Adderall for TBI after 30 years!

I don't know if anyone will read this post, but I'm still going to write it just in case (another TBI survivor reads it)!

After 30 years of living and struggling with the effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury (if you know, you know), a fellow TBI survivor and BCBA (board certified behavior analyst) shared with me that she takes Adderall and it has made ALL the difference!

I found this after a google search:

Adderall may help improve cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it should only be taken under a doctor's guidance because it can be addictive.

Benefits

Adderall can help improve cognitive function by increasing dopamine in the brain. It can be especially helpful for people with serious concentration problems

Evidence

There is limited evidence that stimulant medication is beneficial for patients with TBI with persistent neurocognitive symptoms. Some studies have found that methylphenidate improves cognitive function in patients with TBI, but most of these studies have been short-term.

Adderall is usually used to help people with ADHD, and since TBI symptoms are similar to ADHD symptoms, it can help us, too!! I started Adderall on Monday, August 19 which is the same day that I met with Dr. Jaremy Hill at the Bountiful Clinic (intermountain healthcare, Bountiful, UT). He's a psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, PTSD, etc and prescribed it to me. He was not aware that Adderall can also help TBI survivors - MANY DOCTORS ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS, I think because there has not been much research. But let me tell you, I HAVE NOT FELT THIS GOOD IN 30 YEARS!! I wish I'd been given Adderall 20 years ago as it could have helped me in college!!

Oh, Also, I got married April 17, 2021!!!!

Hey, just an update if anyone is reading this . . .

I haven't written a blog post in yearrrrrssss (4.5 years to be exact)! This is partially because blogging feels more "old school" now that social media has taken over. Why blog when you can Tweet? The other reason behind my lack of blogging is that, well, I have little to blog about when it comes to TBI! Somedays my life feels very unaffected by TBI. I sleep great (90% due to my over-the-counter sleeping pill concoction of 1 mg extended release Melatonin and 1 Kirkland brand sleep-aid - buy it at Costco). I'll finish my Masters Degree in December 2020 (I'm attending Arizona State University online, studying applied behavior analysis - google it if you're unfamiliar). Work is good. I live alone in North Salt Lake, Utah. I'm happy and healthy. 

There is life after TBI (it's take 25 years for me to get to this point, however. Which is a whole lotta life lost).

But, I carry on . . .

Your Brain on Meditation - it does wonders!

I'm a believer: http://www.mindful.org/your-brain-on-meditation/

10 Myths about TBI

FACT: TBI in the civilian population is eight times as frequent as breast cancer, AIDS, spinal-cord injury, and multiple sclerosis combined.

This fact surprised me. I came across the following link which has a great list of other surprising facts:

10 Myths About Traumatic Brain Injury

My favorite is number "7. Recovery from TBI is a straightforward, quick process." The last line of this myth is "For many, recovery can be an ongoing process characterized by setbacks and frustrations." I absolutely relate to this!

I have good days and bad days. It's been 20 years post-injury for me, and for the past few years I can finally say that I have many more "good days" than "bad days."

HOWEVER.

Today was a bad day . Last night I went Mountain Biking with Team Sugar in Park City (guided female-only, weekly rides) for the first time in two years, and it was fun but really difficult. I was sore and tired when we finished. Mountain biking really aggravates my brain - - it's all the multitasking, late at night when my brain is already tired (pedaling, watching for rocks, paying attention to the very narrow single track). Needless to say, when I made it home, I took some sleeping pills and tried to have a decent sleep. I was exhausted, so why wouldn't I, right?

Ugh. Scream. Cuss. Cry.

 

AND I did not sleep well! I slept for 6 hours (maybe 5.5) and then never really fell back into a deep sleep until my alarm went off at 7:45. I had to be at work early for a meeting (which I was late to), and then run some errands, meet my parents for lunch, and back to work for a birthday party. Anyway, sorry to say all those details, but, bottom-line is that I am soooo tired right now. I hate this feeling! This feeling of being so brain-tired that you don't have motivation to do anything. It's not because I don't want to do anything, it's because I can't! My brain just needs to rest, relaxation, and then everything will be better tomorrow!

 

At least I hope it will be better tomorrow.

Yoga helps Salt Lake woman heal after devastating crash

Yoga helps Salt Lake woman heal after devastating crash

Brain Health is #1!

I'm all about Brain Health these days. . . and I recently discovered these vitamins at Dave's Health and Nutrition called "Irwin Organic Brain Support." I feel like my memory is better after taking them. I really feel like it's working!

Side note: I have to make sure my brain isn't tired for any of this brain-health stuff to take effect. In this sense, it's not a cure-all, but I really believe this alternative medicine is a great supplement to western medicine.

Ginkgo is included in the vitamin, along with ginseng, blueberry and grape seed.

What is Ginkgo?

Ginkgo Biloba has long been used in traditional medicine to support memory and concentration.* Research studies have demonstrated Ginkgo’s ability to enhance blood flow to the brain and support cognitive function.

Love Your Brain!

Kevin Pearce was at the top of his sport as a world class professional snowboarder in 2009 when he sustained a traumatic brain injury while training for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Kevin’s road to recovery has brought to light his potential to transform the experience of traumatic brain injury (TBI) into a source of inspiration, education and awareness. Using the visibility generated from his success as a professional snowboarder, the international acclaim achieved by his award winning HBO Documentary "The Crash Reel"  and his subsequent public speaking platform, Kevin's has co-founded a movement called "LoveYourBrain."

Click here for video about Kevin (have Kleenex ready)