(JD): Thanks. I've been interested in reading about the effects of brain injury, from physical to disease to surgery. It's amazing how even the slightest injury can wreak so much havoc on one's personality. My favourite example is Phineas Gage.

ECHOES: Thank you for your sympathy. I don't think of myself as having suffered any more than any other person. We all have a story and a past. Mine just adds certain challenges to my current life, that make it difficult to keep jobs, maintain friendships, or stay in school. I've dropped out of college twice now and almost didn't graduate high school.

I think I will talk to my doctor about seeing a neurologist and having a scan done, the next time I make an appointment with her. (She's located in my old city, it's too hard nowadays to find a doctor one can trust and I don't want to risk losing this one). I might also request a reference for a local psychotherapist. I've considered going to therapy before. I just fear I'll have difficulty affording it.

But where there's a will, there's a way, I suppose. I'm fortunate to live in a part of the world where access to healthcare professionals has been made fairly easy and inexpensive.

Thank you for the repsonses