Spare time interests/hobbies after a brain injury; what do we do?

Some persons are passionate about their hobbies and make it a way of life; what happens to that after a brain injury?

[Hidden]

My interest was short wave radio; I was on the way to passing the radio amateurs examination in 1967 when disaster struck. I missed the sitting. Had I have passed I would also needed to be able to read and send Morse Code at a rate of 12 words per minute. Even today I can't read Morse as my short term memory will not allow me to recall the character.

Although I suffered my TBI with all its attendant problems that we all know about I maintained that interest; in fact I sat the RAE in 1995 achieving a double distinction.[The RAE is a formal examination overseen by the City and Guilds Institute]. The Morse situation remained the same but its necessity for a full transmitting licence was removed, allowing me access to the HF bands as well as everything above 30MHz allowed by the 'B' Licence.

So, have others maintained their pre BI interests?

[iforget]

Congrats on your achievement - that is wonderful!

This is a really interesting topic...I hope to read many varied replies...

I was a writer pre injury but although my interest remains, my ability is reduced to the extent where I do not feel able to continue...even though others may tell me that my writing is still good. Thanks to the memory issues, I also struggle to read for pleasure and reading is a big part of being a writer...

However I do feel that having a creative outlet is vital to my well being and after being pushed slightly in the rehab phase post injury, I have developed an interest and certain skill set in crafts. Over time my skills have grown to the point where I am now able to sell the things I make to help raise funds for my local Headway group....and it "keeps me out of mischief"

[Hidden in reply to iforget]

Excellent reply; I also found a skill that I didn't apparently have and that is writing; I had a column in a now defunct hobby magazine, write for another magazine [not hobby] and occasionally puts stuff into a radio hobby mag also.

When I write I amd able to express myself in a way that I cannot verbally; the words flow without problem and obviously the profanities are easily controlled.

I can read but I am unable to read for hours on end; I become tired or bored and I also doze off. Very difficult to read from screen also.

Keep trying 'iforget' and thanks so much for your kind comment.

[supermom]

hii,my son was hurt dai,brain trauma when he was 16,he had golden hands could fix anything build anything,he used 2 restore ol motorcycles,install irrigation sstems 4 gardening,he worked 1 summer installing aircondotioners,he was a fab creative cook age 15 opened a felafel stand ,since the accident 2.5 years ago he has no interests his hand shake so badly he cant pour himself a drink,but hes a cool positive fun kid,he bikes,he goes horseback riding,bodybuilding ,but he s missing something essental,no interest.

[Hidden]

Thanks Supermom; I do hope that your son finds peace. I'm not aware that I started straight back into my interests after but time may well be a good healer here.

[ncmurphy1951]

good question my only advice is not to let brain injury stop us within the limits of any disability my one is rugby i now coach kifds every sunday i may have to sit in a chair but seeing them improve and being able to pass on a few tips after 8 years playing top flight rugby to little kids gives me enormous pleasure and the kids benefit they unbeaten this season neil

[iforget]

I really think this is a great topic and the replies are really interesting. I think it is true that post injury we may need to look at different ways of expressing our interests or sharing our skills. Adapting to a different creative outlet or passing on our experience and knowledge are fine examples...

When we are devastated by what has happened to us it can be hard not to get caught up in focussing on what we have lost rather than the new possibilities ahead.. and we will each come to that stage at a different pace...there is no set time for recovery, progress , acceptance....

I think it is great that there are opportunities for those of us already on this road to extend a hand to those following behind. Together we will complete our journey.

[Danslatete]

My hobby is art, i colored in pictures which was hard when i struggled with the double vision, i loved music when i was younger and played a few instuments. I have always been an avid reader but found it impossible for quite some time after the headd injury. I too had a D.A.I. It has taken me 8 years to discover the new me and do things that i never did before. I can read but not for long periods. I forget i have read a book and i have to keep going back over it to find out what i read before. I find that the art was something you didnt need to think about. There was no wrong way. I enjoyed the gym and the pool exersices and still do the aqua aerobics which was to help with balance and coordination and social skills.

I am a cubs assisnt leader and really enjoy doing activities with them, i enjoy thier successes with them and i learn so much along with them. I am not a responsible person in my opinion because i cant be trusted to not lose things or be places at the right time but with the help of the people around me i can be an adult.

I still enjoy music but through my children, they all play instruments and i go to many concerts/gigs etc. My children and thier friends think i am more like a teen in a grown up body because i can 'lose the plot' easy and then be normal two seconds after.

I am still trying with cookery and my youngest son has been learning along side me, my buzzer is still the fire alarm far too often so there is still plenty of room for improvement

[Hidden in reply to Danslatete]

Thanks Danslatete, I've been told I'm a 14 yo in an adult body and not because of the TBI!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all!

[zainey-lainey]

super mom .poor lad... he has no intrest coz he feels he cant do it as it takes alot of work concentrating and figureing it out! so when he does attempt the task and then realises he is rubbish The REALITY kicks in as to what has happend to him and that will make him frustrated and sad so then it gives a sense of "I dont need this feeling" hence a loss of intrest... i guess you have to find something that he can do with out all the above. a new intrest that is so easy he feels he is ace coz he can do it.. hope this helps hun

[Hidden]

You might well be right there Zainey Lainey; I know my organising skills are absolutely useless.

HNY, you lot