Anthony Falsone
The Road to Rediscovery: My Journey After a Brain Injury**
If I had to summarize my brain injury journey in one word, it would be “Resilience.” Over the past year, I’ve faced profound changes to my physical, cognitive, and professional life, yet I continue to adapt and push forward, learning to navigate a reality I never expected.
On February 22, 2023, my life was irrevocably altered by a car accident. Initially, I thought my injuries were minor, but as time passed, the true extent of the damage revealed itself. Now, over a year later, the lingering effects have become part of my daily life.
Physical Challenges
The physical pain has been one of the most consistent reminders of my accident. I deal with neck pain every day. It’s not just discomfort—the cracking sounds from my neck are a near-constant companion. I’ve also developed neuropathy. My hands are numb most days, and now my shoulders have joined in, often causing pain three out of seven days a week. On those days, the shoulder pain surpasses the numbness in my hands.
Headaches come and go, but the tinnitus in my left ear never leaves. The persistent ringing is exhausting, a constant soundtrack to my life that I’ve yet to learn how to tune out.
Cognitive Struggles
Beyond the physical, the cognitive challenges are equally significant. I find myself forgetting things more often. Despite using multiple lists to stay organized, tasks slip through the cracks. This has been particularly frustrating, as I used to pride myself on being efficient and detail-oriented.
Communication has also become more challenging. I often struggle to convey my thoughts and feelings clearly. This is one of the reasons I’m writing this story—to organize my thoughts and reflect on my journey. I believe these issues stem from the concussion I sustained in the accident, and while I’m working on strategies to improve, it’s a slow process.
Professional Shift
Before the accident, I was an enterprise sales executive with a $24 million yearly quota, earning a six-figure income. My work was demanding but rewarding, and I thrived under the pressure. Today, my career looks completely different.
I now juggle multiple part-time jobs. Most involve driving: one for Uber and Lyft, which I’ve adapted to easily thanks to GPS, and another driving for a crematory, where I transport urns and deceased individuals. It’s a far cry from my previous life, but it’s work I can manage.
I’ve also taken on a commission-based sales role, but I haven’t made a sale in months. It’s disheartening but not surprising given the cognitive challenges I’m facing. Still, I’m holding onto hope that this role may grow into something more sustainable.
Lessons Learned and Advice
If I could go back to the immediate aftermath of my accident, I would’ve sought out more specialized care sooner. Understanding brain injuries and their long-term effects would’ve prepared me better for the journey ahead. For anyone newly experiencing a brain injury, my advice is to be patient with yourself. Recovery isn’t linear, and it’s important to celebrate small victories along the way.
Also, I would avoid Screens! Phones, PCs, TVs, etc. Seek quiet and read often. The most import thing I’ve learned and would like to share is to avoid multitasking at all costs!! My own research and testing has proved (to me at least) that focusing on one task at a time aids cognition, retention and overall satisfaction.
One common misconception I’ve encountered is that people assume I’m “fine” because I look the same. Brain injuries are invisible, but their impact is profound. Educating others about this has been both a challenge and a necessity.
**Moving Forward**
While my life has changed dramatically, I’m learning to embrace this new version of myself. The road ahead is uncertain, but I’m determined to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Resilience has defined my journey so far, and it will continue to guide me as I rebuild and rediscover my life after a brain injury.