Another Fork in the Road

This show launches a new era for "Another Fork in the Road." Today I will tiptoe onto a new platform, SPREAKER––and jump in with my guest, my friend, and co-author, Deb Brandon.Deb is a survivor of brain injury. I am the caregiver for my husband, David, who had a TBI in January of 2005. And together, Deb and I will discuss how brain injury has affected each of our lives.Hi!   And welcome to the Brain Injury Radio Network. My name is Donna O’Donnell Figurski and I’ll be your host on my show, “Another Fork in the Road.”  “Another Fork in the Road” is for anyone with a brain injury, anyone who is caring for a brain-injured person, or anyone with any interest in learning more about brain injury.On “Another Fork in the Road,” I want to raise awareness of brain injury and to help others to understand what survivors and caregivers experience.I will interview brain injury survivors and caregivers … delving into their journeys . . . to see how they traverse their worlds of brain injury.  I will have guests such as authors, therapists, or medical professionals to tap into their expertise.  I will openly discuss any pertinent topic related to BI—depression, fatigue, anger management, and flooding, to name a few.  I hope that you will find my show fun . . . and informative.  Now, let’s get started...

Welcome to Another Fork in the Road on the Brain Injury Radio Network.

Holidays can be a stressful time of the year for anyone. Many extra responsibilities are thrust upon us. Buying presents, cooking special dinners, entertaining extended family members, and frolicking at office or family parties are some of the things that have to be done with a smile. Holidays may be fun for many, but they can be a huge challenge for those with brain injury who just barely get by in daily life. Let's find out how folks deal with the holidays. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

I'm going to try again. This will be the fourth attempt to chat with survivor, Rob Baugh on my show. For the past three months, we have run into technical difficulties in the studio. Hope tonight will be successful. Please join us.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com 
Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  
Donna's Blog:                                                                   donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Let's talk about IT! Panelists, Deb Brandon, Gail Waitkun, Dawn Corbelli, and Kelly Tuttle join me to talk about brain injury and all that it entails.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com 
Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  
Donna's Blog:                                                                   donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Guest- Survivor, Rob Baugh, joins the show tonight to talk about how he is living with and adapting to his brain injury. Rob is the host of the podcast, Life Re-Wired: the Brain Injury Podcast. Rob recently celebrated his 4-year anniversary of survival.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com 
Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  
Donna's Blog:                                                                   donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Changing Relationships After Brain Injury––It's bound to happen. So how do you live with it?   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com 
Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  
Donna's Blog:                                                                   donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Everyone wants to enjoy good health, but that's not always easy to achieve, especially if you are living with a brain injury. Join me and my panelists to talk about the eight dimensions of health. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com 
Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  
Donna's Blog:                                                                   donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Brain Injury causes a variety of problems and poses many challenges for survivors, but changes in a survivor's behavior or personality can present huge difficulties for, not only the survivor, but also for his or her family and friends. Three survivors join me tonight to talk about the impact of behavioral changes on their lives. I hope you will tune in. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Coping with ADL - Activities of Daily Living. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

LET"S TALK ABOUT IT! Talk about anything! Talk about everything! If it's about brain injury, we'll talk about it. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Brain injury comes in all shapes and sizes. It affects everyone differently. It is unique! Some brain injury is visible. Some is not. We call that "invisible" brain injury. I often talk about "invisible" brain injury on my shows. But, on tonight's show, caregiver and author, Jeannette Davidson-Mayer, and survivor, Dr. David Figurski will join me to talk about how physical and obvious brain injury affects their lives. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com  

Meet Mimi Hayes - Brain Injury Survivor, Author, & Comedienne. Mimi had her brain injury when she was only 22 years old. While on a blind date, Mimi had a migraine. A week later she began to have weird symptoms and her life ws forever changd. Mimi is the author of her book, I'll Be OK. It's Just a Hole in My Head.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Sometimes you just want to be random. You don't want to follow a plan. That's exactly what will happen on tonight's show. Stop by! Say hi!   . Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

This is part 2. It is a continuation of the March 3, 2024 show with Host, Donna O'Donnell Figurski and Guest, Deb Brandon. Many survivors experience forms of irritability after a brain injury. It's not surprising. But irritability, angst, agitation, and frustration, no matter what you call them, can turn a person's daily life upside down. It not only affects the survivor, who must personally deal with it, but it also impacts the lives of family members and friends who are caring for the survivor. Let's talk about dealing with irritability after brain injury.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Many survivors experience forms of irritability after a brain injury. It's not surprising. But irritability, angst, agitation, and frustration, no matter what you call them, can turn a person's daily life upside down. It not only affects the survivor, who must personally deal with it, but it also impacts the lives of family members and friends who are caring for the survivor. Let's talk about dealing with irritability after brain injury.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Join me for random talk. My guest/s and I will talk about whatever topics of brain injury that we want to. Come listen in.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Hospital patients can all benefit from support from family and friends, but if you are hospitalized because of a brain injury, it's imperative to have an advocate by your side. Survivor and caregiver, Dawn Corbelli and I discuss the importance of this topic.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

What Does a “Normal” Life After Brain Injury Look Like?” REALLY!!?? Is there ever a normal life after brain injury. We'll hear from three survivors to get their thoughts on that qEvery TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Another Year has begun. I hope it doesn't fly by as fast as the old one did. Let's talk about naking resolutions. or NOT!   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

You have a brain injury. Your whole life has been upended. You want to scream at the world. Go ahead and scream. Scream and yell and stamp your feet and . . . do it again. Then breathe! It seems hard to find anything good about your life being turned upside down. Life as you knew it is gone. A new life has taken its place. Now what? You still have choices - wallow in sadness for a life stripped away or with attitude and gratitude a new life awaits. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com  

Tis the Season to Be Jolly - Even with a Brain Injury?? We'll focus on talking about the holidays, how we prepare for them, what we expect them to be, how we deal with them after brain injury, and how we can survive them – and have fun.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

            Acceptance & What it Looks Like!  Acceptance of a new normal after brain injury does not mean to Give Up. It's more like making lemonade from lemons. Acceptance is how others welcome back the survivor to their world despite their new limitations. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Anything Goes! We're talking about anything B--R-A-I-N- I-N-J-U-R-Y! Be a fly on the wall and listen in.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Anything Goes! We're talking about anything B--R-A-I-N- I-N-J-U-R-Y! Be a fly on the wall and listen in.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Join me to hear survivor, Kelly Tuttle talk about her experience with brain injury. Learn more about her book, "After the Crash."   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

What is neuro-fatigue? Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Survivors and caregivers want to have support. They crave empathy and understanding. They want to be heard, but they do not want common platitudes. Often folks don't know what to say to a survivor or caregiver when any kind of serious event happens. They will say, "You'll get through this. You're strong!" "Be patient", or "Time heals all." These and sayings like these are empty thoughts. They mean nothing, and they certainly are not a help in consoling anyone. Listen to my panel tonight who will let you in on some ways you can support your loved one.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Do you ever feel the up and down swings of emotional imbalance? Most people do at various times in their lives. It's natural. Emotions play a huge role in everyone's life, but when emotions fall out of balance, they can make life really tough. For folks living with a brain injury to that part of the brain, their lives can be in constant havoc. Listen in to learn more about this topic.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Bob Millsap is no stranger to calamities in his life. In his book, SHAKE YOURSELF FREE: Take Control of Your Life to Move Through the Pain, Bob writes about how he lost his fiancée who was killed in a car accident, how he lost his prestigious job as a grocer/manager, and how he almost lost his wife when a can of soda exploded and hit her in the head, causing her traumatic brain injury. Bob talks about how he learned to shake himself free of the pain. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Tonight’s show is one of those open-ended talk shows. My panelist and I will talk about whatever pops up in our conversation. Come listen in! We don't mind.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Janna Leyde Hockenjos, author of He Never Liked Cake, shares her life as a teenager after her father had a brain injury. She talks of trying to understand the new normal in her life all the while balancing her teenage years.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com  

Every brain injury is different. So is every manner of rehabilitation and recovery. Join my panel to hear more.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

We all know grief when we lose a loved one. But what happens when a person survives a brain injury with a completely different personality and becomes unrecognizable? How do we deal with that? Norma Myers knows all too well the repercussions of grief and ambiguous loss after both her sons were in a tragic car accident. Join us tonight to learn more about this area of loss. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Brain injury comes with so many problems, but when it affects your thinking brain, you're in trouble. Survivors, Deb Brandon and Meghan Beaudry, join me to talk about this issue. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

M.S. survivor, Lisa Dryer, (host of Mess With M.S.) and Stroke survivor, Cam Compton, (host of Cam's Corner,) will sit in for me. They will discuss the similarities and differfences of each of their brain injuries and how they approach life from slightly different angles.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices!   To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com     Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Life is a journey, and each journey is different. We all face joys, hard times, and challenges as we walk our winding paths. We simply can't know what monsters others have slain on their paths or what ones they are yet to face. I urge you to be kind to your fellow travelers. Please Don't Judge!   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Let's clear up some misconceptions about living in the brain injury world. What brain injury survivors and caregivers do NOT want to hear.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

So excited to chat with Tamar Rodney about Neurofatigue after Brain Injury. How is it different from the everyday exhaustion that so many of us feel? AND...I want to know what all those letters mean after her name. Don't You?     PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE    Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

For many support groups carry them through their days, weeks, and months. Others find them useless. Which are you?   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

My guest tonight, Norma Myers, an author, an advocate for brain injury, and a mom, is going to talk about a horrific situation that happened in her life with her two sons. In 2012, her sons’ lives were changed forever when they were in a car accident together. The two men Steven 22, and Aaron 26, as young adults, were just embarking on their grown-up, independent lives with so much ahead of them when their paths took an upside-down turn. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Time to Talk About IT! Anything and Everything - Brain Injury-related with panelists––survivor, Deb Brandon, and caregivers, Bob Millsap and Jeannette Davidson-Mayer...and of course, your host, Donna O'Donnell Figurski.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Sometimes you just don't want to have a topic. You just want to have a random conversation. That's what we're going to do on Another Fork in the Road tonight. We're just going to TALK! Please join us.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com  

Another Fork in the Road: Natural Paths Towards Healing - Fruit (Grace) Mauzy This show is a continuation of "Another Fork in the Road: Can Massage, Meditation or Oils Help Brain Injury?" You can listen to the first show, which aired on December 3, 2018 at On Demand or by logging into my blog survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com. On the right sidebar, click on "On the Air" Show Menu. scroll to 12/03/18. Fruit (Grace) Mauzy, a Teen Break-Thru Counselor and a Survival Coach for the Moms and I will be talking about how massage, essential oils, exercise, meditation, and good nutrition can help brain injury survivors.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. donnafigurski.com Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com donnafigurski.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Mish Mosh with caregiver, Fruit Grace Mauzy and survivor, Deb Brandon - and Me, caregiver, Donna O'Donnell Figurski, author of PRISONERS WITHOUT BARS: A CAREGIVER'S TALE, of course. Tonight we get to talk about anything Deb and Fruit want to. I'll just go along for the ride - I mean the discussion.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

The holidays can be emotional. For some they bring happiness with many family visits. But for others, they can cause much stress. My panelists and I will talk about how we deal with the holidays.   Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. Of course, neither is having a brain injury. Pair them together and you’ve got lives completely upended. Jenifer Fallert speaks out about her caregiving role when her daughter, Jordan, had a brain injury.. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

With brain injury comes many debilitating issues. Memory loss is one of them. Can you imagine forgetting who you are or who your friends and family members are? What about forgetting your doctor's appointment, where you put your keys or forgetting to turn off the stove? Losing the ability to remember comes with many consequences. My panelists will talk about how memory loss has affected them after brain Injury. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

When brain injury happens, it's devastating. But it's even more horrifying when it happens to a young person. Jordal Fallert was only 23 years old when a speeding car struck hers and changed her life forever. Jordan shares her story and how she is coping with her new life. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Anyone who knows anything about brain injury knows that there are no two brain injuries exactly alike. Think of snowflakes or fingerprints. They are unique too. So it must follow that each recovery will look different too. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blog and website. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury Blog:                              survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Author of Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver's Tale:      donnafigurski.com  Donna's Blog:                                                                    donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com