Diagnosis

Hi all

for the last few months I have been having my nuro psychology assessment,

I hope you will know they an,t shrinks , he told me the results yesterday my right frontal lobe is damaged

also an area behind my right eye which deals with instant memory,

plus slight diffused injury to other parts of my brain, at 20 month post injury

there is little or no chance of any more improvement,

I have still got my intellect, so this was not unexpected news
, but to see it in front of me in writing was a blow,

now the rehab, leaning to cope with the new me, wish me luck buddy,s

vini x

I know how hard it is to listen to your neuro-psych report. As I sat through mine, my emotions ran the gamut from shock to disbelief to despair to a strange relief that someone finally understood what I was thinking, feeling and behaving and could explain why I as thinking, feeling and behaving that way.

The best thing about a neuro-psych is that it can help identify the most useful compensatory strategies and cognitive therapies. Yes, I said therapy. I know that there is nothing -yet- that can restore our premorbid function. Like you, my damage is diffuse and severe, but I am a great believer in neuroplasticity. The therapy I’m taking isn’t going to restore my high IQ or let me return to my old job, but I am functioning better at some daily tasks. Functioning better at those little things means I’m not constantly anxious, frustrated and angry. This has improved the quality of life for me and my family.

Do yourself a favour and on those days when you most despair, read the book or watch the documentary, The Brain that Heals Itself. Do yourself a bigger favour and don’t listen to the experts, officially titled or self-appointed, who want to write you off.

It sounds like we are battling a lot of the same deficits. If you ever want to talk more, feel free to PM me.

I am sorry Vini.... it is hard getting "bad news" !

You might find Dr. Amen's website helpful.
http://www.amenclinics.com/

He has been on PBS during the pledge times. I found one of his books at our library, and it was really good.

Also there are some new books on brain plasticity out now.
One of them I just read described a woman with severe central vertigo who retrained her brain, so she could have a normal life!
I am sorry I can't recall the title of this book now, but it just came out and was at our library around Jan.

So there maybe a chance to deal with your results. One never knows for sure, since our bodies are very equipped for healing.

I understand Vini, it was really a hard blow, slap in my face when I got my report too. Be gentle with yourself.....but don't give up and fall to the lowest common denominator.

I unfortunately have not had a lot of medical support and I think that is a hendrence too. So you are fortunate to have the services offered and you know about them.

Keep that positive light that you have all around you.

Melek

thanks guys & gurls

I have read the brain that changed its self, took ages of re reading and naps but it held my attention and offered hope , the notion of plateau in brain injury . is hard for cares an sufferers alike, these long periods of linear recovery, coupled with the set backs of neuron scaring, can be the hardest to take,

I will be off line for a week , this poem helps me to put things in perspective

luv too yoo


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Vini, how wonderful! I am going to download and paste it on my wall as a reminder.

Thank you so, so much.
Melek