Legendary
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,421
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Legendary
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,421
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"Just because the label says mild TBI does not mean the effects to you will be minor.
My functional level was basically nil. I slept. I could not read, follow a TV program, make a cup of tea, look after myself or my children.
I hit diesel on a country road, was doing around 30 mph, my car span and hit a verge causing it to roll across the other side, it went into a hedgerow up an embankment and rolled back down.
I only remember the wheel being whipped from my hand as it span out.
I wish someone had not let me sign myself out of the hospital. I wish that I was aware enough to follow pt/OT/ and doctors advice. I thought there was nothing wrong with me.
I wish someone had told me that it can take years to recover and you will not get everything back.
I wish someone could have told me about the stress of legal action. I just accepted a payout at 8 yrs post accident because I had just had enough of it.
I saw a neuro psych at 2 yrs, to find I have severe executive function difficulties and cognitive difficulties. I have poor working memory and other memory issues, flexible thinking is affected.
Neuro ophthalmologist sorted out double vision issues with botulinum injections and prisms in my specs, also I have reactolite lenses that cut out lots of light as I am photosensitive.
I got fed up of being told you'll be better, a week, 4 weeks, 6months then told you will be better but not completely. I spent many futile months trying to prove I was intelligent and not broken. Things only started to improve once I had accepted my new limitations and adjusted accordingly.
Brain injury is scary, confusing, enlightening, funny and exhausting.
I could sleep anytime anyplace anywhere! Listen to your body!
Keep a diary. Then when Drs ask how have things been? You don't look a complete fool by having not a clue or even any idea if you have seen them before.
Thing can and do improve. I'm now working part time. It feels like full time and I really could not do any more.
I have also been told at some point that I had somatoform disorder or functional neurological disorder. This was during the medico legal process. I believed all I needed was some psych appointments to get well. It didn't work, I got distressed because they lied, I felt like a failure and fraud. It set my recovery back no end.
Work with what you have got, don't be afraid to try something new. Believe in yourself! "
Wow, you got a lot of bad care and counsel. Welcome to the club.
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