I recently received a full transcript of my PIP assessment and the decisions made. In the transcript I noticed that it mentioned that I had neither cognitive nor memory issues despite very definitely having both. I was rather bemused by this. At my Headway group I have been receiving arithmetic and problem solvng tuition, as I discovered that I was really struggling in these areas despite being a primary teacher before retiring two years ago. I was working at upper primary level but no higher. I knew the difficulties that I had meant there was no way I could continue teaching. On retiring I continued to pay the teaching registration with a view to perhaps picking up some supply work however, it very quickly became clear that scenario would not be an option. I also struggle to follow verbal instructions of more than about two steps but can follow written instructions such as a crochet pattern. As for my short-term memory, oh dear. I was told that because I could remember my medical history there were no issues. I don’t remember dates and rely on my partner to infirm me of these, I often ask what day of the week it is and rely on a calendar for dates and to keep a note of events. I rarely remember what I am told a few minutes oreviously and if information is detailed I have no chance. I never attend meetings alone, even to my GP and tend to write things down in a notebook that I carry all the time.
it was noted that I need help when eating to cut up certain types of food, mainly meat, but because this happens less than 50% of days it doesn’t count. If I ate steak and chips 7 days a week I would need help every day but because I eat meals consisting of pasta or rice I can manage. The menu has been altered to permit me to maintain some independence but it would seem this is wrong. The same with dressing, I should continue to wear clothes with buttons that I cannot manage and simply wet myself because I can’t get my jeans undone quickly enough. As it is, the occasional times that I wear jeans outside of the house my partner gets embarassed when I ask him to fasten me up after using a public toilet. How can any of this be right? I suppose I made yet another mistake when I bought a laundry basket with legs and a peg bag that I can wear over my shoulder to avoid bending when hanging out the washing. I assume I should simply sit back and let my partner, who works full-time from home, do everything.
It is not that I am looking to ‘score’ a better payout, I simply want my issues to be correctly acknowledged. Has anyone else met with this difficulty? And, if so, how have you dealt with it?. Dn’t ask how long it took me to type this post, cognitive issues are behind the vast number of typos that I make and have to correct.
I am interested to hear your thoughts or ideas.
High IQ Brain Injury Book
Can I ask if you know how I can have some neuro tests folowing sub dermal hemorragh/anuerysm
do you feel like you are two people 
First neuropsych appt - tips? 
How do you learn a language with a brain injury?
