Anyway, I was D.o.a. at the scene and had to have a field tracheotomy, which left me with a huge scar on my neck. I was airlifted to Orlando from Cocoa beach.. My mother was notified and was following the helicopter to the hospital, as was my best friend, my ex waited to get a shower, ect. first, although the dr. advised him that I may not survive the helicopter ride. In fact i was clinically dead 4 times between hospitals and once in the accident. I was in a coma for 6 to8 weeks depending on which member of my family you talk to! I have some very vivid memory recall about the accident and the coma. Spiritual things, that people think I am crazy when I talk about!

O.K. so when I woke from the coma I was transferred to another hospital to a brain injury unit. I had a male nurse. I thought that he was my Dr. at first. I woke up not knowing who I was, where I was who these people around me were. I was in a wheelchair and I went to the elevator to leave, but as soon as I pushed the down button, a nurse stopped me . I was in this hospital for 3 & 1/2 months with very rigerous therapy. When I left I left in love with my nurse! We moved in together a few months later(best person to help me with therapy at home!!!)We became engaged to each other4 months later. My father died of cancer and I gave up all hope of everything! I have been unable to cry for 2 years- that is probably the worst disability I have. I had a right sided brain injury so my left arm is completely unmovable and my left leg is very weak. I can walk around my house without a cane or any other assistance. But I have extreme panic attachs and acute anxiety disorder. And social phobias. I am terrified of walking in public or on concrete. I adopted a greyhound she helps me walk and helps relieve some of the anxiety. She is great! I have no friends left from the past. I can no longer work in the prison. (my main goal was law school, but who wants an attorney with a brain injury?) I have had to come to terms with the fact that the "old"me is gone forever. That's really o.k. thougfh because I don't want her back!I like the "new" me much better. A brain injury is forever- for life! physically I may get better. but cognitively, there will probably always be impulsiveness. Anyway, At present, I am trying to become an author. I have written the story of my injury before and after, to a lot more detail, and The brain injury association along with a neuropsychologist that I know may publish it. This is merely a shortened more relaxed version. My next book will be on M.S.

But To wrap things up, I would love to hear from others who understand what it is like to live like this 24/7. Thank You-

Email Tamra
Homepage http://www.tbicampus.com