TBI Advice

[Iris01]

Hi, My mum had a fall 10 days ago and has several intracranial bleeds, swelling etc. I am concerned that she has an infection, has been on strong antibiotics for 3 days with small improvement. The consultant has informed us that they will not give any more antibiotics if these don't work. I'm concerned they are giving up on her too quickly. Has anyone been through something similar? Grateful for any advice. 👍

[Shreds]

I wil say that whilst I am a survivor not a medic, recovery from brain injuries is often slow and patience is required.

I dont think they are giving up, what they are saying is there is no point in giving antibiotics if they are not having any positive effects.

People I know in everyday life have made recoveries and unless you talked to them and got them to open up, you would not be aware of their medical history.

So stay strong and have faith in these people. Neurosurgeons are far cleverer and have great understanding of these difficult issues than I do but they have seen it all before and can utilise that experience in giving best advice.

[Iris01 in reply to Shreds]

Thanks for taking time to reply Shreds. It's so difficult watching and waiting, especially when the doctors don't even know what will happen. We will see what today brings as she's now caught covid! X

[cat3]

Last week my neighbour (aged 80) was hospitalised with a serious chest infection. After a 5 day course of antibiotics with no improvement she struggled to breathe. But after switching to a different antibiotic she showed a marked improvement within 3 days and continues to improve.

Ask the consultant about a change of antibiotic. I know of no reason why a different type can't be a perfectly safe option.

It is quite common, however, for antibiotics to kick in on the very last day of the course. I do hope that's the case for your mum.

Keep in touch Iris, and all best wishes for a good outcome for your mum.

Cat x

[Iris01 in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat for your reply. Doctor's are telling us that she's on the strongest one and there's more to try 🤔. She's also caught covid since being admitted which isn't great. Today is the last day of the antibiotics so we will see. X

[cat3 in reply to Iris01]

Such a shame about the Covid Iris, on top of everything else. But everything crossed that the meds bring your mum through safely and that her injury will once again be the main focus. Keep us updated m'love.

Sending best possible wishes and hugs to you both through the ether...... x

[Iris01]

Thankyou. Just heard she has pneumonia too. I think they may give one more day of antibiotics to see if it sorts. 🤞x

[cat3]

Thinking of you both Iris... Xx

[cat3]

How is your mum faring Iris ? I hope she's holding on amidst her many challenges. Cat x

[Iris01 in reply to cat3]

Hi Cat, my mum passed peacefully away this afternoon. I just want to thankyou for your supportive words throughout this week. Wendy

[cat3 in reply to Iris01]

I'm so, so sorry Iris. Whatever the circumstances, nothing can prepare us for losing our mum. Both you and your poor dad will be heartbroken.

We both know there are no words anyone can say which ease the pain and, as you've said, life will be very different for you both. It's all about supporting each other whilst going through the motions in a daze. I likened the loss of my mum to an open wound which could never heal.

We know that wound does heal as months and years pass and we learn to live with the scar. I'm lucky to have reached the stage where we can remember my mum with love and humour and many many tales of the past.

Thankyou for having the heart to reply with such sad news my dear. I shall be thinking of you both as you make your way through this. I'm always around if you need an ear....

Love and hugs from Cat x 💐

[Iris01]

Hi Cat, unfortunately my mum now has blood clots on her left lung which because of where it is will be putting strain on her heart. The bleed in her frontal lobe is still bleeding but they can't give her blood thinners to disperse the clots in her lung as it would impact on the brain bleed. We've seen a decline over the past few days too with no speech at all now and increase in sleeping. We have been told to prepare for the worse 😞. It's my mum's 80th birthday today too! Wendy x