Concussion: Q & A w/ 2 Former Student- Athletes (Pt 3)

QUESTION & ANSWER TIME!

Dr. Jessica Gwin, PhD in Nutrition

Ali Walsh, Masters in Health Administration

1) When I say concussion, what’s one word that comes to mind?

2) How many diagnosed concussions did you sustain?

Ali: 3 diagnosed that I felt were significant. There is a possibility I got rattled a couple times after my second concussion.
Jessica: 5 diagnosed but probably had some that weren’t diagnosed…

3) Were the concussions following your first one a tougher recovery?

Ali: My second one was my worst one. I remember nothing from the 1-2 days leading up to the concussion but afterwards I remember feeling like I had just woken up on the sideline. My emotions after that were up and down, more than I would like.
Jessica: Yes, probably because I was more in tune with my body

4) Every concussion is different, but are there some lingering symptoms that persisted for a longer extent of time?

Ali: Retaining information in classes took a lot longer for me. After my second and third concussion, I felt more confused when I was playing. My thought processing felt so slow, and I felt I was unable to process the game as fast.
Jessica: After my last concussion, the first 6 months was the most worrisome. I had trouble while conversating with those close to me. I had a tendency to repeat things that I already stated. I also had difficulty test taking recall and remembering specific answers.

5) What thoughts ran through your mind before deciding to walk away from soccer?

Ali: I would say for me, it was multiple things. In addition to the concussions, I had another significant injury and I never felt like my body bounced back. Even though I was cleared to play through Mizzou’s concussion testing, I wore a total 90 helmet and mouth guard. And after my roommate (which is me!) got her concussion, I felt that was it. While I was in the San Diego airport, I knew I needed to make the decision to walk away. I spoke with my parents and and then informed the coaches.
Jessica: Umh..honestly, I wasn’t ready to be done playing. I was a little bit strong headed and wanted to keep playing. I didn’t really care what the doctors were saying. My parents and coaches had already made the decision for me, so whether I had personal control of it, all other aspects had been decided. I had a few months to sit and think about it, but it took me quite some time to come to terms with it all. After some time, I started to realize that this point of my life is going to happen regardless.

6) What fears did you have leaving the sport?

Ali: Identity, like how do I identify. It’s a sport I’ve been doing since I was a kid, so trying to figure out where I belong
Jessica: Identity and the fear that my goal I set out wouldn’t be accomplished

7) What was the transition like from being student- athlete to just a college student? Anything you found helpful?

Ali: Nothing really made it easier. I was uncharacteristically emotional. I had 2 collegiate seasons in my career that were filled with numerous injuries. After my freshman year, I felt like I didn’t even have the college experience I wanted. But speaking with my mom and friends to process it all was helpful.
Jessica: Immediately finding another role on the team and reframing my goals. Meeting with a sports psychologist was also helpful. I was 20 years old at the time, and I didn’t really have a self- identity. Doing things outside of myself, I was able to look past my daily negative situation and start pouring into something bigger than myself. Also participating in other physical activities was helpful. Aside from social interaction and my contribution to the team, I started training for a triatholon.

8) Fast forward, do you find your self struggling in any areas of your life?

Ali: No
Jessica: Anytime that I get stressed. At times, I need to take an extra second or two to say my thoughts. At times, I’m ready to discuss but the words don’t seem to come out. But that usually only occurs when I’m stressed or haven’t got enough sleep.

9) When it was time to hang up the cleats, how long did it take to come to terms with that decision?

Ali: Right when I made the decision in my head, it was immediate, which was why I was so emotional. I knew I would have the conversation with the coach and then it would really be over. It still took many months to to fully accept it and focus on other areas of my life. Honestly, I still have dreams that I have another season, bc technically I have one more season..haha in my dreams I go back to play but can never find my jersey and then I find my jersey but my cleats are missing lol it’s never ending!
Jessica: Once I made the decision, it took a year. I had to really look at myself and be honest and ask, are you ok with it. For some time, there was a point of denial that this wasn’t reality.

10) Where there people in your life or things you did that helped you get through those moments?

Ali: My parents and my uncle. My uncle would always tell me when you’re dealing with a difficult decision, stand on the balcony and look at the whole picture. He helped reinforce my decision, and made me realize I didn’t want the lasting impact on my brain.
Jessica: Parents and all of my coaches were very supportive of prevention and choosing the right action in recovery. I had a very supportive system.

Final words:

11) If you could do it all over again (not literally), what would you do differently?

Ali: As a student-athlete, I wish I had the maturity that I have now to be an advocate for myself. When I had my injuries at Drake, I felt like I was in it alone, I didn’t feel the support. I wish I would have spoke up more.
Jessica: I wouldn’t have done anything different other than communicate with family and friends about how I was feeling.

12) What advice would you tell a student-athlete dealing with multiple concussions?

Ali: Listen to your doctors and trainers. Sometimes it’s hard to see they have your best interest in mind after the injury. If it comes down to making the decision whether to keep playing or not, you know the right decision for you. You know what risks you’re willing to take and just be comfortable with that.
Jessica: Realize it’s ok to admit to admit that you’re not ok. There’s definitely an opportunity to reframe your situation and find a new outlet and find another hobby. Life is too short to gamble your brain function on a sport.