Dealing with the start of a brain injury journey.

[Sagesausagedog]

Hi all, thank you for clicking on my post. My dad has just suffered a bleed on the brain from a head injury. This happened 2 days ago. I’m really struggling to cope with seeing like this and so anxious what the future will bring. I just looking for some advice. Thanks.

[Pairofboots]

Hi Sage, welcome. This is very early days, you will hear that many times. This group is full of people with lived experience and those that are carers, ask anything big or small, someone will respond. Remember you can contact headway via website, email, or by telephone during (office hours) 08008802244, they have a lot of information. 🍀

[cat3]

Welcome, Sage. . . you've come to a good place 🙂.

I feel for you, knowing how badly shocked and scared my loved ones were in the early days after my spontaneous bleed in 2011.

They were told, if I survived a coiling procedure to stem the bleed, I might survive ; 12 years on, I'm still here. The worst issue for me was realizing, three months on, the toll it had taken on them.

They were advised by the consultant not to be alarmed by possible odd, even bizarre, behaviour for a few weeks and that it could be weeks or months before I regained cognition . He called it 'Turning The Corner'.

Had your dad's injury been several weeks ago you would still be hearing what 'early days' it is m'love, so do bear in mind how his complex brain needs sufficient time to reconfigure. Every brain is unique of course, so timeframes vary greatly.

How would you describe his present state of consciousness (so we can help identify a little more) ?

All best wishes, Cat x

[Sagesausagedog in reply to cat3]

Hi cat,

It was so lovely to read your reply.

He is still very sleepy but gradually more awake. He knows who me and my mum are just not who he is and where he is.

I know we are so lucky to have him here still, but like you said the shock has just hit me like a ton of bricks.

[cat3 in reply to Sagesausagedog]

Honestly m'love, if your dad is conscious and recognizing you & your mum, after only one day, then his outcome looks promising.

Rest and time are important for his recovering brain and some gentle physical contact can be reassuring whilst he's still confused. I vaguely recall comforting sensations in the early days and later learned it was my son massaging my hands to quieten my restlessness & agitation.

And talk to your dad, even if he can't respond ; I believe that familiar voices and sounds really help the brain with re-orientation and motivation.

Take care of yourselves, and do stay in touch . . . Xx

[Alibongo60]

Hi Sage, welcome to our group and here you will find lots of help and support from people who have been there and know what you’re going through. I had a bleed seven years ago following a ruptured aneurysm, and was lucky to survive, then and since, your dad will be confused and disorientated but give him time and hopefully it will start to improve. Just keep popping back and keep us updated, take care of you and your mum, she too is going to feel very lost, lots of love Alice xx

[Nemo24]

It's very early days so a bit tricky to advise. Best thing I can suggest is take a look at Headways website & information booklets. Really helped me. Hope your Dad is well soon.