Tell us a little bit about yourself and how invisible injuries have impacted your life or the life of someone you love.
My name is Derryen Plante. I am currently 27 years old and live in Maine with my two fur babies Kanga & Roo. When I was 23 years old I was working in a prison where I was assaulted by an inmate. The assault left me with a third-degree shoulder separation and a severe concussion. It took years for me to be diagnosed with the invisible injuries I was suffering from including Visual Midline Shift Syndrome, Occipital Neuralgia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Central Sleep Apnea, and cognitive deficits. The assault and the aftermath of trying to receive treatment for my injuries took a significant toll on me. There were times where I had completely lost all hope that I would ever live a normal life, or know what it was like to not live in debilitating pain. I decided to share my experiences by writing my book You've Got Some Nerve: The Battle Back from an Invisible Injury, to offer strength and hope to others suffering in similar circumstances. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing your stories 💕