. My memory still leaves me with missing bits and pieces of my days, I get incredibly nauseous multiple times a week, my energy and motivation are lacking, and daily activities that were once a breeze for me now require extra effort. Focusing is difficult, especially when I'm trying to read or listen to someone talk. I get disoriented occasionally, and I'm confused more often than not. Overall, it has been a slow, frustrating process to recovery. And we still have months to go before we know what will improve and what might stay the same. 

It is a very frustrating diagnosis. Especially with how little people know about concussions, repeated concussions over multiple years, and experiencing more than one concussion in a very short period of time (while the brain is still healing). Most people I've experienced thus far hear concussion and think of a little bump to the head. However, a concussion is a form of a mild traumatic brain injury - when classified as a TBI, the severity of the situation can be a little easier to grasp. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention explains it well:

"A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.Health care professionals may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious."

 I don't know how long it will take to recover completely, or if I will ever be able to return to life as it once was. The brain is an incredible masterpiece, and a bit of a diva when it gets hurt. There are good days, and there are bad days, but I'm learning to be thankful through it all.

Never before did I think of my memory or my energy as things I should be thankful for. It is so easy to take them for granted because they aren't supposed to leave you, especially when you're 19. I can't say that it's always easy to be thankful for the memory that I do have because the memory I don't have can leave me so frustrated. But I'm getting there.

Not only am I becoming more thankful for memory and energy, but I'm becoming even more thankful for my husband, my family, all of our friends and the support we've been given. I'm thankful to have a man that will take on my responsibilities when I am unable to take care of them myself, who will lay with me on the days that I just can't imagine getting out of bed so I won't be lonely, and who will put up with me when I say I'm going to make dinner and two minutes later I need him to do it. I will forever be thankful that I have had him by my side supporting me throughout this journey.

Thank you for sharing in our adventure, throughout all the ups and downs. We appreciate you.

xo Lexi


Source and more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/index.html