Post Encephalitis cognitive problems

[3fingeredjake]

My world has been turned upside down, I've just had six months off work with problems... My short term memory has always been a bit iffy since I had Viral Encephalitis in 2001, but these latest problems though, started with an inability to speak (dysarthria), then I was found in a confused state, covered in mud and blood where I had waded through flooding footpaths on a walk with my dog (who had escaped me, probably to find a dryer route)...Doctor was called, and I waited over five months for scan results (MRI and SPECT) to say there is nothing wrong other than a bit of prefrontal cortex damage that was probably age related...Then as well I had over 16 apnea's a night, lost my drivers licence and ended up with a cpap machine............ oh hum, and my wife left me at the same time, because although I was only trying to let them know I was having problems, "I only speak about myself, and not anyone else"........... good eh?, now I have isolation and lonliness to deal with

Good job my Daughter, and My dog still love me

[cat3]

There's too much isolation & loneliness after brain injury due, partly, to lack of aftercare and also lack of understanding from familiars. Depending where you are, there might be a Headway group run by Headway volunteers where you can meet other brain injured survivors like yourself.

You can phone the helpline on 0808 800 2244 to find out if there's one in your area. Your dog is really beautiful by the way !

Best wishes Jake, Cat x

[1949liz]

Hi they say a dog is for life how true is that. Sorry to hear about all your negative set backs, and how sad, that at a time in your life when you needed help your wife left you. But, you have a wonderful dog and a daughter who cares and loves you. Have a restful Easter Love and Prayers Liz xx P.S My wonderful brother Tommy has just died and I am feeling so sad and down, but it’s so important to remember the happy memories we shared together rather on the negative. Liz x

[3fingeredjake]

Well, I often say I'm going to take my rifle or a tow rope into the woods, but I know that would be so wrong when I still have people (and animals) that love me, and I couldn't break their hearts for my own selfish thoughts and needs. I will be like one if them old medieval doors you find in castles.... Old, beat up, creaking but still hanging. There is more out there, more love, more experiences and I'm not done yet.

[sealiphone]

The first thing to say is that people who commit suicide don't want to die they want to live.

Those who do will have gone through the selfish idea and yet there depression distorts all there thoughts to the extent that selfish doesn't make sense anymore.

For me medication allowed stability with fragility but still a God send, take care of yourself. I also found Psychodynamic Therapy very helpful and enjoyable although the promised 13 sessions turned into 30.

[3fingeredjake]

No, not resilience.. I'm just a stubborn bastard so I'm told. Seriously though, there's much more out there waiting for us to find, new lovers, new friends new tastes and feeling....... I still feel down at times, but eventually shake it off.