September 1970 I suffered TBI and spinal injuries result motor cycle accident. Several weeks in a coma before having brain surgery. I was given less than 3 months to live and my parents were told that I would be a vegetable. Although I couldn't speak at the time I was aware of what was being said about me. To be honest, after all my friends deserted me, I just wanted to give up and die. Glad that I didn't now. New Zealand in those days knew nothing about brain injury and had no Accident Compensation. Several weeks after discharge I went back to light duties at my previous employment. I had been an electrician prior to TBI but not anymore. 1971 I gained employment on the Railways, became a loner and took up alcohol to relieve the pain. 1981 this chronic alcoholic had had enough, sought Jesus and gave up drinking. 1987 I was made redundant from the Railways and could not obtain work. 1990 while studying at Polytech, I collapsed and was rushed to hospital. After many tests I was discharged and told not to work as I was now an epileptic. In 1987 I had moved out to the quietness of the country but had to return to the city in 1999 due to declining health and major lonliness.

Up until this point I had been responsible for my own rehab; learning to read, write, potty training, feeding, looking after myself etc. 2001 I found that there was such a thing as a Brain Injury Support group which I promptly jonied and found I was not alone in my suffering. State took over my rehab in 2003 when I went for my 1st MRI, which didn't happen because they found 19 metal clips in my head that there was no record of. Sept 2003 they also took away my drivers licence in case I had a siezure or my concentration, judgement etc had been affected. Good thing that I have always enjoyed Bicycling. I am now 55 going on 16 and life is fun because I have been baking my own bread for 3 years now, have 4 bicycles to choose from for my daily ride, have found life and friends on the Internet and my family no longer tell me to "For goodness sake, grow up" I left home in 1973 and because I had a job and my own flat, my family thought I was able to cope and had nothing wrong with me. My parents and I have remained in touch but I lost contact with the rest of my family until recently. I had a serious heart attack November 2002 and despite an implant I was back on my bicycle within 3 weeks. Today, after 34 years of learning to survive and enjoy life to the best of my abilities, I have no regrets.

My rules of survival are;
1. look on each day as a fresh adventure.
2. be active so you don't have a chance to get bored.
3. when people say that you can't, accept the challange and prove them wrong.
4. know your limits, live upto your capabilities rather than the expectations of others.
5. keep smiling because no one else can smile for you.
6. HUGZ and BE WELL.

Regards Jeremoe B. Newell (bnewell@xtra.co.nz

Email jeromenz