Hi everyone! My name is Lovena. My Life forever changed September 1, 2016.
On the way home from a friend house, I fell asleep in the back seat while my fiancée was driving. I later found myself in a scary and unfamiliar place when I opened my eyes the first person I remember seeing was my fiancée. I opened my mouth to ask what happened and how did I end up confined to a hospital bed but my voice was silenced by a tube down my throat.
I was involved in a hit and run accident and as a result I suffered head trauma my brain was impacted severely. The person who hit us was not caught and still remains unknown till this day.
I endured 3 blood transfusions and facial reconstruction; along with having metal plates placed in my jaws and chin. I later had to have my month wired and two stents placed in my neck due a broken artery. I nearly lost my right eye but was blessed to just be left with a small scar above it. I almost lost two of my bottom teeth but by the grace of God they were able to save my teeth.
I could not talk and had to learn how to walk again because of a broken pelvic bone. I survived off of a liquid diet consisting of Boost drinks, broth, soup, and puree for 8 weeks. The ICU became my home for 3 and a half weeks.
After I was released from the hospital I suffered emotional distress, depression, self-pity, low self-esteem, and battled with hopelessness. I was in constant pain. I was instructed to take blood thinners and aspirin to help my blood flow and to keep my headaches to a minimum. I later became depressed because of the way my face looked. When I went out in public I would be so ashamed of my face that I would wear huge sunglasses and hope no one would see my face and how it really looked.
I attended physical therapy and had constant doctor appointments. I later began talking to a therapist and writing in a journal every day to help ease my thoughts. I suffered anxiety when riding in a car and was always in constant fear of a car wreck. I began to think I would never be independent and drive on my own. I started to sink into depression because I found it difficult to fully understand how someone could knowingly injure someone and leave without knowing if they are dead or alive. I found it difficult to come to terms with the situation.
My head was filled with “Why Me?” When I voiced my inner thoughts, my mom responded, “Why not you? because God knew you could you do this and he was going to get you through this for a testimony”
Now it has been almost 2 years since my TBI and I am feeling like myself. I can now drive without anxiety and I feel confident when I am among a group of people. Depression is no longer apart of life and I find myself smiling much more. I am finally living my life independently and happily.
I am inspired to tell my story and hope to inspire others to tell their story as well. I’m not handicapped but I have difficulties sometimes and I am limited to certain activities but with the Love and support of my better half and family I have learned to live a normal, happy, and productive life.
I realized just how strong I really am and just how great my body is. I am more than blessed and forever grateful that I lived to tell my story. I am a survivor, a TBI Survivor!
Thank you for letting me join this helpful Family!
