Updated May 23, 2006

I sustained a mild TBI in 2000. I was 31 years old at the time. My injuries were mild in nature, but they still disrupted my life as I knew it.

I am happy to say that I am back to work at my original profession as a pharmacist. The transition back to work was not easy, infact it was quite humbling as I had to go back as support staff. I was being suppervised by the very students who had been trained by me only 2 years earlier.

My employer was very kind and supportive. They eventually hired (and paid) me at my previous professional capacity, yet I was still not able to pull my weight and work alone. For this patience with me, I am grateful.

I had many challenging days - I sometimes broke down in tears since I could not mange situations that I was previously able to. The stress and pressure of multiple tasks and a disruptive environment became more than I could handle.

In time, as the job became more routine, the stress and pressure lightened. I still have good days and bad days. We all have our own deffinitions of "bad days" that non-tbi's just don't understand.

To give a time-line on my return to work. I was out of work for 18 months. I returned at a limited capasity (working less than full time and in a lesser postion) for 4 months. I worked at full capsity, although constantly supervised for an additional 5 months. I began working at unsupervised almost 2 years after my injury.

Original Posting

I was in a cyclist vs. car accident on 7/7/2000. I was 31 at the time - and working as a pharmacist. I am writing this 9 months post accident. Most tbi’s tell me that I am very recent. I am still healing and understanding my new personality and limits.

The accident happened while I was riding to work - the car took a right turn directly in my path, just as i was approaching the intersection - i had little to no reaction time... I woke up in the hospital.

I emerged with what is called a "mild tbi". Although, it did take a few weeks to understand that had the head injury.

My return to work as a pharmacist - 7 days post accident - was most unsuccessful. I haven’t been back to work since. It’s been 9 months - with no return-to-work date in sight.

I would have to say that not working is the hardest part for me. My job as a pharmacist was my identity. For me, it provided prestige and a great salary. The salary, in turn provided financial independence - and allowed me to live a carefree social life and to afford the things that made me happy.

Today - I spend most of the week alone - and see my friends on the weekends. I tire easily - so I do welcome the alone time. Conversation tires me - especially one on one. I am good for a few hours of intense conversation- then I start to get tired. Relaxing with a movie is best when I am tired.

Running is/was a big part of my life - having run two marathons in the past 3 years... now two consecutive days of running 3 miles is enough to put me on the couch for a day or two. This is something I am working on... a new goal is to run the marine corps marathon in October of 2001.

I am lucky - my injuries are mild in perspective. My life has slowed down - now I have the time to smell the roses and spend more time with my family and friends. Life is an obstacle course - this tbi is just one of many hurdles in the course of life.