I had one orthopedic surgery, spent about 2 weeks in the Trauma Unit, and as soon as they'd let me, I went home.

The general advice was to "give it some time". I slept a lot, went to appointments, slept a lot! Slowly, I gained strength and as bruises faded and the casts came off, I went to more appointments and still slept a lot.

I had noticed changes - I was often dizzy, my vision was distorted (looked like cubist painting much of the time!); I couldn't always see what the pic on the tv was.

Being constantly exhausted, I attributed problems with reading to fatigue. Some of my friends started noticing small differences in my recognition (not) of people. I seemed to mix up things: adding in cheques when I should subtract, saying right when I meant left, not being able to follow previously simple instructions. I went from having a virtual photographic memory to feeling foggy and clumsy.

Partly in that I needed a lot of time for rest/sleep/healing, I reduced my previously wide circle of contacts to a more concise group of my closest friends and support. I found even keeping up with my family and those few friends difficult.

My ventures out often proved to be stressful: lots of people, escalators, supermarkets, noise, background sounds (music), ceiling fans, dark theatres, shopping malls, glass elevators... those everyday places and things were very overwhelming.

So, I did my best to avoid what was difficult and "gave it some time". It was the most isolated time of my life.

Most of my symptoms seemed rather mild...dizzy, blurry, like if I could just concentrate in the right way I could make my vision clear. The changes were subtle, yet the enormous impact was only beginning!

To make a LONG story shorter, about one year after my injury I was seen at the Adult Brain Injury Clinic of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

By that point, I was very frustrated, upset and depressed that I was still struggling.

My intention about rehab was to go in for some "fine tuning" to 'fix' the problems I was experiencing. I still thought I would be returning to my 'normal life' and I was running pretty low on patience too!

I was assessed by a team of brain injury specialists, some additional testing was ordered and a basic rehab program began for me.

My neuro opthamologist ordered a test: electronystagmogram (eng). This tests various parts of the vestibular system that relates to balance. Turns out that my cerebellum and brain stem sustained a dent - the cause of my difficulties I was told.

So, in January 1992 it was confirmed: I had sustained a closed head injury.

Some of the everyday brain injury experiences I have cope with include: -dizziness, visual distortions, balance challenges, ear ringing, headache -concentration problems, less able to deal with divided attention, easily overwhelmed, 'different' memory -irritability, shorter fuse for anger, impatience.

I use specialized computer equipment that generates speech Output - my computer reads to me! That has help get around visual impairments, allowing me to read and write with the computer after more than five years of being "a-literate". Add the internet and I have access to a whole new world!

I have also come to appreciate my life, my loved ones and that when one door closes, at least one more opens! I am finally finding doors that are open to me, as I am now. That self acceptance makes it possible to go on and invent a new life.

While I wouldn't 'want' a brain injury, the incredibly wonderful people I have met as a result have changed my life and enriched me in amazing ways!

Enjoy every day, look both ways, and wear a helmet!!!!