Jan Fried

Texas

I had a near fatal accident on January 11, 2003. I was in a COMA for 6 weeks, on a ventilator, and was in the hospital for 4 months. My mother was considering putting me into a home for those with TBI, living with my parents, or trying to regain my life. After having a shunt put on my head to relieve the pressure of the fluid in my skull, (I was still comatose), my recovery became more apparent.

I really don't know what to say, but I am a very determined individual and recovered enough to go back to work as a n aircraft dispatcher for Continental Airlines. That job is very safety oriented and called the "Captain on the Ground". The people at rehab didn't think that I could or should go back to work, but they also didn't take into account my personality and drive, or love of my work.

All I can say is I think a person's personality and determination are very important aspects of recovery. Don't ever give up on a person with TBI, but realize they are a different person, if only slightly, from the one you knew.