35yrs living with TBI undiagnosed until 2021.

[Jamesthecat]

My whole life I have suffered with behavioural issues , impulsiveness, erratic risky behaviour, emotional problems and bipolar/anger issues... I fell 3 stories out of a flat window at 16months old and hit my head severely as well as breaking both my legs. I was lucky to survive at all , I was given scans but at the time medical science wasn't what it is now and was discharged after a few weeks. My whole life has been a utter mess! I have done it all full circle! Then my mum tells me recently about the accident, I trace it to the local paper back in 84 and not I'm awaiting an assessment by a neurophysiologist as they already know I have brain lesions on my frontal lobe . Anyone got any advice ?

[cat3]

I can only guess at the misery this has caused you throughout your life James. And where advice is concerned I'm guessing you have more experience than I do in dealing with the long term consequences of a brain injury.

Maybe you've struggled all these years believing that your erratic moods and behaviours were of a psychological or psychiatric origin whilst, I guess, living in state of confusion and helplessness ?

What you need now is confirmation that all your issues have resulted from the brain injury, and to learn coping strategies which may be quite different from what you've been used to.

Firstly, phone the Headway helpline during office hours on :-

0808 800 2244 (freephone & during office hours)

They can provide support and advice as well as printouts on the facts of traumatic brain injury and its long-term effects and management.

What has helped me most over the past 10 years is talking and sharing experiences with people here on this forum. Do phone the helpline ; they're a friendly, down to earth team. And stay in touch on this forum ; I've made lifelong friends here .....

See you again soon James, Cat x

[Hidden]

That’s shocking, Jamesthecat - how awful for you to have gone through life not knowing about your accident and the subsequent consequences.

Definitely, as Cat advises, I would contact the Headway helpline. Their advice and information should help you. Each brain injury is different and can affect people both emotionally and physically in different ways.

I wish you all the best 👍🙂