I remember walking out the door, but afte rthat things are patchy. I have no recollection of the accident. A 17 year old, unlicenced, drunk driver, driving his parents car, obviously didn't know a red light meant stop.

I remember segments of beign trapped in the car. I can clearly recognise the voice of the ambulance officer who was talking to me and I am sure i would still know that voice today. But that's where my memory ends for a while.

I was taken to the closest hospital where my family was told that I had fractures, internal injuries and spinal injuries. I was patched up then a few days later was transferred to a spinal unit. Seems that the main focus of my care was on my spinal injuries and because my TBI wasn't severe, it was virtually neglected. It actually wasn't until my PT noticed that I had some problems with word recall, then they said..oh..could be a TBI.

Well, it has been 5 years since then, and life goes on. My partner at the time left me as I was no longer perfect. Got news for him..I nevr was :). Then when he found another permanent babysitter for his duaghter he also took her awya from me, whch hurts more than him leaving. In hindsight him leaving was the vest thing. I was tired of him telling me how useless and pathetic I now was. Still to this day I have times when I beleive it, but thanks to Ernie, my fiance, those times are getting less and less.

I have learnt to walk again though I am still technically a paraplegic, with the associated problems such as blader and bowel control etc. I have lmited sensation in my lower legs, balance is shot so I am always troipping over and when tired I suffer from drop foot. I still use a wheelchair on bad days or when I am in a hurry as walking is very slow, also when distance is involved. But it's better than not walking.

I still have memory problems, and my typing is dyslexic. I also have problems graspin antyhign to do with numbers. I can not handle crowds very well and I tend to loose concentration easily.

But I have met a wonderful man who is very understanding and supportive. I went bck to Uni last year and got several high distinctions for my essays. My partner even proof read them or "TBI" read them as he calls it.

I notice that when I am tired the symptoms of the TBI are worse, my fiance will attest to that fact. But life goes on, and I think I have learnt to be a better person through this and because of the support and encouragement I have received.

Thaks for listenting..
Email Phoebe