After effects of S.H.

[Forty-something]

I’ve recently found out that all the new things I’ve been feeling and going through are down to my head injury last December. As some of you know I left the hospital wth no info whatsoever, I’ve been alone trying to find out about my injury and It’s after effects, headway are the only help I’ve had. Anyway, for the past, maybe, 7-8 months I’ve known that I have changed, im very impulsive, I’m angry for no reason, I’m swearing in every day conversation, spending like there’s no tomorrow, and more. All these things are not me, or never used to be. For example....we moved in April, I found a house, viewed it with a friend, then told my hubby I wanted to move, I randomly book holidays abroad that we really don’t need and shouldn’t really be going on, we normally plan and budget but I’ve booked 3 in the last month, we’re not made of money but it’s like I just can’t stop myself, same with online shopping, I’m buying stuff for the sake of buying. As for swearing! Omg, it’s every other word...not like me at all. I say things like other people think, being offensive doesn’t stop me. My memory is ridiculous and I just st don’t know where to turn, I am seeing my gp on Tuesday, it’s a new surgery and gp so I’m going to tell him everything as he doesn’t have my notes yet. I only told my hubby yesterday about it all, and will tell my parents soon.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

[Hidden]

Hi , going to a new GP is a good move, make sure you take someone with you who knows you and can come across to the GP in a clear, precise manner. I did this and got all the referrals needed and brilliant support from my new GP ever since. I wish you well.

[Forty-something in reply to Hidden]

Thank u, yes I definitely need a new GP, I have fibromyalgia too s hoping he’ll b really helpful x

[Hidden in reply to Forty-something]

Hi thanks, I asked the new GP to take a fresh look at what he was seeing and not what was in my records. I assured him that I was not looking to cast blame on my last GP but really needed to have my symptoms at the time properly assessed. Fingers crossed for you.

[cat3]

Forty-something, the impetuousness, volatile emotions, and loss of inhibition (speaking before thinking & swearing) are all classic after-effects of brain trauma.

I went berserk on the 'Joe Browns' website, ordering everything I fancied, and buying anything that caught my eye in the shops. It was only after noticing a big hole where my bank balance used to be that I started reigning things in.

We tend to re-learn most of the acceptable social behaviour (with time and mental restraint) although, almost 8 years on, I can still 'Go off' like a roman candle if someone looks at me the wrong way...….

Your brain injury is still in its infancy m'dear but with time, patience and practice you'll get the hang of recognising triggers and situations to avoid. I think it took around 3 years for me to stop embarrassing myself and others ! Same with the memory issue ; there's scope for improvement with brain training and various reminder techniques/gadgets.

Good luck on Tuesday with your new GP ; I've had to try several as my original doctor had zero understanding of brain issues. Hopefully you'll be referred to a neuro clinic for further assessment, tests etc. Be sure to take notes of everything you need to ask.....🤔

Cat x

[Forty-something in reply to cat3]

Thank u so much, reassuring to know I can get better and it’s not just me. The shopping side isn’t the same, it’s like an addiction! And temper, my poor family, gonna explain it all to mam and dad on Monday, I’ve only told them I had severe concussion, I didn’t tell them about the bleed as I wanted to save them from the worry, hubby and 2 eldest know but that’s it, I’ve been keeping it to myself for so long it’s tearing me apart now, I have only just accepted the issues and I think it’s time to talk now xx

[cat3 in reply to Forty-something]

I'd say the talking is way overdue m'love…….so good luck. I hope it's cathartic for you and enlightening for everyone else..… x

[Forty-something in reply to cat3]

You r so kind thank u xxx

[SillyPhil]

Hiya, I feel your pain. I had my TBI in Feb 1998 but was released from hospital without knowing that I had damaged my brain. It took 6 years to finally get a diagnosis. 6 years of telling Doctors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Councillors... that something was wrong, that I felt very different, was SO fatigued, got far too angry, couldn't organise, sort, prioritise, think straight... My marriage broke down, I got divorced, lost my job, lost all my friends, lost the new house I'd just built in Australia - ended up back in the UK living in my mother's spare bedroom, depressed, attempting suicide and not caring if I lived or died. BUT getting that diagnosis and finding Headway saved me. I've rebuilt my life, remarried and am now happy. So there is a life for you after your brain damage. Read as much as you can and try to accept that you are different now. I wish you a long and happy life x

[Forty-something]

Omg, what a story! I’m so glad u finally got yourself believed and were able to start a new and happy life. I’m definitely going to push with the new doctor and see where it takes me. I feel happy knowing that you got sorted and are now happy in your life, there definitely is hope. Much love to you and yours x

[Forty-something]

Fab visit with the GP today, said everything was definitely after effects, am on waiting list for memory clinic so will wait to see what that says before any treatment, but he believed what I said and told it was normal, nothing like my other GP who just said scan isn’t clear so there can’t b anything wrong! Symptoms are a mix of fibromyalgia, menopause, and the head injury, loads cross over and loads then make the fibromyalgia worse. Thank you all for your lovely comments and support, xxxx

[LouBL0u]

Hi

I'm so happy your new GP understood, you are on your way to a better future with the help and support you need. When I came across your post i was shocked by the similarities. I am a year on and am able to self-calm more often fortunately - though I did buy a sparkly ring this week?! Take care xx

[Tessah1988]

in a way I can relate I had a lab when I come out of hospital, had him 8 year until he died then I spent money on dogs,, not just that I can also relate to the swearing, but ive been like that before my brain injury but I get wound up at the least thing, im now on anti depressants,, maybe you should try counselling