I tend to go and on about how important it is to increase brain plasticity after a brain injury. But this is because learning about neuroplasticity actually changed my life for the better. 

For me, it was learning to make jewelry and art that rewired my brain and helped it to start functioning again. Other people find that playing video games can be the key to unlocking their brain's potential. Some learn a new language or begin playing chess. Even meditation can help grow brain plasticity! It doesn't have to be difficult. 

Of course, the trick is figuring out what works best for you, but you'll be amazed by the changes that start taking place. In my experience, sometimes it almost seems as though I can feel my brain rewiring itself. Yes, sometimes this hurts a bit- just like a headache- but it is always worth it because it increases the quality of my life.

What techniques do you have to increase your brain plasticity? Please share them, as I am always looking to try new methods!

Thank you, God Bless, and I Love You!

I think it's normal for people to grow nostalgic every now and then... and it seems to be my turn!
Ever since I was a child, I've enjoyed writing down my thoughts. Usually this results in poetry, but sometimes I just write down a few sentences that sum up my thoughts. Lately, I've been looking back through old journals and rediscovering poems I've written through the decades. 

I got in the habit of dating my poems as far back as my 20s. I recently rediscovered poems that I wrote 40 years ago, in 1984. 

So I have decided to compile my poems, decades old and written merely days ago, into a book of poetry. Whether I just print a few for my friends and family or choose to self publish them, it will be rewarding to see the poems all in one place.

I suppose now I should share one of my poems...

More
 
The thoughts of you are forever more
The days move on as they did before
My love will keep me near to you
Even when the sky is blue
Or rainy and dreary with heavy dew
My thoughts are found to wander
As the days move on, I ponder
About the dreams and thoughts of you.                                 
                                                                                           Written 8/2006
                                     

I've already spoken many times on this blog about my medical journey.  I learned to make jewelry in order to heal my brain through neuroplasticity. I am not exaggerating when I say that making jewelry saved my life!

Making jewelry then extended into photography. Photography then led me to explore Repousse Art, which is when you emboss designs onto very thin sheets of copper or aluminum. My art and jewelry have now been featured in galleries! You can see more examples of my work, and even purchase it, at www.deborahmarie2011.shop 

When it comes to brain injuries, it is so important to find something that stimulates you. I truly believe neuroplasticity (or brain plasticity) is the key to everything! It doesn't need to be art. It could be tying knots, learning a new language, gardening, or taking a class. Find what works for you!

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org.

I talk about my brain injury quite a bit, but I rarely speak about the migraines that actually lead to my TBI. (You can read more about how that happened here.) But the short version of the story is that, as an adult, I began suffering from Hemiplegic Migraines- a rare type of migraine that causes facial paralysis among other symptoms. The prolonged misdiagnoses of these Migraines led to vision problems before my brain injury even occurred. 

My photo can be found in the video below, which is from 2013. You may not recognize me, but I'm the only person pictured wearing blue glasses. Though I no longer need to wear them daily, I still need them on Migraine days and other occasions. While the video is older, it is very much still relevant today, so I recommend watching. We all know people who suffer from Migraines!

​Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org.

I've spoken many times about the stress of living with a TBI, and how I often find relief through my love of dancing and nature. But there isn't always time for all that. Some days, I just don't feel well enough to go on a hike or dance around my kitchen. My head aches and I can be overcome with exhaustion.

So instead, I try to find to peace and enjoyment in the little things- like the flowers in my garden, pictured above. Or my favorite pair of black cowboy boots from Texas, which are completely unique and intricate and unlike any boots I've found anywhere else. I feel happy and confident whenever I wear them!

It's so important to have little things in life that can make you smile and forget everything else. What are yours?

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org.

Having only left Georgia in 2019 after following my neurologist here, I knew practically nothing about the Kentucky Derby before I moved to Louisville. So you can imagine my culture shock experiencing all that is the Derby and Derby time here!

Even though it's been nearly five years, I'm still not used to the way businesses all but shut down for a week. It's intimidating knowing which Derby events to go to. Should I attend one of the charity galas? Which ones? If I go to the Pegasus Parade, where will I park? What's appropriate to wear to a Derby Party? Where's the best place to buy a Derby Hat? Should I make my own Derby Hat? Why is there so much traffic? What if I don't like Mint Juleps? 

Though I know how to bet on the horses, I've never been to Churchill Downs. I think I'll make that a priority later this year, after the Derby fervor passes.

What are your favorite Derby events? I'm learning I need to plan my Derby events schedule further in advance next year!

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org.

Running my nonprofit foundation, Gemassist Brain Awareness, can be STRESSFUL!!! Finding donors, creating a recognizable brand, getting donations... It's a lot for someone with who also has a TBI!  Trying to teach people about Gemassist and figuring out the best way to help others can be surprising stressful some days. 
 
So how do I de-stress? My favorite way is dancing! I looove dancing. 

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. 

On Monday, I had the pleasure of experiencing the solar eclipse from southern Indiana, where there was complete totality. I went to visit a fellow TBI survivor’s farm for the experience.
 
As the moon and sun neared complete totality, the feeling was so eerie… The wind picked up. The house lights went on as the sky darkened. The colors around us changed. The birds went a little crazy- chirping loudly and flitting all over the place thinking it was time for bed. The temperature dropped and the wind picked up with a winter chill, blowing my hair all around, which you can see in the photo up above.
 
But amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle, I experienced an unexpected twist. As the moon cast its shadow upon the earth, I felt a curious shift within myself. Speaking became a laborious task, as if the eclipse had momentarily hijacked my neurological circuitry. It felt like I was under the influence! Beside me, my friend mirrored my disorientation, her usual calm demeanor giving way to uncharacteristic anxiety.
 
And then suddenly, it was over… The sky lit up again. The wind dropped, and it felt like summer as the temperature quickly rose with the return of the sun. The birds calmed down. The clouds in the sky reminded me of my time living in Canada, with a view of the Canadian Mountains. It was all so fast and so strange- a total mind and body experience, both physical and spiritual: a true once in a lifetime event.
 
If you had your own unique experience as a brain injury survivor, or if you have a neurological condition and felt the effects of the eclipse, please share it in the comments!
 
Thank you, God Bless, and I Love You!
 
 
Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. 
​

One of my favorite actors of all time is the legendary Clint Eastwood. At 93 years old, he is still directing films and it's such an inspiration, especially as we age. As TBI survivors, we know how important it is to keep our brains stimulated and active to build neuroplasticity. Clint Eastwood's work ethic is truly admirable.

It's hard to pick just one favorite movie of his, as there are too many good ones: Dirty Harry, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Two Mules for Sister Sara, Gran Torino... And let's not forget about his own production company, Malpaso Productions. It's great to see his son, Scott, following in his footsteps too!

As Clint Eastwood once said, "I don't look like I did at 20, so what?" Let's take inspiration from his passion and dedication to keep pursuing our own passions, no matter our age.
​

The hustle and bustle of everyday can be enough to stress out anyone. But for those of us that are Brain Injury survivors, whether the injury happened decades ago or a week ago, that stress can be completely overwhelming. This is why it is especially important that we take a moment to recharge.

I've talked about neuroplasticity before and how my neurologist, Dr Kaelin, taught me to re-wire my brain after my injury. But that healing process isn't easy. Sometimes it physically makes my brain hurt! And so, when I need a break, I REALLY need a break. Sometimes that means working on my art, but other times it means getting outside in nature. My go-to place for that is Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, here in Kentucky. 

With lovely gardens, walking paths, hiking trails, relaxing seating areas, and art installations, it really has a little bit of everything! (They also have beautiful spaces available for events.)

So stop stressing out! Take a break! Go on a walk! Go on a hike! Feel the wind in your hair! Smell the flowers! Give your brain a chance to relax and recharge!

Thank you, God Bless, and I Love You!
   

This colorful brain, sculpted from wire, is the perfect example of just how colorful and complex our brains can be! (And you all thought that this was just wire!) We are each colorful, in our own individual way. 

Thank you, God Bless, and I Love You!

I have always loved music. Rock n' Roll, Blues, Classical, Country... you name it. When I was younger, I was always going to concerts and dancing my heart out. And after my Traumatic Brain Injury, music was one of the few things in my life that didn't change. 

But due to my Hemiplegic Migraines, I could no longer go to concerts. I could not feel the joy that I felt once upon a time. Due to tremendous new technologies within the medical field for treating migraines and TBI, my whole world has come alive again!

Recently, I went to my first concert in YEARS, and it felt just like old times! I sat in the front row and danced the night away! Life is so short and every once in a while, God peaks through and gives you a miracle. 

But you have to look for those miracles everyday! They don't always fall in your lap. Seek out the new treatment options and keep looking for new solutions. It's important to still take pleasure in your favorite things and make time for what brings you joy!

Much love and always remember even though I don't know you, I love you everyday! 

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. ​

As I pace the floors and slide my smooth soft
Fur along the wall,
I notice humans outside.
They always have these furry animals with them.
The furry thing makes loud noises or jumps around. Some have long tongues whereas mine
Is so small. Some are so small I just wonder, would they play?
I wonder why I am always in this big place that David calls house.
I play hide and seek and lay in his lap.
Does he think I cannot visit those big animals?
I know one day I will pop out and take an adventure and come right back in the house.
 
I am out! It is hot. Something is making my hair itch.
The air is different and all this green stuff with little creatures. Oops! I think one bit me.
Red! What is this on my paws? Georgia Red Clay is all around me.
The color seems to stay on my paws and my tongue will not clean them.
This green area here has so many small and large creatures.
 
Oh, I do not know where David is now,
How do I get home?
Through this fence where I came from will get me home.
I am hungry.
No! I do not recognize these rough rocks.
I tried; it is time for bed, but my soft bed is not here.
I know sleep and I will be able to get food tomorrow.
 
Another day and rain- Rain, I think they call it because I am so cold.
Where am I?
I do not know and I will stay ‘til I figure out what is next.
Food? Where?
Prrrrrrr Prrrrr- as a Lion with anger.
I will never leave home to find these strange animals again.
Isn’t anyone looking for me?
No food, help!
Curiosity is not good if you cannot understand how to get home.
Prrr Prrr
Home! Home!
 
What’s this? A human hand?
I do not know it but I am going!
Going up in the air to a human body.
Warm but I do not know them. I wonder if they know David.
Oh prrr prrr like a small cat.
 
Oh hello! Hello!
I am home again. Food and water and the wonderful air.
Prrr. Prrr. Love is all around me.
I am home and I am home.
I know what it is like out there, but I will stay here,
Where I belong,
And enjoy the love in my home.
 
Inspired by the Cat
Written by Deborah Marie Krupp 8/15/2015

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… TBI does not mean your life is over! It can be difficult, but it IS manageable with the right help! While healing takes time, it is a realistic and achievable goal.
 
I find that my TBI has resulted in an increased response to certain things, so I can be very easily distracted or stressed out by something that might not bother anyone else. It’s also a lot harder to focus than it was before. My assistant tells me that working with me is like working with a person with severe ADHD, who happens to be unmedicated.
 
But these are things that are manageable. Yes, it took me a long time to get to where I am now, but with help from the right doctors I learned the importance of Brain Plasticity.
 
Shortly after my TBI occurred, I could barely count to 10, and I had to leave my job as a successful engineer and project manager. Now I am a successful artist. I started Gemassist Brain Awareness Foundation to help others, and I can even drive myself places again, something that was not possible for a long time.
 
Brain Injury is an invisible illness. A lot of people don’t know my story until I share it with them. They may just think I’m a bit eccentric. But as a TBI survivor, I know the fear of “what’s next?” first hand, and I can guarantee you that it’s not all bad.
 
Take one day at a time, one step at a time. Sometimes we go back, sometimes we go forward, but always remember that if we don’t work that brain muscle, we’ll never make any progress. So get out there and try something new today!

Deborah Marie is available for additional media opportunities, including podcasts, written articles, speaking engagements, and video testimonials. Learn more about the non-profit foundation she started at www.Gemassist.org. 
​

The world can be so cruel.
When nature takes its toll,
The pain and suffering,
No one can control. 

The wind and rain, 
The shaking ground,
The destruction and despair,
No one can be found.

The lives that are lost,
The homes that are gone,
The memories that are taken,
The sorrow that lingers on.

Though we can't understand,
Why these disasters come,
We can still remember,
The courage of those who succumb.

For those who have lost,
In the face of nature's wrath,
We can still honor them,
With a moment of silence and a prayer.

-By Deborah Marie, 2023

The story of my health journey is a long and frustrating one. Frustrating may be an understatement.
 
At the age of fiftysomething, while working for a large engineering firm as a Project Manager, I began having headaches. The headaches were so severe that one day I passed out during a meeting with HR. At the time, no one knew the cause of this syncope episode, but my supervisors assumed that I had been drinking and sent me home once I regained consciousness. They did not follow the proper company guidelines to involve our on-site medical personnel, which later had huge consequences for both them and me.
 
Thus began my health issues and my search for answers. My primary care physician referred me to a neurologist, who thought I was having transient ischemic attacks. Due to my low blood pressure, the neurologist prescribed a medication to increase it, assuming this was the cause. This was not the right approach. Within two weeks the optic nerve in my right eye popped, causing some vision loss and a severe sensitivity to light, particularly white light. Something as simple as going outside required a hat and two pairs of dark sunglasses. I was referred to another specialist.
 
This specialist recommended blue tinted glasses to help calm my right eye. I wore these indoors and outdoors for eight solid years, and sometimes still require them.
 
Next, I started having absent seizures which caused fainting and facial disfigurement. It was decided that I was having diabetic seizures despite not being diabetic at that time. I was prescribed seizure medication, which I stayed on for about 18 months. This medication made me so sick that I could not do my job, forcing me to go on FMLA. Eventually, the corporation that I was working for let me go. Dodging long term disability, they claimed that I was laid off due to  drinking issues (rumors which they had started), rather than diagnosed health issues. And so began my need for assistance with day-to-day tasks. Finally, I was tested for epilepsy, which turned out not to be the cause of my episodes.
 
After more episodes, I managed to get an appointment at John Hopkins in Baltimore. This is where I was finally diagnosed with hemiplegic migraines. Upon returning to Atlanta, I started seeing Dr. Kelman for my hemiplegic migraines. Unbeknownst to me, Dr. Kelman had been conducting an unscientific study on twenty of his patients, including myself. I was never informed that I was part of a study, nor had I given the informed consent necessary to participate in a legitimate study. Nonetheless I started receiving trigger point injections of an experimental medication he was using. He purposefully deceived me about what medication he was using.
 
As my migraines and their symptoms became increasingly disruptive, Dr. Kelman brushed off any new symptoms. Then I showed up at his office one day while having an extremely debilitating and painful migraine. In his frustration with his experimental drug not working, he hurriedly gave me a series of injections without proper protocol, aiming incorrectly in his rush, and causing me even more severe pain. He then abandoned me in the room, unable to speak. I fled the office as fast as I could gather myself, knowing that something was very very wrong.
 
My husband found me later. I’d made it home somehow, but my brain was fuzzy. My right side had been struck with palsy and I could not control my muscles. My right eye was far worse than usual.  My husband immediately called Dr. Kelman, who promptly told him to find a new neurologist and hung up on him. This is how I went from suffering rare migraines to becoming a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor. It was a dark and difficult time for me.
 
I finally found the right doctor at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. I credit Dr. Darryl Kaelin with saving my life. Despite the damage to both hemispheres of my brain, he led me through a rehabilitation process to teach my brain the neuroplasticity that I needed to become a functional person again. Dr. Kaelin became so instrumental in my care that I eventually moved to Louisville, KY after he moved there.
 
Since then, there have been ups and downs. I thought I was finally in the clear when I began having such severe pain on my right side that it required gamma knife radiation.
 
Despite all of this, I am optimistic about my future, thanks to the treatments that I receive at UofL’s Frazier Center with Dr. Kaelin, and at the Cleveland Clinic. I want others to benefit from all that I have learned, and hopefully avoid the road blocks I’ve encountered along the way. This is why I founded the Gemassist Brain Awareness Foundation.

Being a TBI survivor often feels soooooo serious. But life shouldn’t be so heavy all the time. You’ve got to lighten it up sometimes!
 
Today, I’m embracing my inner “Barbie!” As a little girl, I remember sneaking into my mom’s closet. Like many other little girls, I’d try on her high heels, and my favorite of her clothes. Then I’d move onto the bathroom and inexpertly apply her make up. I’m sure you can picture it perfectly!
 
As a grown woman, I no longer need to sneak around. But I still want to reclaim that feeling of play. So why not throw on a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry and some fun clothes?  I’m calling it my Barbie Day!
 
Silly? Sure! Though a brain injury is lifelong, it’s still okay and good to have a little fun!
 
This also makes me think about one of the earliest neurorehabilitation exercises that I learned after my TBI. Believe it or not, it was a simple game of Hopscotch- that kid’s game with a simple board of alternating one and two squares drawn in chalk on the ground. You hop on either one foot, or both feet as the board dictates. At first, I just froze. I couldn’t comprehend moving from one foot to two or vice versa, so I just got stuck. Such a simple game, that the youngest children learn to play… and it was like I’d never seen the game before in my life.
 
But with persistence and neurorehabilitation, I learned to play hopscotch again! Yes, it took me several weeks, but who’s counting? Now I can walk, play hopscotch, swim, drive… whatever I like!
 
So don’t forget how important play is in your everyday life! Just because you have a brain injury, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun now and again! Maybe I’ll even go see the new Barbie movie next week...
 
Have fun today and every day!!!

The hardest part of changing my brain from Engineer to Artist was accepting the reality that something had gone wrong with my brain. 

Here I sat in a hospital waiting room with a family member, surrounded by stroke patients, young kids with sports injuries, and paralyzed individuals, and wondered, "Why am I here?" 

My name would be called, and my relative had to hold my hand and direct me, because I couldn't even walk without guidance.  She'd lead me back to my case manager's office. As the case manager spoke, I'd burst out in tears, not understanding why I was there. This continued for three sessions. I just couldn't grasp what was happening. 

The next week, my relative and I had to remove every work outfit from my closet, even my work shoes, so I would realize I was never going to work again. Doing that, there was one plaid suit and a dress that I refused to let go. She allowed it, but any shoes related to my job had to be removed. She hid my briefcase, which I still have, but the rest was removed from the house. I still didn't understand that I'd never work again. 

Next up my cognitive ability was tested. It was scheduled as a three hour test. After three hours, the doctor said "Deborah, you're going to have to be here for two 8 hours days. You are not a 3 hour patient." During those two days, I periodically had to stop and cry, because I couldn't go A B C D E F ... or even count from one to ten. As an engineer, this felt inconceivable to me. I wasn't even allowed to drive my own car home.  

Two weeks later, the testing doctor called me with results. She didn't say much, but referred me to Dr Kaelin, (then at Sheppard Brain and Spinal, now at the Frazier Center in Louisville). She also said I'd need a neurologist, and other specialists. She told me I'd never work again and to immediately get a lawyer and go on disability.  She also advised me to have a Living Will drawn up. 

Finally, I accepted me fate. I went to Sheppard Brain & Spinal Center. They tested my nerves, and I'd lost a lot of feeling and mobility on the right side of my body. The muscles weren't receiving the right signals. They'd have me play Hopscotch. It would take a long time to switch back and forth from one foot to two feet. But by the end of the program, I could do the whole Hopscotch board just fine at a normal pace. 

Years later, at Frazier Rehab in Louisville, KY, there was a young man in a wheelchair. And all he could do was cry whenever I walked past. Seeing him, I had so much compassion, because I had been him, unable to grasp my new reality. He'd been in an accident, while mine was due to a reaction to a treatment I'd been given for my migraines. 

I worked with Dr. Kaelin at the Sheppard Brain Center extensively. One day, I had on a beaded chain with a pendant on it, which I had made. I can't remember where I got the beads. But when Dr. Kaelin saw it, he asked if I'd made anything before. I had not. He told me to keep it up. Three months later, I had made endless and complex designs. I made so much jewelry, I had to give it away. I quit counting after I created over 2000 individual pieces of art. 

From beads, to sterling silver, to fine jewelry, I moved into art photography, leather work, metal work, and resin designs. (A new website featuring my art will be live soon!) I even dabble in landscape design now! In conversation, a lot of my engineering brain still comes out, but I repeatedly undergo Frazier's Brain & Neural Rehabilitaion Program whenever I feel I need a check-up, in order to keep my brain's plasticity active. 

I have have had some fascinating weeks.  I have been creating pieces of Repousse Art.  I have finally gotten attention.  It is very difficult to work with the metal but it is relaxing for me!!!! 
I have also design my new sterling silver necklace pendent. I am looking forward to having it out this year! My hopes it will sell sell sell for the money to go to the foundation 
Foundation are soo hard when they are small, this month I will get there!!!!! 

I will have more verifications and history and more enjoyment in my life concerning my reels on Instagram and FB.  I should tell you the story behind each one!!!! 
My art pieces are story tellers.  

My  new pendent is a story; I do not make anything without a story. 
I do not mass produce   I just do what comes from my heart to my brain.  
All the Best 
My God Bless you every day! 
Deborah Marie 

Even when the down gets going, the up continues in my brain and life.  I have a foundation that helps patients, brain research, and various other neurological illness.

Now, I am going show you a picture of my little friends that are from GA that came to Derby City. Look what they have on their heads. If you are not from Derby City right now you have no clue, I will tell you that they are Derby Fascinator.  

I have my favorite fellow on my T-Shirt - Eric Clapton!!!! Yes, the man with the most interesting historical background if you take the time to read and listen to his music. I can not think of any musician  that is on the upper list that has not played with him sometime during their  life. Go to Eric Clapton under Wiki and you will be amazed if you start researching his life of music.  Oh, today as he has aged as I, he reminds me of BB King how he loves that guitar like BB's Lucille. I saw him too in his older age and bless me I waited for hours just to hear BB play the blues.

Now, I will take you back to my interest in Eric.  It started when my brother brought home Cream for me to listen.  I did not know who was playing at the time. I really enjoyed the album at 14 years old. My first concert was at 19 years old and from that point on; I enjoyed listening to Eric’s music for sure.  I bought record after record after tape after tape then CD's and Crossroad's DVD. Crossroad's I wish I was able to go but never got the opportunity. It is the most amazing show with all those wonderful guitar players.  Crank It UP!   

Back to me, Ok! I am not a groupie but I have a real very good ear for acoustic and electric guitar music. I can tell if a player is good or not in a New York minute.  

There is more to tell you but I will let you do your own research and enjoy my little friends. ie No children of my own
​

Life for me is up/down .   I know it is more perfect than some but boy it is not perfect everyday. I am grateful that I have a roof, food, car and all those things. 
some people do not have that therefore I am blessed and thnkful. 
Now, what else can I say to people who reads this 
my art is my heart
​

I have so many of my favorite musicians or actress pass.  Today, Raquel Welch passed do not know why but God Rest Your Soul.  I want to say to you - What a beautiful woman! No doubt about it that her genes were good.
I love her wigs but at present I do not wear one.

Happiness is what you make it. Do not work if you are going to be the Greatest or Greatest! Enjoy being who you are and enjoy your work! No matter what you do!  Do not do a job that you count the days if you can help it. Do something that is you. You can flip burgers - fine! No stress as that manager that gets yelled at for not meeting numbers.  Be a pilot, be your own boss but if you are your own boss you can not sleep in and just jive. 
Take the long road if you have to do it; look at me and I have had so many careers till I was 30 years old my life started changing.

that reminds me of what someone said to me:

in your 20s life seems so hard and you work at it
in your 30s life hopefully you have at least 100 dollars for every year of your age if not take $10
in your 40s life you know who you are and this is what you lived to be and you can fix some parts and some you can not.
in your 50s life you think the road is smooth at least I did til bump - the road turned
in your 60s life you still feel like you are 20 but not your body; you enjoy yourself in different ways. I find that 60 year olds that have to party all the time did not do it in their 20s.
in your 70s life as my friends say "Don't look back and enjoy every breath you take"

all for now! Peaching Around and if I do not see you I know what is going on!

​live, love and enjoy the best you can!

wow!!!!
LAST YEAR WENT BY IN A FLASH, I DID NOT GET TO DO EVERYTHING I WANTED BUT I DID WHAT I COULD

things will be happening this year that is better than before;

here is my short story

My story is simple and short but life long. I started having disfigurement in my face and no one knew what it was. I saw several neurologists and finally it diabetic seizures. I was put on late adult seizure meds for almost 1.5years.  I got terribly worse.  I went to John Hopkins in Baltimore MD and I was there for 4 hours.  The doctor checked my neuro system and then he said “you have hemiplegic migraines”.  He wrote up info and said Atlanta doctors should know how to treat this rare migraine. It is not pretty if you look it up.
Came home and went to a migraine specialist, he was doing testing on this migraine and I did not know he was not using Botox but solumedrol.  He hit my spinal below around C1-C2 with this test medication and I got dysfunctional neurology.  I look like I had palsy and my right side of my body moved without me. I could not see white light out of my right eye. My brain was fuzzy. My sisters cried and some could not see me. It was so bad. My best friend, Linda, was overwhelmed with tears and distress.  Main objective was to get me to Shepherd Center Hospital on Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA.  
I met several doctors due to the weird happening: I was given to Dr. Darryl L Kaelin.  I went through Pathways at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA; I cried like a baby and had no clue why I could not want to do the things I used to do.. Lost my job, my husband became my provider.  Dr. Darryl L Kaelin finally put a mixture of drugs and off I went to life somewhat.  Doing the best I could. He taught me about the brain and about neuroplasticity.  My psychologist was appalled and sent me to Emory for a cognitive test. It lasted 2 days. She immediately requested disability and told me to make a will with the health care advisor to make a decision if I went into a coma.  I stayed in shock I believe for 3 years. My husband started having to take me to all his job sites and I started with the help of others to learn how to be as independent as possible when he was not around. 
Dr. Darryl L. Kaelin saved my life and he moved to Frazier Rehabilitation Institute and that is where I go now in Louisville, KY for treatment and follow ups.
I thought everything was over but it was not; my trigeminal nerve on the right side where I had the migraine was beginning to be very painful in 2016. The pain increased till suicide seemed to be the answer; I believe in God and it did not happen. After being rejected by Emory in my own hometown and Mayo Clinic; I kept searching if I wanted to live a somewhat normal life.  Brain Expert, Dr Robinson in Atlanta GA looked at my film on a bad day and said “I can try something and let’s hope it works”.  I was immediately signed up for Gamma Knife to get rid of the right side Trigmental Neurologia. It Worked!  
Now, left hemisphere damage and right hemisphere damage has gone through neuroplasticity. I have other neurological issues, and age related issues. No matter how many years, this is a hard life not having the brain you once had; life goes on. 
Deb Krupp

 

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