Adult Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury

Welcome to this group and to the recovery process. As a 2 year old survivor, you have many new wonderful years still to come. My injury happened 20+ years ago, the first year was ugly because of short term memory, aphasia, emotions... you name it, I had those problems. In-person speech & occupational therapy sessions werr really important, but it was family, friends, co-workers who helped me more. Yes, even co-workers. I didn't lose my job but because of aphasia and memory issues my job wasn't actually the same. but close enough. Part of my pre-injury job was teaching computer software for staff in the library I worked at, but couldn't handle 12-20 "students", but could teach one to one instead. During year 2, I was able to work full-time again, and thinking I'm getting better. A big thing that helped, and still helping, is being my own advocate. Which meant telling other people about not just my traumatic brain injury but, since brain injuries are often called the silent injury, talking about other survivors as well. I can't tell you how many times, after a aphasia or short-term memory issue, I heard somebody say "that happens to me all time too" or call it a "senior moment". Bull crap, it's not about that. To continue to recover from aphasia: I play my favorite music records (or CD's) all the time, especially in the car, and sing the lyrics with the band; talk back to reporters when listening/watching news channels on the radio or television. For short-term memory? New hobbies: I bought a mandolin to learn a play an instrument; started growing vegetable gardens; found plans and made a pinhole camera for film photography.

In my humble opinion, don't focus on your losses, focus instead on what you haven't lost. Let your long-term (working/muscle) memory guide you for recovery. Find something you never did before, but have thought about doing before. And above all, don't let your injury define you. Believe in yourself.

Thank-you for your post. Yes, I have part of losing memories & understanding & taking care of your use of accounts cost & helping your families needs & getting upset or mad that you never felt these things.

I’m sorry. 😟

In my TBI, happened in 2012 from my bicycle one block from our house; it locked up from the very front of riding it; my head hit the top-leftside of my brain (not a helmet). Do I remember of this accident? Usually, no.

😔 I’ve lost: my good job during my city; losing my ability to ride MCs anymore; one class close to me master degree; traveling from other places by helping to drive; taking care of the big needs to take care of our money; swimming again and on…

🙏🏻 Over this time, I was upset, angered that I could not do it ; no helping my older kids for their future, BUT my wife, Karen, has done this for the last 12 years even as she works as a teacher in local, public school. Helping me to go to my other doctor & drug needs for things like my anti-seizure. She drives to her job; going to other families in other states; spending our family for online needs and one.

🙏🏻 Now today, I’ve lost if these things, but, usually, I’m not upset or mad (as much), but not understanding when talking is hard daily; reading & writing is still hard for me. But way better a decade than before.

😉 Where are here of people like me & dozens others. You are still a little higher (better) than me. But TBI folks have different ways & needs… if what happened.

Thx for your writing and needs for you ❤️
GregD1956 - Greg D.

Hi Christy
Welcome to the TBI/Concussion group.
I had my first concussion in 2013. Quite severe from a fall. Did many therapy modes at an outpatient rehab facility. After the physical portion of therapy, I had one- on- one therapy with a psychotherapist versed in TBI/concussions. This lasted several years to understand the post-concussion symptoms and issues I was facing. I was trying to figure out the "new" me as you stated. I've had 3 concussions since but not as severe. Each pushed me back some and I had to start over but I've also made forward progress. If you'd like to hear more about my journey let me know.

Best advice
Be yourself

TBIs take a long time to recover. My moderate TBI was 30 years ago, and it took about 2 years to get to 70% and 8-10 years for "full" recovery. It was several years to tamp down my mood swings (basal frontal lobe) from injury and life; I don't know if therapy is an option for tools to herd emotions. I keep lists because I don't remember numbers and peoples' names (left temporal lobe, aphasia). It helped me that I gave myself permission to fail (I was writing my PhD disseration at the time). Recovery takes a lot of energy, but rewiring is helped by the usual: get enough sleep, de stress, avoid mean people (TBIs bring out the worst in others), learn new things, do word/number games, spend time with yourself and friends, and remember that you are still you.

Hi Christy,
I see from your profile that you are following the support groups and blogs related to the conditions you're dealing with. I think you might also appreciate this discussion with other members living with MCI:
- New to living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-mci/

Hi Colleen

I have two brain tumors, chiari malformation, PTSD, and have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment

I can relate to some of the things in Dawn's podcast and hope she is doing well

Hi @christy1962, I'm tagging @dawnpereda to make sure she sees your posts and that you listened to her podcast.

Christy, do you live with traumatic brain injury? Is it recent or are you further along in recovery? I look forward to learning more about you.

I just listened to your podcast

How are you doing now?

Hugs to you Dawn

Christy

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2q2tWDoJbSNrhiDKOoMk2C?si=LKkfi9neRq6_tEpzxckJJQ
I just found your episode on Spotify