Living With A TBI
 

After a TBI, it can be confusing and definitely takes some adjustment. I designed this website to document my recovery journey. This page shares what I've learned since my post-stroke life started. I wanted to share bits of advice I'd give to both survivors of a brain injury and those living with a disability.

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I have ICU amnesia. The last thing I remember was being in A&E. The only memories of my hospital stay are extremely patchy on a neurosurgery ward shortly before moving to rehab. When I became more cognisant, I don't know how I knew I'd had a stroke. I guess I subconsciously heard everyone talking in the ICU. Upon arriving at rehab, I found myself in a state of shock, and some element of denial set in. It wasn't denial that the stroke had happened, but more of how serious it was and how it's not an immediate recovery and returning to "normal " like other recoveries from illnesses. Once the rehab therapists had explained everything, my first thought was, "Yeah, okay, I can prove you all wrong; give me a few weeks". Pretty soon, reality set in!

 

Acceptance is a huge ongoing factor from the start of your post-stroke life. It's hard, and I still struggle with it, but this is where having support is a huge factor. Often, the input from your rehab therapists is not only from a medical standpoint but can sometimes help from a psychological one. Family and friends have a huge role to play for a survivor. This can range from personal care to help with therapy sessions or accessing community life. As I've mentioned a lot on this website, talking about the effects on your mental health is essential. Family and friends can be a good source of support. 

 

You can employ multiple strategies to help you adjust in your post-stroke life. Mindfulness and meditation are good for calming the brain and helping you focus on your thoughts and emotions. I prefer journaling and therapy as I struggle to make my brain quiet enough. I think therapy can help you adjust to the changes in your life. It works for me as I struggle to be open about my emotions with family and friends. 

 

When it comes to community reintegration, survivors can struggle with the after-effects of a brain injury. These can be anything from problems with social skills, communication abilities, and relationships. Family, friends and healthcare professionals can provide amazing results, but connecting with fellow survivors online or in person can be invaluable. Whilst each survivor is on a unique recovery road, sharing with someone who truly understands the struggles of a brain injury is very helpful. 

 

Survivors can feel like the world around them has changed, and a sense of disconnection. Finding ways to help this can be activities engaging the mind, such as arts and crafts or walking outdoors. I've found that creating as much of a daily routine as possible helps. I've always preferred structure, as it gives me a sense of normality. Physical activity can be beneficial for mental health. I enjoy aqua aerobics, Pilates, or going for a walk in the countryside. It gives me a distraction and something to focus on. Walking on different services is also good for general rehab.

 

The biggest advice I can give for life post-stroke is not to focus solely on rehab. Taking a break is so important; something like going into town for a coffee or an evening with friends can help life feel "normal."