I suffer mega fatigue, crap balance, confusion etc, following brain surgery. I rarely go out alone, but thought I would take the dogs a short walk.
I met a lady who wanted to chat (socially distanced). I avoid talking to anyone if I can, as I talk rubbish some of the time, can’t find the right words etc.
I kept asking the lady to repeat herself, and even then it didn’t compute. I hadn’t the energy to explain about BI. I scurried away as soon as I could, embarrassed. Dread to think what she thought.
I think there is a yellow card you can get, on a lanyard. It indicates you have hidden disability. Hope that makes sense. If anyone has info I would be really grateful.
TIA x
Written by
Bellemare
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Have a look at the Headway website as you can apply for a Headway brain injury I.D. card. It explains a bit about your difficulties on it and is really useful. I have used it in banks, opticians etc. Last year I got stranded at Waterloo station when I got confused about train times. The station was shutting down for the night. I couldn't explain everything to the police community support officers, but I showed them the card, they spoke to Network Rail and Network Rail paid for a taxi to get me back to the West country! This was amazing.
Do check it out. I take my card everywhere I go. I became unwell with cognitive and physical fatigue in Tesco's recently. I couldn't speak properly. I showed my card to a staff member and they were very helpful.
Good morning Bellemare, maybe the lady was lonely and looking for someone to talk too. Maybe she has a hidden disability, I am sure she was delighted just because you stopped and listened to her, even though you found it difficult to understand what she was saying. I am sure a card on your person is an opening for conversation with people you meet. Sometimes it will help others understand more about head injuries. God Bless You and have a good day as it’s sunny and warm. Love Liz x🌹🙏
Headway have an ID card that explains, but this is more for officials who would take time to read it. You can get a sunflower lanyard that generally shows you have a hidden disability. Before I got the lanyard and the headway card, I did make a laminated yellow card (yellow, haven't got a clue why), but the had the had a simple message, "I have brain damage, sorry if I become distressed". I made it business card size, and double sided so I didn't have to think when I used it. You could have a card that just say, "I have a brain injury, and find it difficult to communicate".
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So I had some councilling...
Help about driving again after TBI-who do we contact etc?
Do I open up? 
