Looking for help

[RedPhx]

I have had Aspergers my whole life and recently (february of 2022) I was hit on the back of the head by a truck and life has gotten harder to the point where I can't do much else except go to the bank and a few stores before running out of money, and I don't get along with doctors who like to say that there is nothing wrong with me. I live in NW Phoenix.

 

[VictorR]

Hi and welcome!

To start, did the accident change things for you? Was there a police report and/or insurance claim filed, and have you sought legal advice, if any of the above are applicable?

Secondly, what type of help are you seeking? Some members here have experience with some disability programs (financial assistance) and can probably chime in on that. Or are you perhaps seeking help with daily living perhaps?The more you're able to specify what you seek help with the more likely that someone may be able to provide information which may be relevant to you.

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

Brain injury? I know how that goes. Slowly you'll get your skills back. Be patient with yourself, and find creative ways to build those neural bonds. Video game sites for children are great for building back your math and reading skills. It's okay to check out books from the kids section of the library. Put cash money in envelopes that are labeled for different purposes (rent) (groceries) (electricity) (fun) (gas).

 

[RedPhx]

Its hard to say what kind of help that I need except that I'm a 40 year old man who likes being independent but at the same time wishing that i could live in a hospital for a while getting treated (the head and brain thing plus dental and mental health therapy but not meds).

As for the accident, other than needing me to tell him that I was in an unmarked crosswalk and not jaywalking at the time, the police didn't say anything to me and the doctor came in and told me that I was uninjured and should leave in the Uber they called for me so I figured that my insurance ran out.

 

[VictorR]

It sounds like what the doctor was saying is that you didn't present any obvious physical injury, but mental health injuries can occur and persist for a period following head trauma - see NIH Article "Mental health disorders common following mild head injury".

Keep in mind that not many (and sometimes even doctors) are not familiar with mental health injuries and so this is an area where you do need a bit of self-advocacy.

Either your own insurer and/or the driver's insurer should be providing coverage for any assistance that you may need while you recover, though you may need to fight for that. Have you reached out to a local social services agency and/or legal aid perhaps?

 

[Nitro]

I have had Aspergers my whole life and recently (february of 2022) I was hit on the back of the head by a truck and life has gotten harder to the point where I can't do much else except go to the bank and a few stores before running out of money, and I don't get along with doctors who like to say that there is nothing wrong with me. I live in NW Phoenix.

TBI survivor here, ask away.

 

[RedPhx]

As for previous injuries, that was the second time that night that I saw the doctor so I'm not sure if he knew anything about me. As for symptoms I feel numbness, dizziness when I stand and walk (I now use a cane) and when I lay down as well, I feel like someone is making static in my brain when I put my hand on my head, mood swings when I don't have any marijuana. Also having stomach and dental issues.

 

[Raggamuffin]

I think being treated in hospital for mental health stuff pretty much means being sectioned, and with that - whilst you might not want to be medicated, you will be if they believe that's what you need.

Whenever I went to Dr's or called NHS services in times of mental crisis, they'd always be prescribing this that and the other. I'm very sensitive when it comes to experiencing side effects, and these totally negate any positives from the medications I've tried.

I too have thought sometimes that some sort of prolonged mental health break/hospital visit would be needed. But then I read about how many with autism ended up in hospitals for decades and the idea of losing my freedom is terrifying. Plus, I think if I was ever sectioned, then I'd also be put on drugs, and I don't want that either.

So I'm at a bit of an impasse.

I think a lot of us have dental issues on here. Certainly no stranger to it myself, and it's very expensive to get fixed. Stomach issues and dizziness come with anxiety and depression too. Plus I think diet can suffer when mental health does too. Comfort eating until you're uncomfortable. Something I'm doing right as I type this.

Ed

 

[Willow Evelyn]

As for previous injuries, that was the second time that night that I saw the doctor so I'm not sure if he knew anything about me. As for symptoms I feel numbness, dizziness when I stand and walk (I now use a cane) and when I lay down as well, I feel like someone is making static in my brain when I put my hand on my head, mood swings when I don't have any marijuana. Also having stomach and dental issues.

Your symptoms sound similar to my balance disorder. I’ve been learning how to manage for the past 4-5 years. I use a cane too. Mine came after a work incident where I felt off a platform of a trailer and wound up dangling by the hand rail it shook my head fairly hard and have been dizzy since. It took a couple years till doctors started taking it more seriously.

 

[Matthias]

I have had Aspergers my whole life and recently (february of 2022) I was hit on the back of the head by a truck and life has gotten harder to the point where I can't do much else except go to the bank and a few stores before running out of money, and I don't get along with doctors who like to say that there is nothing wrong with me. I live in NW Phoenix.

If the truck driver was insured, their insurance should pay for any medical care you need including diagnostic tests and treatment. If they weren't and you have car insurance, your car insurance company may cover your medical bills (some policies cover accidents while you are a pedestrian). If your income is low enough, you may qualify for Medicaid.

Hospitals will usually only evaluate you for serious emergencies or lift threatening conditions so you'd probably need to see a specialist such as a neurologist at their office to get a thorough evaluation. The neurologist can order a brain scan (such as an MRI or CT scan) to diagnose brain injury caused by an accident.

 

[Nitro]

During the course of correcting my left frontal lobe TBI issues, my neurosurgeon installed an intracranial shunt that is externally adjustable to maintain pressure balances between my brain hemispheres.
I had severe issues with balance and dizziness prior to being shunted, so there is a possibility you might benefit from one too.
Only a brain specialist can make that call, but it is up to you to get that ball rolling.

If it was his fault you got injured, I would highly recommend going after the driver that hit you.
That is part of why we have to have liability insurance to operate a vehicle.
Even if it wasn't his fault, you owe it to yourself to find professionals who can attempt to help you.