2 and a half years ago I collapsed, was taken to ER, I was there in a coma for over two weeks.

When I came out of the coma I immediately had brain surgery. Alas, there were complications with the surgery.

So, that was my TBI. I've never been told what the complications were just, the nurses told me I'd had a TBI.

I also had 2 major strokes - probably what caused me to collapse originally.

I was unemployed and uninsured then. I stayed in the hospital for 4 months. Had a bad reaction to the antiseizure meds. I did have some therapy - but when I left the hospital I was in horrible pain and unable to walk or think or to do much for myself. I've finally gotten to where I can talk and write sometimes.

I do get SSDI but it isn't enough to cover living expenses. I live in poverty In my state of confusion I can't deal with being broke.

I live with my 22-yr-old autistic son. He's a wonderful care-giver - picks me up when I fall, which is often. He used to work as an IT specialist but he lost his job and isn't eligible for unemployment. So now I support him too.

I'm grateful to still be alive, but I see from sites like this that there are all sorts of things that can be done to help recover from my brain issues. I do have medicare , but can't possibly figure out enough of how medicare works to use it to get any kind of therapy (brain injuries suck). And I can't pay any co-pays. And I don't have transportation to get anywhere.

Mostly I'm just complaining. Of course if anyone has any ideas where I can get help and maybe recover a little bit - it would be great.

Or suggestions for free do-it-yourself brain treatment. - Thanks.

sciencetoy,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Sorry to hear of your rough road.

You don't say what your ongoing symptoms are. It may help if we knew what struggles you are dealing with. Many of us are dealing with financial issues, too. Loss of jobs, medical expenses, and such tend to put serious strains on finances.

Does your son's autism make it difficult to find work ? Maybe he should apply for SSDI. The combined amounts could keep you afloat.

Welcome to NT. Sorry to hear of your challenges, which I wouldn't consider complaining.

You didn't say where you live, but you may want to check out http://www.biausa.org/

Find your state (link at the top of the page) and there may be resources or at least support groups in your area.

Best to you.

Your TBI was due to the surgery? If so, you might wanna check with a personal injury attorney to see if you have a mal practice case?
These hospitals/doctors have insurance to cover these things....

Ifffff their at fault you might get some compensation $!

Good luck dealing with SSI......

Hello - I know that you said you are on Medicare, but you might also qualify for Medicaid. If so, Medicaid would overlap with Medicare and would cover the cost of your copays.