About two years ago I fell off a ladder about ten feet and landed on a large root with my face and crushed my cheek inward (there is another name for the bones Zgobial or something) knocked out a front tooth and broke my wrist. I hit very hard. I am a stout man and don't injure easily, kind of bounced as it were.Diffident black out or loose consciousness. However I went to the er for help. while I was there trying to ex plane what had happened to whom ever it was, that I broke my face and I broke my arm. they could not see any damage to my face, but could see damage to my wrist it was obviously broken but my face had swollen only enough to fill in the depression left from the crushed inward bones and there was no bruising visible or so they said, there was really no evidence they could see that I broke my face. so they took me back and ex-ray my wrist and confirmed that it was broken and that they were calling in an or tho to set it. which they did in some sort of torture device that I stuck my fingers into and a cinder block around my elbow. they did inject some sort of numbing agent into my wrist(Thank God) And set it. after wards I was sitting waiting for them to do what ever they were going to do when things started going black My wife said that I had some sort of seizure or some thing.At that Point I lost conciseness and don't remember much more than waking up in a room with this nurse talking to me and shining a light into my eyes. she informed me that I had had some sort of concussion and that I had Broken my cheek bone. most of the rest is very fuzzy.
Any hoo I was given a referral to a doctor in another city that was a plastic surgeon who fixed my face and did a great job at that.

Now here is why I am writing all this
My Life has gone to hell since then all kinds of problems and the only thing that I can find out here, is that I must have had a traumatic brain injury.
all the pieces fit, even more so yesterday, when I went to a free clinic for an abscess on my scrotum (Not related I don't think but it's arrival is the same time period, of my recovery from the surgery to my face.) after checking my vitals my blood pressure was 175/115. I have never had any health issues my blood pressure at the time of my injury was 120/75 or there about.

So at this point I have self diagnosed my condition. I have had a TBI
when I said that my life had gone to hell I meant it literally. I have lost everything that was near and dear to me, form my wife throwing me out to having not a dime to my name .I have one friend who has taken me in temporarily. in the hopes that I could find a job and get on my feet.
It was over the Christmas holiday that I was in his house. for about a month alone that I discovered that I most likely have a TBI
I went to Social services and got food stamps and a referral to SSI and medicaid which I have and am going thru now finally have two appointments for this month. And a life lock phone so at least I can call people and make appointments. thing is that I need help to get better if that is even possible. My friend is back now from his family vacation he didn't know me before the injury. I have tried to enplane what it is but since he cant see it,so it does not exist. same for the Dr yesterday. My Friend he has given me till the end of the month to find a job which I honestly have tried to find in the interim with no success. I don't think at this point I am even employable.
I was prescribed high blood pressure medicine that I cant afford and an antibiotic and Prozac from the Dr yesterday. I am concerned that there might be a adverse effect if I do take the medicine prescribed, after What I have read about this condition. Not to mention that He did nothing but prescribe an antibiotic for the abscess and tell me I was depressed and that none of the symptoms I have are related In about two minuets. Will that the visit yesterday prevent a more through examination, when I do get to see the other dr's this month. Please getting desperate for a diagnosis

This might be hard to read but I am doing the beat that I can so please any input is welcome

I want you to know you found a good place here. There will be help and others who will respond to you that have gone through and experiencing TBI. I am so sorry that your life is so upset, your loss and your pain I feel. It is always hard when the things that matter the most to you are taken away. Your loss of your job also, is a very difficult thing to deal with when you have medical conditions needing your attention. Perhaps not working would be better until you have a more difiniative explaination to what is happening to you medically. I hope your friend will have mercy, and allow you to stay until you can be back on your feet physically. Many physical conditions can be present, without outward symptoms as you know. Just because he can't see them doesn't mean they are not there. Do you have any other family member for assistance? I do believe you need further medical evaluation. I had no health insurance eithor, and I just beat on doors until I got seen by a neruologist. I didn't give up until I found the reason why I was having all those symptoms. Please seek out a neurologist, use a charge card if you have to. You have continued to have symptoms, that should really be looked at more. I am sorry your current doctor, didn't recommend you to another physician. Would he give you a referal to a neruologist? There is also a forum for TBI. Look at the right side of the posts, and you will see lists there of all the dicussions going on. You can post to any of them with questions. Those who have experienced TBI will be there to help you more. I hope alot more people on our site will respond to you. I really hope you can find the best possible care, so that you can have a life again. Depression happens when our health fails, and many here experience this too. Please feel free to post to any one of us. Also if you post what state you are in, they may be able to tell you of a physician in your area. There will more ideas expressed to you soon. I will be thinking of you, and you are welcome to post me anytime. ginnie

Hello dougieflave and WELCOME to NeuroTalk!

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles! But you have found a wonderful place filled with very kind, caring people who share a wealth of knowledge and understanding.

Here are a couple of forum links that may be of interest to you.

Links and Tips For Free Medications
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread13042.html

Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum92.html

Please feel free to roam around and join in anywhere.

If you have any questions or need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask. Someone will always be around shortly to help in any way that we are able.

I look forward to seeing you around the board.

Abbie

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, we are a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Thank's for the welcome .
Having difficulty with the short term memory thing today feel like I am iin this fogie place not doing so good navigating this site
today is not so good don't want to be a party pooper. going to go now
Thanks again

Dear doug, I had some trouble finding my way around this site at first too. I still get misdirected once in awhile. someone will always be around to help direct you. sorry you are not so good today. You are in my thoughts. ginnie

....I'm so very sorry for what you are going through!
Don't ever be afraid of being a 'party poop'....that's what we are here for
I am dismayed at the kind of medical care you've been receiving! What in the world! You deserve better than this.

You've sure come to the right place for support and understanding. Many folks here who care.

Keep your head up and don't give up on yourself. Things will begin to unfold for you. Here is the SSI forum, if you need some tips and guidance on obtaining financial aide:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=28

Feel free to roam around the other forums. There are so many places for support. Perhaps I'll see you at the Depression forum if you choose to go there.

Caring,
Rae