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Adult Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Hi, My name is Dawn and I am an RN. Just over two years ago I received a work related injury. This injury has left me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even though two years have passed, I still suffer with lingering tbi symptoms. I have some issues with memory. Some things I remember with no problems, other things I just don't remember and I can't explain why... I also suffer with issues related to mood dis-regulation. I can be angry at times and not understand why or end up having explosive outbursts. This has greatly impacted my life. I still work but no longer with patients. Also, this has been a huge turn around for my family. I'm no longer the mom who has everything under control. I used to work full time, manage my kids' schedules, pay household bills, and keep my house clean. Now I struggle to remember to brush my hair before leaving for work. My husband pays the bills and my kids write their schedules on a large calendar (that hangs in our dining room) so I can visually be reminded where they are and what they are doing. I am a "new" me and I never would have imagined this journey for myself.
I know there are things out there for youth that suffer from concussion/tbi, but I don't always find a lot of discussion/support for adults, like myself. I get up every day and work to live my life to its fullest. If you would like to know more about my life and journey, you can listen to a podcast that I did with my family. Its called "Terrible, Thanks For Asking". We're season 1, episode 5. Its brutally honest. If any of this rings true to your life please join this discussion with me. Thanks for your time!
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Yes, the word thing. Sometimes an out of context word will pop out. I do a lot of posting on FB just to keep writing and thinking and replying. We live out on a lake so conversational opportunities are somewhat limited. I play Bananagram a word game much like Scrabble with a dictionary close by to help me. This game can be done alone, which I prefer because I have trouble keeping up with others.
You have family still at home which I envy a bit. I know how difficult that must be. When our three grown sons come back for lake life activities in summertime everyone knows that Grama cannot keep up. We also have adult grandkids now who step up.
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6 ReactionsHello, wow your story is similar to mine. But I can't even remember certain words to say what I mean. I was a physician's assistant and a lab tech, also medical terminologist. Use to be in charge of the nursing staff. Now my mind is like mush, confused at times, sentences are difficult. I cannot help or be the mother I use to be, it's soooo frustrating. I'm exhausted all the time from not sleeping well etc. Much more
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5 ReactionsDawn, I am 73 yr old woman. II listened to your pod cast and have experienced similar difficulties after a car accident in 2015. My life too, has not been the same since the accident where I had two brain bleeds most likely made worse by my taking a blood thinner after having an MI and stent placement five months before.
It took a long time to recover because I also broke my neck, six ribs and had compression fractures down my spine.
At first I had anxiety attacks daily which soon became PTSD. Being immobile in a turtle shell cast with a neck brace made my emotional reactivity worse. I had neurologists do cognitive testing and my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology where I had led a busy professional life was not so evident. I still have trouble with complex life tasks like filling out forms, figuring out the steps to take to finish a task and I refuse to read through insurance or tax documents because it is just overwhelming and I am likely to cry.
Loud noise, a room full of talking people and bright lights give me trouble and I am likely to get dizzy and light headed. Stage plays overwhelm and events like weddings, funerals are so hard to attend and I am exhausted after.
Seeing a car accident sends me into a high anxiety state and I am likely to cry uncontrollably. Sometimes something is mentioned that sends me into a flashback state of sobbing and shaking. Nights can be full of waking up with high anxiety.
Riding in a car is nerve wracking because I over react to situations. I get car sick now and am dizzy when driving or riding.
When going for a walk I sometimes lurch to the right or feel like I have a bobble head.
I have to write everything down or I forget. You know the routine. Yesterday, I left my purse in a shopping cart. Luckily for me an honest gentleman turned it in.
There is more but that is enough for now but I need to tell you my coping skills.
I walk daily and use a stationary bike daily. I listen to soft music and do visualization of happy, healthy, holy. Grateful, gracious and grounded.
I sing in a chorus, play the piano and flute and read. I could not finish a book at first but now I am able. I follow athletic events. Go to church and sing in the choir and have taken up water color painting. I get exhausted easily and must rest often.
Lakelifelady
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13 ReactionsHi Dawn, there are several members on Connect talking about living with and recovering from brain injury as an adult. I'd like to invite @kdubois @carnes @matttheschmatt @lakelifelady @beemerw47 @jnewburn @suzyann @techi @danmlee @oceanfun1 @janneg and @david33 in this discussion group about TBI.
Here's the link to Dawn's podcast "Terrible, Thanks for Asking" https://www.apmpodcasts.org/ttfa/2016/12/help-me-remember/ Here's how the podcast starts "A quick warning: this podcast contains references to sex, suicide and strong language..."
Dawn, as a nurse and uber-mom, it must be such a challenge to accept being the person who know longer has the oversight and everything under control. What things help you find peace with that or is that not possible right now?
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