There are 1.4 million reported cases of TBI each year in the U.S. This number doesn't included the tens of thousands of people who have stokes on a yearly basis or the numbers of people who are never diagnosed. These numbers are just to high to imagine and would be considered an epidemic if this was classified as a disease. I don't know about the rest of you, but these number really make me angry. As a person with a brain injury, Iweep for the families who face the challenges thrust upon them and the many trials that they will be facing in the days to come. It is my purpose here, to help make their lives a little easier and shed some light on what to expect in the future. I have asked my friends,doctors, therapist,lawyers and family for their input and post, so that we may all spread the word.I ask that all those involved be open and honest so that we may share our real world experience with our new friends that need it most.
Thanks
DeWayne
My ABC'S of Brain Injury
A.- The first and most important thing to be done is to make an assessment of the situation.In most cases this will have to be done by a loved one or caregiver if the injured person cannot actively participate.
Everything will have to be considered. Rehab, Living arrangements, fianances, care and feeding, work are among the few. Knowledge of what is happening and what has to be done is the most important thing at the beginning. Ask questions of everyone and read everything you can get your hands on to educate yourself. This knowledge is the power you and your family will need to make the best recovery possible.
B.- Now that you have educate yourself, it's time to go to work.The first thing to do is organize. Get a good calendar with plenty of room to write. Write down all important appointments and task to be completed.In the early days after TBI, this calendar will be full. The best recovery time is in the first 2years after the accident, so don't waste your time. Push hard now to recover and you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life. Collect business card of every person you come into contact with. You will definitly need this imformation at a later date. Remember, the better your oragnization early on will make your life easier later and push hard now in rehab to make your life the best it possibly can be.
C.- I have found out that one of the most important things to do after a brain injury is to get a LAWYER. I don't mean just any lawyer either. Do some research and get the best possible LAWYER you can get. In the months and years following a brain injury, you will undoubtably have to deal with some kind of insurance company.Insauance companies are in the business to make money, not spend it. The less they can spend on a patient the better for them, but not for you. You want the best medical care you can possible get. Remember this, a brain injury can affect the rest of your life and you do not want to face insurance companies alone. There are lawyers that specialize in all areas, worker comp, personal injury, social security and so on that are train to help you and can do so with out any money up front. You may be entitled to compensation for the rest of you life and you cannot afford to take that risk. So please, if you don't do anything else, get a good LAWYER as soon as possible.
I hope these tips help who need a hand. There are many more things to consider about brain injury, but you will learn that as you get educated in this area. These are the ones that helped us most and wish we had knew sooner.
Dewayne
Games are always good for the brain
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