Has anyone out there spoke after a tbi

[Leab2017]

Although I’ve had lots of comfort by this forum with information and experiences of other people’s tbi however I never seem to see the outcome I know the healing process can take years but has anyone ever actually woke up completely, my brother is no long minimally conscious his consultant said his brain is basically healing , but will he ever wake up completely where he’s actually there? He communicates with us , laughs cris etc and has spoke once but only for one day and just kept shouting Mam, is there any miricle stories out there?

[cat3]

I wish there was a definitive statement someone could make to relieve you of your uncertainty/anxiety and 'What ifs' ……………...but I think you know there isn't one. It's an enormous acceptance issue, so that any improvement is a bonus but not guaranteed.

I think I mentioned my cousin recently and how she remained unresponsive for almost a year (coma followed by minimal consciousness) until responding one day to a favourite music track. For her parents it was a miracle, but I guess it was just nature taking its course. She went on to marry and have a child.

I'm so sorry for your pain Lea, and all the agonising you're doing month on month. But as the doctor is hopeful then it's cause for optimism. The difference is his expectations are based on years of experience of watching and waiting, whilst yours are (naturally) very emotionally charged.

Try to take a mental step back m'love. You can still support your brother with affection and encouragement but, at this rate, you risk endangering your own health. Please keep posting with any news, or simply to ask for much deserved support. I really feel for you Lea.

Love Cat, xx

[Leab2017 in reply to cat3]

Thank you so much for again taking your time to respond to me , I think with him talking for one day although it was mostly Mam , then a few blurred words I just find it frustrating knowing the voice is there the Brian just needs to tell him to do it again , him writing my name a few nights back is enough for me for now s every time I’m down it’s like he knows and does something to boost me, he’s now playing connect 4 with other people at the rehab centre and we can give him taste testers now although anything does need to be thickened for him to suck it from the spoon so things are going in the correct direction just a long process , thank you again for your reply

[cat3 in reply to Leab2017]

From an outsider's view your brother is showing really good progress. But I do get how it'll feel like a lifetime for you and others close to him. The fact he's shown the capability for speech is really promising, but the return of various functions can be intermittent and extremely frustrating for loved ones.

I hope that, with the love and support he has from you all and the therapy he's having, his progress will gain more momentum this year, especially his ability to communicate verbally. See you again soon.

Cat x

[Leab2017 in reply to cat3]

Thank you so much for your reply , he has improved massively considering the extent of his Injury we were told to turn the life support off on day 7 of his coma so taking that into consideration he’s doing amazing, it’s just such a slow process and I miss my brother so much although recently I have had to accept I now have a new brother and I will take whatever he gives me as I’m just pleased he survived it’s just hard, draining and has took over out lives , I think it’s harder now he’s more aware as he knows when I am leaving when visiting

[cat3 in reply to Leab2017]

It's an emotional rollercoaster because we want the person to become more responsive & aware so we can interact with them but, when they start to do so, the awareness itself can become painful too, when visiting time's up.

Try making time for yourself, even is it's only having coffee & cake somewhere or taking a walk in a pleasant spot ; the more 'normal' activities you have the more refreshed you'll feel and the less stress hormones you'll produce.

Coming back from brain injury is a laborious, painstaking process

and I can't stress enough how you need to care for your own health in the meantime ! Take care m'love……….. Cat x

[Leab2017 in reply to cat3]

Thanks so much cat you take care too, your replies on this and previous posts have helped so much x