Brain Injury Identification Card

I don't have a card, but as I said in my "No time for shame or blame " post, I'm not afraid to let it be known. The other day I was checking out at Fleet Farm. I took my bag of purchases and put it in my cart while I waited for my credit card to process. After I signed, and got my receipt, I started looking for my bag again, forgot that I had put it in the cart. The cashier told me it was in my cart, I apologized, and she said "no problem, I do it to." I added, "I've got an excuse, I got hit in the head."
I don't hide it. I realize that the tiniest of distractions make me lose track of what I am doing. I make jokes about it, because it can be really funny if you are able to laugh at yourself. Most of my friends know I'm not as "in the present" as I used to be. They are very helpful and understanding, and are used to my humor.
It may be helpful for me to get the card though because, even though I know all the local Sheriff's Department,(you don't provide 16.5 years of IT support without making friends) I do travel outside the county on a regular basis and at times find it hard to concentrate an all the details of driving(urban speed limits can be hard because you also need to watch traffic, signs etc.) I don't make a habit of breaking laws, but I'm not as able to process as many thoughts or as much concurrent input as I used to.

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.

Hello hevykevy! You’ve explained how I feel in public all of the time! I take medication and it helps tremendously. Also wanted to reply and say hi we also have same profession IT/LAN. Great post.

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.

I ordered the card. I got a reply stating they received my request for the card, and I could expect the card in about 2 months.
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THANKS-js