Can I ask if you know how I can have some neuro tests folowing sub dermal hemorragh/anuerysm

[tracie-walker]

Can I ask if you know how I can have some neuro tests as I dont remember having them when before i left hosp in 2006. but I have forgotten more than i can remember about my former life, I have lost all the qualifications i gained at school, college etc and training and work exp through my life as I cant remember any of it, this has had a huge impact on my life and my mental health as i dont know who i am anymore, or what i know, sometimes i can know/remember something 1 day but have forgotten it the next? There is no stability to my memory at all.

[brighton88]

the test I had was with a neuro physiotherapist

[tracie-walker in reply to brighton88]

was it while you were still in hosp or when you were home?

[brighton88 in reply to tracie-walker]

referral from my GP, there were all services at the hospital but were not offered to me.BUT, I did have to push insist and demand

[AnthonyMs]

Demand them.

[tracie-walker]

ok thank you - i am tired of people brushing off my symptoms as normal, i realize that everyone forgets things or can be so busy they get mixed up, but, for instance, I trained for 6 weeks (intensive) for William hill, where I had to achieve over 90% at the final test to be employed, this included all the combination bets and how to calculate the odds, plus over 60 named bets with the associated odds( and how to calculate them), every sporting event throughout the year inc horses, football etc and then all the actual practical skills like using a switchboard and company database. I passed at the top of the class and I cannot tell you more than 1 or 2 named bets and I don't have a clue how to work out odds! This was only in 2001, 5 years b4 my aneurysm.

I cannot describe how this effects my daily life, it is unbearable.

I cannot remember what I got my kids for xmas, or what we did on their birthday last year, all the memorable events from them growing up just slip away.

I live my life in a haze, I have a diary, but whats the point if you forget to write things in it or to remember to look at it, I can set an alarm to remind me of a doc appt then 5 mins later forget all about the appt b4 i get there.

what can i do?

[Hidden]

Hi, It's 5 years since my brain haemorrhage and in Feb this year I got a weekly home appointment to see a Neuro Psychologist. She is doing tests to see which parts of my brain are damaged and not working any more. My long term memory is okish.....my short term is affected, but not as bad as yours.

N.P. for me has been an enormous help. As said the test find out what doesn't work and why. She also talks through and advices ways to help cope with my new brain.

Have you spoken to Headway on their Free helpline 0808 800 2244 or you can email [e-mail].

Headway will offer advice and point you in the right direction for your memory problems or any other to do with brain injury....

Like Brighton88 says, push, insists, demand......it's your right to have help and I do hope you get it... Lots of luck Joanne

[cat3]

I'm afraid I'm seeing your predicament in a rather different light. You are obviously a high achiever who's worked hard to secure a demanding job requiring an outstanding memory. Now, (like many of us) your life has been interrupted in a dramatic way and you are left with damage to that valuable memory. But I'm finding your desperation heart-braking because it appears that, after all these years, you're still in denial and hoping for a return to 'normality'.

By all means consult a neuropsychologist to learn which part of your brain is affected and how to best utilise your limited memory, but please tracie don't be hoping for a solution to this problem. You need to concentrate on how to adapt to a very different lifestyle which allows an escape from so much stress. Stress is a proven contributor to memory issues in any case, and I believe you'll see enormous benefits if you can accept the change of attitude and goals.

A brain haemorrhage is a life-changing event but if you refuse to accept that fact (as many do initially) you'll probably be fighting a losing battle. There are many different ways to achieve quality-of-life, the keyword here being 'different'.

Sorry if that's quite down-beat but I believe if you're realistic from the outset, you increase your possibilities and avoid disappointments...........and life can be as good as,or better than, before.

Sincere best wishes xx

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi tracie-walker,

Thank you for your post.

I wanted to add that you might find our information for GPs useful to pass on to your doctor. As GPs aren't specialists, they are often unaware of the complex effects of a brain injury, and who to refer to for further investigations. You can access our resources at headway.org.uk/gp.aspx

This may help you to push for a referral to a neuropsychologist as others have mentioned.

I would add a note of caution, as Cat has said. Any rehabilitation focuses on developing strategies for adapting to the effects of your brain injury and lessening their impact, rather than being a cure as such. With the right support to make the necessary adjustments however, many people make excellent progress a long time after the injury, and achieve a level of independence that may not have seemed possible.

We publish a number of booklets that you may find useful - our 'Memory problems after brain injury' and 'Effects of brain injury' booklets seem very appropriate to your situation. If you'd like me to post a copy please send me a private message with your address.

Please don't hesitate to contact our helpline using the details posted above, or you can make use of the excellent support from our other community members.

Best wishes,

Headway.