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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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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.
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5 ReactionsBest advice
Be yourself
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1 ReactionTBIs 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.
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5 ReactionsHi 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/
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1 ReactionHi 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
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1 ReactionWhat is the title of your episode?
Often a TBI will cause SS. If you have SS and an active bleed you must get it fixed or you will get much worse quickly. Please google Superficial Siderosis.