Brain Injury Support Group
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.
I thought I was getting better. Been over 2 years since my TBI and I thought I was getting better though only very little, but I was seeing improvement. Now the last 4 months, I am back at square one in most areas. I hope it only a setback but since it has been so long, I wonder is this as good as it gets? Unable to walk more than 40 yards, unable to talk as well as I would like, unable to put thoughts into words, loss of energy, unbearable headaches, can't even remember my kids names sometimes ( very heatbreaking ). I know I don't have it as bad as others but it is very frustrating all the same. After coming so far and working so hard and watching it all disappear overnight. Someone please tell me that setbacks are expected and can be overcome.
Tom B. aka Ihman
I have suffered setbacks throughout my recovery. I've noticed (what I wanted to think about) that everytime I do is because I am over stressed. I know it might sound rediculous, but how stressed seems to control what setback occurs, how long til it goes away etc.
I have stress in my life on a daily basis. I don't kow a single person in my line of work that doesn't have some level of it on a daily basis.
I have a word finding issue...(can't remember what that's called) some days I trip over the simplest sentence or I can't find a word when I need it. I also have issues walking some days. The joints don't want to work right or pressure causes pain. I can still walk, but not normally, but I have not regained the strength I used to have yet...I'm still working on it.
I also have an issue with names. Once I have them...they are hard to lose, but I have been there. On the tip of the tounge, but might as well be a mile away because the harder you try the further away it seems to go.
The point that I am trying to share is stress can and will do this and you can recover in my experience.
You need to relax...you've pushed to far. What is stressing you? If you can figure that out then you can also deal with the actual problem. Meanwhile I have some suggestions you can try when it is happening.
Walking: if a joint is the issue, pause wiggle it or work out the cramp. If distance is an issue and it was in the beginning for me...walk regularly several times a day, go a few feet further each time.
Words/talking: I laugh at myself and if in front of someone...I'll say, just let me untie my tounge and try that again. If I laugh about it usually takes the pressure I put on myself away and it does come or a word that means the same thing does. With the kids...I've had that problem all my life. I was raised thinking my name was actually a combination between my sisters and my name...not really. My Mom went through the list and so do I. When it gets bad (I only have 1 at home now) I say son or Twinkie (they all answer to that one). You know who they are that's most important. Come up with a term of indearment for the times their names escape you.
Just so you know...I was told up to 5 years it could take to heal. On this site I've read of people making break throughs and even more progress several years after 5. Don't give up hope, but don't be too hard on yourself in the process!!
I agree with Tom...you attitude will be most important in getting back where you were and further.
Tom B. aka Ihman
Tom B. aka Ihman
and yeah, I have some problems walking too. Drives me nuts. But i am working on it, and I am only 8 months post TBI. I need to be patient I guess.
and i notice too that sometimes my words get jumbled when I am worked up over something or nervous or caught off guard. It is like I need to be prepared for everything.
The phone is my enemy now. When it rings I have to look at it for a second and prepare myself to answer it.
Good luck with everything!!
Kara
Tom B. aka Ihman