There are just a few things I can remember without help from ‘loved-ones’ that were always by my side throughout this tragedy….and I say tragedy, because NO other word can describe what I went through. This accident happened less than 6 weeks from Graduation ceremonies of the Marshall School of Business….my future looked extremely bright and hopeful. I had been at the ‘top of my game’. Effectively dealing with this Traumatic Brain Injury accident has taken A VERY large amount of patience.
At first I had NO idea what had happened to me, or what I had been through. Believe it or not, I just knew how rigorous the coursework was at the University of Southern California, so I just knew that I had some ‘paper’ or ‘project’ that needed to be submitted for a grade. But I did couldn’t remember a single thing. I still have some memory issues but they are remedying themselves, in due time
Because I was comatose for a lengthy amount of time your brain chooses to ‘shut down’, not remembering the pain you had to go through. This act is referred to as Post Traumatic Amnesia. I was unable to remember absolutely anything, almost 6-8 months prior to the accident.
My Physical State had diminished substantially. I weighed 192 pounds at 5′ 7″ inches, with a pretty athletic stature before being Hospitalized for 3 months, at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Hospital in Downey, CA.
When I was ready to be discharged from that Hospital I weighed just 127 pounds. All of the muscle building that I had done prior to this accident, sustained me, and gave me the ability to remain living.
- Unable to walk….forced to use a wheelchair. ALWAYS feeling like an inconvenience
- Was happy to be home, missed my own bed, Took me 25 minutes to go up 17 stairs to my Bedroom w/ my Brother behind me, pushing me ‘UP’ the stairs for security.
- Had to urinate inside a plastic container….because I was UNABLE to visit the restroom, myself. I used to ‘nick-name’ it…..’my little cocktail’.
- Someone always had to be with me 24 hours a day, so I wouldn’t injure myself.
- Had to wear adult diapers in the hospital and at home, initially .
- Every 3 days had to have my Mother give me a shower, while I sat down in a ‘shower-chair’, because I was unable to stand.
- Had to be ‘toweled-off’.
- Had to be dressed
survivalpt 
Im so proud that you started a blog! Keep writing every day, yours is a story that needs to be told!
Agree with you 150%…Am wondering how I change the message to cover the related topic of HELMET ADVOCACY. I’ll talk to you more about this probably tomorrow, or later in the week.
Jack…….I have to be honest w/ you, Iv’e been kinda slacking off at posting my ‘blog updates’. I will try to do better, in the future.