It was the Monday after Thanksgiving in 2010 that I sustained my TBI. Seems a good time to reflect on the reasons to give thanks this holiday season.

There are five weeks for which I have no memory, including Thanksgiving that year (retrograde amnesia) through Christmas/New year’s (post traumatic amnesia). I can celebrate my recovery progress over the following months; periodic assessments from my clinical neuropsychologist:

12/30/2010
“Patient’s speech was fluent, but paraphasic with notable word finding difficulties. He misreported his age as 40. He was unable to follow a 3-step command but was able to follow some 2-step commands. He registered 3 of 3 words, but could not recall any with distraction, or identify any when provided with multiple choice cues. The patient produced some confused speech and numerous paraphasic errors. He reports difficulties with memory and decision making. He does display an aphasic disturbance as well as some confusion and difficulties with attention and memory.”

1/24/2011
“On evaluation, this bright motivated gentleman has many preserved skills; however he does show significant difficulties with visuospatial learning and recall, as well as mental flexibility and multitasking. He displays weaknesses in aspects of executive system functioning (retrieval of learned information, mental flexibility, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and verbal fluency).”

4/26/2011
“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”

I will always remain grateful to all who enabled my recovery and encouraged and empowered me to return to a normal life.

A public thanks to: Scott Petersen MD, trauma surgery; Steve Chang MD, neurosurgery; Michael Sochacki MD, orthopedic surgery; Christine Kwasnica MD and Suzanne Kelley NP, neurorehabilitation. Happy Thanksgiving, I am grateful to you all.

I remain grateful to all family and friends who visited me during and after the hospital stay, and for all your prayers and well wishes.

Most of all, love and gratitude to Karen, my wife and caregiver. You were (and are) a rock of love and support.