Total Entries: 197 ashley Thursday, 11/29/01, 5:26 PM   i'm ashley. i'm 17 years old. i was in a car accident on october 19th and have tbi. i was supposed to, well, basically be mentally deficient-- not able to speak, walk, remember anything/anyone, etc-- i actually ended up doing all of those things, and after just 5 weeks i am about 90% back to what i used to be. after a few weeks of therapy of course. you wouldn't even know how much it does help having family members right there by your side through everything. i keep telling mine that that's why i think i even pulled through this like i did. i just wanted to say thank you for your page, and BLESS YOU for what you are doing!   From: illinois E-mail: washy71@hotmail.com   Kim Baker Sunday, 11/25/01, 6:07 PM   My Dad was injured in a car accident on Christmas Day, 2000. He suffered a closed head injury requiring a craniotomy to remove the clot and a 9 day coma. In addition, he suffered spinal cord injury and had surgery for that. After a number of hospitals and long term acute care hospitals, we are now in the Spinal Cord Injury program at the local VA hospital and may be going home in the next couple of months. He is suffering short term memory loss and that makes it difficult to explain his situation to him over and over again. We faced the same things you saw - 'Due to his age...', etc, but they didn't know the active, vital person he was before this misfortune, so we have kept at it. Currently, he is paralyzed from the upper waist down, but they are having trouble finding the exact cause, since nothing has shown up on his MRI's as far as spinal cord injury in the lumbar region. Thank you for your information and story. While the stories we have read from others are inspiring, we keep running into the age factor. To know that there are those who are older and overcoming this helps immensely. We spent 2 weeks at the Brain Rehab program in the VA hospital in Tampa, Florida. We found that a lot of what they do, my sister and I had been doing all along, reviewing information, big calendar and discussion of what day and time of year, questions about family history, math questions, etc. So we'll just keep on keeping on. Bless you for your devotion to your Mother. With all the doctors have said - and most is pessism, they do admit that they have limited time with these patients and the progress that is accomplished is thanks to their dedicated families. I don't know what people do who don't have family to help them - especially in times like these. God bless. Kim   From: Stephenville, Texas E-mail: rickkim@msn.com   tracy Saturday, 11/24/01, 6:23 PM   thank you for that it was very interesting to me my husband suffers from a anoxic brain injury and was in a coma he is now recovering and the things you talk about doing for your mother i do for him so maybe i'am on the right road. hope you mother is doing fine and much sucess to her recovery tracy   From: texas E-mail: hatray@aol.com   Kathy Winkler Sunday, 11/18/01, 6:57 PM   That was so helpful. My daughter is working through TBI also. She was in an auto accident She is haveing to relearn everything all over. Some days it takes her awhile to get through things also but I don't mind waiting. She is 15. Thank you for your web page. I also do many of the samethings you do and they really do work.   From: VA E-mail: luckypenny4@yahoo.com   Kathy Winkler Sunday, 11/18/01, 6:42 PM   That was so helpful. My daughter is working through TBI also. She was in an auto accuted. She is haveing to releran everything all over. Some days it takes her awhile to get through things also but I don't mind waiting. She is 15. Thank you for your web page. I also do many of the samethings you do and they really do work.   From: VA E-mail: luckypenny4@yahoo.com   Larry Saturday, 11/17/01, 2:42 PM   I just wanted to tell you, Betsy, that your mother is very lucky to have a daughter like you. I am an occupational therapist and i work with patients with traumatic brain injury. Family involvment certainly helps the healing process, and i am sure your suggestions will help others.   From: Arlington, Va E-mail: ltrane78@yahoo.com   TED Sunday, 11/11/01, 12:50 PM   I READ YOUR STORY ABOUT YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY AFTER COMING OUT OF YOUR COMA AND I CAN RELATE TO THAT BECAUSE I WAS IN A COMA TO WHEN I WAS HEAD INJURED FROM A TRUCK WRECK 5/29/87.AND AFTER A LOT OF MY TIME AND REHABILITATION I FINALLY BEAT THE ODDS SO JUST LIKE THEY TOLD YOU AND ME WE WERE LUCKY BYE TED   From: OHIO E-mail: SHORT2RUN@AOL.COM   kathleen Wednesday, 11/7/01, 4:49 PM   m an occupational therapy intern,i agreed on wat you have relayed that tactile stimulation can help brain injured patients to recover   From: philippines E-mail: katzie_08@yahoo.com   brenda plamondon Sunday, 11/4/01, 2:06 PM   From: conn E-mail: mbplam@PRODIGY.NET   regenia browning Tuesday, 10/30/01, 8:03 PM   my husband got a brain injury while mowing our front yard (on a riding lawnmower)a man hit throwing 113ft in the air not knowing what hit the ground telephone pole, or the impact itself. they said he was a trauma1 he was in a 9 day coma .this happen oct.12,1999. it`s been two years. they told me he would be at his top. at 2 years. but he is so far away, and don`t get me wrong he`s done so well but i have a question, do they keep getting better, or is the drs. give up i have a30 yr marriage and i give 100% all the time i am his only caregiver thank you   From: balch springs, texas Web Site: regenia22001 E-mail: regenia22001@yahoo.com   regenia browning Tuesday, 10/30/01, 7:55 PM   my husband got a brain injury while mowing our front yard (on a riding lawnmower)a man hit throwing 113ft in the air not knowing what hit the ground telephone pole, or the impact itself. they said he was a trauma1 he was in a 9 day coma .this happen oct.12,1999. it`s been two years. they told me he would be at his top. at 2 years. but he is so far away, and don`t get me wrong he`s done so well but i have a question, do they keep getting better, or is the drs. give up i have a30 yr marriage and i give 100% all the time i am his only caregiver thank you   From: balch springs, texas E-mail: regenia22001@yahoo.com   Heather Boisvert Friday, 10/26/01, 5:21 PM   I am a caregiver at a brain injury rehabilatation living center and I have found that everything you have said to be true.God Bless!   From: Hillsboro.n.h. E-mail: hbois69@hotmail.com   Jodi Rowcroft Thursday, 10/25/01, 5:10 PM   I myself am 8 years post-tbi. It has and still is a struggle. I was a passenger in a motervehicle accident. I wanted to let u know how important your website is in the fight to make others aware of the severities surrounding tbi. The more caregivers like you make your story public the more tbi survivors feel supported. Thanks again: Jodi Rowcroft   From: Canada E-mail: belladna@hotmail.com   Alan A. Taylor Thursday, 10/25/01, 6:00 AM   Wonderful, Beautiful! Wow! I know, family is so important. Without mine, nothing. Bless you, Thank you. :) Alan   From: Miami E-mail: aldottayl@yahoo.com   susan herzog Wednesday, 10/24/01, 3:11 PM   THIS IS MY FIRST TIME IN THIS TBI ROOM .I HAVE A TBI ALSO AS OF A FALL ON JUNE16TH 2000 MY HEAD IJURY IS DUE TO A FALL WHILE TOSSING BASKETBALL WITH MY SON.I WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBLUNACE.DONT REMEMBER MUCH MY SELF. IF I HAD A WEB PAGE I WOULD CALL IT in a heart beat cause thats what happened to me .im a young mother of 2 singel by choice. have a personal asst 6 days a week for 6 hours a day.can use a support group or people i could talk to about my injury too .thanks so much a fallen angel   From: rochelle ill E-mail: ilovelucy@tbc.net   shannon Saturday, 10/20/01, 9:28 AM   nice web page god bless   From: pa usa E-mail: whitewidow17931@yahoo.com   Debbie Sunday, 10/14/01, 2:31 PM   Your web site has touched me deeply. My mother fell 2 weeks ago yesterday and has had a craniotmy to her left frontal lobe. This will affect her speech and "personality" as the doctors have put it, (this is such a broad term). She was in a coma for a week and just came around yesterday. Our family is still trying to absorb what has happened to her, and to us. I whole heartedly agree with your power of positive thinking and actions. Thank you for your website.   From: Buffalo, New York E-mail: cdpuffer41@aol.com   Denise Patterson Saturday, 10/13/01, 5:57 PM   You are a very good daughter   From: Pittsburgh, PA Web Site: Deenomad E-mail: deenomad@aol.com   Dana Wednesday, 10/10/01, 9:14 AM   My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering. My cousin Brian was in a motorcycle accident on 09/22/01. He is still in a coma, but making a little progress everyday. A bunch of littles make a lot. Our family prays daily for his recovery. Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts, stories and encouragements. Bless you all.   From: Port Washington, WI. E-mail: Danabalanaselley@aol.com   Aurelia Mella Saturday, 10/6/01, 4:28 PM   Congratulations! I know what you went through because my brother had a stroke a year ago which rendered him hemiplegic. He had excellent therapy from start and is doing much better. I help him with his speech exercises and he responds very well. But he still has a long way to go. I try the encouragement way, as you did and will include some new tips that you gave me today.May God bless you for sharing your experiences. Aurelia Mella   From: Sto. Domingo, Dominican Republic E-mail: aureliamella@hotmail.com   Helen Van Loenen Friday, 10/5/01, 7:07 PM   I am a carer in an intitute for people with acquired brain injuy and truely enjoyed your story of your mothers recovery. Many of the techniques you employed are exactly what I would do, and I applaud your spreading the knowledge that you have gained through your experiences, as awareness is a vital key in enabling recovery.   From: Brisbane. Australia E-mail: frelen@cab.net.com.au   Jackie Towns Friday, 9/28/01, 12:16 AM   thank you so much for your story, there is someone out there who knows what we have gone through, i too have a loved one who sufferes from tbi, It is my boyfriend, I brought him home completly comotose, the hsp said there was nothing left they could do, there wasnt enough money either, I have so much to say, I too have done some of the very same things you suggested, isnt it ironic how we are not health care proffessionals but we know so much more because we are there every second, it has been since sept 4, 1998, that we have been dealing with all of this, my tony has far bypassed anything the doctors said he would ever be able to do, please keep in mind the many times they tried to get me to take out a feeding tube and let my tony starve to death, I have so many questions to ask, I feel like now someone can understand my frustration and feelings, I am having a hard time getting therapy for my tony, they say he is a lost cause because he cannot walk or talk, I have all the faith in the world that as long as I dont give up neither will tony, I worry so much about phenomia, would you like to hear my story? Tony's story? it is a true story of faith. can i come back to you for more support? I will be telling Tony's story soon,(just got a putter) please look for it and for me at loveumoretony@yahoo.com please send to my e-mail any information and or sites that can help this family, Seth, age 5 , misses daddy the way he use to be, pray for him please. how do I get the medical proffession to listen to me concerning my tony, I have not left his side since the beginning, I know him, I see what he is doing and trying, why do they give up so fast? who can i turn to for help regarding my tonys recovery? I am his only care provider, he needs 24 hour care, I do it and love it, I am also his conservator and this man needs someone to help him fight, someone to make sure he is given every chance he needs and deserves. I am only one girl, girlfriend and careprovider,mommy, and feeling angry, scared, and unheard.also feel abandoned, did you feel this way too? how do I help Seth cope? is there a place I could send my tonys information too and they could give me feedback? Eureka is very small , noone here knows what to do... I just keep believing, trying,and most of all I dont give up, never will. tony cant walk, you will have a hard time understanding him when he speaks, but he can do your taxes, he is in there also. he also was in a coma and in a vegatitave state, your story has given me hope in just knowing that someone else out there feels somewhat like i do about tbi and recovery. it almost feels like I have finally won, after all this is the first time since 1998, that I met someone and heard that they believe also and that they are willing to try no matter what it takes, no matter what other people say. isnt loving someone with tbi one of the greatest gifts you have ever experienced? my tony also looks pretty handsome for being a "vegetable" health care proffessionals know what they are doing, but never doubt that the love you have for someone and the love you can give someone also has great healing potential. Love is what brought my tony home, love is what has kept him Seth, and I together so closley for this long, and love I believe will carry us home. Ill be back to talk to you and thank you so much, I see a light just as I was about ready to give in, God Bless you and God Bless your mother, you two have a bond that can never be touched, I know, we have it to. now I am off to find help for my tony thanks to you, I could sure use help, information is wanted and desperatly needed, somewhere outthere, there is a link that will hook my tony up to what he needs and deserves. I love your story and I send my love to you and your mother, catch me at loveumoretony@yahoo.com,   From: Eureka, Ca E-mail: loveumoretony@yahoo.com   julie Sunday, 9/23/01, 8:11 AM   i have started to work with patients with dx of tbi and i am interested in how i can better help them.   From: georgia E-mail: smalls54jd@yahoo.com   julie smalls Sunday, 9/23/01, 8:09 AM   i have started to work with patients with dx of tbi and i am interested in how i can better help them.   From: georgia E-mail: smalls54jd@yahoo.com   ruthann Zuchniewicz Monday, 9/17/01, 9:09 AM   My husband suffered traumatic brain injurt may 26, 2000 after being involved ina motorcycle accident he suffered with a subdural hematoma to the left side of his head and an epidural hematoma to the back right side of his head. He had emergency surgery the day of the accident as if My family hadn't gone through the shock of this the nexrt Night the doctors had to do an emergency craneotomy on the left side of his head his brain Was swelling and still bleeding from the trauma the doctors had to do t h is to save his life, here it is now sept 17, 2001 he is walking, talking feed himself dress himself bathe himself he still gets tired very easy we have children they play video games with him and the read with him we all work together toi help him. He has had every complication known to man with this He has had 5 neurosurgeries since may 26,2000-June 4,2001 He went 15 months without a piece of skull bone on the left side of his head, got a staph infection on the lining of his brain, hydreceplis(Fluid on the Brain) Subdural empheyma (Swelling) post surgery THey put in a ventricular Pertineal Shunt inside the brain through a hole in the skull running toi his belly. and then finally he had a cranioplastty Were the y doctors usedmetal mesh @silicone aand asubstance like concrete to put a make shift plate in his head. I know for 100% my husband is a true miralce and I am blessed to be able to take care of god's good work whe n he give him back to me.   From: Houston,texas E-mail: razuchniewicz@yahoo.com   Jeanine McDonald Monday, 9/10/01, 5:01 PM   From: Lake Crystal, MN   Tamara Friday, 9/7/01, 3:54 PM   My brother was injured 3 years ago. It has been very hard and your story was touching. Thank you   From: Michigan E-mail: tammccracken@yahoo.com   Barbara Cassel Thursday, 9/6/01, 8:18 PM   In the fall of 1996 our seventeen year-old son fell from a moving vehicle, stiking his head on the pavement. He sustained bilateral frontal lobe injury with hemmoraghic contusions and shearing. We are still trying to get him to the place where he is capable of making decisions and living on his own. It has been incredibly hard to get any kind of help for him. He looks good, but he doesn't think good. Cam's Mom   From: Wyoming E-mail: bcassel@wyoming.com   Bobbie Monday, 9/3/01, 1:03 PM   Wow!!! What a story. Your mother is fortunate to have such a strong daughter. I am doing research for a master's class and that is how I stumbled upon your site, but I have first hand knowledge of a loved one that has survived a TBI. Also, I have worked with two students that have as well. Your site will be recommended in my class. Thanks - Bobbie   From: Pensacola, Florida E-mail: ehalf@frontiernet.net   susy Saturday, 9/1/01, 7:40 PM   hi   From: oregon Web Site: susy E-mail: smiley845@msn.com   Donna Leodis Thursday, 8/30/01, 7:59 PM   I Would first like to say I read your story and I cried. I have a father who is now in a vegatative state and I am always wondering if there is any hope for him. Would you mind telling more about your mother's injury, what the doctor's said and what her tests showed,ie,EEG,CT MRI etc,. Any input I can get would be greatly appreciated. Also how long was your mother in the comatose state before she regained consciousness. Thank You in advance.   From: Jackson, NJ E-mail: nikos999@optonline.net   Donna Thursday, 8/30/01, 7:52 PM   Ann Diaz Tuesday, 8/28/01, 3:05 PM   Your information was VERY informative....my nephew (who is like a son to my husband and I) just suffered a serious head trauma a couple of days ago. Your comments will help in dealing with our crisis...we still have a long way to go. He still has not regained consciousness, but they have told us he can hear what we are saying. Thanks for the info!   From: Fostoria, Ohio E-mail: Andi0312@aol.com   Lori (Grabyan) Carlson Monday, 8/27/01, 11:41 AM   What a wonderful and inspiring website. It is great to have websites like this to refer to for support and to hear of others experiences. On July 31st, 2001, my Dad (57 years old)suffered a TBI (subdural hematoma). He was up and walking around for 2-3 hours after his injury and was not aware of the extent of the internal damage. My Mom urged him to go to the hospital, but he was convinced he was just fine. A few hours later, he went from okay to VERY bad and was rushed to the ER to have Major Brain surgery. They were not sure if he would make it through the surgery because the damage was "so" bad. (Internal bleeding, swelling and a fractured skull) He was then in a deep COMA. We were told that the best case scenario, he would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life and as a family, we needed to make some decisions within 72 hours. Thanks to a wonderful neurosurgeon and many prayers from friends and family... Dad woke up within less than 48 hours. This has been quite an emotional roller coaster for my Mom and the rest of our family, but we are so thankful to have him back. To date, he is walking in a walker, eating solid foods, has excellent long term memory and the short term is just starting to come back. He is still in the Acute Rehab Center in the hospital, but he is on the road to recovery. While dad was in the COMA, my Mom told him to "Fight... do not give up on us! We all love you too much!" We don't know if he heard us while he was in the COMA, but I believe it is so important to not give up and make sure the injured knows that everyone loves them and believes in their recovery. Dad is making all the nurses laugh and has his personality back and his sense of humor intact! He has a long road to a full recovery, but it is so inspiring to hear of others full recovery and to know that there is hope and support out there from others that have been through a similar situation. Thank you for this website.   From: Chicago, IL E-mail: lori.carlson@rhic.com   Lori (Grabyan) Carlson Monday, 8/27/01, 11:40 AM   What a wonderful and inspiring website. It is great to have websites like this to refer to for support and to hear of others experiences. On July 31st, 2001, my Dad (57 years old)suffered a TBI (subdural hematoma). He was up and walking around for 2-3 hours after his injury and was not aware of the extent of the internal damage. My Mom urged him to go to the hospital, but he was convinced he was just fine. A few hours later, he went from okay to VERY bad and was rushed to the ER to have Major Brain surgery. They were not sure if he would make it through the surgery because the damage was "so" bad. (Internal bleeding, swelling and a fractured skull) He was then in a deep COMA. We were told that the best case scenario, he would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life and as a family, we needed to make some decisions within 72 hours. Thanks to a wonderful neurosurgeon and many prayers from friends and family... Dad woke up within less than 48 hours. This has been quite an emotional roller coaster for my Mom and the rest of our family, but we are so thankful to have him back. To date, he is walking in a walker, eating solid foods, has excellent long term memory and the short term is just starting to come back. He is still in the Acute Rehab Center in the hospital, but he is on the road to recovery. While dad was in the COMA, my Mom told him to "Fight... do not give up on us! We all love you too much!" We don't know if he heard us while he was in the COMA, but I believe it is so important to not give up and make sure the injured knows that everyone loves them and believes in their recovery. Dad is making all the nurses laugh and has his personality back and his sense of humor intact! He has a long road to a full recovery, but it is so inspiring to hear of others full recovery and to know that there is hope and support out there from others that have been through a similar situation. Thank you for this website.   From: Chicago, IL E-mail: lroi.carlson@rhic.com   Christina J Sunday, 8/26/01, 12:19 PM   Hi, I just wanted to say that i can understand what your mother was going through...i'm 17 years old and was struck by a truck walking home from school and had to have 2 brain surgeries and my battle is not over this site has given me inspiration that i'm not alone in this battle. Having traumatic Brain Injury is life long battle and is a stuggle so just keep hope and GoD Bless!   E-mail: lilangel9900@netzero.net   Barb Peters Saturday, 8/25/01, 3:29 PM   I have brother 40 years old that was in a head on collision 1 year ago. Although it was not his fault, Tim sustained a closed head injury. He did not have the tremendous swelling and bleeding that most brain injured persons have, but he did sustain a brain stem injury and some bleeding. The doctor's did not know for 2 weeks that he had a brain injury until I insisted he have an MRI. This is when they discovered that he had some bleeding on the back of the brain. They said his injury was due to shirking(quick snap of the neck and the brain smashing against the front of the skull). Tim was semi-conscious for a month. Moving, opening his eyes, but never actually looking at you and recognizing anyone. I know he heard our voices and words of encouragement. If you told him to move his arm he would, if you told him to open his eyes he would.He went to St. Mary's Brain Rehabilitation center for therapy. He had to learn to walk, talk , go to the bathroom, wash him self all over again. He is now home(in his own apartment). He does have short term memory loss. He has lost some peripheral vision as well. The doctor's don't know if he will ever drive again. I KNOW he WILL!! Tim has a strong will and nothing has stopped him from coming this far. I love my brother very much, is there any advice you can give to help us along. We know we have a long way to go. thanks Barb P   From: Newark, New York E-mail: bpeters200@netscape.net   Brenda Brown Friday, 8/24/01, 10:47 AM   Thank you for this site. I totally agree with you that it is very important to be positive all the time. I have a very close friend that experienced a brain injury due to lack of oxygen. I visit her everyweek and try to stimulate her by making her smile, laugh and talking about the fun we had over the years. It is a slow process but I know she will get her memory back. Thanks again, Brenda   From: Pennsylvania E-mail: bbrown57@yahoo.com   peter maruster Friday, 8/24/01, 9:05 AM   From: bradenton fl. E-mail: nmaruster@cs.com   B. Inkel Tuesday, 8/21/01, 8:45 PM   Great reading! I am studying Occupational Therapy and found your web site to learn more about TBI. Thanks for sharing your experiences.   From: Arkansas   Linda Neumann Saturday, 8/18/01, 12:07 AM   Betsy- hello I have just read your mothers story and the many amazing e mails. First, thanks for sharing a very special personnal time in your life. My son is 33 was in an accident 12-29-00 and is into his 8th month of recovery. He has ended up with "short term memory" of the brain, blind in the right eyes. Of course he has had many broken bones, but they are healing very well. I also had to fight with the doctors on many things for the best of my son. He was in a medical induced come for about a month. They were giving him mophine for the pain and just could not understand why we would not come out of the coma!! finally got them to try another pain med. and he started coming around. I am like you, there are experts out there, but not on everything. Linda   From: Colorado E-mail: goodiesx2@qwest.net   Lori Thursday, 8/16/01, 7:23 PM   Thanks for making this site. It was helpful. My husband was in a motorcycle accident and has head injuries. I just needed some hope. Thanks again.   From: Michigan   Bonnie Perry Wednesday, 8/15/01, 9:21 PM   Betsy, I thought I'd give you an update on our daughter, Minta, who is a participant at CCS in Carbondale. She is anxiously waiting her home stay from Aug. 20th, until Sept. 9th. Her TBI of Nov. 18th left her with severe long term and short term memory loss. Her long term memory has improved greatly and her short term memory is improving every day. We are really looking forward to her being at home so she can spend some qualitity time with her 5 month old daughter. I continue to be the rebel in her re-hab. They are saying in Minta's progress notes that her recovery is hindered because I solve all of her problems. This is hard for me to do because I live 5 hours away from where she is and I only see herr every-other week-end for 24 hours. The only thing I can say for that is if I am that influencial I should be in Washington! I hope your mother continues to progress well. Bonnie   From: Toluca, Il Web Site: Bonnie E-mail: pperry@maxiis.com   Thom Wednesday, 8/15/01, 8:38 PM   I don't know if your name is Betsy, but I read with enthusiasm of your moms achievement. Without your help I'm certain she would not be as well as she is. I had the same thing happen to me in 1989 following a car accident. Brain swelling, blood, hygromas etc. I was no longer able to read or write. I would cry very easily. (By the way, I'm 53) I would get lost, scared frightened was not able to function at my trade, I'm self employed ornamental iron worker. MY love for music had died and I was told I would never again be able to play an instrument (drums). Even had a bit of an identity crisis for a while. The strangest things imaginable occurred within me. With the love and support of my wife and family I am here. The 'experts', with the exception of a few, had all told me to give up, collect social security and accept what had happened to me. I saw many TBI people come and go in support groups. Most had given up and today are idle. Thankfully I had the right therapist and neurologist on my side. I learned to read and write all over again. I also went on to college to learn things I never thought I would be able to do. I seldom gave up, (seldom, yes I did quit several times and say the hell with it all). Your mom will do just fine. She has all that is necessary to regain the strength and well being of the individual she was previous to her TBI. Bless you and bless her! Hang in there mom, if you look hard enough there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Thom PS, yes I am playing my drums again, and started a band a few years ago. Things are not perfect, but neither is the world we live in.   From: Connecticut E-mail: BabyB0Omer@aol.com   Jim Cavello Wednesday, 8/15/01, 7:41 AM   I am a survivor and I believe that this page will give hope to thousands. It gave me some hope. I was injured back in April 1999. I was in a car accident and comatose or 12 days. I am looking forward to getting back to work some day. Thank you for caring. Hugs to you.   From: Orlando Florida E-mail: Jim4783k1@att.net   Betty Sue Phillips Sunday, 8/12/01, 10:16 AM   My son, Tom, is 37 years old andl4 years post injury. He was a senior in college at the time of the accident ready to finish two degrees in engineering--one in mining and one in mechanical. He was a stellar student and a very well liked by all. The accident has caused severe personality changes and he now suffers with impulsivity, disinhibitation and lack of anger control. His physical impairments are minor. Motivation and initiation are lacking. Do you have any resources that I might explore? My husband died in l993 so I am pretty much the major caregiver. I have many files and have traveled many miles searching for a program that would help Tom. I am 63 years old and I know I must get a quality living arrangement for Tom. His brother helps but he has a family and I don't want him to have the major responsibility. I would appreciate any input you might have. I loved reading your philosophy. It goes with the Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior that Tom's neuropsychologist says I should implement. I try but I think it is time Tom is somewhere else for therapy and rehabilitation. We have had him in several rehabs but we had some poor quality and Tom still has major concerns. Many thanks, Betty Sue Phillips, Mother of Thomas L. Phillips   From: Fairmont, WV 25664 E-mail: bsdpwfp@aol.com   Edie Abbott Friday, 8/10/01, 8:55 AM   Thank you for your recent help. I'm wondering if you or anyone else knows which rehab is better rated or has better results? University of Michigan Rehad or Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan? Both have said that they are very good, and have experience with TBI and total blindness. Thank you again.   From: Hubbard Lake, MI E-mail: abbotexc@freeway.net   melody Monday, 8/6/01, 6:48 AM   What a beautiful story! Your mother is so lucky to have you, and likewise you are so lucky to have her!   From: michigan E-mail: melody1950@home.com   S Thorne Sunday, 8/5/01, 7:18 PM   At 19 my daughter suffered a TBI in the left temporal lobe. She is currently in college pursuing a degree. It is difficult for her, but she is not giving up. I admire her determination and spirit through out the last year. If anyone has any information on college students with tbi, I would be interested in hearing their stories.   From: Pennsylvania E-mail: tenoma@ptd.net   Miss Britt Renee McDaniel Saturday, 8/4/01, 2:29 PM   Hello! Let me introduce myself: I suffered a TBI in Nov, 1991. I still have problems from it. Right now I am in a very "blue" mood. My right hemisphere was damaged, and the EMOTIONS is located there. With my left side, deals with calculations, etc., I have been able to take a few math & algebra courses. In fact, I was able to get my College Alegebra course passed. My parents & sister have really helped me through this. My Mom really tries her best to help me through all of this, especially. She does not feel that she can really help as much as if she knew what I was going through. I know she has helped though! Mom brought some tapes to the hospital for me to listen to. My parents also brought our dog to the hospital. I was coming out of the coma at that time. Mom doesn't think that she was that much help. She said she doesn't know what I am going through really. She doesn't realize how much help she was! That is very good news that your Mom is doing well! If you do know anyone with TBI, who went on to graduate from a 2 or 4- year college, I would like to hear from them! Thank you! Miss Britt McDaniel   From: Arnold, Missouri, USA E-mail: BrReMc1213@aol.com   (Members can delete entries.)