Another Fork in the Road

There are many dire symptoms of brain injury including cognitive dysfunction. That simply means problems with what I like to call the "thinking brain." It's the part of the brain that allows one to think, comprehend, and make valid decisions based on the input received. When the brain is cognitevely damaged, its affects so many parts of daily living.  My panel, survivors Deb Brandon, Lisa Dryer, and I will discuss the repercussions of cognitive dysfunction and how to live with it. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: donnafigurski.com  Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

We all complain about being tired or exhausted every now and then. It happens. Life gets way too busy. Deadlines loom. But when a person with a brain injury complains about being tired or exhausted, they are talking about a completely different level of exhaustion. That exhaustion is called fatigue and can leave one debilitated. It can leave one in a state of not being able to function at all. Survivor, Deb Brandon and I will discuss this little understood problem and hope we can shed some light on the matter.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: donnafigurski.com  Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale

Kayce Stevens Hughlett wears many hats. She is a psychotherapist, life coach, author, spiritual director, and speaker. Kayce is also a soulful and adventurous woman who is the author of “SoulStroller: experiencing the weight, whispers, & wings of the world,” and other books. Kayce’s memoir leads the reader not only through her adventures in France, Ireland, and Egypt, but also through the recesses of her mind.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Carrie Collins-Fadell, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ), will be my guest. The goal of the BIAAZ is to reach out and offer help to survivors of brain injury and their caregivers; family, and friends throughout Arizona. They sponsor many events such as Run, Walk, and Roll, a 5K and 10K event; Camp Can Do, a long weekend camping event; and the Rays of Hope conferences, which recently took place. I was delighted to be a speaker at that conference.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Most people look forward to holidays and special days because they are fun. It often means getting together with family and friends for jolly times. I'm not only talking about the BIG holidays in the month of December, but specific specila days like birthdays, aanniversaries, or graduations. I'm referring to any time folks gather together to celebrate some special occasion. For survivors of brain injury, these days can be painful for any number of reasons. Tune in to hear what my panelists think about special days.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

A freak accident in her home caused a brain injury for life for Su Meck. Su Meck, a recent graduate from Smith College is also the author of “I Forgot to Remember: A Memoir of Amnesia.” I wonder how many survivors here can relate? Read Su’s “Survivors SPEAK OUT! Interview. https://survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com/2018/09/12/survivors-speak-out-su-meck/   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

There are support groups for just about everything. Do you think survivors of brain injury should join a support group? What about their caregivers? Can support groups help caregivers too? What is the best kind of support group? Is a local, in-person group best for you? Or, do you prefer staying at home and chatting with survivors or caregivers on social media support groups? No support group is a one size fits all, sp pick and choose the one that best suits your needs. Listen to Jeannette Davidson-Mayer, (caregiver) and Deb Brandon, (survivor) and me, Donna O'Donnell Figurski, (caregiver) discuss the many different facets of support groups.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale   Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Courtney Clark was fighting a diagnosis of cancer when her doctor found an arteriovenous malformation in her brain. An AVM, a tangled mass of blood vessels is congenital, meaning that it is present at birth. It is likened to a time bomb and can rupture at any time. Courtney immediately found the best surgeon in the US and set off for New York City. In tonight's show, Courtney will talk about her experience and how she became a motivational speaker to help other folks. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites: Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

When the brain is deprived of oxygen for four minutes or longer, brain injury can occur. This is called, anoxic brain injury. There are four types of anoxic brain injury - Anoxic Anemia, Anoxic Anoxia, Toxic Anoxia, and Stagnant Anoxia. This show will delve into both Anoxic Anemia and Toxic Anoxia. Guests, brain injury survivors, Shelley Taylor and her daughter Taylor Trammell, will talk about anoxic anemia and Barbara Asby will discuss toxic anoxia. Please come hear their amazing stories of survival.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs and websites: Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Jason was in the wrong place at the wrong time and it changed his life forever. Jason's positive attitude and the help of his loving parents, Sheria and Darryl help him to face his challenges and move forward in life.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com