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Please check out my COVID-19 concussion resources
About Me:
About Me:
When I got my injury, November 1st 2017, I struggled with what to do when it just didn't go away. I hadn't even been hit on the head! It was a whiplash concussion. Through talking with other people who have been through similar or had kids who had, I have learned about a lot of resources that I didn't know existed. This Gold Award project is attempting to combat that so that help is easier to find.
I got my concussion from a marching band accident before my previous foot injury healed, hence the crutches in the picture.
In May 2019 I was diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS, see page) and I did an inpatient treatment for it at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Children's Specialized Hospital. I still suffer from the effects of AMPS and CRPS and it is often hard to do daily tasks because of it.
Unfortunately, the concussions wouldn't stop, after my first concussion November 2017, I got 1 in 2018, 6 in 2019 and 2 so far in 2020. I started back at school full time but this did not last long because of my concussions, and I have still not been able to be a normal high school senior (especially now because of COVID-19)
Tourette's syndrome also presented this november and I got diagnosed in March, it has been a hard addition to my symptoms but I am getting used to it.
I hope you find this as helpful as I did!
-Emma
My Diagnoses
My Diagnoses
I went through many different diagnosis, as do many people with chronic illness,
I was first diagnosed with a mild concussion, I was then diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome after 3 months.
This went on a year and a half, while I tried all the treatments we could find!
I was then diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
May 2019 I was diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, It meant that my PCS diagnosis was incorrect. I did treatment and you can read more about that on the AMPS page of this website.
October 2019 I got three concussions, one week apart. After the last one I had facial tics, just my mouth or my eyes would move. But November I got another very mild concussion which brought out head, face, neck and shoulder and arm tics that would change but not go away.
March 2020, I finally got to see an amazing movement specialist and he diagnosed me with Tourette syndrome and OCD (OCD and ADHD are common with TS)
June 2020 I have had two more concussions in 2020 so far, which have made my eyes become a problem again, in that they do not work together like they should.
-Emma
A letter to My Pre Concussed Self
A letter to My Pre Concussed Self
I was asked to do this by Aanya of Calming My Storm. I absolutely loved doing it, and I'm proud of what I wrote so I am including it here:
Dear 2017 and before.
It’s me, you. I want you to hear this and listen closely. It will be okay. It will not feel like it for a very long time, you are going to lose friends and miss out on experiences. You will be in so much pain, and I will not say it’s worth it, but I will say that it will be okay.
Sure it’s hard missing out on high school but you will graduate on time. You will even speak about your experiences! It will be hard, harder than anything you’ve ever done, and hopefully will do, but you can do it. You will find things to get you through like forensic science podcasts, your best friend, your mom and dad, brother and extended family. You will learn that there are so many people who love you and are ready to help you, and they may not be who you thought but they are there. You will learn not take things for granted, school is a blessing that is something you will miss so much. Even homework. It will break your heart not to dance but you will find your passion in forensics. It will be okay. You will get back to it all, dancing, color guard, marching band, school, just in a different way. Your view and life will never be the same after 11/1/2017, but you will be okay. You will find a community of people like you, and answers for why you are always in pain (you don’t just complain a lot, you aren’t dramatic). You will be okay. I keep saying this because you need to hear it whether you know it yet or not. You will be traumatized, but don’t be ashamed. Remember, “owning your story is the bravest thing you can ever do” Brené Brown. Be strong, be kind to yourself.
In Omnia Paratus.
-6/20/2020
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