Jason Hairston Founder of Kuiu deceased

[bassquatch]

Very sad deal for sure 

There is no current "test" for CTE, only post-mortem diagnosis.  My wife and I have been researching over the past year as I have 5 of the 6 symptoms even though I have only had 6 confirmed concussions in my lifetime.  The short term memory loss, insomnia and migraines are my primary issues and it's a very frustrating experience to say the least.  I literally have to take notes constantly and I put everything in my pockets in my hat at the end of the day so I don't forget any of it the next day.  I have turned around on my way to work only to realize I put the thing I turned around for in my trunk when I left the first time!  The migraines end any day instantly and the "ice pick" headaches are some of the worst seconds you could imagine.

Fortunately I don't drink or use any kind of narcotics to exacerbate the symptoms but I could absolutely understand the frustration and depression associated with the degeneration of ones own brain!  White noise, blurry vision at times, forgetting the subject halfway through the conversation, insomnia or waking up every hour, it can be aggravating to say the least.  I feel sorry for him if suicide is the place he got to?!  Perhaps he wanted to end it in the field?  Maybe he was hoping it would look like a 'hunting accident'?  We may never know honestly, but I really do feel for the guy.

I hope mine isn't CTE for a lot of reasons obviously, but it's been getting progressively worse over the last five years.  We are hoping it is just increased stress from my new work responsibilities coupled with standard concussion side effects and can be managed and will dissipate as my increased workload normalizes.  If it is CTE, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[Sandberm]

Very sad deal for sure 

There is no current "test" for CTE, only post-mortem diagnosis.  My wife and I have been researching over the past year as I have 5 of the 6 symptoms even though I have only had 6 confirmed concussions in my lifetime.  The short term memory loss, insomnia and migraines are my primary issues and it's a very frustrating experience to say the least.  I literally have to take notes constantly and I put everything in my pockets in my hat at the end of the day so I don't forget any of it the next day.  I have turned around on my way to work only to realize I put the thing I turned around for in my trunk when I left the first time!  The migraines end any day instantly and the "ice pick" headaches are some of the worst seconds you could imagine.

Fortunately I don't drink or use any kind of narcotics to exacerbate the symptoms but I could absolutely understand the frustration and depression associated with the degeneration of ones own brain!  White noise, blurry vision at times, forgetting the subject halfway through the conversation, insomnia or waking up every hour, it can be aggravating to say the least.  I feel sorry for him if suicide is the place he got to?!  Perhaps he wanted to end it in the field?  Maybe he was hoping it would look like a 'hunting accident'?  We may never know honestly, but I really do feel for the guy.

I hope mine isn't CTE for a lot of reasons obviously, but it's been getting progressively worse over the last five years.  We are hoping it is just increased stress from my new work responsibilities coupled with standard concussion side effects and can be managed and will dissipate as my increased workload normalizes.  If it is CTE, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

How did you get so many concussions?

We have some depression and a bit of a desire to numb ourselves(alcohol) in our family but no suicides or run-ins with the law. Ive suffered a bit with it but gotten through. I thought getting into my 40's would bring a calmness to my life. You know what your doing, who you are and still have your health. But in my family it seems each one of us has to go through a midlife crisis of sorts. Life isnt getting any easier, what with the constant aches and pains of a lifetime of physical labor and an active lifestyle. Declining energy levels and labido . Having to take care of my parents as they get older is a constant stress that wears me out as well as earning a living doesnt seem to be getting any easier.

You know whats nice though? Pretty girls will talk to me freely now I guess they do not feel like...at my age, with my gut, slight hair loss and funny walk that if they smile and flirt with me I wouldnt have the embarrissing nerve to ask them out on a date  As I heard in a movie recently where two guys in their late 40's are chatting, one guys says to the other in reference to young attractive women chatting them up, "You know they dont find us  threatening anymore dont you?" 

Oh well, such is life.

[Mudman]

Ya might be reading that wrong.  The gals see something in ya they cant get in pretty young men.  Responsible, mature, respectful, intelligent, security, safety and financial stability.  Some very well may be into ya.. just saying.  I am in 40's as well.  Just like men it isn't just about physicals traits that attract. If your single unlike me I would pay attention.       I have had many severe concusions as well and I can say memory has turned poor compared to youth.  Insomnia as well.  It is worrisome.  I don't discount CTE but who knows?

[cavemann]

@bassquatch..  Man that sucks, sorry to hear but as you said hopefully something you can manage.

Thanks for posting.  It's good to have the conversation and put a different perspective out there for people to see.  It wasn't until recently i shared my issues with family/friends.

[bassquatch]

@bassquatch..  Man that sucks, sorry to hear but as you said hopefully something you can manage.

Thanks for posting.  It's good to have the conversation and put a different perspective out there for people to see.  It wasn't until recently i shared my issues with family/friends.

Thanks caveman!  Nothing to fear and self inflicted on my end...being young and bulletproof on bicycles, motorcycles, a couple non-fault accidents on both types of two-wheeled toys, it is what it is now.  I feel bad for my wife because I know how much she worries, but the dye is cast as they say.  Big factor for me walking away from hunting for good this year...too easy to get disoriented in the woods now, not willing to put my wonderful wife through the extra stress.

My last diagnosed concussion lasted four months, non-fault motorcycle accident on I-405 at the Bothell / Woodinville Interchange.  Wish it would have just been broken bones but thankfully I was wearing a $1200 Arai full face race helmet or I may be typing this by blowing into a straw?!

They make migraine medication, and I have replaced almost all of the fluorescent bulbs in my home and shop with LED's which is supposed to help with the migraines but we'll see?  All you can really do is manage it to the best of your ability and monitor any changes or worsening symptoms.  Also trying to do a lot of "bucket list" type things NOW instead of later in life....just in case.