Year after hypoxic brain injury

[Bellabear12]

My husband is now 1 year on after a hypoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest. My children and I are still struggling to come to terms with terms with his new personality. I feels like my children who are 19 and 15 are a bit bossy with him if he doesn’t understand or get something right and it upsets me and us causing a lot of problems in our household. I realise that it upsets them too as they miss their old dad but I don’t know what to do.

[Alb64]

Hi my husband had a cardiac arrest 2years ago resulting in hypoxic brain injury.My kids are older and prob more understanding of his bi.Think you need to sit them down and talk about how you're feeling.It's hard enough with an injury like this without the friction.It's hard for them too but your husband needs the support of his family.It's a big adjustment for you all and a year is quite early on.I try to speak in short sentences and give him time to process it.Also give him room to have a quiet space if possible.My husband got over tired in the first year,but is coping better now.He has lost the ability to read or write now and spends quite a bit watching dvds or listening to music.Hope things improve for you all.Hugs.xx

[Bellabear12 in reply to Alb64]

Thanks so much for your kind words I know it’s still early days and I need to give us all time to adjust

[SCA_UK]

You might be interested in Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK which is an peer support group for those who've been affected by an SCA. We're having a big meet up in September too with presentations on subjects that are important to us. Plenty of time to chat with other and a party in the evening to celebrate life! Do check us out suddencardiacarrestuk.org/

[Kirk5w7]

Hi,

It’s a big problem understanding the changes in a person, because they look just the same!!!

I have the BI, it wasn’t hypoxia and I don’t have personality changes but I am slower at processing information and my short term memory isn’t good. I need to be reminded a lot and often have to ask for clarification.

I am 7 years into recovery now and I am still improving, please remember that the brain is able to learn at any age as long as there is the right stimulation.

What I wanted to say is that it is very hurtful when my husband treats me as if I am stupid or gets impatient when I am slow or he has to repeat too often( in his eyes). My children don’t do this they are far more patient but the youngest is now 23 so older than yours.

It seems to be human nature to find it difficult to see those differences in someone at times, or maybe they are in denial. Who knows but try to explain that heir Dad does not want to be like this and they should be kind and respectful. He will respond better and the atmosphere should become lighter.

Yours

Janet