Adult Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury

Posted by Dawn Pereda @dawnpereda, Sep 27, 2017

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!

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

kw1904861 | @kw1904861 | Sep 15, 2019

Hi.... Was wondering if I could get some advice.... ? My husband fell last year and now lives with a tbi... He's refusing any kind of therapy... He falls all the time... I'm hurting myself picking him up... Isn't that self neglect.. ? I was told to get guardianship which will make him very mad.. Should I do that... ?! he needs therapy

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 10, 2019

In reply to @cathy514 "where do I get light therapy ?" + (show)

@cathy514
Are you talking about laser light therapy for pain control? What are you trying to accomplish?
Jake

cathy514 | @cathy514 | Sep 10, 2019

In reply to @ujeeniack "i CAN ONLY THINK OF LLT,RED LIGHT LASER THERAPY AS A POSSIBILITY." + (show)

where do I get light therapy ?

Dawn Pereda | @dawnpereda | Aug 31, 2019

In reply to @neet "I don’t know if my symptoms are from the TBI or the cyst" + (show)

Hello "@neet",
I wanted to say hi and see how your doing. I am often amazed at the after affects of a head injury. They can be far more complicated that a person realizes. I'm hoping you have found some answers and some peace. Please keep us updated.
Thanks, Dawn

neet | @neet | Jun 26, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Thanks for the additional information, @neet. I moved your discussion and combined it with this discussion,..." + (show)

I don’t know if my symptoms are from the TBI or the cyst

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 25, 2019

Hi @neet, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and other members. I did find a few articles on head injuries and arachnoid cysts but I'm not sure if you've seen them or if they are helpful.

PubMed - Sport-related structural brain injury associated with arachnoid cysts: a systematic review and quantitative analysis.
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27032926

Haemorrhage into an arachnoid cyst: a serious complication of minor head trauma
-- https://emj.bmj.com/content/19/4/365

National Organization for Rare Disorders - Arachnoid Cysts
-- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/arachnoid-cysts/

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 25, 2019

In reply to @neet "I had a TBI last year June 24th. Multiple skull fractures and bleeds. Loss my ability..." + (show)

Thanks for the additional information, @neet. I moved your discussion and combined it with this discussion, "Adult Life After a TBI." I did this so you could meet members here who've experienced TBI in themselves or a loved one, like @dawnpereda @lakelifelady @oceanfun1 @etadams @david33 @treyaj. I'd also like you to meet @johnbishop. Hoping they can provide some support as you continue with your recovery from the TBI last June with the fractures, bleeds and loss of smell, then the arachnoid cyst that was seen on MRI in May.

You also may be interested in looking at this Connect discussion on arachnoid cyst https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arachnoid-cyst.

Have you experienced symptoms from the arachnoid cyst, @neet?

neet | @neet | Jun 25, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @neet - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Just for a little more background so members..." + (show)

I had a TBI last year June 24th. Multiple skull fractures and bleeds. Loss my ability to smell. That has been more depressing than the physical injuries. I had a MRI in May. That is when the arachnoid cyst was seen. It had not been noted on CT scans previously. I also have MS. This has been a rough year. I just need to know more about the cyst. Can not find a lot on on internet about those acquired from head injury. Thanks

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 25, 2019

In reply to @neet "Does anyone know if an Arachnoid Cyst from a TBI will disappear gradually?" + (show)

Hi, @neet - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Just for a little more background so members can be helpful to you, will you share a little of your (or your loved one's) story with traumatic brain injury (TBI)? When was the arachnoid cyst discovered?

neet | @neet | Jun 25, 2019

Does anyone know if an Arachnoid Cyst from a TBI will disappear gradually?

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