It's been a while

[twice]

Hi, although I don't post much I do look in most days, I had a TBI in 2016 with skull fractures and a subarachnoid haemorrhage and although I didn't know at the time I also had damaged my cervical spine, I fell downstairs and the hospital never checked my spine until 8 months later when the scan showed herniated discs from c3-c7 which were pushing into my spinal cord and also s shaped cervical-thoracic scoliosis, I was previously told all the symptoms I was having were because of my brain injury but turns out most of my symptoms were because of my spinal issues, my spine is not operable and has slowly got worse over the years, I lost the use of my legs a couple of years ago and moved into a care home and now the only movement I have left is my right arm and hand, I have a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy and I'm now bedbound. But I'm still laughing and have some great carer's here helping me.

[pinkvision]

Hi Twice, nice to see you still up and running with humor. I'm strongly in agreement with you because I realized later on after injury that certain symptoms kept coming back, especially cranial hypertension where I thought the issue was inside my head but it turned out to be over my head. The sensation that long skewers had been inserted into my brain through my eyes were also physiological not neurological. It turned out that the discs between C2and C7 and down to T4 had been damaged but there were also nerve impingements. The is also scoliosis around the thoracic / lumbar junction and more disc damage and nerve impingements down there too. Qi Gong or Dan yoga or mindful movements are brilliant for freeing up spinal issues whereas yoga I find is too extreme and causes problems to these areas.

We have to remember there are three domains to brain injuries - neurological, physiological and psychological.

Being in good humor reduces the psychological, exercising sorts out the physiological (but you have to keep doing it for life) and repetitive cognitive and sensory processing exercises can restore a lot of neurological functioning.

It's good to hear from you, keep the spirits high.

[Teazymaid]

so lovely to read your post .. even in the most difficult times finding humour is one of the best medicines you can get 😊 Thank you for reminding me what I have forgotten to do recently Sue x

Take care x

[twice in reply to Teazymaid]

Thanks for the reply and yes humor is definitely the best medication

[Writeronstack]

Hello Twice,

Thank you for taking the time to write. Made me pause and think through my own symptoms. Your injuries seem horrendous. Certainly much worse compared to mine. Do please carry on writing from time to time.

Its your psychological state despite these injuries, which is most inspiring.

[twice in reply to Writeronstack]

Thank you for your response that's very kind of you

[CW2002]

One for the RTA survivors…

I took my glasses into spec savers….

Got knocked down out side didn’t see that coming… 🤓 🤦🏻‍♂️ 🚌

Know what….

“Should have gone to”…..vision express. 🤔🙃

I’ll get me coat… 🧥

[Teazymaid in reply to CW2002]

😂

[cat3]

What a moving, selfless message. Thank you, Twice, for showing us such a unique example of courage, and reminding us of what a lifesaver humour can be....

Every good wish to you m'love. 🤍

Cat.. Xx

[twice in reply to cat3]

Thank you cat, you are always so kind and helpful to everyone with your posts, headway would be lost without your support and knowledge, you are an absolute legend. Hope you're still able to enjoy your wonderful garden when the weather allows and also feeding the foxes,

Take care

Kev

[cat3 in reply to twice]

I guess we have some mutual admiration going on Kev ; thanks so much for those kind comments 🙂. Yes, my garden's at its best this time of year and it's still my pride & joy ; thanks for asking.....

The foxes brought their cubs last month and it was comical watching them cavorting around and playfighting. They seem to grow, and move on, pretty quickly to their own territories though, so it's a short-lived privilege.... 🦊🦊🦊(I've three regulars now enjoying sausages, dog biscuits and peanut butter sandwiches !)

See you again soon m'love.. Cat x