Hello I'm Andrew and have just 'Found' you.

[AndrewT]

Dear Headway,

I attend Headway Essex, following Brain Damage, caused by Vasculitis. This also damaged my Heart and, more severely, my Kidneys. I had a Kidney transplant, in July 2013, after four years on Dialysis- three times a week.

I attend Headway Essex, twice a week- Tuesdays & Thursdays. Tuesdays, the Group Splits, with The most Wheelchair Bond attenders going to 'Bounce-ability'. This is a Trampoline Based exercise group, aimed at improving general Mobility, and Muscle strength. On a Trampoline a Body is, if laying flat, effectively Weightless allowing a 'Good Number', of exercise to be carried out. The Difference can be quite 'Staggering', with the Person able to Hold Their Head Up- something a LOT of Wheelchair users find Difficult. Often, particularly with regular sessions, the Persons whole 'Body Strength' is improved.

Our Group also do an exercise Class but more 'Movement Based', mostly Standing- with one, or two exceptions. Some physical Strength, is attained, along with Stamina, Balance and Co-Ordination. We use variously Weights, both Hand and Leg, Thera Bands, a Floor Ladder (used to walk through, whist doing 'Movements), along with Exercise Balls and so on. We Also include Walking/ Marching on the spot, Stretches, before and after, along with Ham String, Leg, Neck, Arm and Back Stretches.

In the afternoon we have Quizzes, Games, Creative Writing, Call My Bluff- both playing AND Making (a VERY interesting Activity). To mention a few, of the, Possibilities.

On Thursdays the Group Splits again, most 'Do' Adult Education- on an Almost One To One basis, if needed. We have a Good Number of, fully trained, Volunteers who facilitate this. Our Group have a Number of, not necessarily, Education based activities. We have Visited a Fair number, by now, of Local Cafe's, Shops and 'Attractions'- which sounds like just endless fun....However there IS a 'Serious Side'. We have, and are, compiling a List of the Dis-abled Access, along with, Ease of use- for Wheelchairs, Walkers, and those who's Speech might not be Clear. Equally important are Toilet, and Changing, facilities- for ADULTS, as well as children. (Trust me, if someone in a Wheel Chair NEEDS a toilet- or, worse still, has Soiled him/her self....)

Again, in the Afternoon various 'Activities' are Arranged, often a Little More 'academic' than Tuesdays. Perhaps 'Talks' by the Police, RNRI, PAT Dogs and the like, along with periodic 'Getting To Know You' sessions, aimed primarily, at New attenders. Currently, in August, the end of our 'Academic Year' we are ALL involved in, more Social Based activities. Film Shows, Bar-B-Ques, outside Games and the like.

I have been a Member, of Vasculitis UK, and 'Health Unlocked'- along with other Forums- for some time now. I honestly, didn't know, that Headway had a Presence here- until you were recently Mentioned.

I'd Love to hear, from you, and learn more about your 'Forum' too.

Kind Regards

AndrewT

[Kirk5w7]

Hi Andrew,

Welcome. Your Headway group sounds amazing, somewhere i would love to attend.

I am in Manchester, my nearest Headway group i believe is in Salford and i am not aware of what they provide.

I have never felt the need to attend as following my BI i have recovered far better than was expected and i am reasonably independent although i no longer drive.

My BI was caused by Encephalitis, PRES to be exact also a vascular problem. But i have no damage to my heart snd it has left minimal damage to my kidneys, i have some peripheral vision loss too.

Exercise is my problem, i swim and walk but my balance is not good some days, i found that Tai Chi helped enormously with both core strength and balance but my class has since disbanded and its not the same on my own at home.

This forum is mainly used for support and as such is excellent. You will find there are a few of us who come in on a regular basis to provide that support for people where we can.

I hope to see you on here too, you are most welcome. And congratulations on your survival.

Janet

P.S. ive been on here 7 years now!!!!

[Matt2584 in reply to Kirk5w7]

I do a little bit of tai chi too. I don’t do full classes or anything but just a few exercises in my room and I do them because it is excellent for balance. Very calming and therapeutic as well as it can be quite a gentle exercise.

[Matt2584]

Hi Andrew,

I see you found your way here ok then, that’s good to hear :).

Your Headway branch sounds brilliant, sounds like you do quite a few things there.

My local Headway is good, it has got better from what it was but not as good as it used to be in 2007.

They are all about money now and it has made the group not as dun :(.

I only go to my Headway once a week now as I have other charities I am a part of and they are much better.

[cat3]

Hi Andrew and welcome. I've been a regular here on the forum since 2012 after a bleed on the brain...….it's where I come most days for my fix of reassurance ; Headway members are my 2nd family. I hope you'll stay around and tell us more about yourself when you're ready.

See you later I hope ! x

[Froggiefrog]

Hi Andrew,

As a relatively new entrant into this entirely non- scary den, I'd say use this environment as little or as much as you feel benefits you and in whatever way suits. You will find all kinds willing to share their knowledge, experience and viewpoint on a wide variety of topics. As stated above, tell more, when and if you're ready and whatever way you feel the most comfortable with.

Take care