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The TBI Chatroom |
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On August 24, 1995 I was rear-ended in an auto accident as I sat in my car, while stopped in traffic. It left me with permanent brain damage, affecting my “short-term” memory. I was diagnosed with “Post Concussion Syndrome,” and have had most of the symptoms that go along with that. I had been an Income Tax Preparer and Accountant for 30 years prior to the accident. I am a single father and am raising a son, who was 6 years old at the time. Prior to my accident I had also been a pilot for over 20 years, flying my own airplanes, and I was President of a national association of airplane owners, with 650 members. Hence, my handle of "SkyKing". Additionally, I worked as an "Advance Man" for the Clinton White House. My picture with President Clinton was taken after my injury, in June 1996.
In February 1996 I enrolled in a “Cognitive Rehabilitation” program at my local community college. It was one of only a very few programs in the entire country. It was very helpful and I believe a major help in my recovery. I was in the program for three years.
In August 2000 I was diagnosed with Grave’s Eye disease, which causes your eyes to swell and bulge out somewhat and affects your vision. It can lead to blindness. Any damage done is permanent. So far it has only affected my right eye, which bulges out a little and my peripheral vision is diminished on the right side. Grave’s Eye disease is said to be caused by a “traumatic” or “stressful” event. It is not uncommon for it to show up a few years after the event. There is no real cure for Grave’s Eye disease.
In 1998 I started back to work, in my old profession, as a Tax Preparer. However, I have only been able to work on a “scaled-back” part-time basis as I become tired after only a few hours of work. I don’t do accounting work anymore. Another thing that has affected me is my “inability” to filter out background noise when I am trying to concentrate on something, like reading or studying. My brain just won’t block out anything, so I have taken to wearing earplugs when I need to have quiet.
I have made some wonderful friends in the Chat Room and will cherish these friendships always. Best of Luck to Everyone here.
Email David