[sciencetoy]

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.