“I got my 4th concussion when I was a sophomore in high school (2017). I was playing in a flag football game, I was on defense and I knew the play and so I was arguing with my coach about rushing me and another linebacker, he didn’t want me to rush, but I didn’t listen. Next thing I knew I was on the sideline crying.
I had forgotten my name, where I was, who my Athletic Trainer (AT) was, I really didn’t know anything. Ironically me and my AT were talking about the movie concussion and she said 'hey try not to get a concussion today' I said 'no promises.'
I was diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS). I had a lot to relearn regarding school and football. Then I was told I might never play football again. I went through a hard time going to physical therapy and doing rehab with my AT.
The balance and eye movement exercises were my biggest struggle, they brought on symptoms so fast. The following year I was still not cleared for football but we got a new AT and one day I said ‘Ms. I need to play football’ and she said ‘Kelsie I don’t know about that’. I ended up playing that year but just as a quarterback.
My AT used to say, ‘I’m going to tell you how it is which most likely isn’t what you want to hear.’ Well that was always right but her doing her job and helping me learn and function on the field again made me realize that I want to be an AT.
I currently still get bad days when my PCS is bad, but other days it’s okay. I have days where I jokingly say man I’m losing it but in reality my brain just isn’t the way it was before.
I’m a freshman in college majoring in Athletic Training in hopes to go to Physical Therapy school. I hope to be a physical therapist that specializes in brain injuries and orthopedics.
Advise wise- LISTEN LISTEN and LISTEN.You only have one brain so take care of it. Have patience because your brain is what makes you you and it needs to heal.
Your brain functions differently now so you have to be patient with learning your new limits. And a little reminder: YOU ARE DOING GREAT.”
-Kelsie, TBI Survivor
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