What I Wish I Knew During My Initial Recovery

There are so many things I wished someone would have given me a heads up on during recovery. Things to watch out for and symptoms to be concerned about, and what foods to eat that are good for the brain and that radiation poisoning is a thing... and we could go on and on! Instead, here's my "top ten" list of things I wish I would have known throughout the first couple of years of recovery.

1. your everyday life will change. You won't be prepared for it and it will be frustrating, but your brain will start to build new pathways and you'll be able to return to "everyday" tasks soon.

2. Brain fatigue is a real thing. You will be tired from going grocery shopping, your eyes will be strained after 20 minutes of screen time; going out to eat with friends or going to a concert will be overbearing right now. Learn to listen to your brain when it hurts- and understand that sometimes the best thing you can do in these moments in allow your brain to rest.

3. You can and will go to college (if you want to)... but understand that it might take you a little longer. Don't overload your schedule or take more credits than you can handle in a semester.

4. It's more common than not for closed head injury survivors to form epilepsy or seizure disorders. Be able to recognize the symptoms and monitor yourself or your loved one close.

5. You have the right to a second, third, and fourth opinion on your overall healthcare. A neurologist is NOT the same as a neurologist with specialized TBI and Closed Head Injury training. Do your research and try to find one with TBI treatment experience- trust me, it will make the world of difference!

6. Medications ARE NOT always the answer- but if they work for you don't stop taking them cold turkey and make sure you understand the side effects.

7. If you are having vision problems after your injury, see an optometrist!

8. You will lose friendships, relationships, etc. and won't be prepared. It will be hard and challenging and sad but you will find new networks and social circles. Understand that this has NOTHING to do with you, or that it's your fault- you have different priorities than they do.

9. Learn about your gut health and its importance on brain health. Consider a change in your diet that best suits you and your brains' needs.

10. Document your journey. Write it down. Take photographs. Record videos. You will feel like you are making no progress, and then there will come a day- maybe not tomorrow or next week or next month- but someday you'll be able to look back and realize how much progress you made.