Traumatic Brain Injury is the invisible injury. Society fears it, education is limited, caregivers are frustrated and survivors are struggling. The public needs to be aware of these silent citizens that live among us.
Brain Injury occurs in approximately 1.4 million Americans per year. 210,000 are residence of Florida. Coping with brain injury provokes a profound emotional response not only for the survivors but also for family, friends and community. There are many different levels of Brain Injury and the side effects are very different. Brain injury survivors suffer memory loss, sudden outburst, emotional confusion, judgment and physical handicaps. Outward appearances can be very deceiving take the time to educate yourself.
March 22, 2006 one phone call changed our lives forever. Our son had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. When arriving at the hospital the staff informed us he was in a coma and had suffered Traumatic Brain Injury. Our first response was when will he wake up and what operations will be needed to repair the damage to the brain. The doctors and staff began to inform us there is no telling when or if he will wake up and Traumatic Brain Injury is a permanent injury The doctors use a expression damage done. After one year of hospitalization we returned home. To my surprise we were entering a world that didn’t understand the physical and emotional changes of our life. We suffered many years alone feeling like outcast in our own community. Our minds revolve around one issue Brain Injury and for our society this is an issue rarely discussed. Our family became involved with a support group that changed our lives. We realized we are not alone!
Over 210,000 survivors alone suffer with TBI are inFlorida. 5,180 of which are Pasco County residents. This is too large of a chorus not to be heard. The Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF) www.biaf.org gives us the resources we need to get in contact with support groups in our area, prepare us, educate the families and give emotional support for all those living with TBI. This organization is critical in the livening with this injury. Incorporating the community into these discussions will better educate them on the disabilities survivors are faced with on a daily basis.
Brain injury was the last thing on our minds until it became the only thing on our minds. I would like to encourage our community of public officials, police and fire workers, school officials and students to attend support group meetings to educate yourself from the true teachers the SURVIVORS!
The Brain in a fragile gift and when it talks to us we must listen. A friend of mine recently took action on what her body was telling her and she discovered she had a brain aneurysm. Listen to the actions she took and why we must take these symptoms serious and not sweep them under the rug. Her family and friends are so blessed with the outcome. She is now a strong advocate for Brain Awareness. Thank you Loren and JR Ridinger for spreading the message that can actually save lives.
Three P’s to recovery
Patience
Positive Attitude
Perseverance
Coping with a Brain Injury
A Brain Injury often provokes a profound emotional response not only in the patient but also in family members and friends. Denial, depression, a feeling of hopelessness, and fear are normal and usual reactions. No single response is either expected or unexpected.
A lack of understanding of what’s in store, the unknown, and what’s next should be met by thoughtful, straightforward, and frequent discussions between physician, nurse, patient and family. An inability to work, tend to business affairs, care for one’s family and interact with friends in the usual manner, all contribute to emotional distress. Thorough explanations and the plans for future may bring emotional relief as the patient and family focuses on the treatment ahead and the prospect of rehabilitation and recovery.
Family members or loved ones may have questions about alternative methods of treatment. It is best to speak directly with physicians regarding specific medical questions. Family members or loved ones should discuss any problems or reactions they may have. Nurses and other health professionals understand the complexity of emotions and special ongoing needs of those living with someone who has a TBI. They also will spend much time with patients, become their confidants and can be very helpful in their emotional support.
Michele Molinaro
I have been a business owner for over 25 years but can say for the first time; “I own my business it doesn’t own me.” I have traded in my Brick and Mortar for a Click and Order. This gives me financial and time freedom. My business is operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week with no employees. I wake up when I am done sleeping and am able to work anywhere in the world there is a WiFi connection.
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