To the question you pose "Is a total recovery even possible?" I would say the answer is yes, it is possible. My TBI was categorized as moderate to severe (GCS was 11 upon hospital admission, I have five weeks of post traumatic amnesia, and 4 days retrograde amnesia).

I had significant deficits in cognitive functions following the injury, which got better over the months. Neuropsychological assessment 5 months post injury reported:

"On examination, the patient demonstrated intact cognition in all domains assessed including learning and memory, attention, processing speed, language skills and executive functions. He has shown an excellent recovery from his severe injury only five months ago. From a cognitive standpoint there are no concerns with respect to the patient returning to work full time or returning to driving”.

All brain injuries are different, and many survivors experience residual affects. In your post you offer that you believe your symptoms may be a lifelong condition. This also is possible. The question then becomes how best to move forward. To fulfill your stated goal “to be here as long as possible for my kids and my family”, embrace them and embrace yourself. You may indeed miss the little things you used to do. Look for other things that bring you joy. You can’t change what happened. You can look for things that bring you and your family joy and hold on to those.

All major life events, whether traumatic or benign, change us is some way. My life is different than it was before November 29 2010. In some ways it’s worse (I still walk with a cane for example), and in many ways it’s better. I have an enhanced appreciation for the fundamental goodness of people. I’ve enjoyed studying how the brain works. My wife and I have grown closer together. I can now fully appreciate joy in just being alive.

Eight months probably feels like forever to you. You have already made some adjustments, and there are more that can and will come.

Best to you as you continue on this journey.