SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury
Jason Holcomb (survivor)
presented by
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
Brain Injury is NOT Discriminating!
It can happen to anyone, anytime, . . . and anywhere.
The Brain Trauma Foundation states that there are 5.3 million people in the United States living with some form of brain injury.
On “Faces of Brain Injury,” you will meet survivors living with brain injury. I hope that their stories will help you to understand the serious implications and complications of brain injury.
The stories on SPEAK OUT! Faces of Brain Injury are published with the permission of the survivor or designated caregiver.
If you would like your story to be published, please send a short account and two photos to me at neelyf@aol.com. I’d love to publish your story and raise awareness for Brain Injury.
Jason Holcomb (survivor)
Jason Holcomb – Survivor
In 2005, I was walking a dog (somebody else’s), and a woman’s dog ran out her front door and caused my dog to go nuts. I tripped over the leash and fell backward, and I hit my head on the sidewalk. My brain swelled, I had a craniotomy, and I was in an induced coma for about six weeks. (I don’t remember anything from that day.) I had a trach tube and a feeding tube, and the doctors couldn’t say how I would be if I lived.
I went through years of depression and back-pain, which was caused by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) turning my muscles into knots. My back-pain also caused years of poor sleep. I took antidepressants for a couple years. When I stopped completely, I had what I call “racing-mind syndrome.” My back is finally good, I sleep well, and I pretty much feel everything is back to normal except this racing mind. I figured it would go away after enough time, but it has not.
I was told medication might help. I would rather avoid medication, but I am so tired of this. It has been years, and it gets worse when I have more stress. I am a college professor, and my job is very stressful at
Jason Holcomb – Survivor
times. If anyone has experience with this and knows what medication might help, I would be very grateful for that information.
Cheers to all my fellow brain injury survivors!
(Clip Art compliments of Bing.)
(Photos compliments of contributor.)
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Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury 
Comments on: "SPEAK OUT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faces of Brain Injury . . . . . . . . Jason Holcomb (survivor)" (11)
Jason, keep on, keeping on! What a shame that this all happened while walking a sweet pup! I’m sympathetic to your hurting as I hurt too, please know you are not alone. At least you are still working & out and about with all of us! Hang in there.
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Ina Monika Dutkiewicz,
Thanks for your encouraging words to Jason.
Folks, you can read more about Ina here. https://survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com/2016/06/01/survivors-speak-out-ina-m-dutkiewicz/
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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Hi Jason, I am a physician and brain injury survivor. My brain injury happened many years ago due to a car accident This resulted in a 15 day coma. I had to relearn how to do almost everything. However, it is difficult to compare as every brain injury is very different. There are so many variables that affect the outcome.
I returned to my medical training and practiced for nearly 20 years. Now, I have transitioned to be a brain injury recovery coach. If there is anything I can do for you, I would be happy to help. I can be contacted at hmcnallymd@gmail.com.
Never give up! The brain is capable of incredible change. I can recommend many books to read. I hope to hear from you, Heather, H McNally MD
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Hi Heather McNally,
I am so glad that you were able to return to your medical training and practice. Using your brain injury to transition to brain injury recovery coach was very smart. It seems like you have a lot to offer.
If you’d like to do a Survivors SPEAK OUT! interview on my blog, I would be honored.
See the link here.
https://survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com/category/survivors-speak-out-questionnaire/
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
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Hi Donna,
Sorry for the delay in my response. Sometimes, I cannot keep up with my Inbox!
I have saved all the interviews from your blog with great interest. Every brain injury is different. My TBI was nearly 30 years ago.
Still, I have thought for some time that I would like to submit an interview. My main message is one of hope in the ability of the brain to recover and our lives to change.
I will complete the interview questions within this week.
Thanks for reaching out,
Heather
ps. Have you heard back from Jason?
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Hi Heather,
I am flattered that you are so interested in the survivor interviews. I think they are all written with emotional honesty. I would love it if you would do the Survivors SPEAK OUT! interview.
Here is the link — but you already knew that.
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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Heather, Jason has responded to me about his post. You can find him on Facebook.
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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Hello Jason. The one and the best way is (in my humble opinion) meditation. My day always consists with 2, 15 minute meditation breaks: one after breakfast; another during lunch. When I started to meditate everything seemed to fit better.
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Ric,
That is very interesting to know about your routine of meditation. I am trying to learn more about it. I love the idea of meditation and try to do it too. Unfortunately, I have not done it regularly. What are your best tips?
Maybe it’s time for you to write a Guest Blog post about that topic. What do you think?
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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I would love too. I’ll start working on a piece and let you know. Thanks.
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Thanks, Ric. I’ll look forward to it.
Donna O’Donnell Figurski
survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com
donnaodonnellfigurski.com
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