I'm 42 now, had my brain injury when I was 3 years old. Only accepted my brain injury as a part of me, 3 years ago.

[mandy1972]

My parents brought me up as any other child. I had 1 older brother and 1 younger. I had no extra help at school or anything. All my school exams suffered, did well in everything else apart from exams. Teachers said "Mandy must concentrate in class, and ask more if she needs help". I suffered "Post Traumatic Epilepsy" from age 5 till 14.

On leaving school, I still didn't open up and let people know. Think I thought I was "normal", like everyone else. I went from job to job, and still hiding everything. I struggled throughout my teenage years, twenties, thirties.

It wasn't until my late thirties, I met someone and I moved away from all my securities, (my family). I decided to take a long hard look in the mirror, and do something for me for a change. I decided to try and go back to college, enrolled on a Business & Admin course, only to find I couldn't remember what I had been told the week previous.

I decided to go to the doctors, and find out why. Think I knew why, just wanted confirmation of it. The doctor put me in contact with a OT, who helped me put strategies in place. I was really emotional the first couple of times the OT came to see me, but managed to get through this eventually. My OT came out every week for about 3 months, then got referred to Momentum Skills, Newcastle. These helped me realise that I can still do things, and concentrate on things I can do, rather than things I can't do. I had a job coach at Momentum, who also assisted me with my CV. I managed to get 2 work experiences to work alongside each other. Then I managed to get a paid job, because my job-seekers was stopping, and I needed a paid job. I managed to get a mobile care job, to which I gained my Social Care Diploma Level 2, and also gained Apprenticeship of The Year 2013-14, in Social Care Diploma Level 2.

So anybody reading this PLEASE DON'T GIVE IN ON YOURSELF, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!.

[iforget]

Hi Mandy ... Thanks for sharing your story and Huge Congrats on your successes. It is always great to hear how someone has overcome difficulties to reach their goal.

[mandy1972 in reply to iforget]

There is life after brain injury. I'm living proof. I feel so proud of what I have achieved, and will continue to do so. It is great to hear people overcoming their difficulties, it wasn't easy to begin with, but you have to stick with it and don't give in. Also you have to believe in yourself. You can still achieve little things. I set myself little goals to begin with, then increased my goals week by week. I don't set myself unrealistic goals though, you have got to be able to achieve them.

[Hidden]

Welcome aboard and thank you for such an encouraging story. I hope things continue to improve for you.

[mandy1972]

Thank you, it's good to be on board and I hope people get something from my life. Things will continue to improve, because I now do believe in myself.

[cat3]

Well done Mandy for taking control of your life after being held back for so long.

What a courageous and determined lady you are and what a pleasure it is to meet you. Lovely photo by the way ! x

[mandy1972 in reply to cat3]

It hasn't been easy believe me, I was held back for so long. I had other problems facing me as well as the head injury. I feel absolutely great now, got my fighting spirit back. I face everything head on now, I knock walls down to get there.

It's lovely to meet you also. xx

[aqua4]

Hi Mandy, thanks for sharing your story. Wow, so inspiring.K

[mandy1972 in reply to aqua4]

Your very welcome, it hasn't been easy believe me. I have had other problems facing me also, that I had to face.

I faced all my problems one by one and knocked down all down. If you believe in yourself you will get there. x

[Broken_Doll]

Thank you Mandy ou give me hope !

I am still very early at six months post TBI unfortunately I wasn't blessed with the art of patience but maybe I can use this to my advantage once the negative component is controlled

What I'm trying to say is that used positively I can be resilient and not give up my dreams if you didn't already know I was due to commence university this year and my accident put the kybosh on it

For now anyway ! My neuro and gp have said I will still achieve my dreams but I'm not sure whether they are just trying to pacify me

Urgh sorry for the ramblings ! Thank you

Emma x

[mandy1972 in reply to Broken_Doll]

Emma, don't give up your dreams, i'm living proof of achieving qualifications after brain injury, i'm a care assistant and love my job. I still do forget things, but don't give myself a hard time anymore. What i say, is there is worse people off than me. You will still can achieve your dreams if you still want, do try. xx

[Nutkin33]

Well done. You have done so well. I also believe the brain never stops healing, however slowly!

[mandy1972 in reply to Nutkin33]

Thank you Nutkin, it wasn't easy, but I never give in once I started rehabilitation. I am a fighter now, and will continue to achieve new things. xx

[Nutkin33 in reply to mandy1972]

Yes, I can recognize that we are two of a kind! Xx