Kelly Tuttle

I became a brain injury survivor in 2015 after my car T-boned another car that had pulled out in front of me. I thought I would shake off the crash and continue with my life.
The next day, my co-workers said I wasn’t talking right. So, I saw my doctor, who said I had a concussion and I should be better in two weeks.
Months later, I was living with a stranger in my head; I felt alone and lost. I didn’t like this stranger; she was rude, impatient, had the focus and attention span of a nat, couldn’t remember anything, was irritable, and slept a lot. She couldn’t arrive on time for appointments or even plan a birthday party. She spent too much money and got me into financial trouble. It was terrible to live with her, but over time, I realized she was not a stranger but my new brain.
I spent years after my car accident seeking help to recover from a neurophysical therapist and speech therapist. I discovered the role of physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors and behavioral optometrists in caring for brain injury patients. These specialists taught me how to live and work with sound and light sensitivity and chronic fatigue.
As time passed, I got better and got to know the new me. I am not the same person I was before my brain injury. My personality and values changed. I’m more like a sloth these days and less like the energizer bunny I was before my brain injury. My TBI marked the beginning of a new life and a personal journey of self-discovery. My brain injury led me to change my career, write a book, and become a brain injury advocate.
My brain injury recovery has been long and challenging, but I like the new me and my new brain. I share my story so others know there is hope and they are not alone.