The above are current pictures of two of my scars from the motor accident I was in about 2 years ago. The one on my tummy is how the docs fed me while in the coma. The scars on my left arm are from the shattered car window, and the bottom picture is of my scar cream (which reduces their visibility) I also have 1 scar on my throat from the tracheotomy (or for short, you can call it trache – “you” being those with the scar that is ;), a TBI joke (you’ve gotta find ways to cope.) The trache delivers oxygen to a patient while they’re in a coma. Isn’t modern medicine grand?! The other scar (also not pictured) present is on my leg, as I apparently broke my left leg and left arm in the accident. The amazing medical bafflement is that they’re fine now. Sure walking and writing is difficult (my right hand is the toughest – as I’m a right handed writer and all injuries flipflop mentally) so the fact that I broke my right left arm, effects my right mentally + guess how much writing utilizes your noggin? A ton.) But nothing hurts. And the only visible signs besides the difficulties I previously mentioned, are my scars. The scars are easy enough to hide with clothing, but I’ll be honest, as the days get hotter (and way hotter than before – hello global warming) it becomes more difficult. I can only be tricky with clothing for so long. It’s an exhausting way to start your day! And it certainly doesn’t help that when having a TBI (traumatic brain injury) you’re way less patient.
My good friend Kate (whom I met through another TBI friend – the connector of many – so thoughtful) inspires me to just let loose as she embraces her scars, and says, “anyone can take 1 look at me & know that I’m a survivor.” Exactly, no resistance here.
I have noticed though that if I visit a restaurant, They take a look at my gait and treat me differently. I have an entirely new understanding of bias.