Steve Thomas: Rebuilding More Than My Brain
Can you share about the brain injury event itself?
October 10th, 2024. Car accident that caused a skull fracture and brain bleed. My right eye is also partially detached.
How did you feel during the first days, weeks, or months after the injury?
It felt like I had to relearn things I learned when I was an infant. I was dealing with balance issues, memory issues, and emotional issues. I was also sensitive to sound and light.
What kind of rehabilitation therapies or treatment have been most helpful through the process of recovery?
I had a short experience with physical therapy and occupational therapy. Afterwards, I just have been doing stretching exercises and physical exercises. I got a pair of migraine glasses to help with light sensitivity like with screens and stuff. I also practice yoga from Isha Foundation/Sadhguru and I think that the yoga did the most help for me. I feel like a better human being now. I also take meds for my mental health, go to therapy, attend social events, and support groups like rageaholics anonymous.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you or your loved one has faced during recovery?
Memory issues and anger issues have been the biggest challenges. I tend to forget what it is I have was going to do within a few seconds of deciding what to do. I forget easily. My anger has also been an issue. I just have gotten angry easily over the tiniest of things. I also have partial retina detachment which gives me double vision. I also have to tell people to turn down music and I have to avoid super loud sounds sometimes as that gives me headaches.
How has your life changed since the brain injury?
I now get money while not needing to work. I don't drive so people give me rides to places. I steer clear of loud and overwhelming stuff. I had to relearn everything but I think the brain injury helped transform me to be a better human being overall.
What role has support from family, friends, or community played in your journey?
Friends and family give me rides to places. My grandmother is my money handler for disability checks. My aunt just helps me out around the house mainly in the kitchen.
Have there been any moments of breakthrough or unexpected positives along the way?
I think me having the traumatic brain injury propelled me to live a healthy more beneficial life. I take care of myself a whole lot more now and I learned so much about myself. I don't need a job to have money either which gave me more free time with doing things I wanted and/or needed to do.
What has surprised you about this journey with brain injury?
How I felt like I had to relearn to do things that I would've needed to learn as an infant and little kid. Also, I was surprised on how fast I have recovered and how well I am doing now do to my own treatment I am giving myself.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of this journey?
It's going to take some time and there are support groups to help out.
What does "hope" mean to you?
Hope means trusting in the process even though you don't know what the future will look like.
If you could share one encouraging message with someone living with brain injury or their loved one, what would it be?
It takes time but it will get better. You are not alone at all. You have support for you always and no matter what there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
