My name is Linda W. Arms. I am a TBI survivor. My accident happened January 15, 2006. I am much improved but the effects of the injury are still with me and will be part of my life forever. Before the accident, I did not understand the impacts a brain injury can have. During the very dark days of the first years, I grieved for who I was and what I lost. I despaired because I just was not getting better. Very slowly I saw improvements and now 10 years later I can say I am much, much better. My recovery was assisted by many medical providers and by the elusive “Brain Fairy” who works magic (good and bad) in our brains.
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In these past years, I learned much about brain injury to apply to my recovery. Most of my research was on the Web where I often experienced brain overload when I tried to view or read web sites that were not friendly for a reader with TBI. I collected many pieces of information during this time and I would like to share this with others who need to know more about traumatic brain injury. I try to give you a simple format with access to clearly presented information. Although I prefer something even simpler than what you see here I have had to compromise between simplicity and functionality. You may find links to some “busy” sites but I include them only because they offer some valuable or unique content. You can also read my blog to learn more about my experiences during this long journey to improvement after a brain injury. You may find things that sound very familiar to you.
Your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome. Remember I am not an expert in any way other than the experience of surviving a brain injury. I do not claim to have any medical, legal, financial or any other expertise. I am just one of many people whose life was changed by a traumatic brain injury and I share this information with you based on my experiences in recovery.
Health and Medical Disclaimer
The information on this site is purely for informational purposes. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. None of the information or products discussed in this material are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure any disease. The Author and/or publisher is not a licensed medical professional and is not engaged in the health-care or medical industry. Please seek proper medical professional advice for any matter related to your well-being or health. All information presented here is only directed to persons 18 years and older.
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Hi–you were referred to me by Dr. Laurie Weiss and I thought you may want to know about our Brain Injury Survivor Series that begins tomorrow. If so, please email me and I will send you a flyer. We’d love to have you join us. The series is January-June, 2018. Thanks!
Joanne Cohen
Hi Joanne, Yes, please send me the flyer. I have your contact information somewhere here in my office. Laurie gave me your name and email and I was planning to get in touch. You can send the flyer to me at minak@thebrainfairy.com
Hi Mina, I just discovered you while doing research for my next set of Motivational Speaking engagements for Veterans with TBI. I myself am a TBI Survivor from a horse show jumping fall in 1996. I have been working very hard for the entire 20 years so far to continue to heal and regain an identity that makes me proud. I admire what you have done here and think you are providing a nice guiding light to those who struggle and get STUCK in their injury. Thank you for what you do. If I can post a piece about rehabilitation strategies that I have used, please let me know. I would be happy to share any information I have for those who are interested. I am also a published author of a Memoir about the journey through healing from a TBI. My Memoir is entitle THE FALL
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-TBI–Injury-Recovery-Outside/dp/1516985966/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458080285&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=the+fall+kathi+bartl
Kathleen Bartl
kbartl8459@gmail.com
Thanks once again, Mina, for your in-site and your good message… I understand much of what Gina Abbott says above. After all, tomorrow (Dec 2) is the three year anniversary of my own horse accident. I was hoping my mild contusion might get better faster but no way. In fact, the symptoms got even worse after back surgery this summer. I think the anesthetic must have added to it all. Loss, grief, depression, misunderstanding, and depending on my wife to pay the bills all takes its toll. But it is good to hear that Mina has improved some over the years…
Oh, and my wife and I have a code phrase we often use: “Too hard of a question.” Then we know the brain just isn’t processing very well and there can’t be any more stimulation.
Thank you so much for this website! I have added your link to the link directory I have at AVMalformation.Org, an information directory for Arteriovenous Malformation, in the “Related Illnesses” category. I hope you don’t mind, but I just wanted to let you know, in case you did not want your site there, or wanted any change in the descriptions.
Thank you for sharing my web site in your link directory. I appreciate getting the exposure. My goal is to educate and provide support to others who have been affected by brain injury.
I am so sorry Gina! Yes, you are worth it and yes you are working as hard as you can. How long ago was this? Your brain takes a while to heal.Please try not to fall into depression becasue I believe it will make symptoms worse. I am 26 yrs post accident. It took literally YEARS of trial and error, and experiences to help me. I had therapy up to a point. But there are residual effects that I carry with me everyday. I have a facebook page, if you are on there, I’ll look you up if you don’t mind. ((HUGS)) Gina!
Unfortunately even our loved ones do not always get it when it comes to a brain injury. I think they need to be educated on what to expect from someone with TBI. I think http://www.tbiguide.com/index.html is a good resource as are others found on my site under “About TBI”. Are you still getting treatment?