Help Please

[Tezzie29]

Hi there. Ummm, complicated. Ok I’ll give a brief history. Suffered brain trauma rock climbing in 2016, very nearly killed me. Spent a lot of time in various hospitals in Toulouse/France. After a while came home with my wife, also in France. About 4 years ago I was really struggling physiologically and we had really had a little daughter. My wife decided it wasn’t great for her to be around during one of my episodes so left with her. I now drive again so see them all the time here in France. I’ve tried to seek help here in France but I believe the language barrier makes it hard. I really want to stop having these mood swings but struggle by myself. My main worry is my wife might just take my daughter away permanently. What I dream of doing is getting some medical advice. Via Skype/whatsapp/zoom. My parents, who live in the uk recommended a phycologist but she wanted £50 an hour. Well I have no job so that is impossible. I was hoping one of you could offer advice or give me details of where I could go. Many thanks.

[skydivesurvivor]

hi, story very similar! As the body mends we realise the brain needs time to rewire?! 24 years post accident I find I hope I am a nicer person?!! Loads of trying times post. I found I am emotionally numb, helped in a lot of stuff!! Have no idea what help is available in France. I hope y find in time that a smile to spite y head injury helps lift y spirits? Take care & good luck! Please visit often to share y progress. Seek advice from people in y position! This place saved me for sure, unseen people who know what y going through!! Keep safe… smile?!!

[Butterfly28]

Good morning and sorry to hear about your situation.

Just a thought but have you tried contacting Headway - they might be able suggest something. I’ve included contact details below . I hope you can get some help.

Visit headway.org.uk to find out more, or contact our helpline on 0808 800 2244 or [e-mail] for personal support.

[Leaf100]

Hi TezzieMood swings are common after this.

I would ask Headway. They may know what organizations or treatment options exist in France.

From my experience I feel the best person to help you would be a neuroosychologist. They can help you by assessing, giving medication if needed, and also providing therapy if required.

A lot if people find ACT helpful, you can find some videos online. And, you need support of someone brain injury literate.

On the bright side France is rather known for a progressive and integrated medical system. You may of course find the language challenging, and you may need to use an online translator of some sort, or see if some volunteer service may be able to help you.

I am sorry you find yourself in this boat, it is hard on all three of you. Bi is also hard to understand.

I found this, it's in English , it is a brain injury association in Europe. Maybe they have some ideas?

bif-ec.com/about/member-cou...

Keep us posted.

Leaf

[Ideogram]

Hiya. Sorry you're going through this. Saw your post as I'm a fellow rock climber (though managed to get my TBI... buying a Christmas tree).As a simple thought, have you thought about speaking to a lawyer? I'm afraid I don't know the system in France at all but wondered if it might help re ensuring access to your daughter.

All the best.

[chelseamike]

we are lucky in Swansea we have a retired clinical psychologist who gives his time up to talk through issues we all encounter and always positive, I need to discuss with him first about giving his details we have zoom calls twice a month headway was how I came into contact with him I will return to this forum with info asap good luck

[Tezzie29 in reply to chelseamike]

Wow. Many thanks. That would be awesome. 😆