Have I lost my mind or is it that I just can't make up my mind?

[ned bane jr., M.S.]

   I'm going to leave this question open-ended without a lot about my experiences, because I'd just yammer on and on and bore all you good folks. I had a comatose TBI in June of 1991. One of the most profound resulting difficulties is my inability to recognize priorities. In the earliest years post-injury, I couldn't decide which was more important - pay the mortgage or go to see "Jackass, the Sequel" at the theater. ... It has gotten better than that but the problem was a huge, huge reason I had to give up my career post-injury. I was the managing editor of the fourth largest newspaper in Virginia. As the editor, the most important part of the job is making news judgments. ... well, that was sure down the toilet ... I've developed adaptations but I still do some really wacky stuff on occasion. ... anybody else have this goofy thinking? ......... ned b.

[Karyn]

 

I also cannot make decisions. In fact, I sat here for a good 15 minutes staring at this screen trying to decide if I should write a reply.  I have a very difficult time scheduling things now also.    Maybe the best way to get over trying to make a decision is to flip a coin.  You may not make the right decision, but it is a step to use to make you make the decision.

[Kerry Mischka]

I had a big response to you Ned regarding your "wacky stuff" and poor judgement, but I lost it someh and don't want to type it all again.  So, to make a long story short, my comatose TBI was in August 1997 and my brain was injury happened to my frontal lobe...my executive functioning, and my personality were pretty much destroyed.   So, other than wanting to live in a cave and hide myself from this world, everything is just yippy skippy.  Your responses on here are hilarious and you make me laugh more than you will ever know.  Thanks for that.  There is nothing that I love to do more than laugh when there really isn't much to laugh about or at except myself.....Kerry

[Kerry Mischka]

I can NEVER make up my mind.....too many choices makes me sweat and panic.  It has been my experience that I tend to make the wrong choice.

[Geo Gosling]

I suffered a severe TBI in 1995. I had a hell of a time making decisions. I'd spend half an hour deciding which TV show to watch. By the time I decided, most shows were over and I had to start all over again. I quit watching TV...except for sports. I would take me 15-20 minutes to decide which shirt to wear. So now I just wear whatever shirt is next in line. My problem is much better now but it may be just because I've got things set-up to where I don't have to make many decisions. It could also be because my choices are severely limited due to...lack of funds.

[Richard J]

Decisions, decisions, decisions... what if, what else, maybe... definitely one of the hardest things for survivors to handle. Have you told your story and had it published in the newspaper you worked for? Spread the word, so TBI stops being considered the silent injury.

[Karyn]

GREAT IDEA  !

Richard J said:

Decisions, decisions, decisions... what if, what else, maybe... definitely one of the hardest things for survivors to handle. Have you told your story and had it published in the newspaper you worked for? Spread the word, so TBI stops being considered the silent injury.

[mary lutz]

Is it lack of ability to identify priorities, or is it impulsiveness. Like knowing the bills need paid but falling into the temptation of using the money for something less necessary.

For myself, I never gambled. After the accidnent, I am impusive about it. I have used money that I know better than to use, but at the time, its like I was driven and would not survive without it.