HiP, the feeling of landing on another planet and not having any idea of how to deal with the strangeness is totally familiar to anyone who has had a life altering brain injury. No matter what the cause. I wish I could recall the book written by a woman Dr. who had a bike accident and profound brain injury. Something like "Over My Head??". It described so perfectly the many different outcomes in general and her journey to re-build her life in a new way. The main support was a brain recovery center focusing on exactly what was needed for self empowerment. Skills to use when getting overstimulated especially commonly needed. If you go to the library and ask them I am sure you will find some excellent stories which will help validate your particular manifestations. Maybe this book!

As for the doctors, who would rather you remain unaware, unsupported and under- evaluated, this is the typical reaction of folks who are afraid. Once you are empowered through further support, they might be really afraid. From that place you could decide to take, or not take any action against them. The good news, bad news is that there are so many who have similar realities and challenges. It helps to learn all we can about how to maintain the highest possible quality of life.

I know that meant for me to forget the doctor's stupidity and ignorance which contributed to my stroke. The best news is that the center I attended, only one in country, proved repeatedly that if one focused on the skill sets needing attention, the brain can recover even years after the injury. Many docs tell you six months. Do not believe them. They also will like to drug you senseless. Do not be a "good patient" and go along with any plan they present. The other good news is that you do get to be obstinate, irascible and even irrational and get away with it better than folks with no excuses. The bad news is the sense of isolation and overwhelm when dealing with the system which denies it's heartlessness and culpability for creating further suffering is far to common. Doctors hate to admit they know as little as they do, since they play like they know what they are doing.

I hope that you can find the support you deserve. It has certainly been a long, very interesting education for me since '03. I have become a much better, more compassionate person, stronger in ways I could never have imagined. I choose to never quit advocating and learning for my own needs as I become aware of them. It is a process, not a goal. Someday you will have an opportunity to speak up on behalf of someone else and support their right to be heard and validated. I invite you to keep writing and sharing because it matters and adds to the understanding of those who could never imagine what changes have emerged. Best Wishes To You....TT