Dagmar Hauk: Holding On Through It All
Can you share about the brain injury event itself?
I experienced multiple brain injuries from childhood through age 45. The most severe occurred during a motorbike accident in my mid-30s, which eventually led to spinal fusion surgery at age 43. Three weeks after that surgery, I suffered another whiplash injury in a car accident, which was life-threatening.
How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?
I experienced nausea, vertigo, dizziness, neck and head pain, and difficulty with vision, focus, hearing, and speaking. I also faced extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, POTS, hypotonia, nightmares, and panic attacks.
What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?
I received very limited treatment through health insurance and had few financial resources to pursue private care. Therapies that helped me included craniosacral therapy, applied kinesiology, a carnivore keto nutrition approach, movement therapies, and sports.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you or your loved one has faced during recovery?
I lived with severe, ongoing pain for years. I was socially and financially devastated, with little support and no clear path forward. I faced disbelief from others and ongoing battles with insurance. I also endured years of nightmares and almost no sleep. Additionally, my fiancé was involved in the car accident after my surgery, which placed significant strain on our relationship.
If there have been setbacks or repeated injuries, describe that journey:
I experienced multiple concussions throughout my life: at 6 months old, age 5 (bike accident), ages 13 and 35 (horse-related), age 32 (motorbike accident as a passenger), age 43 (car accident as a passenger), and age 45 (bike accident).
How has your life changed since the brain injury?
I have often been unemployed, constantly fighting for financial stability and survival. My energy is limited, and I no longer feel like myself - life has often felt like pure survival, with little understanding from others.
What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?
I received hardly any support - on the contrary, I often felt unsupported or challenged by those around me.
What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?
Recently, I inherited some money after my parents passed away, which has finally allowed me to access therapy and care.
What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?
Nothing really.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?
I wish I had known never to attend a doctor’s appointment without strong legal support.
What does "hope" mean to you?
Hope means not giving up until the very end and staying connected to God and to myself.
If you could share one encouraging message with another survivor or family, what would it be?
Trust yourself. Trust in God. Every step counts - just keep going.
