|
LISBURN WOMAN'S MESSAGE OF HOPE TO VICTIMS OF BRAIN INJURY
by JENNY MONROE
Donna Morrison
'Doctors thought was nearly dead and their
medical opinion was to turn off the life support'
A LISBURN woman who suffered a brain injury and was left in a
coma for four months after being knocked down when she was just
10 has written a heartfelt account of her recovery, encouraging
others who have gone through a similar ordeal to embrace life
and never give up hope.
Donna Morrison's story `A Second Chance', appeared in a
recent copy of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust's
'Brain Times' - a magazine for people with a brain injury and
others interested in their recovery.
In her account Donna, 20, who was knocked down in the summer
of 1997 and spent four months in a coma, speaks of the pain and
fear she felt when she woke up in intensive care. She then takes
the reader through her slow and emotional recovery.
"It was so humiliating. I felt like a baby all over again. I
felt so alone, even with people floating about me," explained
Donna. "I have a lot to be grateful for as the doctors thought I
was nearly dead and their medical opinion was to turn off the
life support. If it hadn't have been for another doctor saying
no - I might not be here today to share my story," she
continued.
Donna, who is originally from Luton, now lives a happy life
with her boyfriend Sean, but a few years ago life wasn't as
rosy. Coming to terms with her injuries and coping with the way
people looked and treated her left the young woman depressed and
frustrated.
She believes moving into a Simon Community Hostel helped her
gain independence and a sense of worth and the support shown by
her boyfriend and his family has been invaluable.
"I wrote the article as I wanted to share with all those
people who think life isn't worth living, that you just never
know what is round the corner. I still have problems talking and
I limp when I'm tired or if it's cold outside and my left hand
permanently shakes but it could have been a lot worse.
"Facing a near death experience I have realised life is a
gift. Never waste it, live for the moment and seize the day."
jenny.monroe@jpress.co.uk
Ulster Star
19/10/2007
 |
