I didn't play sports for about two years. It was very frustrating when I thought I was close, but still had some lingering effects. Around the time I stopped having bad headaches, I would try to play basketball once every two weeks hoping everything was okay, but would come home with terrible headaches. I kept trying, hoping something would change, and after a while ,the headaches subsided in intensity. At that point, I started increasing the frequency of playing, and things, over time, became normal again. Now I play sports normally.

There's a few odd things that I really can't stand now. Fans blowing in my face (sometimes treadmills at my gym have automatic fans that turn on). I can't headbang to heavy metal music because it hurts me later on. I think it's the specific movement when I do.

The worst part about the concussion is that it took away my way of life. Before it, I was playing sports or exercising at least five days a week. It was a part of my identity. I had a really tough year trying to move my passions from sports to startups and business. It worked out; however, and now I am able to enjoy all of them.

I got a concussion about six months ago playing hockey and am still recovering, not even working full time. I did a battery of neuropsychological testing about four month post-concussion and verbal fluency, specifically coming up with words starting with a given letter, was one thing they tested. They guessed at my baseline performance, then were able to pick word usage, among a few others, out as areas I'm now deficient in. My recollection is they said it was a common pattern to see.

I do have to say it's good to read of people who've come through this and feel normal again, even if it takes a long time.