I am amazed buy your story as it is the same as mine only I fell off of my deck and hit my head on a poll. It sounded like a baseball bat hitting a ball. I was uncon. for a few minutes, My dogs were jumping on my chest, I woke up and craweled up the stairs. I was so dazed I could only think that Ineeded to call my husband but wehn I got to the phone I could not remember how to call him. Then the phone rang and it was him. i said slowly that I fell and hit my head, my husband said I am coming home. He took me to hospital and I was told it was a concussion, but there was no outside wound. I was taken home with a headache that was the worst one I ever had. When i got up the next morning, i could not move my head the pain was severe, I thought I would die, called my doctor and was referred to neurologist, my appointment was a couple of days away, By that time I could not write, read or walk straight, I could not remember words, names, people, just about everything was confused. At doctor office I was told post concussion problem. SHe gave me drugs for the pain and my excitement cause high blood pressure,I was stabilized by pain meds for a few weeks. i did not see any new results, just continued to get worse. I was given a GOS, but you have to believe what you are told, I would argue that was the wrong way, I was lost driving, in stores, grocery could last several hours. I was a social worker who maintained adouption and foster homes, teaching, recruiting, approval amoung many responsibilities. Now I have trouble getting a dinner, dressing, you name it, now I am diagnosed with mild brain disorder. I really am upset, it has been two years and not much improvement. Your stories made me feel tha I am not alone. i know you said no contact, but if I could connect with people like me, I would not be so alone, My email is jcv1955@aol.com if anyone would like to talk to me, thank you for sharing your story with me, Jody

Apr 14th, 2012 1:15am

Wow, this my story almost to a tee. It's so frustrating when you know somethings wrong with you and no one believes you. You get labeled with anxiety and depression; not to mention over exaggerating your pain symptoms....sad.

Feb 26th, 2012 10:42am

I read this article and felt the pain and frustration again that I felt for the first 4 years after my "mild" tbi and then sustaining a 2nd one within 2 years of the first. I dealt with so many specialists that when stymied for an answer would turn it back on me as being a malingerer and hypochondriac. For my own peace of mind I eventually paid out of pocket for a neuropsych evaluation and finally got answers to so many questions I had. My mri's, ct scans, xrays, etc... never could show the damage, but the neuropsych eval did. What a blessing to finally "see" the areas that were damaged and try to get help. In my area there was not much help, but through trial and error I have retrained parts of my brain. This unfortunately is typical for the many that have brain trauma and no set plan or group of medical people that are prepared to help. I am sad it has taken so many brain injuries from the war to bring this to public attention, yet glad that it has indeed become better known.

Jan 8th, 2011 11:51pm

I am caregiver to my brother Kenneth, he was hit by a drunk driver in 1980. Kenny sustained severe TBI and was cared for by our mother for over twenty years, at which time she was diagnosed with ALZ. Your artical gave me a pin whole look into what my brother has been going through for over thirty years. He is doing very well and I am pleased to see that TBI is begining to come to the for front in society. It still has a long way to go. Thank you for your story and I wish the best for all those with TBI.

Jun 24th, 2010 9:30pm

This is me. But I fought it for over 6 years and was wife, mother of 4 kids and teacher of 125 8th graders everyday. Determined to be normal ~ afterall I looked normal. I fought the neuropsych eval that suggested disability. C'mon I have a Masters plus, I am not a mooron. My anxiety consumed me and I was like I had mania until 2 years ago and I began to drown. I couldn't remember what I was teaching and "my kids names". I came home and slept and I wasn't a mother just an anxious screaming hormonal sounding woman. I kept pushing my family doc ~ this isn't me, something is wrong. There was no followup once I left the rehab unit I spent 3 weeks in except to see the neurosurgeon for the c-2 fracture and eye doctor after eye doctor for a 4thoptic nerve palsy. When the neurosurgeon said the break was healed he said I could resume working and I was okay! I am not okay and that was in 2000. My brain and my body aren't mind and if this is what I have been given, I need some help accepting this and learning to live with what I have. I feel like a failure.

Dec 30th, 2009 10:53pm

What a story...and so familiar. I was an attorney practicing law, arguing cases, able to recall facts on a moments notice. I am now a legal secretary, earning 1/3 of what I used to, and so frustrated by the fact that I'm not what I once was and that maybe I won't ever be. Your story gave me hope that with the right effort, we can get back on track. Having some sort of support would be very helpful.

Sep 10th, 2009 7:27pm

Thank you for sharing this story. My heart goes out to you. I my self struggle with post traumatic stress disorder, so I guess I can empathize with you when it comes to daily struggles. Just now I am learning about traumatic brain injury and what it's all about. I am in the middle of getting my degree in psychiatric nursing and psychology. I would love to be part of the group that deals with such amazing people like you. Again, thank you for not giving up.

Aug 21st, 2009 10:45pm