If you are dealing with brain injury you spend many days just standing at the crossroads in life, and wondering which way to go! It’s not easy when families walk away, friends leave, and your pet(s) stays! Traumatic brain injury affects the entire family system including the animals. Pet therapy and their unconditional love help patients and families cope throughout this difficult journey. It’s priceless. Animals are consistently the most therapeutic in this lengthy rehabilitation process for these special families. This unimaginable journey is affected in every aspect of life: physiologically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Families walk away, friends leave, and animals stay.
Poor judgment is only one issue of this complex injury. In this video one can see that even the dog’s health was jeopardized. After this dog suffered two months of daily ongoing illness and near death he was finally rescued and saved when he could no longer respond. His emergency surgery revealed a peach pit lodged for the duration of time he first became ill. Because of poor judgment, a TBI survivor, also a healthcare professional did not reach out for help but the dog clung to life and that alone is a miracle. This healthcare professional fed the peach pit to her favorite companion and never thought through the ramifications of such an act. Neither did one recall until the life-saving surgical procedure was over and the discovery of the peach pit.
Since the family purchased a case of peaches and was out-of-town with the dog at the initial onset of his illness it was easy to trace cause and effect. Three-out-of-four members in this family have endured TBI to varying degrees all from separate events. Unfortunately, the healthcare professional is still the backbone of this family and most rely on the professional to have it together. What about all the things that we never know about that are happening in the daily lives of TBI survivors and families? You are clueless, unless you’ve been there. It’s not something you can study or read in a book and understand.
One should ask: If poor judgment is only one symptom and no proper interventions occurred by this health care professional over a two-month period of time who is policing healthcare professionals returning to work in a clinical setting after traumatic brain injury?
This TBI survivor was post injury 16 years at time of this incident with the dog. Apparently this survivor was still oblivious assessing changes in health status for one’s own pet. With this thought we should ask ourselves: Is it safe for healthcare professionals to return to clinical practice? And when? Is it possible to monitor these professionals in a healthcare setting? Or would it be safer to find other opportunities that do not jeopardize patient health and safety?
This is only one example of poor judgment. In this specific situation the financial obligation exceeded $4,000.00 in surgery and vet bills not to mention emotional impact on this family. Had this dog died his life would have been cut short without knowing the cause of death. This dog was so loved he clung to life and again prayers were answered. Another miracle that his life was spared!
Let’s ask ourselves again: How costly is a traumatic brain injury to the family? It’s immeasurable, intangible, and unreachable … especially with the lack of proper diagnosis, lack of treatment, lack of rehabilitation, lack of education, and simply overall lack understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The video is intentionally in subtle black and white…with a lot of gray areas! That’s the best way survivors of TBI can get through the daily living. There are several messages in this video clip. Some hidden, some obvious. Enjoy my first creation of video clip. (3 min. 38 seconds).
Sing-a-long!
Feed Jake lyrics by Pirates of Mississippi
I’m standing at the crossroads in life, and I don’t know where to go You know you’ve got my heart babe but my music’s got my soul Let me play it one more time, I’ll tell the truth and make it rhyme And hope they understand me
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I die before I wake, feed Jake, he’s been a good dog My best friend right through it all, if I die before I wake, feed Jake
Now Broadway’s like a sewer, bums and hookers everywhere Whino’s passed out on the side walk, doesn’t anybody care Some say he’s worthless, just let him be But I for one would have to disagree and so would their mama [. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/p/pirates-of-the-mississippi-lyrics/feed-jake-lyrics.html .]
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I die before I wake, feed Jake, he’s been a good dog My best friend right through it all, if I die before I wake, feed Jake
If you get an ear pierced, some will call you gay But if you drive a pick-up, they’ll say, “No, he must be straight” What we are and what we ain’t, what we can and what we can’t Does it really matter?
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep If I die before I wake, feed Jake, he’s been a good dog My best friend right through it all, if I die before I wake, feed Jake.
You can also view or share this video if you click on this link to you-tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mU7mpkbvHA&feature=channel
braininjuryselfrehabilitation 
Maria Tatham
March 23, 2012 at 8:25 am
I loved this, Edie! It was great to see you and your family, and the doggie who survived an unintended encounter with poor judgment. He takes a great picture — how sweet, and how important!
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 23, 2012 at 10:29 am
I hope this demonstrates the level of poor judgment that occurs. Unmentioned so far, is that 2 days prior this this surgery I was diagnosed as “malingering”…what a sick healthcare system and professionals we have! We all wish that is all it was. Healthcare professionals should be held accountable for these types of false allegations…because these written impressions/opinions stay on record and I don’t have the energy to chase after this stuff. This is my way of getting our message out there for TBI, Spinal Cord Injury and Chronic Illnesses. Maybe letters to all involved might be the answer…and I’m thinking about doing that. Any suggestions?
Maria Tatham
March 23, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Wow, Edie! I’m sorry. The word they used is one that should not appear on your chart.
About letting people know that they’ve done wrong in doing this: pray and then confront those who recorded this about you. This note in your chart could color the impressions other health care providers get about you. This isn’t good. What does your husband think should be done? I read this to my Tom and he said ‘confront them with this.’ By this he means in person, not by mail. But perhaps this would be difficult for you. We will pray.
Maria
(P.S. You would have been proud of me today. The doctor’s assistant put dilating drops in my eyes this morning. After 15 minutes my pupils were not dilated enough. The doctor said he would use another medicine. I asked him, “Is this really necessary?” His assistant checked the time of my first dosing. He then responded, “Yes.” I felt better about this second dosing because of asking if it was necessary.)
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 23, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Thank you Maria for the encouraging words. I will need to make a list of people I need to confront. I don’t know which has been more traumatic for my family, the injury or this labeling and false allegations! I just know I need to be out here to help other TBI survivors from falling into this same trap … it happens too often, instead of providing the proper treatment. All I can say, if one has a TBI they need to pray!
Great that you questioned your doctor! He at least had to think twice, simply because you questioned it. Congratulations!
Laurie FourPaws
April 19, 2012 at 6:10 pm
The head of a Brain Injury rehab. program nearly ruined my work comp claims and social security by making false claims in my record I was writing at the 4-5grade level at the time and recognizes This Dr. had some kind of serious problem. This Dr. told my Neuropsychologist he would support any of my legal claims. I was in shock when I read his very poorly written excuse for an evaluation opinion. Anger and tears were overwhelming. Now what was I to do 7 years of legal battles will now be lost, my lost wages would never be returned and I would not be able to take a disability retirement. I knew I was dying trying to keep with my job the school would not allow me to go to a half time schedule. I was devastated and betrayed by An MD and head of a tbi program. I had a useless jerk of an appointed Union Attorney who when I told him about this simply said you should have never gone back to work. You will be out of Luck. This was the last straw, I thought I was breaking and going to broke forever. Fortunately a good friend called a lawyer friend who advised me how I could prevent the release of the report. I then contacted the state asking for more choices of MD’s
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
April 21, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Worker’s compensation is a horrific system…broken to pieces and ready to blame the injured. I was without pay from 1991-2003, and not retroactive. Legal advice wasn’t helpful. I will add to this at a later post as well. It’s great to get your feedback, but sad that others are experiencing and will continue to experience the same things if we don’t try to educate and help others. We still have power with brain injuries.
Big Mike's World
March 23, 2012 at 12:21 pm
That was an awesome video!
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 23, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Thank you. I’m happy you appreciated the video.
zk
March 23, 2012 at 4:19 pm
As far as health system assisting/policing their own people, a little hard when the health professional’s response to one of their own is “how can you have a TBI ? – your a paramedic!”
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 23, 2012 at 5:52 pm
Very sick and I’m sorry to hear that, but NOT surprised. Have you received any treatment? What would have made your experiences better? How do you suggest we educate them regarding TBIs?
Kathy
March 23, 2012 at 9:27 pm
Edie, Let’s not forget, that the people who put those lies in your chart are the same ones who tried to end your life! Are you sure you would want to confront them! Personally, I don’t think you need to waste any more time on them. Too many doctors so wanted to see you dead rather than help you. My dearest friend, I would rather spend the time with you laughing, joking and enjoying life to the fullest within our limitations. Put your precious time into this blog which is helping sooo many people. I love you.
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 23, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Kathy, I guess I try to stay focused and remain optimistic without reflecting on what transpired. I haven’t addressed those issues yet…you have the advantage of knowing all that was happening. Guess what, I LIVED and as I told you I will not die by anyone’s hands except for God… and I didn’t! It’s simply another way we know the power of prayer works. Others do not know how sickening this gets, they only know what they have read so far. I will address all these issues. If I can prevent these things from happening to others I will. We also have the advantage as healthcare professionals to know what is going on inside the healthcare system. It’s Unimaginable!
brokenbrilliant
March 30, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Great video! I love the song, too. It is very frustrating and absolutely confounding, to deal with the healthcare system, and to have so little support and understanding. I just don’t know how it can change. As for confronting people, are you sure it’s worth the effort? You have to do what you have to do, of course, but I say, save your energy for the things that are waiting and available for change. Just sayin’
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
March 31, 2012 at 7:03 am
Happy you enjoyed the video and song. The healthcare system is so fragmented and difficult to be in. Think about how easy life was before we were all tragically at the mercy of this system. At a time when we’re at our worse, but need to be at our best to figure it out. That alone doesn’t make sense. Confronting one or two professionals wouldn’t be hard, but in my case we are talking about too many! Most people don’t realize how serious and how many healthcare professionals do these things, but they are learning and suggestions are always welcome. I barely have enough energy to make the needed appointments, so I’m using my energy to help others in this blog and in whatever other way I can.
brokenbrilliant
March 31, 2012 at 7:34 am
And thank you for doing that. It’s important for us all to know that we are not alone.
Laurie FourPaws
April 19, 2012 at 6:26 pm
CONTD. opps hit some key that caused escape. Thank god again, My own Psychiatrist who I started with a few months before my injury due to loss of my relationship. She supported my diagnosis and the state and school system had all her notes anyway. There was no further argument no one could deny I had an injury with longterm consequences. Workers Comp. and my Contract entitlement of withheld assault pay would finally come through now after 6 mor months of waiting. All the legal battles of 8 years would tale me at least 5 pages more to write and I do not want to return to the madness and complete lack of support and discrimination while still attempting
to work. I was kicked while I was down. There are 6-7 file boxes in my attic of legal documentation. On the flip side, all that thinking and writing only served to improve my brain.
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
April 21, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Oh my gosh! This sounds exactly like me. I typed my heart out. It helped since I had no energy to do anything, but I believe it also helped improve my brain functioning. I’d encourage everyone with brain injuries to begin writing in a journal, and advance to typing…especially if you had typing skills prior to injury. It’s quicker and more efficient. This typing helps keep the facts straight, and also connects the dots of situations when you can not retrieve or figure out what is happening. Paper trails are the ways to go. You can later look back and see how far we’ve come.
darlene holtel
April 30, 2012 at 10:08 pm
i am glad there are people that have t.b.i that can help others I am going to join a support group the injury attorneys and drs lied about my condition and they lied stating my husband filed a motion for this to happened there was medical malpractice and embesslement An attorney told me i have a great case because i never sighned a release or receipt because i was under conservatorship i have statutes of limitations that can be lifted He said i need to do a timeline and find out where my million dallors went to my story is to long I am doing horrible My accident happened on 1998 In 2004 the drs found ac joint separation 3 long thoracic severly damaged ect can anybody point me on the right direction is there any services that can help me with my timeline[dates and what happened.I called one insurance co they told me i received 100.000 on my second policy and that my daughter should not receive 10.000 out of the 100.000 she received 10.000 from another insurance co. According to the courts injury attorney and b.o.a they said it came from my second policy when i called the other insurance co they said my injury att wants to talk to me he asked if i was trying to sue him . The good part of this case is i wrote every phone conversations taped conversations faxed letters original court doc before they illegally changed it ect down on a journal they were litterally trying to kill me.again does anyone know if i could find someone to help me put my douments together and help me get information I feel like i live in the past and present i wonder if this is normal
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
April 30, 2012 at 11:48 pm
I have an old injury, but very new to on-line and brain injury associations. I will check further on ways to help you. It sounds as though you’ve kept clear records. It’s not unusual to have documents missing or falsified in either the medical or legal community. I have no idea about financial aspects of compensation and how that works. Those are legal issues. Unfortunately, the attorneys want you to have all the work done for them even before you present it to them. Now how do they think you will be able to achieve that when you have a TBI? It’s crazy, but that’s what is expected of TBI survivors. You need to do everyone else’s work, and it’s the most difficult time in your life. I’m 20 years later, have everything documented…but it’s not organized. I thought I had an attorney working on my case for 9 years, only to find out he did nothing and statute of limitations expired. I moved out-of-state to get help with traumatic brain injury and that’s a drastic and desperate move, but I’m working on it. That only comes as a result after abandonment, extortion, emotional, physical, financial, and sexual abuse from people one trusts. Now, I find the proper support and help.
anneericketts
May 12, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Hi, you are a wonderfully inspirational lady. You have a lot withing your story that I would like to share with others on this website: http://www.boglobalpicnic.org We are a small group of mainly TBI survivors who are trying to make the world a better place for those coming behind us so that what happened to you does not so commonly keep happening to others. Please take a look and contact me if you would like to be involved and to share your messages even further. Thank you so much… Annie