I have done pretty well coping with a severe brain injury 50 yrs agothe first 10 years were the worse after the first 10 years

I improved dramatically but every now and then for no aparent reason I have a relapse my Gp has sent me for treatment to the psycholosist and put me on Mitrazapine

what else can I do

[cat3]

Hi dillm........can you tell us what your symptoms are when you have a relapse ?

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Short term memory loss, communication problems,personal interaction problems, lack of confidence etc

[cat3 in reply to Hidden]

I'm sorry to hear you're having these difficulties but I can assure you, you're not alone in this. Many people here suffer with short-term memory, I know I do, and I struggle between accepting it and looking for ways around it. And forgetting words, and names and events, can cause embarrassment leading to communication problems and loss of confidence.

I find that my anti-depressant helps with overcoming the frustration and depression so perhaps things will improve for you when the Mitrazapine starts to take effect, and this can take a few weeks before you start to feel the benefit, so you will need to be fairly patient in the meantime.

Also talking with the psychologist might help with getting problems into perspective and looking for more ways to cope with difficult feelings. It's can be an oppressive time during the miserable winter days but the medication should soon make a difference to the way you're feeling and thinking, and you need to explain to the psychologist as honestly as you can about what is troubling you.

I hope you start to feel happier before long dillm.

I still have the pictures of your gorgeous dogs in my album.................hope they're OK.

Best wishes Cat x

[Hidden in reply to cat3]

hi dogs are fine sorry for delay internetplayed up

[Hidden]

Blimey!! 50 years survivor beating my 46 by four years, congratulations. I've always considered myself recovered and although I get depression I try to ignore it. Funny thing is that I am once again at a loss for a word as well as having experienced three of four petit mal attacks after being exposed to bright, flashing lights over the last few months. I mentioned this to my GP who correctly stated there was no point his prescribing anything because I won't take them. I've never interacted well in person to be honest but I wish you the best and hope you soon get on top of this unwanted hitch.

[BaronC]

50 years! Bloody hell, it seems my twenty is barely scratching the surface.

I think what I learnt a very long time ago is that the 'old Andy' who had that accident all those years ago died in the fall. A whole 'new Andy' emerged from the hibernation/coma. The new me had a whole new life to adjust to. I had to get used to seizures, short term memory lapses, concentration 'issues', constant fatigue, etc, etc. Some days I barely notice them any more as they are now so much a part of me that I just carry on through. Of course there are days where it all becomes a trial, a trauma, but what the hell? I'm still here and the 'new Andy' gets by just fine. If I ever need help, I talk through my problems as bottling them all up doesn't help anyone.

It's all about acceptance, accepting who you are, accepting your limitations, accepting that you deserve to be here and have to make the best of the second chance that life threw to you.

I'm starting to bore myself now, I'll get my coat...

Andy

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Thanks (sorry for delay internet is still playing up)