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I had a bad concussion when I was 12 that ended up tanking my testosterone levels (and god knows what else). I was extremely tired all the time. I didn’t get it

I had a bad concussion when I was 12 that ended up tanking my testosterone levels (and god knows what else). I was extremely tired all the time. I didn’t get it properly diagnosed for nearly 15 years, and in that time I turned down going to Ivy League schools and a bunch of other opportunities. I have to admit going on HN can be a bit of a bummer as I always thought I was destined for the lives a lot of people have here (Silicon Valley, startups, etc). I still got a degree in computer science but with that path I was put on... I’m now a photographer and still live in the same area I grew up in. I realize you have more years “wasted” but I’ve had quite a bit of time to come to terms with all of that. I think it’s important to keep in mind we all have advantages and disadvantages in life, and chances are if you’re on here you’ve still had a pretty charmed life. You’re intelligent, in a developed country, etc. Most people don’t have that.

Baeocystin 6y ago
All good points, and worth keeping in mind. I didn't live in the 'states until I was a teen, so I know how lucky I am to be here, too. It's also OK to feel grief over loss at the same time. Like I said, it's a relatively new diagnosis for me, so it's going to take me a while to process things. Overall, I am grateful, though, and that is important to emphasize.
to11mtm 6y ago
> I had a bad concussion when I was 12 that ended up tanking my testosterone levels (and god knows what else). Interesting you mention that. I had a Bicycle->Car accident when I was 8 and I've always been told that's when a number of my behaviors started to change (and I became the black sheep of the family I am now.) I didn't get diagonsed with ADD until I was almost 30, but oddly enough my current care doctor also specializes in head trauma.
- AuryGlenz 6y ago
  Brain trauma is scary stuff. Back when it happened to me (the year 2000) the doctors weren’t at all concerned with the concussion. I broke my arm pretty severely and my back also hurt, and that’s all they cared about. I’m guessing that’d be different now, though I don’t know what extra care they could give. At the very least I think my parents would have thought to tie my sudden energy and worse grades to what happened.

Baeocystin 6y ago

All good points, and worth keeping in mind. I didn't live in the 'states until I was a teen, so I know how lucky I am to be here, too. It's also OK to feel grief over loss at the same time. Like I said, it's a relatively new diagnosis for me, so it's going to take me a while to process things. Overall, I am grateful, though, and that is important to emphasize.

to11mtm 6y ago

> I had a bad concussion when I was 12 that ended up tanking my testosterone levels (and god knows what else). Interesting you mention that. I had a Bicycle->Car accident when I was 8 and I've always been told that's when a number of my behaviors started to change (and I became the black sheep of the family I am now.) I didn't get diagonsed with ADD until I was almost 30, but oddly enough my current care doctor also specializes in head trauma.

AuryGlenz 6y ago
Brain trauma is scary stuff. Back when it happened to me (the year 2000) the doctors weren’t at all concerned with the concussion. I broke my arm pretty severely and my back also hurt, and that’s all they cared about. I’m guessing that’d be different now, though I don’t know what extra care they could give. At the very least I think my parents would have thought to tie my sudden energy and worse grades to what happened.