Here is a great article that explains what it is like to deal with a brain injury. This article is directed at family members and loved ones but anyone can gain understanding and insight if they chose to. Thanks to Patti G. for passing it my way.
http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/07/lost-found-what-brain-injury-survivors-want-you-to-know.html
I look forward to the day when this article is no longer relevant to me personally. That day has not come as of right now. This article details a number of the "issues" those of us with brain injuries face on a near daily basis. To use my mom's phasing..."I'm not complaining...I'm explaining." Really! I am completely grateful for where I'm at today and how far I've come, but the reality is I still have a number of things I would like to see improve.
I recently attended Easter festivities with a large portion of my family. It was one of the first "family functions" that I have attended post-stroke. I have been to a few other events, but none quite the same as Easter. It was difficult. I came home basically in tears and somewhat disappointed about how hard it was for me. While I knew it might be challenging, I wasn't entirely prepared for how hard it turned out to be. When I get upset with myself for not doing as well as I wished...I come right back to where I started. It was a bad place. I have come so far, and I am doing really great no matter what. I am so grateful for what I can do and for the things that I can do well. Turns out, large social functions are on the list of still needing improvement. I am always hoping that these situations will just get better in time. This article acts as a reminder to be more gentle and patient with myself as I slowly try to regain all that I lost. It is certainly hard for my family to understand what I am dealing with, as I didn't even expect it to be such a challenge.
http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/07/lost-found-what-brain-injury-survivors-want-you-to-know.html
I look forward to the day when this article is no longer relevant to me personally. That day has not come as of right now. This article details a number of the "issues" those of us with brain injuries face on a near daily basis. To use my mom's phasing..."I'm not complaining...I'm explaining." Really! I am completely grateful for where I'm at today and how far I've come, but the reality is I still have a number of things I would like to see improve.
I recently attended Easter festivities with a large portion of my family. It was one of the first "family functions" that I have attended post-stroke. I have been to a few other events, but none quite the same as Easter. It was difficult. I came home basically in tears and somewhat disappointed about how hard it was for me. While I knew it might be challenging, I wasn't entirely prepared for how hard it turned out to be. When I get upset with myself for not doing as well as I wished...I come right back to where I started. It was a bad place. I have come so far, and I am doing really great no matter what. I am so grateful for what I can do and for the things that I can do well. Turns out, large social functions are on the list of still needing improvement. I am always hoping that these situations will just get better in time. This article acts as a reminder to be more gentle and patient with myself as I slowly try to regain all that I lost. It is certainly hard for my family to understand what I am dealing with, as I didn't even expect it to be such a challenge.
What a great article. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI learned to stop being so hard on myself when I started to think of the first time I try something new as a rehearsal. Even professional musicians make mistakes when they rehearse. What is encouraging is that I ALWAYS do better the second time I try that new task.
ReplyDeleteI have read that advise from you on your blog, but seem to forget it when the situations actually present. I still always expect to be perfect...forgetting that I am still working on many things. Thanks for reminding me again! Attitude/expectation shift could make all the difference.
DeleteHi Elizabeth,
DeleteI LOVED this article too & am always happy to share info w/friends! :)
I'm anticipating a family get-together w/in-laws I love & adore, but they're unaware of the 'new me.'
While we've shared this article & explained ahead of time how fatigued I get & the need for time-outs, mobility limits, etc., we know it won't really 'register.'
Frustrating, but am hoping to just enjoy the get-together moments & just be myself. ;)
Patti
Elizabeth, yes, you have come SO far! And the better you get, the more we want. It's natural. I did not go through nearly the same experience as you, but I know in my recovery I made mental lists of what I wanted next to improve on. You have goals, and that's wonderful. I'm sorry Easter was exhausting...I can't imagine the energy that took from you. And as with any brain injury, we typically look much better from the outside than we feel on the inside, which makes it even harder for family to understand. Hang in there, and it's okay to want MORE - just don't beat yourself up. You have the best attitude; I hope you're feeling better since writing this entry.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Really cute boy!!!
ReplyDeleteOn another note...Would you be so kind as to post this reminder to your bloggers to tune and call in for our first interview! Details below. Thank you!
A reminder to tune in and call in this Sat. May 13, from 7pm to 8:30pm. Call in to Blog Talk Radio & speak with the host and us at (347) 850-1527 within 15 minutes of show time. Save this date and time and mark your calendar. Thanks!
Dave & Charlene Nassaney, Authors of One Arm One Leg 100 Words, Overcoming Unbelievable Hardships. (Stroke Survivors for over 15 years)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joyce-lest/2012/05/13/momma-joyce-messages-of-hope-2012-3
definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog! pain management
ReplyDeletei never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful. chiropractic
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