I am a 13 year survivor of a TBI caused by a car accident. Your story had me in tears. I don't remember who I was before my TBI. When I left the hospital all they said is do your therapy, they never told me how different my life was going to be. I know that God has a purpose for my life, I just don't know what it is. I feel like it has something to do with my story. You are such an inspiration and are so strong for telling your story.
I am 14 years from my TBI. I was very lucky and am very lucky I have a family now two beautiful kids. My jobs have always been on the lower end and I have been fired from many. I am in college now started about 10 years after my accident. I try my best to not set a goal that is impossible for me to accomplish. I always try to learn something new. Various skills like now I'm into whittling wood. I have built many things jungle gym, tool shed, chicken coop and quite a few things that have been uncompleted. Not because I don't want to do it but because a lot of times I can't finish with what I have. I am more cynical but more in touch with how I'm feeling I believe because of early meditation and spiritual work. I work on controlling my ego and although I still react like every other human I don't react nearly as much as I used to. I simply try to accept that I have to do stuff differently than others. For instance I am not going to allow myself to take full time classes I do half time or slightly over. Others think I should do more but I try not to push my limitations, I push myself at my own rate. I believe I have a lot to offer the world but am not sure on how I will accomplish me giving back. It would be cool to have a TBI forum. Just to simply share our stories and our struggles. Sorry for the long comment but since my head injury I have always talked more trying to..., I don't really know. Thank you for the story. I could go on but it would be a book. Have a blessed and happy life.
Josh Cook Your description of the symptoms of TBI is spot on. A lot of what you went through is what most people who have TBI go through on a daily basis! But I especially love what you said - "I try my best to not set a goal that is impossible for me to acccomplish". That is super important cause it's easy to get frustrated with yourself after TBI, but it's super cool that you are still able to learn new things and grow! Thanks for the comment and Happy New Year!! :)
Thank you for sharing your story, I to was in a real bad car accident. Back in 2011 I was in a multi car collision. Everything that you said, is very true. With close friends and family, you can remember who you are. The lack of having a fear factor is very true. I think that it's because, we have been through so much. Just to get to where we are, that not much scares us anymore. I had also suffered a TBI. I re-taught myself things that I had once took for granted. Like you said, the crazy part is remembering how to do something. But not being physically able to do it.
Will Turner Thank you for sharing what you went through! Wow. I'm so sorry you went through all of that but I can really relate to what you said as well. Keep your chin up and keep going!!
I've been a head trauma survivor for 20 yrs. My ordeal was very severe. To this day I feel like I'm a 21 yr old stuck in my head/body for 20 yrs, like a coma patient? I went through treatment and physical therapy during the the first 6 months after my car accident My "world" stopped in July of 1996 when in fact I know is July of 2016. My mother knew my "true story" because she shared "my journey" till her death in 2014. Life sure is a cruel fucking joke, lol. There's a bright side......I still look like in my early twenties, lol.
I appreciate your beautiful story and I am so very thankful that God has touched your heart and life. I have had such an opposite experience that I struggle with. I was very religious, very active in my church. Sent our children to parochial school, volunteer there, was a home health nursing supervisor, volunteered for the food bank, when my auto accident occurred and I was injured with a TBIand broken neck, lost my job I felt so lost, alone, why did this happen to me. I had worked so hard to get my job, dream job, why? It’s been 10 years now, I still deal with chronic pain and fatigue syndrome. On disability, I am less angry and more at peace. I have worked very hard with my therapist to help with anxiety and depression because I know that what GOD did do we save my life. My music voice is gone because of all of the surgeries I have had to have, but it has taught me to listen, instead of lead. I haven’t read a book since the accident, but I paint now. I used to volunteer and be a social butterfly, now I have a much better relationship with myself and calmness and less stress. The Lord makes us stronger when we need to be. I am ready for whatever I need to be prepared for.
Wow.. i kept passing this by cause i assumed it was going just another story. was hit by a car 2013, had skull fracture and brain bruising. It took alot of work but yes God brings us through. Needed to hear this all the same! God bless you. :)
Thank you for sharing this story because I got hit by a drunk driver and 3 years later and I have still have no recollection of what has gotten me to the present....I lost the old me but I have fought to become a better me even with my disability 😊 I am proud of you
Accident at work did my brain injury, i m never the same person ! Living with this a pure nightmare and I don't work anymore because I can't think riight , so I know that you are feeling now..... end of transmission !
Danger Robinson Sorry you went through that. :( I know what it's like not to be the same person anymore too... and so do a lot of other people! Just know that you're not alone!
im a tbi mine was very bad i was doa they revived me massive bleeding subdreal hematoma cracked skull but jesus healed me ,,,but there are some really mean ppl in this world i hate them but God is bigger stay real xxx hugs peace
Thank you very much indeed my dear friend ! In a few words my story. In 2011 I had an accident and TBI with a coma of 6 weeks. And when I woke up I had an hemiparesis of 8 weeks but with heavy consequences on my nervous system. Doing better today but, omg, your words brought me so many memories of those years. In your words I did find what is crucial in everybody life which is HOPE !
this is so interesting Cristobelle .. I have so much i want to share with you .. I truly appreciate your story .. and SO SO many parallel lines are in my story that I would love for you to know. My ABI is classified as severe and from a car hitting me 21 years ago.. its such a wonderful hero story like yours .. it is lovely to hear your gratitude. thank you for your wonderful Vid, jimmy
Thank you for sharing. I got involved in a car accident on December 7 2007. Like you said everything changed. I wanted to hear someone else's testimony to see if it was normal to see everything differently. God bless you and keep on sharing your testimony ❤
That is exactly what happened to me and my family. The best advice I can give you is to go to a support group for people with TBIs. Go to BIAA .org & click "find BIAA in your state". Find a TBI support group near you. Make time for it and go, also have someone in your family go with you. It is one of the best things we ever did. There are people who understand there. That is where I found some of my best friends now.
wow... i can’t believe they teased you for having a brain injury! Thats so awful! Im not religious at all, but I’m glad you stayed hopeful through your struggle
Amen! Thank you so much for sharing some of your struggles. The Lord is so good to us. Keep moving forward - every day is a new day to experience His grace!! God bless!
I've had multiple TBI from early childhood through early teen years from various injuries. God doesn't heal the brain. The brain heals it's self through therapy, medication if needed. The brain is biologically resilient! One of the symptoms of TBI is the feeling of being alone, that nobody understands. If you want to believe God plays a role in helping through it, I guess that's better than feeling like no one is there to help at all. You're your best and worst friend depending how you treat U.
My name is Jeremiah. I have an Identical Twin named Jackson and I sustained a TBI in a car accident when I was 8. I've gone through therapy on & off since. I've overcome alot through faith aswell. I definitely feel different from people around me including my Twin. It's been a major mental battle these past 10yrs, regardless of TBI it's a hard thing growing up in this calloused world. It's a challenge like Cristabelle mentioned, you feel people either looking down on you or dismissing it as nothing when it's really a big deal. I feel like my childhood was taken away, my friends, my outgoing personality, and my closer than life relationship with my twin. I'm currently wrestling with mood swings, depression, hypersensitivity, and trouble sleeping/appetite. I can get overwhelmed easy and every little step for someone else is two huge ones for me, but I've found who I am and I'm moving forward. Regardless, I really want to thank you Cristabelle for being a voice among the static. I appreciate you for being a vessel of his Love through your service, thanks for showing us there's hope!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! Sounds like we have a lot in common, and it's nice to know that there are other people who really get it! God bless!!
8 year on from my TBI l have a job l work in tesco with some amazing people but l let my self down cant focus get frustrated & cant think straight angry & irratable in situation cause stress & l over react because l misunderstood my situation cant relax mind races & feel stupid & guilty & hope l havent offended anyone 🫣
The best advice I can give you is to find a support group for people who have TBIs. The Brain Injury Association of America has support groups in every state. Go to BIAA .org & click "find BIAA in your state". At first, my family didn't think we had time for it but we are SO glad we made time for it. Make time for it. It is one of the best things we ever did. That is the place that I found people who understand, and the place that I found support. :) Some of my best friends are from that group.
Wow just Beautiful. My granddaughter has severe brain damage since 9months old she is 3 now she is a blessing to my family and I praise God in hopes for change and I have seen some. He is great and I trust his plan.. thanks for ur story!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your story is incredible. I was filled with hope and faith in the power of our God watching it! The Lord certainly has a lot more planned for your life!! I watched one of your tribute videos that was posted by your sister. (BTW, I loved the music selection - there was a Jimmy Needham song, he's my favorite artist!) Keep moving forward. God is so good.
Thank you for this video also! Jesus is the way! God brought me through my tough time and is still with me as I walk through the daily symptoms. He met me on the hospital bed with what I like to call an IV of peace which flooded my body the first time I remember being somewhat awake. It’s awesome to finally find a Christian point of view on TBI!
This is crazy! I went to your same high school (not gonna say it on here just in case you don't want it mentioned) and I had a brain injury as well where I lost 42% of my verbal memory! I make makeup tutorials on here, but I'd be glad to feature your music maybe in one of them:) Let me know! Loved hearing that I wasn't the only one who this happened too - so close to home!
Me too. Completely different person, and never a friend again the way friendship used to be, no more could I carry on the family business. No more could learning things come easily. Hope in God is all there is, and I'm not even sure where that is most of the time. This is living with brain injury.
yes Cristabelle...ditto...it helped me also to realize that no-one understands suffering like Jesus..that helped me sooooo much to know He knew how much i struggled..still ...i have good days and some really tough...but... He truly holds me up..God bless you sweetheart!!!
People with all types of injuries could walk by the perfectly tuned piano and be healed of all sorts of illnesses by sliding a hand up and down the keys from C1 to C4 and back down; like hearing the healing voice oce of Christ?
THANK YOU FOR BEING SO BRAVE!!! I am still only 2 years into "mild" brain injury, applying for disability, and hardly have the confidence to talk about it with my family much less the outside world. Jesus Christ is kind to have brought me to your video.
Is there a perfect frequency of a piano can be tuned to that can heal a human mind and body by sliding a finger up and down the keys aligning the human dna with the perfect frequencies and vibrations?
Grace, first of all I am so sorry to hear that your journey's included TBI as well. I watched one of your make up tutorials & love what you are doing. Keep reaching out & moving in a positive direction. You have a bright future!! And I would be honored to have one of my songs in one of your videos. :) Let's talk and I'll give you permission for that - I'll just need to know what song, etc! I would also love to talk to you. Please email me at cristabelle@cristabellebraden. com so we can connect.
Thank you so much for sharing! Your story sounds very inspiring - it's amazing the way the brain can heal!! And music is so healing for the brain. I will definitely look up your foundation! I'm sorry it took me so long to respond, I had another concussion this past year & it's taken me a while to get to answering. I've been able to do some music but writing and responding has been more difficult. I wish you all the best with everything. It would be great to be able to connect with you sometime!
Cristabelle, Thank you for sharing your story with us concerning your TBI. You ARE exactly who God wants you to be and you are a beautiful young woman. My husband recently had a motorcycle accident and has moderate TBI and is also learning to do everything over again in rehab right now. I hope to share this video with him in the near future. It really does paint a perfect picture of what he is and will be facing. Good luck to you and God bless!
Shannon Margolis Cristabelle, I hope things go well for you and your husband. You must be strong. It is a very long road. But things can and do get better. I actually got smarter in ways. I learned a second language in four months and got a job using that language daily. But my "feeling" life took the biggest hit. My people skills went way down although I became a good actor. My faith like all relationships seemed so different. I had no passion in my memory. It was very hard on my family. Soon we drifted all apart. If things seem different in his faith, or how he sees you, please be very patient with that. It might hurt most.
Thank you for your support and encouragement - I appreciate it! I looked at your blog. Your journey is an inspiration as well - I appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness! Keep it up! :)
Do you still have symptoms to this very day? I had my accident in May 16 2004 and i feel like i still have the symptoms and if anything they are getting harder to deal with?
I have had 2 TBI's. Memorial day 2015 and March 15, 2017. I had gotten off work at 4 am from my workplace the Steak N Shake on Montfort. I had made it about halfway back to Plano on my Giant Escape bike. I was struck by a motor vehicle that left me with a fractured pelvis and a TBI and just kept driving ! I was in rehab in Tyler which is 110 miles from Plano so it's a 2 day trip. 2 hours by motor vehicle more than likely. I noticed clients at both Healthsouth Green Acres 3131 Troup HWY and Neurorestorative 6th floor UT Health building Tyler that could no longer walk or talk and had aphasia. I was in a wheelchair/rehab for only 5 months. God is good! Amen? David
My uncle also have TBi ,,, After tbi surgery his bp high and there is fever, swelling also,,,, his wife is crying in these days,,, the accident was on 4 July ,, now 7,, Then 2nd surgery also done,, now also fever and swelling, there is no consciousness!!!! Drs said for pray,,,, Plzzz reply,,,, is all these things Ok??? plzzz
I am really sorry for what happened to you..I wish you the best ...But, regarding what you said about Jesus peace be upon him and that he died for your sin .. that's totally not true... Jesus peace be upon him is only a mighty messenger of God..I really hope that you discover the religion of truth and worship God alone
Thank you for sharing this. My wish is to do the same thing and share my story. You can look up my story at youtube.com Jays Movie. It is a slide show and under it my story is written. If youhave fb you can look me up there as well. My name is Jay Criss, I have severe TBI and I live in Stuart, Florida. I also believe that God kept me here to share my story.
DATE:26/9/2017 I ACCIDENT 5DAYS COMA OPERATION CRABIECTOMY MY SKUKL EXTEND NOW I STILL RECOVERY CRANIOPLASTY ON 27/012018 MY SKULL DEFECT ATTACH WITH PLATE WITH SCREW
Also my accident was when I wasn't even half year old yet. These videos are amazing. Thanks for all the support you have given me. I hope you will be back at Camp Cranium in 2020!!!
Hi thanks for sharing your story. Which disability you had ? have you have your emotions.?I had brain injery I lost my emotions feelings my memory concentration thinking I am still suffering.please guide me how long does it take for recover?
Thanks I have 10 brain injuries my first brain injury I was hit head on by a semi truck who had worked 2 shifts and fell asleep driving and hit me and my girlfriend at the time head on killing her and almost killing me but at the time the jury wanted to give him the death penalty for my girlfriends death and life for my injuries but they couldn't they had to give him life in prison for her death and 80 years for my injuries and every time he comes up to fight and to get out I go and speak against it so hopefully we can keep him locked up for life
I began cackling at the "and that was when Christ entered my heart". I had a similar TBI, but it was my own job to work on healing. God didn't do shit.
I am a TBI injury survivors of over 25 years. My name is Michael Flusche from Muenster Texas. It occurred on April 13, 1996. It was before my junior prom. I was in the hospital for nearly 3 months. I went back to school that August and graduated with my class that I started with. I went to college immediately after graduating from high school. I started college that August. It took me 5 years to get out of a 4 year private college. I earned my degree in Sports Science.
Thank you beautiful sister, You share your journey so well. I am 2.5 years in and I struggle to share still. I fell backwards 4m onto rock.... But what resonates is the music. Since my fall music came to me, I also was silent for a year and with my stuggle with english I through the Spirit learned Te Reo Maori, my indigenous language... Scripture talks about learning new languages.. really not how I envisioned it in dream world tho.. So sometimes I am greatful (esp. when I play music) but I really struggle to know 'who' I am. A twin is a good analogy.
I’m a 56 year old male 25 years since my TBI for me stress is my number one enemy I try to keep things simple and stress free relaxing is what I love best
It's been 9 months and there are good days and some horrible ones. My anxiety seems to be getting worse, I feel like I'm grieving for myself,I miss my old self, is this normal.But listening to you has giving me reassurance,thank you .
You are a truly amazing beautiful and courageous survivor!! And your love for our Lord is pouring out of you! Before you even said one word about being a believer I knew from the beginning of this video you were!
Got you beat! I have a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury that I sustained when I was 23 and I’m 31 and I feel trapped in my mind and really see no potential for a future and I just want left the goddamn fuck a fucking lone
It’s literally the roughest injury imaginable and completely destroys a lot of things and I’ll get into spells and characters and not even know what I’m saying or talking about and keep cursing and cycling myself, so I apologize for the swearing Dear, I can’t break these Cycles and it’s not who I am
Just reaching out as peaceful as I can so please don’t get the wrong impression 😊 it’s definitely something that I am not at all proud of and it’s a curse
I have and IEP. I had my injury at 11 weeks old and now I am 13. The doctors said I wouldn't be able talk, walk, see, or hear. What happen was I was with my dad. He dropped me on the floor and cracked my head open. I have a TBI too. Thank you so much. I also really love your music!!!😁😁😂💕
Cristabelle, I gather this was you first video. I am in Australia and we have a government paid health service. I hope everyone in schools know the if your knock out you should see a doctor. I had have been told my brain injury is serious. The problem I have is that I feel it does not matter but it does! I was studying theology at a masters level and now can not remember much. I love the way you included God and Christ.
Thanks for sharing your story. I woke up once in a dirt parking lot when I was in my twenties. The last think that I remembered was being thrown down steps. After waking up I noticed that the dirt suggested the I had been dragged there. I got in the car and drove to university of penn hospital. They said I had just a concussion. Two years later I was in a coma for two days. I see now where the first concussion led to risky behaviors that led to the coma. For the next year I was mocked while passing long days staring in coffee shops. The week after the coma I remember being in a homeless shelter and having trouble communicating. People thought I was mildly retorted. I told them that I had a masters degree. They laughed at me. I didn't know who I was. Only my biography, but I was not attached to it. The sound of my voice seemed so strange to me and I would repeat my name and think it sounded strange. Being technically homeless, paperwork never followed me. Being a stoic type athlete, I thought nothing was connected to concussions. I sold myself as a depressive and was treated for depressive illness. I blame no doctor. Many tried very hard. They were as baffled as I was. The closest people came to seeing my true problem was when a few people were adamant. One lady in a donut shop. to me. "don't you know you have asbergers." And one girlfriend who worked in a restaurant and had observed me for 10 years before we dated. She was a trained psychologist from mexico. She said that she always knew that I had had autism as if it were common knowledge. "theory of mind" can be difficult after TBI's. I just could never quite get anything. so I isolated more and more. I tried many churches, but the relationship that I had with the savior was different now, just as my earthly relations were. Churches were nice but said that I lacked faith. I decided to stop churches and work on personal relation with my savior. At times it feels contrived. But he knows my exact situation. What the world says does not matter anymore. Thanx Peace Joy to you!
You are so awesome! You are a fighter and it is great that you acknowledge Jesus as your healer and you are such an inspiration to those fellow believers who struggle daily with things people don't know or recognize. It is because they don't have a context to what we are going through. God has great things in store for you.
Thanks for your testimony, I am a 10 yr stroke survivor , I've been praying to God to help me and I come across your videos thank you for being an answer to prayer it's great to know that I'm not the only one dealing with these kind of thoughts and difficulties thank you again
Hi! I'm a TBI survivor, who loves music! I was close to graduating with a deg. in music biz from when I was hit by a drunk driver the eve. after my 1st day of interning on Music Row in Nashville. Music has always been a big part of my life! I learned my multiplication tables to song! I grew up in church plays/musicals. I'm rambling as usual! I wanted to share my love/bless you for sharing your story. Plz check out my foundation here looking for BrainSong-The Micah Jones Foundation
Dear Christabelle, Its 12 midnight here in Scotland UK, I watched and agree with many many elements of this video. I fell from the 4th floor of a building in Dubai, I was in a coma for 4 months and I have had to learn to walk talk, read, write and speak again from scratch. I must say thank you very very much for taking the time to make this video, and although I am 4 years post injury, just knowing others who went through similar is important. I am also going to make a video, at some point also. I have to say my story is very similar but also very different as the UK has got every service available to support you post TBI including specialised support units rehabilitation hospitals, and a complete set of benefits to help you. I would like to share my story with you more in the future if you are interested? I hope so, as I would like to find out much more. My Skype address is Scotlandabroad. Hope to speak to you soon. Andrew Blair
Andrew Blair Wow - that is SO MUCH that you have dealt with! I am amazed at how far you have come! You are right that it is important to know that others have gone through similar things. I'm so glad my video encouraged you. If you have made a video please send me the link as I would love to see it! You can comment it here or my facebook is facebook.com/cristabellemusic
