My husband had a cardiac arrest on 14 June and was shocked twice before paramedics restarted his heart. He's still in hospital and just been stepped down in his care to a medical high dependency ward.
We know from CT scans that he has damage throughout his brain from the lack of oxygen.
He is now talking to us and we have noticed immediately that he has short term memory problems.
Does anyone know if he should be getting some sort of neurological assessment? How long did others wait for this to happen?
I'm worried that any window for improvement maybe closing before we even know the extent of the damage.
Thanks
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scousemouse29
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I certainly know from my own perspective, how short term memory issues can affect you and of course those who look after you and care for you.
In order to get the best help possible, it could be worthwhile for you to make a note of when, how and in what way these memory issues occur. I say this because they will almost certainly be different for different people.
In the hope that it might help, my own short term memory problems, after a shunt revision for hydrocephalus include:
Forgetting where I have set things down
Taking wrong turns inside a small flat
Asking something to be told I was given the answer a short time earlier
Forgetting what point I am at in a process that involves multiple steps
These are just my examples, but it could be helpful to anyone trying to help with the issue to know what specifically causes difficulty in terms of memory.
In terms of finding out about any appointment, again, I can only suggest things to try:
Contact any ward he was on whilst he was in hospital.
See if a hospital has a contact number for the consultant's secretary.
When my partner was in high dependency I never even saw the consultant, when I look back, if they saw him, it was probably when I wasn't there and I went every day. After high dependency, he went onto the neuro ward and he then, on the odd occasion saw the speech and language therapist, but thinking back, it was only to do with things like the peg feeding. It wasn't until he moved to a hospital nearer home, for rehabilitation, 17 weeks later, that he saw neurology consultant, speech and language properly, physio,occupational therapist and a neuro psychologist.
When I look back now, I wish I had asked more questions. Ask to speak to someone and have a list of everything you need to ask.
My partner had a tbi and cardiac arrest at the scene. An off duty nurse, on her way to the lake district, in the queue of traffic, stopped and gave CPR, he had multiple injuries and head injuries but although it was April 2017 when it happened, he is doing well. It's has been and still is a long road, but we have got to a stage where we are finally getting married next year 🙂. His short term memory isn't very good, but he has coping mechanisms in place, fatigue means a daily nap, but we work around that to enjoy life.
Sorry for the long message. It's definitely worth getting in touch with headway and also ask them if a HATs nurse, is in your area. Very helpful, keep us updated and look after yourself too x
Hi Michelle and welcome. Firstly, 6 weeks is very early days in brain injury terms so, considering the progress your man has made so far, there's scope for plenty more. It's a long process which can take years to plateau and where progress can be pretty erratic.
I thought I'd reached an equilibrium at the 2 year point but have seen many improvements since that time. The short term memory, however, is a stubborn after-effect and is often managed rather than treated. I'm 7+years on and, although I still find it frustrating at times, even at 7+ years on from a haemorrhage, I'm still seeing improvements.
It seems that mind as well as body can be strengthened with daily exercise, good diet and regular fluid intake. I started early-on doing crosswords, jigsaws, word games etc., although reading, which used to be my main pastime, is now a chore for some reason although I can concentrate on TV documentaries and dramas, no problem.
If you're concerned about rehab for your husband, talk to the ward manager or specialist nurse. I was fortunate in being transferred to a specialist hospital so had 'In house' rehab, but I know that isn't always the case. You can make an appointment to speak to the consultant or one of his/her team to discuss ongoing care options. Alternatively, phone the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244 where you'll get helpful advice and support. (lines are open office hours & calls are free).
All best wishes to you and your man at such a testing time m'dear. Cat x
I hope you don't mind me asking but where did you have your rehabilitation? My husband is currently in Salford Royal and i thought I'd read on another post you were treated there. Just wondered if it was somewhere in Manchester.
That's quite right Michelle ; it was Salford Royal who put me back together. I can only say that the Consultant, the nursing staff, therapists and surgeon far, far exceeded everyone's expectations in their care and diligence.
My coiling for the bleed was done immediately and staff told me repeatedly what amazing progress I was making. So I probably started on physio and other therapy much sooner than your husband and was transferred to the recuperation ward at 4 weeks and the rehab ward a few days later.
After 3 weeks of physio/occupational therapy and OT/cognitive testing (arithmetic, IQ test, cooking simple meal, showering, walking & buying train ticket and paying for coffee in café, I was allowed an overnight home visit and discharged a couple of weeks later.
But everyone's issues vary in type, complexity and pace of progress, so comparing time frames isn't helpful.
But I know there's a specialist neuro nurse who you can ask to speak to at any time and who is highly trained and knowledgeable.
Don't be afraid to ask for information as you have every right to know the facts surrounding your man's condition. A prognosis isn't usually forthcoming with brain injury owing to its unique issues ; I was told it's invariably a 'Watch & wait' scenario.
But if you download the factsheets from the Headway site or phone the helpline for free copies, you'll get a clearer idea of potential outcomes and ways of coping with a variety of possible after-effects. You'll find contact details in my previous reply.
The short term memory problem is pretty universal and can be upsetting in the early weeks, but can be managed with time and a little ingenuity.
Hope this helps somewhat Michelle..... and hoping that you'll soon reach that point of looking back to notice positive signs of progress. The short term memory problem is pretty universal, and can be upsetting in the early weeks, but can be managed with time and a little ingenuity.
Thanks for this information. It's reassured me that he will eventually get the neuro rehab. Did all the rehab happen at Salford Royal? Currently, the doctors are concerned with trying to find out why he had the cardiac arrest to prevent it happening again so I think the brain injury side is on the back burner at the moment.
Yes, all at Salford ! I actually broke down & cried in the car when my son brought me home because Salford Royal had been such a sanctuary, and I'd become so close to staff.
My ex husband had a SAH 6 months after mine (awful double whammy for my son & daughter) and when I visited him I was treated like a celebrity with staff in HDU gathering round to share stories of my time there.
It isn't one of my local hospitals but should I need neuro-care again (God forbid) I'd want to be there for sure. I can't praise it enough.
I hope the root cause of your man's cardiac issue is discovered before too long. Meanwhile, try to rest when you can and eat well for the sake of your own wellbeing ; it's such an emotionally draining time for you.
Read my story . It may help you understand that brain damage on ct scans means nothing much right now ( we had a lot of main areas damaged and prognosis was dire ) , as long term the brain learns to adapt and relearn new pathways . I've seen it happen with my partner . Just takes time and lots of practice on normal tasks. Good luck to both of you.
Start the physical excercises if you can to prevent muscle loss, bone loss , drop foot, spinal and core muscle loss , twisted limbs , spasticity setting into muscles from bed rest. Wish I'd known sooner! Brain recovers but the body ends up in trouble too which may prevent normal living .
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