Total Entries: 197 Joanne walsh Friday, 3/23/01, 4:14 PM   Thank you for sharing with others. I am sure some of your thoughts and experiences will help us.   From: Ottawa, Ontario CANADA Web Site: do not have web site E-mail: maewalsh@sympatico.ca   Susan Thursday, 3/22/01, 6:05 AM   Thank you for your site. My husband is 27 months post injury and I am going through a rough time. I finally have lost my patients. I decided to get on the web and find some support. Your site reminded me of all the things I did. Everything was practically the same. I call it my chearleader way. But, I am tired now, and my pom-poms need a break. I finally had to ask his family, in a different state to help me out. Thanks for the reminders!   From: St. Petersburg, FLA E-mail: sjiorio@dellepro.com   Andy Doyle Wednesday, 3/21/01, 11:33 PM   I went through brain surgery too, only my brain surgery was cause by epilepsy.   From: Fort Wayne, IN E-mail: ajdoyl8124@aol.com   Dawn Douglas Wednesday, 3/21/01, 5:27 PM   My Mother suffered a subarachnoid hemmorage 3 weeks ago, she is lucky to be alive and had her operation a week ago. She is recovering but it will take a long time for memory, speech and some kind of normality to return. Your website has been so very useful, although i could find sites on brain injury i couldnt find anything on how to stimulate her and help her with memory loss and support. Your page has been a god send and my Dad, sister and i have been trying to follow what you did with Your Mum.Thankyou for all the information on how to help brain trauma victims. I hope you and your Mum are well. Many thanks and best wishes Mrs Dawn Douglas   From: United Kingdom E-mail: filauradawn@douglas49.freeserve.co.uk   Kathy Hendricks Tuesday, 3/20/01, 8:53 AM   Betsy, Thank you so much for sharing yourself for the sake of others. What a blessing!!! My husband, Bob fell Dec. 5, 2000 and has remained unconscious since. We are beginning to see signs of awareness. He is opening his eyes from time to time. His prognosis was not good and we (my two adult daughters & I) have chosen to believe for greater things. Your support page is wonderful....just what I needed this morning. Sometimes, we feel very alone in choosing to remain positive after so long a time. I am so very grateful for you. Sincerely, Kathy   From: Lynchburg, Virginia E-mail: BESTMAW@aol.com   Patricia Monday, 3/19/01, 1:37 PM   Thank you for your web page, I was feeling blue today so I thought I might find something on the internet to help me. The one thing is to be possitive for the head injured person. I have been taking care of my son since he had his head injury about 4 years ago. He is doing well but has many problems since he got inured. I do my best to be a supportive mom but I have lost some of my possitive attitude. So thanks for the reminder.   From: Boston Hts Ohio E-mail: pabc2@aol.com   Patricia Baxter Monday, 3/19/01, 1:29 PM   Thank you for your web page, I was feeling blue today so I thought I might find something on the internet to help me. The one thing is to be possitive for the head injured person. I have been taking care of my son since he had his head injury about 4 years ago. He is doing well but has many problems since he got inured. I do my best to be a supportive mom but I have lost some of my possitive attitude. So thanks for the reminder.   From: Boston Hts Ohio E-mail: pabc2@aol.com   Mary Darby Sunday, 3/18/01, 5:50 PM   What a wise, insightful person you are! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Reading about your work with your mother has been very enlightening for me. I am a licensed massage therapist who is curious about working with brain- injured people.   From: North Providence, Rhode Island E-mail: Mary_Darby@brown.edu   kim Saturday, 3/17/01, 2:16 PM   Betsy, my family and I are going through something similar with my grandmother, who was hit by a car and suffered a brain and severe neck injury several months ago, and has been in a coma ever since. Your page was very inspiring, and I sent copies to my mom and aunts and uncles who were touched and inspired. thank   From: southern californai E-mail: kimreakal@aol.com   Maureen Jacks Friday, 3/9/01, 8:50 PM   My 18 yr. old daughter had a car accident 1 year ago.She was in a coma for 3 months. I agree with all your comments. Positive outlook and lots of love can work miracles. keep up the good work.   From: St. Sauveur, Quebec E-mail: MJacks23@aol.com   Francesca Wednesday, 3/7/01, 9:39 PM   Hi Betsy, I am the mother of a TBI child, Dino, whose web page you have visited. I was truly moved while reading of your mother's recovery, and I know that Dino will eventually recover too. You are a very special person and a wonderful daughter, but I'm sure your mom tells you that all the time. We will one day add Dino to the list of 'MIRACLES' With love, to you and your family, Francesca Gallina.   From: Richmond, BC. Canada Web Site: Red Hood Warriors E-mail: gallina@home.com   Linda Neumann Wednesday, 3/7/01, 6:34 PM   I forgot to leave my e mail address.   From: Colorado E-mail: goodiesx2@qwest.net   Linda Neumann Wednesday, 3/7/01, 6:30 PM   On December 28th my 32yr old fell between 30-40ft from a bucket truck. He crushed his left side of the skull, smashed in left side of face. Broke 2 arms, one elbow, one wrist, one leg. Now he is in Craig Rehab doing great. Home date is April 6th of this year. tks for sharing that part of you life. I agree with you that family knows more than doctors think they know about the family member. Linda   From: Colorado   Melody Pflug Tuesday, 3/6/01, 12:32 PM   Thank you for sharing your story. My daughters significant other was injured on his dirt bike. It's been 13 days ago. He has just opened his eyes and can squeeze her hand with one arm. They don't know what is going to happen, but have not been given a lot of hope by the medical proffession. I am looking for any information I can find on rehabilitation. Thank you for your site.   From: Colorado E-mail: Grammelody@aol.com   Jae Monday, 3/5/01, 1:14 PM   A wonderful site. I have been patterning my friend Dino for almost two years and he is very slowly but certainly improving all the time. Please come visit Dino at his web site. http://RedHoodWarriors.homestead.com/REDHOOD.html Keep up the good work with your site...it is exactly what is needed...SUPPORT!!   From: Vancouvver CANADA E-mail: jaecasey@netscape.net   Geoffrey Allan Thursday, 3/1/01, 10:24 PM   Our 17 year old, Nicholas, suffered anoxic brain injury (8-12 minutes) during surgery 7-17-00 & requires total care. Although he makes progress in small steps his Rehab Center wants to discharge him because they want "big" steps. We are searching for aggressive therapies which are not happening at present. We are doing instinctively many of the things you have done though some are not applicable. We continue on with hope and prayer. Your support page is encouraging. Thank you.   From: Chicago, IL E-mail: motownmajor@cs.com   Tina Wednesday, 2/28/01, 8:20 PM   My daughter has TBI. Every word you spoke of holds very true for my daughter. Tomorrow I have a meeting at her school and I plan to bring your delightful and reassuring notes about your mother. Thank you for the time you took to create this wonderful information. I think even the professionals can sometimes learn from us. Sincerely and best wishes to your mom, Tina   From: Tampa E-mail: hasuka627@aol.com     Wednesday, 2/28/01, 8:50 AM   Thanks so much for your story, it very uplifting. My son has been in the hospital since 1/12/01, he will be transfered soon to a rehab facilty.   From: Florida E-mail: Mlazarou3@hotmail.com   Nina Kussmaul Sunday, 2/25/01, 10:21 AM   Great suggestions. I am a caregiver form my husband who had a brain aneurysm. He has been home from the hospital for two months. He is physically fine (a little weak) but we are dealing with mental confusion and short term memory deficit. Has anyone experienced mental confusion?? Any tips on dealing with it??   From: Loveland, Ohio E-mail: nmmarx@aol.com   JAMEKA BANGURA Saturday, 2/24/01, 8:37 PM   From: LEXINGTON, NC E-mail: BBANGURA@LEXCOMINC.NET   caren hagan Saturday, 2/24/01, 7:57 PM   the story i just read was very uplifting. I have a friend who is suffereing from TBI and many of the things I just read have helped me and i got manyknew ideas that will help him in the future. thankyou.   From: baltimore,md E-mail: emmasaunt@aol.com   MARIA PANTAGIS Thursday, 2/22/01, 6:53 PM   I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR WRITTING THIS. I HAVE BEEN DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID AT THE BEGINNNG. NURSES HAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYONE DO THE THINGS I HAVE DONE FOR THE LAST 4 WEEKS. THE MEDICAL PROFFESSION IS IN THE DARK AGES. YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO CONTINUE. MY DAD FELL DOWN 4 STEPS AT 5 IN THE MORNING. HE HIT HIS HEAD AND DEVELOPED 1/2 AN ORANGE IN MINUTES. I CALLED 911. THEY THOUGHT HE LOOKED GOOD FOR A FALL. HE COULDN'T GET UP. AT THE HOSPITAL THE X-RAY SHOWED HE BROKE HIS SOCKET OF HIS ARM SLIGHTLY AND BRUISED HIS OTHER ARM. HE WENT HOME FOR 8WKS. HE DIDN'T FELL WELL ENOUGH TO TAKE A BATH OR SHOWER OR SEE THE DOCTOR. I TOLD HIM EMERGENCY ROOMS EXSISTED FOR A REASON, LET ME TAKE YOU. HE FINALLY SAID YES. A FEW DAYS LATER 4 PEOPLE INCLUDING MY MOTHER TOLD ME HE WASN'T TALKING RIGHT. HE HAD THE OPERATION AND HAS NOT COME OUT OF IT YET. THEY CALL IT A COMA I DONT. I KNEW HE HEARS ME FROM DAY ONE. THE REST WOULD TAKE ME A LONG TIME TO TELL YOU. THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU FROM MY HEART   From: CRESSKILL N.J. Web Site: MARIA PANTAGIS@ MAILCITY.COMM   john evenson Monday, 2/19/01, 10:59 PM   This website was very helpful for me because i know very little about head what to do about the healing process of head injuries. I am an EMT/firefighter and only see the first stages of the accidents. Accually i was researching braininjuries for my Recreation with special groups class presentation and this site is just what i wanted to find. First hand information from relatives and such i feel is more important than anything that comes from the dotor. Having faith that your mom would pull through was the most important thing to do and it was great that you protected her from the negitivity. This story is touching and with these ideas that i have recieved from your page i know that it will lead me to a great understanding of this type of situation. Thank you for making this story available for me. much love and good luck john   From: northern california E-mail: johnotto88@aol.com   colleen Friday, 2/16/01, 3:11 PM   Thank you Betsy, I have a brother in law who is TBI and for the longest time I thought we were the only ones in the country that had a loved one with this condition. I have a hard time trying to talk to my mother in law about Jason, she can't see why I don't understand what frustrates him. On the outside, he looks just fine, a little shy. I can't even imagine what the inside (especially his head) is like. I can't talk to her without her getting frustrated and when I try to talk to Jason, all I get is "I don't know". When my mother in law passes away, we will have Jason along with my three kids who are very young. I don't know how I can tell them why Jason is like he is, they are too young to know.   From: california E-mail: colleen.bowman@hotmail.com   Leo Mavrovitis Friday, 2/16/01, 11:20 AM   Your determination, courage, and stamina were well rewarded by your success and will be a model and guide for other people   From: New York E-mail: lmavroviti@aol.com   Barbara Thursday, 2/15/01, 6:57 PM   I imagine family members find your words very encouraging and helpful. I hope your mother continues to do well. Bless you.   From: Austin E-mail: BarbDra@aol.com   tabby Tuesday, 2/13/01, 8:58 PM   best of luck. my husband has t.b.i.   From: eugene mo. E-mail: muddymarie   Keith Collins Tuesday, 2/13/01, 11:20 AM   I was just recently (January 8th) released from a rehabilitation hospital and was just checking the web for any information regaurding school financial assistance. Having suffered a tbi and a fracture of my right wrist, I had been a resident at Crotched Mountain rehab facility. I found your site after doing a search for BI. I hope your story and your site opens some minds and helps a lot of people living and dealing with TBI. Best of luck!   From: Sandown,NH E-mail: collins693@aol.com   john Tuesday, 2/13/01, 7:31 AM   thanks for your words. a loved one also went through a traumatic brain injury.   From: philadelphia E-mail: inhhahn@earthlink.net   Lisa Saturday, 2/10/01, 2:19 PM   My Father has recently had a chronic subdural hematoma. He is in Springdale,Arkansas at the Northwest Reginal Hospital.My step mom is with him constantly so he will have a familiar face in case he becomes disorianted. I was up there for a few days but had to come home. He has been like this since 2-4-01 when he had surgery. The Doctors say this will resolve itself but at 77 years old does that mean he will be his same self again. He was so vibrant and articulate. Not old.What more can I do to help his recovery while I am down here?   From: Minden, Louisiana E-mail: Raspripples@Aol.com   Pam Monday, 2/5/01, 7:40 PM   Three years and 1 months since "the accident" -- mostly recovered and trying to spread the word. Betsy - you are right about the exercises to train the short term memory... I did similiar things myself instinctively until finally I started to remeber. I used a lot of pictures. I had a dozen pictures of my daughter's wedding at home and at my office so I wouldn't forget, and I haven't. God bless all of you!   From: Exton, PA   LOIS OSBORNE Monday, 2/5/01, 7:39 PM   THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR YOUR MOTHER IS DOING SO WELL. MY HUSBAND SUFFERED AN ANOXIC BRAIN INJURY THAT HAS LEFT HIM TOTALLY DEPENDENT FOR HIS CARE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO GET DOES WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT OUT THERE ON THE WEB. I AM GOING TO DO A WEB PAGE FOR MY HUSBAND. LOIS   From: ALABAMA E-mail: LDELTABOO3@AOL.COM   KRIS Saturday, 2/3/01, 8:00 PM   MY HUSBAND AND I ADOPTED A LITTLE GIRL IN 1995 THAT HAS TBI AS A RESULT FROM HER NATURAL MOTHER THROWING HER AGAINST A BRICK WALL AND SHE BLED FOR 4 HOURS FROM 6 SKULL FRACTURES BEFORE MEDICAL HELP WAS CALLED FOR. WE TOO WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD NEVER BE OFF HER FEEDING TUBE....THAT SHE WOULD NEVER BE POTTY TRAIN....AND THAT SHE WOULD NEVER SEE.....THAT WHAT WE ADOPTED IS WHAT WE WOULD HAVE FOR LIFE......BUT I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT........WE KNEW THAT GOD PUT THIS CHILD WITH US FOR A REASON......AND WE WERE GOING TO FIGHT ALLT HE WAY FOR HER.....EVEN THOUGH SHE STILL HAS THE MIND OF A 2 TO 3 YEAR OLD AT AGE 11.....6 MONTHS AFTER WE ADOPTED HER.....SHE WAS TAKEN OFF THE FEEDING TUBE.....A FEW MONTHS LATER SHE WAS POTTY TRAINED.......WE FOUND A DOCTOR WHO ALSO BELIEVE IN HER FUTURE AND SHE HAD SURGERY ON BOTH EYES AND NOW SHE SEES......SHE IS STARTING TO HAVE SEIZURES AND IT IS REALLY SCARING US......WE ARE GOING THROUGH TESTING WITH HER NOW FOR THEM......BUT WE KNOW THAT SHE HAS TO BE OK........SHE WILL BE OK......BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT GOD DID NOT LET HER COME THIS FAR FOR IT ALL TO GO WRONG NOW.........I ENJOYED READING YOUR WEB PAGE IT REALLY DID BRING MY SPIRITS UP..........I REALLY NEEDED THAT TONIGHT......MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND ESPECIALLY YOUR MOM.....PLEASE TELL HER THAT READING ABOUT HER .......GIVES ME EVEN MORE HOPE FOR MY LITTLE ANGEL(CAROLINE). THANKS AND GOD BLESS KRIS   From: MISSISSIPPI E-mail: CHMITTEREDER@HUBSERV.COM   Pat Cyr Friday, 2/2/01, 8:28 PM   My husband was in a car accident on 12/18/00. I did just about the same things you did while he was in a coma, and during his recovery at the rehab hosp. He was home in seven weeks. He has a long way to go but I beleive that with his therapy and family he will be close to the man he was before the accident. This is a very difficult time and I am looking for people to talk with. I have a lot of pent up anger and I don't want to burden my children (all adults with their own families).   From: Westfield Massachusetts E-mail: nineof14@aol.com   Dee Friday, 2/2/01, 7:03 PM   Thank you for sharing. I am now 46 and 3 months ago I had an AVM removed from my brain. I am experiencing many things that people with brain injuries do. My therapist suggested I find out about recovery for brain injuries since it may help me too. Again thank you for sharing your story.   E-mail: pluto1955@hotmail.com   adalgisa(lisa) caldeira Thursday, 2/1/01, 7:30 AM   From: brockton ma Web Site: adalgisal E-mail: adalgisal@aol.com   Marie Coggins Wednesday, 1/31/01, 7:39 PM   My father is 6 weeks after a brain bleed and two brain surgeries. We moved him to a rehab hospital today. I can relate to much of what you are saying and hope that we can have the same success with my father. Thanks   From: Columbus, MS E-mail: mcoggins@tilc.com   chantay d. reese Wednesday, 1/31/01, 7:48 AM   I had a head injury june 15 2000. I am recovering with the grace of God unfortunately, I don't have the support and understanding of the symptoms and effects related to my accident and injuries. I really don't know enough about my situation to even help myself. I was reading your page. thanks!   From: thomson georgia E-mail: smilesnlaughs00@yahoo.com   Paula Tuesday, 1/30/01, 10:49 AM   My 41 year old husband had several strokes in June 2000. He is doing well but we have a long way to go. He has started being angry at this point. Thanks for the site. It is helpful to know others have made it through.   From: Alabama E-mail: pjking9888@hotmail.com   Frank Kelly Monday, 1/15/01, 2:52 PM   my wife suffered a severe TBI in January, 2000. She was comatose for a week and hospitalized for a month and a half. She couldn't speak, walk, sit eat, or breathe at first. But four things have brought her to the point that she is about ready to return to work as a Certified Public Accountant. 1) Prayer and unbounded optimism and encouragement from everybody around her. 2) Unbelievable courage on her part. 3) An amazine medical team at University of Missouri Health Sciences Center and Rusk Rehabilitation Center, and 4) Hard work. You are correct: never never never say discouraging things. Vanity is a HUGE motivator.   From: Fort Smith, AR E-mail: fkelly@mc-group.com   Terena Loomis Monday, 1/15/01, 3:07 AM   From: Cincinnatus, NY   LIN TREADWAY Thursday, 1/11/01, 8:32 PM   My husband was injury this past june. I'm trying to find out all I can about tbi. It's been hard but like your mom, my husband is regaining his short term memory. We still have along way to go but [love ] will make anyone go the distance.   From: ARKANSAS E-mail: lomax@indco.net   Reader Monday, 1/8/01, 7:12 PM   Thank you so much for taking the time to inform those of us who have loved ones in the same condition that your Mom was once in. Your words have only reinforced our will to continue to help our mother with the type of stimulation that you speak of.   E-mail: lfonseca05@aol.com   Marjie Saturday, 1/6/01, 12:02 PM   Betsy, You page is not only informational, but full of love. This will be a great help to anyone who has family suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury. Love, Marjie   From: Lansdale, PA E-mail: jonnysgirl81@cs.com   marsha Thursday, 12/28/00, 5:42 PM   Dear Betsy, Thank you so much for all you do. You are an inspiration for the rest of us. Your parents are so lucky you were there and had the temerity to fight. Marsha   From: n. wales   Maryanne Wednesday, 12/27/00, 12:23 PM   People make miracles happen too.   From: Florida E-mail: gallery@lakeworthcity.com   Nancy Monday, 12/25/00, 12:27 PM   Hi Betsy. How impressive that you have already 111 hits on your website. Nancy   From: Philadelphia E-mail: lexy1952@home.com   (Members can delete entries.)