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When a car pulled out in front of Kelly Tuttle on a rural road in 2015, the resulting crash didn't just damage her vehicle — it fundamentally altered her brain and identity. The thunderous collision that day transformed this cardiology nurse practitioner into a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor who would have to relearn how to navigate the world with new cognitive challenges.
Kelly's story is particularly powerful because she experienced the jarring role reversal from healthcare provider to patient. Despite her medical background, she initially fell into the same trap many Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors do — trying to "push through" symptoms like headaches, dizziness, speech difficulties, and extreme fatigue. It wasn't until she nearly crashed again after falling asleep at the wheel that colleagues intervened, helping her access proper diagnosis and treatment. This experience highlights the dangerous gap between TBI research and frontline medical care, where patients often must become their own fiercest advocates.
Through her recovery journey, Kelly discovered transformative coping strategies that she now shares with listeners. She emphasizes how movement prevents the deterioration of balance and coordination, warning against the sedentary lifestyle that can compound TBI symptoms. Perhaps most remarkably, Kelly's traumatic experience ultimately redirected her professional path. She transformed her newfound passion for brain health into a neurology career, becoming exactly the specialist she had needed during her own recovery, creating her "New Normal."
Whether you're a TBI survivor seeking strategies for your new normal, a family member trying to understand a loved one's changed abilities, or a healthcare provider wanting to better serve brain injury patients, Kelly's insights offer a roadmap for compassionate care and sustainable recovery. Her book "After the Crash" and her clinical practice demonstrate that while a brain injury may permanently alter your life, it doesn't have to diminish it. Ready to learn more about creating you
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See you inside the circle,
Antoinette Lee, MBA – The Wellness Warrior
Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!
DISCLAIMER: The information is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. Always consult your physician or healthcare professional before pursuing any health-related procedure or activity.
