Dealing with concussions as a catcher

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softgabby

Gear Empress
Mar 10, 2016
1,073
83
Just behind home plate
Hey, its been a little while since I posted on here (since the server errors on the PC version of this site and my cell phone and tablet taking a crap on me). But...I'm home from school because of an injury I picked up last night from softball practice. Here's what happened...

Our basketball season is getting ready to end soon since our basketball team didn't do well in the regular season which means the end of our competitive spirit/cheerleading season since we have no more competitions left. So, I was at the local indoor/outdoor sports park near where I live practicing with one of our pitchers. We were simulating a game when I had called for a fastball about mid-calf high. She throws a mid 60's fastball that ended up being knee high. I couldn't catch up to the ball to receive it in time. The ball nicked my glove and the ball didn't slow up much and ricocheted off of my facemask. I wear Diamond brand catcher's gear. I've taken foul balls and other shots off of my facemask to really no ill effects. But this time...I got sick, had bad headaches, dizziness, see spots and feel sick to my stomach. I had gone to the ER and I was diagnosed with a concussion. I've never had one before, but its driving me nuts already having to sit around and do nothing school, home, sports or softball related.

How did you or your daughters deal with their concussions and what did/were they able to do while they were recovering? How long were you/they out from work/school and sports in general? I'm scared from this injury more so than I was from my broken arm or my tendonitis because this is the head were talking about.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
Everybody's brain is different. What's a little "ding" for one person is completely debilitating for another, and we don't yet know enough to say why that is.

What we do know is that your brain needs as much rest as possible. Listen to your doctor, and don't lie to your doctor when you're asked how you feel. They'll clear you when your symptoms subside.

Don't rush back, Gabby. Softball will be there waiting when your brain is ready.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
My daughter took a charge in basketball and was thrown about 5 feet in the air and then skidded off into a wall. She never hit her head, but her concussion was likened to shaken baby syndrome. Her brain was rattled around in her head. It was termed a relatively minor concussion. She was out of school for a week and out of basketball and softball for 6 weeks. She was cleared for light practice (no contact) at that time, but it took her until around 8 weeks before she began to feel normal after/during workouts. Brain injuries are scary! Please be careful - I know it is boring and you are eager to return - my DD was the same way. But ultimately your brain health is much more important that ANY softball game!
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Everybody's brain is different. What's a little "ding" for one person is completely debilitating for another, and we don't yet know enough to say why that is.

What we do know is that your brain needs as much rest as possible. Listen to your doctor, and don't lie to your doctor when you're asked how you feel. They'll clear you when your symptoms subside.

Don't rush back, Gabby. Softball will be there waiting when your brain is ready.

THIS ^^^^!!!!!

My DD has had 2 concussions in the past 6 months from foul tips to the mask. For her, the only symptoms were headaches. The first took 6 weeks to get clear. The second took 2 weeks. ALL symptoms need to be clear before you do a slow return to activity.

DD had a teammate get hit in the top of the head with a fly ball in the OF. She was out for over 6 months, and had the symptoms you mentioned. It took her a while before she was even able to go back to school.
 
Last edited:
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
DD's had 2. It was different for each one. She went back to her baseline once after 2 days and the other time it took almost 4 weeks. It depends upon the impact, the person and their time of recovery. Whatever happened to you, there is no shortcut. Put the time in, heal up, and let your brain recover, A concussion is a serious injury and once you get the first one, it's even easier to get the next one.
 

softgabby

Gear Empress
Mar 10, 2016
1,073
83
Just behind home plate
I was meaning to reply to you guys individually earlier. But I haven't felt good at all. Thank you guys so much for your support through this. I can't really do anything for an extended period (I can only do anything I have to look at for up to 10 minutes without getting a crippling headache). Thankfully, my mom brought me some sushi home while she was on her lunch break from her work and checked in on me. I wanted to lay in bed but she insisted I lay on the couch. I couldn't watch much TV (I was trying to catch up on Smackdown Live and some other stuff I missed I normally watch), YouTube or even the fish and reading books. All I really did was listen to TV, TuneIn Radio app, Spotify, YouTube and Pandora. What still sucks is I can't get up and walk around much or do much of anything without getting either a headache or sick. When I had surgery on my broken arm or I had elbow tendonitis I could get up and get a drink or something to eat and at least do stuff. I can't with this injury. Plus, with being a head injury...I'm scared to think about another injury or not being able to come back or the ease I'm getting sick. I have an Orthodontist appointment with my sister and I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to follow up my ER visit. I'll update when I get home tomorrow.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
My daughter recently had one and was pretty much in bed with the lights off for a couple weeks--no gadgets, just audio books... If you haven't already, I'd check with your docs about rescheduling the ortho appt. Not worth it if you can help it...

Take it easy and get well soon!
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
My daughter recently had one and was pretty much in bed with the lights off for a couple weeks--no gadgets, just audio books... If you haven't already, I'd check with your docs about rescheduling the ortho appt. Not worth it if you can help it...


Audio books is a good idea.
 
Jun 21, 2015
201
0
I’m praying for you to have quick healing, I really feel bad for you. My daughter is also a catcher. Please keep us up to date on your progress


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I’m praying for you to have quick healing, I really feel bad for you. My daughter is also a catcher. Please keep us up to date on your progress

Hopefully we will not hear from her for a little while, sounds like she needs to shutdown all visual stuff for a while.

Unless someone reads and posts for her, that would work.
 
Last edited:

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