My name is Dennis Ray Hageman. I received my TBI in June of 2010 in a motorcycle accident. In addition to my TBI, I was the recipient of a broken neck, broken back, broken hand and broken ribs. I couldn't tell you any more than that without speaking with my wife. Darn coma and short term memory. I was in a non-induced coma for about 2 weeks. After that, I was moved to a stepdown unit where I stayed for about another 2 weeks. At that point, I was moved to a rehab facility where I completed what they required of me in 3 week so we could get home to our two kids.
We are a blended family. Lynnette and I were married in August of 2008. I was lucky enough for her to say yes to me and allow me to be a part of Austin and Jessica's lives. I was very fortunate that Lynnette's employer let her stay with me almost the entire time I was in the hospital. My wife is an RN at the hospital in our home town. Nurse 'Nette has been by my side through it all. I owe my improvement to her and the good Lord above, my hard headedness probably helped some too. ;-) She got some relief, a couple of times during those first 7 weeks, to go check on the kids, 4 1/2 hours away, and get some rest. Other than that, she was there to help me along through all of it.
I did organized speech, physical and occupational therapy in a neighboring town, about 30 miles away, for almost a year. The organized speech therapy was completed in a few months. I still do some therapy on my own. I have decided, all of life is therapy. :-)
I have a blank spot of about 6 weeks. The next year is very sketchy. The following year things cleared up tremendously. My wife tells me I was very adamant to get back to work almost immediately after we returned home. My partner at the time and wife kept tabs on me to make certain I was doing what I was supposed to be and getting rest when necessary. I worked half days and went to therapy three days a week to start. I did therapy in the neighboring town, twice a week, until the organized therapy was completed.
Our son, Austin, passed in a one vehicle accident while on a parts run for work at the age of 20 a year ago the end of April, 2016. Our daughter, Jessica, is off at college. I kid Lynnette that we raised one strong independent daughter. We are as far in the southwest corner of the state as you can get; and, she is in the farthest northeast corner going to junior college. She takes after her Mother; very strong, loving, independent and caring.
I do work full time as a partner in another company. My work schedule includes taking Tuesday and Thursday afternoons off to do therapy and rest. I make up the time I need to in the early morning, while I am sharpest, or on the weekend.
As you can tell, I am kind of long winded at times. We joke about keeping to the 'nuts and bolts'. ;-) I will close for now and leave you with, tomorrow is a new day; and, never ever, ever give up!!!!
Thanks for letting us join this helpful Family, look forward to learning more!
