My husband's accident was on 9th Dec 2018 - skull fractures in 12 places, hyper acute subdural hematoma on the right side. Crainotomy performed. 6 weeks later had to have an emergency drain of blood and fluid on the left side, 3 weeks after that a smaller bleed on the left side. 2 months after initial accident he had his skull replaced which subsequently got infected and he became very very ill. I've had to say my goodbyes 5 times in as many months.
He has just finished all antibiotics and after a period of lumbar punctures (excess fluid and pressures) and finding the right medication for his newly developed seizures, we have got to stable point. He has started to eat and has become more aware and alert. Non verbal, very weak ledt side. He is bed bound most the day apart from an hour of physio.
How long were others waiting to get onto a rehabilation ward or unit?
I am concerned that the longer we leave his rehab, the more difficult it will be for him to regain any skills and abilities that he has lost.
I know it is different for everyone but I just wanted a ball park and wether sooner rehab was more beneficial.
Thanks in advance x
Written by
ChazD
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I think your husband has done amazingly well and I would go with the experts on the rehab side of things . You are doing very well too . I hope you both recover and have a new life to look forward to. 👏👏👏🤗🏴
Once your Husband has been cleared for rehab it is then a case of waiting for a place to become available.
My Husband was lucky and we only waited a few weeks.
I have read on this forum that some have to wait a while and the rehab has not always been located where they would like.
It is a relief to leave the ward for rehab as you feel you are beginning to make progress.
The hospital will only keep your husband there for as long as they have to. They will be working to get him a rehab bed as soon as possible as they need hospital beds.
Thankfully they are talking rehab. Now to when this will be it is hard to say.
Remember small steps and small goals. Try not to look for an end this will drive you crazy. His recovery so for has overall been tremendous but as you have found setbacks happen.
Personally I missed out on rehab and my recovery was slow because of this.
Hi Chaz. Your man's brain has been through a massive trauma and yet he's conscious and managed some serious set backs in the past 4+months. It'll seem like ages for you, but it's that passage of time which has been responsible for his healing.
Whilst waiting for a rehab place you can stimulate his brain with photos, board games, small jigsaws, favourite music and stories about familiar places & people. Hang in there m'dear ; I hope the wait won't be too much longer. Cat x
My partner's story is different to yours, but in terms of rehab waiting times he was really lucky in that he onlyhad to wait a couple of weeks. I've read others that were much longer.
My accident was the 14th of Jan it caused a massive traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage, blood clots but I also broke the whole base of my skull and most of the right side. I am one of those annoying people that has no sign of having had an accident . But I do experience pain where the bones were removed and metal plates attached. My heart goes out to you having to watch someone you love live through something so hard. Also to your husband who has suffered so much and yet continued to fight. As a nurse I know how difficult it is to get serious help and advice from medical professionals and to feel they are helping a loved one achieve their full potential. Hang in there, he seems a real fighter. I sincerely wish your husband, you and your family peace, happiness and some luck for the future.
Sorry, I mean't to say keep demanding rehab input and for as soon as they can arrange it. I was lucky enough not need rehab. I know through experience that the louder and more often you query timespan for some kind of result and help. The quicker they will feel responsible to help. I have experienced this at work.
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I feel very lost and frustrated that I cannot do much physically to help my hubby. He has been through so much and to not give him a good chance at rehab is, in my eyes, a waste of the fight he has fought so far. I am becoming more forceful as otherwise I am never told anything and as he is in a cubicle on his own, he is left on his own unless I am there - which I can't be 24/7, we have 3 young kids and I have to work to support us all.
The Neuro physio team have put him through as a priority. I just hope for his sake it's not too long.....
Thank you for your lovely reply, I am so pleased they are looking to help. Even though they have put him as priority, you have a right to know expectations of timescale. Don’t worry about creating waves on the ward. This will not effect your husbands care but may move him along quicker.
I know you’re feeling like you cannot help your husband physically but your presence and company is what he needs to have. I’m sure he loves you and to know you are close by will help him. But remember my darling, you are his next of kin so unless they have real evidence that you could cause harm they should allow you open access to help and encourage him. One thing I have told everyone is that although I was in a coma and unconscious for a while, I heard everything people said and I remember everything. If ever in that situation please remember that, please God you are never in that position.
Something I will say and mean wholeheartedly, I am always happy to talk. I have two children so sometimes it takes a little while for me to email back. If there is anything you want to find out medically there isn’t much I don’t know or I can find out answers from other medical professionals that I am friends with.
I really feel for you my love , you are in my heart and my thoughts.
Take care and give my love to your children, husband and family. My love is also to you my darling.
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Advice on how to help my father welcome
Andy's identical twin son, 8 yrs old in a serious condition after RTA
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