Support for brain injury?
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watson
Online Community Member Posts: 14 Listener
Hi all my name is Jen and my son Andrew has recently suffered a brain injury I'm hoping this group could offer me some comfort and support
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Hello @watson and welcome to the community. Very glad to have you with us.
I am truly very sorry to hear about Andrew, and hope that you will find here the comfort and support you are looking for.
Scope is a 'safe' place, so you need not be shy of telling us anything about yourself or of asking any questions. We're here, we're listening, and we want above all to help.
If you can, then, tell us about yourself and your son, his condition, your concerns. The better we get to know you the more easy it will be to find you the help and support you need.
Very warmest best wishes to you, Jen,
Richard1 -
Welcome to the community @watson - I am sorry to hear about your son's injury.
Have you heard of Headway? They are a charity that supports people with brain injuries.
You can get support from their free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk and also look for your local Headway support.
We also have a friendly and caring community here with members who have had brain injuries who you may want to chat with.
Best of luck, let us know how you get on!1 -
Thank you all for your replys . My son Andrew had a sudden cardiac arrest at 2 am in his sleep only for the quick reaction of his partner who started cpr while his 12 year old son was on to ambulance control then the paramedics who shocked his heart bk he wouldn't be here now . Andrew is 32 this all happened 3 weeks ago tonight .He was in an induced coma for the 1st week and when weaned of he couldn't remember who we were . They say he has brain damage due to lack of oxygen . He hasn't lost his use of limbs but finds it difficult to speak unless you tell him to his memory is coming bk but sometimes his eyes just look lost . He is having an icd implant next week then we don't know what will come next . I want to take him home but his partner wants him to go rehab .i dont know whats best he isnt eating much in hospital but he has never eaten much hospital food any time he has been in .he is really fussy lol . I just feel so lost I want to pick him up and make it better but this time I can not . Thank you all for being here for me and Andrew at this time .Jennifer0
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Hello Jennifer @watson
I am very saddened to read what happened to Andrew. It sounds to me as if these are early days, so try to keep hoping
I know it's awfully hard.
Hardest of all, perhaps, is that sense of feeling lost, of being able to somehow pick him up and 'make it better'. Deep inside ourselves we feel that that is our first duty to our children and it somehow makes no sense that we are so helpless in this kind of situation. I have been there and know something of the deep pain you are going through. The 'not knowing' is horrible, too, as I remember only too well.
All I can say at present is that you are not 'alone' here. We're listening, hoping to find ways to help and support you.
Do you prefer Jen, by the way, or Jennifer? The little girl in my photograph was christened Jennifer - it has always been my favourite name.
Most of all, take care of yourself. You will need your strength in days to come.
Hope we will get to talk more soon.
Warmest best wishes to you and to Andrew,
Richard1 -
Thank you Richard it was really nice hearing from another who knows what I'm going through and the advice . I like Jen best my mum always called me Jennifer when I was naughty lol so it definitely Jen xxx I try and stay positive each day I can see little improvements and once Andrew has his icd implant fitted hopefully early next week I will breathe again as I know it won't happen like that again and it is the rehab we can begin xx0
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Hi @ Watson, I do know of a place in Liverpool where I attended a training session called The Brain Charity who may be of support.1
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That would be amazing thank you Dave we only live in Cheshire so it's not far from us x thank you0
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Richard you are amazing . I don't feel so alone knowing I have friends like you on here I can talk to xxx2
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Can any one tell me if people with a brain injury get tired and drowsy one day and seem.ok the next0
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Hello Jen, @watson
Logic suggests that it must be possible for symptoms of brain injury to vary from day to day, but the only person who can answer the question satisfactorily would be a medical specialist. There are always so many variables in medical questions.
Go easy on yourself, if you can. I am sure that Andrew is in the best hands he could possibly be in, and it is for them to find out exactly what is happening.
In fact, I wonder how you are? Are you finding/making time to grieve for your own pain? We can push ourselves too far, you know, when we're trying to be strong.
Here and listening,
Warmest best wishes to you and to Andrew,
Richard0 -
Thank you Richard . I ask but I'm afraid I'm not getting many answers as Andrew is still on the cardiology ward awaiting a bed in the rehab unit and it's so frustrating . I know that with proper help Andrew can get back to a bear normal life. Just today he was doing his online banking for his partner as she couldn't transfer money didn't know how and he did it without a problem . Obviously there are things that need working on such as speech and his eating and energy levels . ME well I go and sit and talk with him daily until his partner comes then I go that's the time I cry my eyes out but never in front of Andy .it helps me cope and restart afresh the next day . I have now realized it will never matter how much better he gets he will always be my son my life xxx0
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Hello Jen, and thank you for responding.
From what you say about Andrew doing his online banking, I think there is everything to hope for Perhaps he could help with mine.
An odd thing to say, I'm sure, but I am glad you are crying. I know it helps and there have been times when I have used artificial stimuli - a particular movie or piece of music usually - to help me get the tears out.
And yes, he will always be your son and your life. It is a great thing to know, is it not?
Warmest best wishes to you both,
Richard
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Hello Richard . You are brilliant warm caring and I'm happy I've found you on here .Just talking gives me so much hope and happiness . Thank you. Take care looking forward to speaking soon xx
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Hello Richard I am God blessed meeting you xx have a very good night's sleep x night night Jen x0
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Night night, Jen.
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Hi Richard just a short note to let you know Andrew has now moved to a rehab centre and is doing extremely well . Today he was given a speech machine which he finds hilarious but uses it to communicate the words he can't get out yet x he is having physio to strengthen his muscles back up as he lost some weight laying around in hospital . They are going to allow him home for a day . Then a day&night then weekend their doing it that way so he doesn't get overwhelmed with it all . I would like to thank you for your kind words. Help and understanding right from the beginning . We know Andrew will never be the exactly the same but near as possible .many many thanks Jen xx ps I will if you don't mind keep you informed of his recovery as we get there . You have been my angel throughout this xx0
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