Sept 12th 2005, She was seatbelted passenger, on her way to school when the truck hit.
The diagnosis, TBI, the treatment, "There's always hope, everyone is different and we've had suprises before". No intervention and not much to hold on to.
Two days later, we recomend that "care be removed".
Nearly two years later were still waiting, she's walking, sort of, talking, sort of, but not giving up. Totally focused on her recovery efforts!!
So why am I am on medication and she's the one hit by a truck?
We are in our mid, ok, late 40's... Together since we were kids, 30 years.
I hear I have to take care of myself, I go to the gym everyday. Cook really well, feel like crap, empty, in a house full of tears and future fears.
What to do?
Hi Ron,
Nice to meet you just sorry about the circumstances.
Do you have any family or friends close by to help you both.
I am in England so services will be different but if you let us know where you are from,we may be able to find you some help.
In the mean time, keep posting here to get some support.I am sure in time others will join in,at least I hope anyone reading will reach out and be there for you.
Isolation,loneliness and missing the partner you once had before an accident or disability are feelings shared by so many.Although typed words no replacement for practical help,it can sometimes lighten the load just knowing others out there understand and willing to listen.
Rosemary
I echo Rosemary's sentiments.
Both of us act as conduits for information affecting all areas of interest to Carers here in the UK , posting on several Forums , including one political.
For carers worldwide , it is important to stay in touch as , one problem found in Nova Scotia maybe solved by , say , a carer in Australia. All readers are aware of this Forum , treat it as the gateway to the wider community in other ENGLISH speaking countries ( and not your local dialect version of our Queen's English ! ). Having said that , there are more local dialects in England alone than in all other countries combined. One reason why Rosemary e-mails me ? I would need to record her voice , and play it back word by word to understand what she was saying !
Postings on here are low , don't let this golden opportunity pass you by. You are carers , many alone and isolated but , like us in England , not alone , or without friends by virtual of the Internet and this Forum.
I hope that you are not teasing me about my accent Paul.I will have you know that I speak to several from USA and Canada,friends I have made online over the years.
I must admit,one lady I talk to from just outside Washington,shes 70 now and I met her ( on line )...8 yrs ago,it took her a lil while to understand me..
,but now shes even picked up my accent too...
.
I hope others reading will dip their toes in the water and start posting.You will surprised how much support you can get in forums like these.
Nite everyone (though most of you will just be ready to eat dinner )
Rosemary
Hi Ron. I dont have the answers either but think I understand parts of your life. In October 2004 my wife of 24 years (friend for 30) died in my arms to be " saved " to a life living with brain injury. I dont have to give you all the details as I'm sure you share many of them. 12 days in a coma, 5 months of rehab, and then home. To what. Loss of her memories, friends, job and family relationships and I, like you am left to pick up the pieces and carry on. There is no answer. Deal with the things you can deal with in the foreseeable future. Its the long term questions and planning that hurt most. Deal with them only when you can, for short periods of time and focus on the short term problems. The now; Whats for supper. What to wear ? When will I shop for groceries ? Eventually after you go through the motions I think the answers will eventually come to you. Slowly, they are for me. I used to be able to plan my life and react. I still can ,but it takes me a hell of a lot longer.
Wow.
I've been away for a while. Too much going on in my life to try to keep up with this Caregivers Forum. Then yesterday I get a newsletter in the mail and I am reminded of what I'm missing. The prize winning stories brought tears to my eyes because I felt as if I was reading about myself.
Ron I don't have any wise words to share. I know it is hard. It must be so difficult to see your partner in this light. I hope you find the strength you need.
Dianne
Hi Diane,
A few of us from UK joined here.Hope all is well with you.
Rosemary