Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
After surviving a traumatic brain injury, Kelly Tuttle faced the harsh reality of rebuilding her life
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Kelly Tuttle, a neurology nurse practitioner, joined the leagues of patients she had helped treat when another car pulled out in front of her, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2015. Despite the tumultuous journey that followed, Kelly’s indomitable spirit prevailed, propelling her toward a path of self-discovery and empowerment. In this conversation with Best Self, Kelly shares her story and expertise and invites you to join her in the journey of overcoming obstacles and reclaiming your power.
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Q: Hi Kelly, thank you for sharing your insights with our Best Self audience! Firstly, can you please share a bit about your career with traumatic brain injuries — and how you suddenly found yourself as a TBI patient yourself?
I embarked on my TBI life while driving home from work down a rural road. Suddenly, another driver pulled out in front of me, I could not stop on time before my vehicle T-boned the other car. It was a pretty severe crash. My car’s engine began smoking, glass was scattered everywhere, and the wreckage from the smashed vehicles was alarming. Neighbors started coming out of their houses to see what had happened and check if they could help. At the time, I had been a cardiology nurse practitioner for 20 years.
After my traumatic brain injury (TBI), I had to navigate my recovery on my own. I read numerous books on concussion recovery and explored various TBI websites to find ways to support my healing brain. During this process, I developed a passion for all things related to the brain. A friend suggested that I consider a career in neurology. Two years later, I secured a position as a neurology nurse practitioner, and I have been happy ever since.
Q: How did that unimaginable experience impact your life and career going forward?
My traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed my life significantly. It affected every aspect of my existence: my career, family, finances, health, self-identity, and lifestyle. I lost friends and precious time with my children. I also developed neurofatigue, a common symptom following brain injuries, which has limited my ability to network and participate in activities.
Q: You’ve displayed immense positivity since that event. What tools and strategies have you learned that can help others to process the experience and rebuild their lives — and even thrive — after adversity?
A person’s brain injury recovery will be as different as their personality. It’s crucial for a TBI survivor to identify their symptoms and track any changes over time, as these symptoms may evolve. They should also determine what exacerbates their symptoms. To achieve this, I recommend journaling and practicing mindfulness as the first tools to deploy after a brain injury.
Understanding your brain injury symptoms and their triggers is crucial for guiding a TBI survivor in pursuing therapy and treatment from specialists, such as speech therapists, neurophysical therapists, behavioral optometrists, audiologists, psychiatrists, or doctors in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Recognizing these symptoms will help survivors identify the right strategies and tools to support their brain’s performance during healing.
Q: What’s the biggest hurdle you witness with people who remain stuck after traumatic events, even though they desperately want to move forward?
The biggest hurdle I’ve observed in people who remain stuck after a traumatic brain injury is their difficulty in letting go of their former selves. After a TBI, individuals must navigate through a process of grief. Feeling angry, sad, and frustrated about losing parts of their old life is normal. Still, those feelings shouldn’t prevent them from moving forward. When someone with a TBI accepts that they won’t return to their previous self anytime soon, they can start to understand their new brain and the person they are becoming.
This process does not happen overnight and needs to be supported by family, friends, support groups, counselors, family counselors, and psychologists.
I was able to let go of my old self by writing down everything I had lost—my goals and passions—on one side of a piece of paper. On the other side, I listed all the things I had gained after my traumatic brain injury (TBI). When I compared the two lists, I found that I appreciated the new core values and passions I had developed. I liked the person I was becoming.
Q: You’ve published a book, After the Crash; can you share a bit about this story and your mission in writing it?
After my TBI, all I wanted was to return to work and resume my old life. During this pursuit, I felt a sense of anxiety and hopelessness. I made several mistakes that prolonged my recovery. I didn’t want other TBI survivors to make the same mistakes or feel the same way I did.
In the weeks leading up to my return to work, I anxiously flipped through my traumatic brain injury recovery books. I scoured bookmarked websites for answers, help, and hope. Despite pushing through a headache, dizziness, and exhaustion, I found little of what I was seeking.
I wrote my book to help traumatic brain injury survivors like me feel less lost when trying to return to work or school. My goal was to provide tools, strategies and resources to support mild TBI survivors in their reintegration into the workplace and educational settings. I want them to know there is hope and they are not alone.
Q: Thank you for this conversation; I hope it inspires our readers! Any last thoughts for those who may be facing adversity but don’t know what steps to take next?
If you are reading this and facing adversity, seek out your tribe. Connect with others who are navigating similar challenges. Share your story and learn from others. You can connect with these people on your favorite social media platforms, in support groups, or at community meet-ups. Look for advocates and content creators who offer valuable insights and resources. Embrace self-help or recovery books that inspire growth. Seek support from friends, family, medical providers, and mental health specialists, and remember that you are not alone on this journey.
You may also enjoy reading Adrenal Fatigue: Diagnosing the Burnout Epidemic, by Aviva Romm, MD.
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