My son sustained TBI, not expected to survive and if he did the prognosis was not good, nor were we given any hope. But survive he did and I pulled out all stops to rehabilitate him in what were trying, very trying conditions, for in our country a government funded no blame insurance company can either make life easy or hard - they made it hard so we had to pay for timely, and appropriate advice/therapy, which took its toll in more ways than one but no regrets for it paid off tenfold.

Sure it took time, but this once accomplished athlete who had represented his country in duathlon and cycling returned to these former loves albeit at lesser levels, works part time and now lives alone for the most part independently, in a flat. Cycling is comparatively easier than running which really knocks him around but in saying this he did do two half marathons. Adversity he believes has made him a better person.

Almost twenty years on, and having sustained another significant accident which set him back he continues to make progress and after this 2nd insult has I think (hope) given up on hoping to return to running but . . .Cycling is now social only, as he has learnt risk management, a consequence of last accident.

I wrote about his accident, what it was like for a mother living with, supporting and advocating for a son with TBI and if feedback was an indicator gave hope to many others; one mother telling me how after reading of my son then put her son into a flat of his own. Sharing is caring.

Who would have thought that now it is my turn - if I thought I knew Brain Injury before - it is a helluva lot different from the inside out!

But if I learnt anything from my fathers fall (not a survivor of BI) and my son, it is that you have to remain positive, keep alert to other ways of doing things (thank you neurotalk and all your fabulous contributors)and find the right therapist,/professionals versed in the nuances of this condition to help progress you forward.

Never ever give up was the best advice given to me re my son and my Dad's physio was exercise that body and use all parts. I did this forcing myself to eat with impaired right arm from the moment I became cognizant and asked friends to bring me tins of fruit with which I could exercise, the hospital staff for the most part telling me not to bother at this early stage!

Chin ups folks, it can get better than where you are now. Never give up HOPE
Helping Other Possibilities Emerge.