Brain Injury Identification Card

Posted by bfeist @kimfeist, Nov 12, 2019

During today's discussion, there was a comment made regarding if someone was pulled over and how hard it would be to explain that you aren't intoxicated. We found a place where they will send you a FREE brain injury identification card so you can show it to any police officer or emergency personnel, if needed. Here is the link: https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/card/ I believe it takes a while to receive....we ordered one and still have not received. Hope this is helpful.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group.

Here are a few of my coping strategies besides humor which is high on the list.. Would really like to hear from others as well even if it is confirming the ones listed here. I have picked up most of these from you (MBIA), Anne, websites.
1. Discussions with both Anne and Sam. Your positive reinforcement always makes me feel better before our conversation is even over. Thank you.
2. Avoid ALL stress. Do whatever it takes. Stop losing stuff. A place for everything.
3. Do NOT multitask.
4. Listen to our bodies. If physical fatigue is overwhelming, take a nap. I'm retired so its easy. For those that are working, we are not good to anyone if we are fatigued. Plus there is a safety issue.
5. Accept our current limitations even if we are continuing to improve. Like Kevin and others have said, why hide it. A good stress reducer as well.
6. Exercise. Healthy diet. Good nights sleep.

….so really nothing new, but its amazing how easily we can get off track. I think it may be that TBI thing.

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@sambia

@hevykevy Your friends seem to be a great avenue of support for you! It sounds like you feel well supported in your close-knit group? Your comment of bringing the ID card with you to travel is a great idea, and often times why we extend the offer to provide those cards to folks. I'm sending two in the mail for you--should receive it in a few days!

@kimfeist and @luckylizardlady --it sounds like you two have been waiting a while for your cards. Would you like for the MNBIA team to send a few your way as well? Certainly let us know, and we'd be more than happy to get those in the mail.

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HI Sam - that would be awesome if you could send one out. Thanks.

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@mikemangan

Here are a few of my coping strategies besides humor which is high on the list.. Would really like to hear from others as well even if it is confirming the ones listed here. I have picked up most of these from you (MBIA), Anne, websites.
1. Discussions with both Anne and Sam. Your positive reinforcement always makes me feel better before our conversation is even over. Thank you.
2. Avoid ALL stress. Do whatever it takes. Stop losing stuff. A place for everything.
3. Do NOT multitask.
4. Listen to our bodies. If physical fatigue is overwhelming, take a nap. I'm retired so its easy. For those that are working, we are not good to anyone if we are fatigued. Plus there is a safety issue.
5. Accept our current limitations even if we are continuing to improve. Like Kevin and others have said, why hide it. A good stress reducer as well.
6. Exercise. Healthy diet. Good nights sleep.

….so really nothing new, but its amazing how easily we can get off track. I think it may be that TBI thing.

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Interesting that you mention "Accept your current limitations..." This is one that has been a hard lesson for me. Maybe because I have physical injuries in addition to my TBI, but I think this applies to both. I will be working on a project, and find that I have know way of knowing what my limitations are until I have gone past them, and even then sometimes not till that evening, or the next morning. With TBI I feel fatigue, and more often than not, I pay attention to it. I often sit down for a few minutes of rest after lunch. Then when I wake up...Sleeping is my super power, I go back to what I was doing. At times though I am feeling pretty good or under pressure to get something done, wear myself out. A drive to Duluth and back in one day is exhausting mentally.

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@kimfeist

HI Sam - that would be awesome if you could send one out. Thanks.

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I can get that out for you Kim - I'll also send the one about aphasia.

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@wendybia

I can get that out for you Kim - I'll also send the one about aphasia.

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Thank you!

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@wendybia

Oops - here is the front of those cards.

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Please send me a TBI card to keep with my drivers license
With appreciation
Mike Garrity

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@mkgarrity

Please send me a TBI card to keep with my drivers license
With appreciation
Mike Garrity

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Hi Mike, You'll notice that I removed your email from your post above. To share personal contact information we recommend you use the private message functionality. Learn how to private message here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/

You can also contact the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance directly: 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442 https://www.braininjurymn.org/aboutUs/contact.php

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@mkgarrity

Please send me a TBI card to keep with my drivers license
With appreciation
Mike Garrity

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Hi Mike - I hope you had a good holiday! I would be glad to send you a TBI card to keep with your drivers license. Do you have a system for other important documents - like medical documents?

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@wendybia

Humor really does help make situations like that easier! We will get a card in the mail for you today.

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I'd like to get one as well! is that possible, Wendy?

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@mugglemary

I'd like to get one as well! is that possible, Wendy?

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You bet! I had to ask Roger - your resource facilitator- for your last name and he offered to send it off to you! It should go out today.

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