Three months before this traumatic date, I had purchased my first house with the man I intended to marry. The banking industry was all that I knew. After providing administrative support to loan officers for 5 years, I was now finally one myself ! I was 5 1/2 months pregnant and veerrrry excited about starting the next chapter in my life of motherhood with the man I loved.

We had been living in our new home for about two months when I miscarried our child. I remembered be deeply saddened and depressed by this. After losing my baby, I contracted an septic infection in the hospital and had to remain admitted for an additional 7-10 days. My ob-gynecologist basically abandoned after I lost the baby, so I was under the care of the hospital physician. I was released without a prescription for antibiotics.

At home, I got sick and my family called the ob-gyn for instructions, which were to get an over the counter remedy. I have lossed alot of long term memory, but I can remember the morning I awoke and found my heart beating irregularly! I dialed 911 for help and got an ambulance to rush me back to the hospital. I had been discharged less than 2 weeks ago.

At the hospital I suffered cardiac arrest. I actually died waiting for the doctor to enter my room. Thank God my grandmother accompanied me to the hospital. The nurse who was hooking me up to the heart machine, froze in disbelief when I died on the table. My grandmother had to run for a doctor's help in the next room. I needed electric shocks to my heart to get it pumping again. The shocks gave me life again, but the oxygen deprivation caused brain damage (ANOXIA).

I am 31 years old and 1year post my tbi. Life as I knew it will never be the same again. I feel fortunate to have received some cognitive rehabilitation. My health insurance company refused to pay for it, but the Division of Vocation Rehab (DVR) authorized 120 days. I try to lead a normal life despite having long term memory loss, short term memory deficits, equalibrium and balance difficulties, speed of processing info along with other cognitive thinking deficits. It takes little before I become mentally exhausted (compared to myself pre- brain injury). But I must admit, I can handle more mental activity than before and I complete every task I set up for myself. I food shop, pay bills, laundry, cleaning, cooking, drive, and run errands. Most of these tasks I do without any assistance. My grandmother used to come to my home everyday, all day, to take care of me and the house. Because I've improved enough, she comes only half days, 3-4 days a week.

Now I struggle to make my life as fulfilling and worthwhile as possible. My man has remained by my side as well as my grandmother giving me the support and love that I need. The thought of returning to work scares the "bejeezzzes" out of me because I see how hard I'm struggling to just keep my home running smoothly. Hopefully I can find the right part time job to ease me back into the work force.

It has been surprising to learn the people I thought I could depend on during these difficult times, have shown little to no interest in my welfare. However, there is a GOD, because He's provided support from people I never expected it from.

If you are reading this and you're battling a TBI (specifically anoxia) please email me and tell me your story. I sure would like to hear from you.

Email Marvina