Melissa "Missy"

In 1986, I was involved in an MVA. I was 17 at that time. . As me and my boyfriend (then) was going around a curve , an on-coming car was on our side of the road. He swerved to miss it and the truck we were in rolled over an embankment 3 times. I was not wearing a seatbelt, which if I had been, it wrould have killed me. (However, that is no excuse not to wear one now!) I was pulled from the truck (by whom I'm not sure)and was unconscious. An ambulance (driven by my uncle) took me to the hosp. There I almost died. I had a brain-stem injury, w/ damage done to the frontal and temporal, and I think occipital lobe also (contra-coup effect). Also had 2 -3 broken ribs, broken clavicle, broken pelvis lacerated spleen, and part of 1 lung had deflated.

I was to be air-lifted to another hosp., but the fog was to thick so I was taken by ambulance. I don't remember much of the first month, except seeing doctors and nurses, and family and friends. I don't think I was "with it" enough to wonder why I was there. I start remembering when I was in a skilled rehab facility. And for a while, I was silent.wouldn't talk for anybody. But would whisper real low. Didn't like the phone, because there was a "noise" I could hear. Like when you listen inside a seashell. You here the waves. Anyway, it bothered me. My hearing was tested, it was sorta diminished in one ear, but not like I was saying. Also there was a tremendous overwhelming feeling of depression. I was right-handed before the accidentnow my whole right side of my body was very weak!!! I depended on my appearance to help shape my self-esteem. At this point tho, that diminished! Another downside was that I love to sing. I was in several different choir's at school, and now I didn't have that!!! When I finally got with the program, I was depressed. Didn't want to be in that rehab, away from friends, boyfriend, family, church, etc. Didn't really ask to go home either. I just accepted "as is". I didn't want to be with other TBI- reminded me of what I had to deal with. Reality was there. So, I had OT, PT, and Speech and phychological services. Anyway, I was released from the Rehab in March of 1997. Graduated high school in May 1997, and went to a community college in August of 1987.

During the summer I attended another rehab "group therapy" sessions, some PT and OT also. Didn't really like it there either. Not really denial, just didn't want to be there!However, I leatned alot!

I went on to college, taking a full load of classes. It was alright, I was able to stay at homecomfort zone. But they were getting "too" close for comfort. So in the fall, I decided to go off to college (EKU) the fall of 99. It was difficult and I began having migraines. Managing my own time, homework, and a social life, was very hard. But as time went by, I got my ducks in a row. THen came internship.that was a disaster!!! I ended up withdrawing from school and now I am happily marrried, have a daughter. I had to apply for disabiltiy. And really wouldn't give it up for nothing. I earned it, and it gives me a chance to be with my loved ones!

I had a tough time of things, and have made some really bone-headed decisions! So, I can understand and relate to these stories. Here I am God, please use me!

Email Melissa

Visit My Message Board

Visit My Calendar

This RingSurf tbihome.org Net Ring
owned by Melissa "Missy".
[Join Us-Next-List Sites]