My TBI occurred 18 years ago. . I was one-year post surgery, in my left temporal lobe, to remove areas in which I had uncontrollable seizures. Just that time of year, and a little bad luck I guess. I slipped on the ice in a parking lot and caused a little bleeding inside my left temporal lobe... I was lucky: I had extra area for the blood and swelling (I was watched when I got to the E.R. though).

My TBI unfortunately intensified the effects of my brain surgery, both physical and emotional. At that time, I was a stay-at-home mom to two little girls (aged 2-3 and 5). I tried hard to be a good mom, but I struggled every day. The major depression that had developed post-surgery quickly became severe. My husband wasn't understanding or sympathetic (at all) with my physical changes. To him: I looked fine & was therefore blowing everything completely out of proportion. Our marriage quickly fell apart, despite efforts in therapy. The end of my marriage devastated me, and I knew that I certainly couldn't provide for our daughters, so I moved out.

I have struggled with major depression since, and work a lot with psychologist and psychiatrist. I also have a helper to assist me with processing regular paperwork, as well as maintaining my finances.

My memory was strongly challenged prior to my TBI, but I do have a tougher time finding the right word(s) a lot. Especially when I am feeling under pressure or emotional. In those moments, forget it.. and I move onto a different thing. Moving on has become easier for me, as several years passed, and I realized that the harder I try to recall, then I lose the entire subject that I was thinking about. And that is REALLY frustrating! Cest la vie!

I hope that I've answered your original question.. Best wishes to everyone!