TBI Evals Negative: Now What?

6/27/2013

So the MRI results came back negative for TBI. In fact, they said my brain health was incredibly good. Talk about a relief. The only problem is that I still have all of the problems but they just don't stem from TBI. The only other viable explanation is extreme sleep deficit.

So Now What?

Well, I talked with the docs and did research online and it appears that folks with PTSD are substantially more susceptible to sleep dysregulation. Working shift work where your schedule is inconsistent at best wreaks havoc on our systems. It leads to a substantial loss of quality sleep and overall hours of sleep resulting in a major sleep deficit that, over time, erodes cognitive abilities and short term memory (among other things).

Their solution is to recommend to my employer that I get put on a consistent schedule that will facilitate a strong routine. They want me to get up at the same time every day. Start and end work at the same times every day. Go to the gym the same time every day. Make dinner the same time every day. Go to bed the same time every day.

They said it will take time, but it will eventually retrain my body to digest, sleep, and burn at appropriate times and intervals. Now I just need to see whether my employer will be able to facilitate this or not. That is the major concern I have with all of this. If they can't facilitate that, what then? Well, I'm not crossing that bridge yet. Let's see what happens when I meet with HR tomorrow.

Joanne Yankovich

6/27/2013 05:17:28 am

Do you have sleep apnea (I forgot if we discussed this)?

Max Harris link

6/27/2013 05:21:59 am

Yes I do have sleep apnea and I use CPAP. It should be helping to reduce disruptions. Unfortunately, those arent's the types of disruptions that have been making it difficult to cleep.

Dennis

6/28/2013 12:42:01 am

Then, what about the dreams? Being on a regular schedule won't silence the shocking dreams.

6/28/2013 04:09:44 pm

Dennis,
They will still occur. The difference is that I will be actively resting for eight hours per night, regardless of the quality of sleep I am getting. That's still better than two to three hours of shitty sleep.

K. Dault link

6/28/2013 03:25:08 am

I was just thinking about you: today is PTSD awareness day. I've downloaded some information from the VA site to see if it's actually helpful or laughable. I'll let you know.

I don't doubt that being unable to have a "routine" that's somewhat predictable may make life harder for you. I worked as a Dispatcher for the State Police for almost 5 years and unfortunately our shifts were the reason I left. We'd work 6 days on, 2 off...not bad when working nights or days. It was the WAY in which the shifts were structured that went totally against the body's clock. We'd work 2 weeks of evenings, 1 week of days, then after 1 day off, switch to 7 days of Midnight shift. That's not normal and it messes with your sleep cycle and your metabolism. Sadly, although the Dispatch staff had worked out a schedule where everyone picked the ONE shift they were best on, we couldn't get our Sgt. to agree with us. Within a year, 90% of us quit or took early retirement due to his mindset of, "Well, we've always done it that way."

Yep, but it doesn't mean it's the right way.

Do you feel if you approach your Boss with medical information he/she might be more willing to work with you? Honestly, if I were a Supervisor/Dept. Head who had a valuable employee, I would work with him/her to try and keep them. For your health's sake, it's a conversation worth having. Could be the stress of the unknown is contributing to your lack of sleep. Good luck and keep us posted!

6/28/2013 04:11:53 pm

My boss is very receptive to my needs and so is her boss. One of my saving graces: Being open and honest about my struggles with PTSD. When I have issues, I tell them I am struggling. I explain the why and how of it and they always ask if there is anything they can do to help. I think it will all come out in the wash in the end.

A. Ross

6/28/2013 04:03:48 am

I went through this same exact situation. What you want to do is request reasonable accommodations. The ADA/EEOC lists PTSD as a disability and your employer cannot deny you reasonable accommodations, a set schedule, additional breaks, etc.

6/28/2013 04:08:13 pm

Considering they accommodate other employees with disabilities with set schedules, it would be hard for them not to extend the same accommodations to me. My employer has always been fair. We'll see what happens. I just hope I don't have to call them out on the carpet...

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Living with PTSD:
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