Cycling Accident-Diffuse Axonal Injury

[Paulsprogress]

Hi

I am reaching out for support in managing my husbands TBI, he had a " no fault" bike accident and was self employed, I managed to work from when it happened in May 20 until two weeks ago when I finally got access to being able to visit and gave up my full time job to visit him every day to help as much as possible with his recovery. I am still navigating what we can claim and how it is all going to work as he is still in hospital receiving intensive rehabilitation. That said, he did beat me twice at draughts last week so cognitively , he is improving but still has lots of physical challenges before he can come home.

Any good advice please for the stage we are at?

Thanks in advance

[cat3]

It sounds as if you're doing everything in your power to support Paul's recovery and morale.

I believe board games, basic crosswords, jigsaws, word games and musing through photo albums all helped in focusing my mind after a bleed on the brain almost 9 years ago.

Frequent rest periods are essential, but I think regular focusing of the mind can help ward off feelings of apprehension and doubt, and to reinforce concentration and positivity.

The 'feelgood' hormone, Serotonin, which creates positivity is boosted by daylight (sunlight if possible), exercise and high protein foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, nuts etc. Cherries are also a proven aid in production of Serotonin.

Can you tell us whether Paul is able to get outdoors whether under his own steam or in a wheelchair ? Cat x

[Paulsprogress in reply to cat3]

Morning

Paul can go outside but it's exposed to the weather so we have to pick our moment and he has to be pushed in a wheelchair as he has right sides weakness and double vision so not good enough to do it on his own yet.

Thanks for your advice, it all helps .

Xx

[sopranoA]

Sorry to hear about the accident. Wishing your husband well in his recovery! It must be really challenging for you at the moment As a 7 years on TBI survivor, I can pass on some of what I've learned that might help The recovery process is quite a lot of ten steps forward, three steps back. There are good and bad days. The brain has such an immense capacity to heal but it does take time and rest and management and a good team of healthcare providers. I'm really happy to hear he is hospital rehab and making progress It's really important to celebrate each improvement, have good emotional supports in place for yourself and time for you too! Ask his doctors lots of questions and document everything if you need to submit claims. Take extra special care of your own health. Empathy, lots of hugs and patience and sometimes just listening to him will help Keeping a good sense of humor and knowing that through healing and recovery, often times we can create an even better life than before, one step at a time