Between high school and college football I have had at least 5 concussions, 2 of which I completely blanked out and one left me with a fractured neck. Recently I read a study on pro football players and the fact they are twice as likely to suffer from major depression after having suffered from 2 or more concussions in the past. There are also some theories on memory loss, early onset alzheimers disease and other long term issues. Then I read other reports that say there is no direct effect from concussions. Does anyone have any information? I strongly believe my experiences have contributed to my "blue moods" (not extreme depression at this point) some memory loss and for sure it has left physical damage since I wake up every morning with severe neck pain and headaches pretty much everday. It’s been 9 years now and it has gotten a bit better, but I still wake up wishing to know what it would feel like to live a single pain free day. Can anyone offer some insight?
I’ve been to doctors in CA, IL, MN and MA, pain clinics and several "specialists" and everything I hear is conflicting. Some say I have to live with it, some prescribe drugs (which isn’t an option for me since I have seen personal friends, as well as pro players in the media, with pain killer addictions) and others say it will get better with time..but it’s been 9 years, how much "time" will it take. I can’t seem to find a doctor who specializes in sports related concussions who can give me a straight answer.