Christina Oyola
Concussions/Brain Injuries: 4
Cause: Military, Other
Christina’s Story
I suffered a head injury during basic training, falling from a 16-foot height off the cargo net obstacle. Despite this, I wasn't treated for head trauma at the time. I vividly remember falling, getting up, and answering my drill sergeant that I was fine. However, my memory gets hazy from there. I somehow managed to complete the training, even though I couldn't recall my assigned number.
Shortly after, I developed a high fever and experienced more health issues. A few weeks later, during training, I jumped from a 5-ton vehicle fully loaded, and my right leg gave out. This led to my visit to the sick hall, where scans revealed stress fractures in my hip, knee, and foot. I was granted an L.O.D in basic training, recognizing my injuries as line of duty.
I continued to serve for seven more years as a reservist, but I couldn't get things together. My life became a whirlwind as I moved eight times in five years, faced housing instability, lost my military career, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Fast forward to 2020 when the pandemic hit, my scheduled hysterectomy was delayed. After the surgery, I began to notice it wasn't just my mental health that was affected. Something more profound was at play. I was referred to polytrauma, where numerous evaluations and tests were conducted. The results were staggering: five impairments, ten weaknesses, severe dyslexia, frequent confusion, sensory overload, OCD, and audio-visual processing problems, among other conditions.
This year, I experienced what seemed like a stroke, with brain imaging showing changes in my brain matter. Initially, healthcare professionals dismissed it as migraines and anxiety, but I knew it was something different. It took six weeks of intense home-based occupational therapy to regain some of my lost function. Now, I can drive and walk, but my vision and hearing issues persist.
I've resolved to speak with the VA and request a TBI specialist, as I'm convinced that it's more than migraines and anxiety. These hearing problems are intensifying, making it challenging to eat, hear, and breathe simultaneously. Your podcast has helped me recognize that my struggles go beyond mental health, and it's crucial for others to understand the severity of my condition. This journey started in 2007 when I remained undiagnosed until 2021, and each head injury exacerbated my long-term symptoms.
A Message From Christina:
In the face of my traumatic journey, I've channeled my experiences into creating That Day Company, a mission-based venture dedicated to empowering individuals on their path to recovery from trauma, both physical and emotional. Our inaugural product line, HerStory Unveiled, focuses on empowering women to heal from generational trauma through innovative solutions.
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Concussion Connect has provided me a space to learn more about what is going on inside my brain and body, find the words to express how I am feeling, not feel so alone, and learn about and use different resources! It provides a sense of being understood that has been missing since my accident, even brings a sense of understanding myself. - CC Member
