update after 14month into hypoxic brain injury

[fity123r]

hi everyone

i posted last here in october about my husbands hypoxic brain injury and all you lovley people replyed back to me and giving me so much hope and encouragement

well i just wanted to give everyone an update my husband has improved so much he has started to talk and walk his cognition is getting better he can now write in full sentences he can now use his mobile phone he can now brush his own teeth and wash him own self but i usually do supervise him

his short term memory is still the same he remembers things from the past but not present but still can keep in information for about 15mints than forgets what iv told him his more aware of his surroundings ive had no therapists since he was discharged from rehab in june so ive been his o.t , p.t and speech therapists and o yeah last week he cooked an curry and baked cakes

so you guys were right improvemnts can carry on for years now i really do want his short term memory to improve but just need ideas

[AndrewT]

Dear fifty123r,

I'm glad that you found, the advice, on here Helpful I know that we are all share your Delight, at your Husbands progress.

I have a suggestion for you, that we sometimes- though not recently- play(ed) at 'my' Headway. Often called Kim's Game, after the person who started it, it requires only minimal Set Up.

Take a try, a Tea Tray will work fine, and put onto it verious itums... maybe, a Tea Pot, Tea Spoon(s), a Couple of Mugs, a few Tea Bags, Pen(s), a favourite itum of His, your favourite Perfume, a Bath Plug and so on. Perhaps a Dozen 'things' to start (if you think this is too many, then start as you think best).

Simply let, your Hubby, study the tray's contents for say five minutes. Remove the tray, for a few minutes, before returning it Minus one 'thing'. Maybe Start with something he is Very Familiar with.

Alternate different Objects and Combinations and, as his Memory improves, reduce the Time you give him to Remember them. (you can also increase the Number of them too)

Progress, especially to begin with, might, very well, be slow and you might think that you 'Will NEVER Get There'..... Patience, Love, Care and- above all- TIME really is the key to Memory. One day, and probably completely 'Our The Blue' he might say "Didn't You Have To Call Sarah?" or "Don't Forget To Record The Match, I'm Going Out With George Tonight."

At this point you ARE 'Allowed' a few Tears Of Joy babe- I know that WE will Share them too.

Sending you Both All our Love, and Prayers.

AndrewT

[fity123r in reply to AndrewT]

Thank you andrewT for your reply i will try the tray wth himtomorrow anything to help his memory

[cat3]

Hi Fity. I think most of us here, whether survivors or carers, have had to rely on homespun therapies, and if your man is now cooking it looks like you've done a great job so far.

I had a referral back to a neuro-consultant after 12 months, but quite honestly it was folk here on Headway who educated me on accepting & making the best of life with my new limitations.

The wait for improvements can feel endless but, for a readjusting brain, adaptation, the passage of time and learning what works for a particular person are inescapable parts of the process. Onwards & upwards m'love !

Best wishes... Cat x

[fity123r in reply to cat3]

I was actually giving up hope on my husband and all you lovley people really encouraged me back in october it was like this is it there will be no progress what so ever and also when his consultant told me after 6months there will be no more improvement those words always haunt me but now his such a different person to what he was 6months back

his got an follow up appointment in march so i really cant wait to see the consultant xx

[cat3 in reply to fity123r]

I hope the follow up will prove reassuring and helpful m'dear. Please let us know how it goes. All best wishes... Xx