Living with Traumatic Brain Injury

On Feb 19th 2005 (9 days out of the Navy), my son Dylan was critically injured in a motorcycle accident (no helmet) where a majority of his injuries were sustained as he lay in a concrete canal at the end of my driveway in a blindspot. Dylan suffered a TBI due to bleeding and swelling. He has received surgery to remove damaged parts of his brain. He also suffered an SCI [spinal cord injury] and has had major back surgery. My son does not walk~his legs are contracted. Dylan has had several surgeries and procedures to try to correct. He is hypersensitive from his waist down and seems to be in pain almost always. He is extremely sensitive to any light. He appears to have migraines and consistent pain in his eyes.

Dylan no longer needs his feeding tube. He eats food by himself~with observation, of course. I still administer meds through the feeding tube.

Dylan is in diapers.

Dylan gets frustrated because he wants to walk. He hates the Hoyer lift and refuses to use it. He would rather squirm his way into his wheelchair. Very Stubborn!

Dylan has good/bad days. The GOOD ones make the BAD ones not so bad!

Dylan does attempt to talk. He says, mama,mom,no and you pretty clear. He points and nods his head yes/no~but not consistent!

Dylan wries things on paper in Cursive! He smiles, looks at photos and magazines and recognizes people and places. he gets around pretty good in his wheelchair. He is getting better slowly! Have patience! I have found it~never had it before.

This will be a long road~but so rewarding at times! I love my son very much!!!

Dylan’s brain is broken~Not his Heart!!!

Be positive~Have hope!