Lowest i’ve been for a while.

[Dann2]

Very exhausted and depressed at the moment, coping with brain pain, numbness and ringing… Affects everything. Feels like my life has been ruined by this. 22 years and counting. Give up

[Letsrock]

Hi Dann, goto the doctors and speak up about the pain and numbness. They can up medication. Give headway support a call.Distract your brain away from pain by doing something like listening to music , reading, puzzles or sitting outside if it is sunny where you are?

I feel for you, what fo you like doing?

Stay positive if you can and keep speaking.

[Dann2 in reply to Letsrock]

thanks. feel utterly worn out by it all. i’ve tried all these things many times

[Hidden]

Hi Dann, did you try and contact those people who research your type of brain injury I suggested last time, what happened did they respond and offer any help?

[Dann2 in reply to Hidden]

hi pinkvision, yes i contacted the person in the US. He replied to my email, suggesting i should buy a vagus nerve stimulating machine… which i haven’t done yet because of the cost. Meant to reduce stress.

thanks

[Hidden in reply to Dann2]

Hi Dann, what about telling you about or putting you in touch with someone in the UK. Going to see someone here may be a better option for your type of brain injury. As for stress relief there are multiple options such as CBT and mind/ body methods like mindfulness and qi gong that also stimulate the vagus nerve.

[Dann2 in reply to Hidden]

i did ask about somone inthe UK, but he didn’t answer that. His response was very brief. thanks

[Hidden in reply to Dann2]

Sounds like he just fobbed you off. Typical egotistical, ivory tower dwelling, so called peer reviewed expert in the field of brain injury.

I did a few searches for someone in the UK but not found anyone yet. Will keep my eyes open and let you know if someone crops up.

[Dann2 in reply to Hidden]

yes, you’re right. just fobbed off again. Honestly can’t handle this anymore. Have tried to get help from so many people. But no one can help at all

[Letsrock in reply to Dann2]

Dann, the closest you can get to your vagus nerve is put your finger right in your belly button and massage it as that checks the 5 points of the vagus nerve😄 try it every day and laugh as you do it. I will dig out what I have as I found this on the Internet.

[Dann2 in reply to Letsrock]

thanks but don’t worry too much. i doubt it will help my brain injury

really in a dead end with it.

[Letsrock in reply to Dann2]

Dann, we are all worried about you. We all feel depressed as well but iy starts with trying to make you laugh and be positive that in turn makes enzeums that makes your brain repair itself and produces happy hormones. The more you do things to retrain your brain the quicker it will get easier. It is hard work and hurts the brain but you will see the results quickly. Eat brain food as well like blueberries and other things to help. Exercise, little is also good. Fresh air just get outside even to your front door and put a chair there if you don't want to give out and catch dome sun rays (if available) . This all helps.

[Dann2 in reply to Letsrock]

Thanks, that’s nice of you.

I do eat loads of fresh fruit and veg and get out with my dog three times a day for walks. It’s been 23 years now dealing with these brain issues and it just gets so very tedious and infuriating.

I appreciate your well wishes. i hope you are having a good day.

[Letsrock in reply to Dann2]

Dann it is good you have a fog to cherr you up and make you go out. On this morning live just now they are talking about chronic pain , saying treat it like a bucket of water using psychology to accept pain makes it less painful and gives you a better life.

[salamander160]

ok, don't give up, it will get better, it won't be easy, I have been dealing with brain injury for almost 50 years and at times I feel like giving up but it is important to find interests and try and keep yourself busy, keep your mind occupied, even if it is quiet music or reading or something like that. I don't know what is causing your problems but I hope it settles down for you. Take care.

[Tina777]

Hi Dann. I rarely reply to posts....feel guilty actually, as I've had lovely, supportive replies in the past. Anyway, back to the point... you are going through a hard time atm, that's clear. We all do...sadly some more than others. Depression is, in my view, the hardest as everything else feeds into it.Pain, numness and ringing for any length of time must be so, so difficult to cope with.

Do you have contact with a neurologist? I'm 14 years post TBI and am lucky in having an annual consultation. Not the same one but under the same Neuro rehab clinic in South Wales. Have found them helpful with everything from when I literally had a screw loose (skull) to numbness, nasal blockage, vision etc - they know who, in your health board or trust, to refer you to.

If you aren't already, I suggest asking your GP to refer you to a hospital Neurological Consultant. Also.... check if your health board/trust has a Neuro Rehab service.

Find your local Stroke Association too - they often have information that overlaps with brain injury, such as support groups.

Good luck Dann, I've been at the giving-up stage, often.

Lastly, daft as it may sound, here's a poem that's helped me ..... (hope I'm allowed to post this):

> copied from google:

When Things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and debts are high,

And you want to smile but have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit,

rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won if he'd stuck it out,

Don't give up though the pace seems slow,

You might succeed with another go.

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup.

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

[Teazymaid]

hi Dan like everyone has said already how sorry we all are that life is very difficult sometimes .. this could be hours days , weeks or years .. I’m sure a lot of us have felt as shit as you are feeling .. it really is crap sometimes and I’m not in a good place either today so sending you a big hug … I do know there is no miracle cure .. I know I will have to kick my own bum very soon to get in control of how I’m feeling .. please try reading the Chimp Paradox mind management book .. it has been a great help to me and to others ..it covers everyone not just brain injuries but it does massively help .. yeah I still have crap days but I know it’s my chimp that’s kicking off not me 😊 Sorry if my words were not so polite as they should be but I can’t find another word that explains today any better then it is crap 🥴🤪😂 Sue 😊

[Dann2 in reply to Teazymaid]

thanks Sue, please swear away, i find it helps a lot.

I’ve heard of that book and have a gist of what it’s about. i find reading difficult actually as these brain issues have affected my vision, so i wonder if i should try and download the audiobook, if there is one.

i’m sorry you’re feeling shit too. big hug back. i hope we both can find some joy in the long weekend ahead.

[Teazymaid]

hi Dann yeah you can get an audio book .. this is what my husband listened to while going to and fro work .. it is a great book have a listen ..

I’m actually a look better then a few days ago as we have had a family meeting 😁 and with the help of this group , my husband reading the replies and he has just listened to this book has been a huge turn around .. give it a go and please let me know your thoughts … hopefully you will have a good weekend as well . Even the sun is shining down in Cornwall today 🌞 … yeah you can’t beat a good old swear as I seem to say that without a stammer and never lose these words 😂 sue x