Dementia and other progressive cognitive disorders
Unfortunately those who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease develop gradual changes over years and rarely Read the rest of this entry »
Dementia and other progressive cognitive disorders
Unfortunately those who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease develop gradual changes over years and rarely Read the rest of this entry »
In the aftermath of terrorism many questions remain. Many people have lost what was “normal”. They will be searching for a new normal. Most will find that balance with help. Are we ready to help in all the ways they need? Who will get rehabilitation and what type of rehabilitation? Read the rest of this entry »
It’s time to keep beautiful memories alive! Yes, it’s cold outside … but what’s more delightful than snuggling up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or roasting marshmallows indoors and making smores?
How many states don’t get snow? None. Even Hawaii may get a little snow periodically. Every state has recorded snowfall at one time or another, albeit rare in several states. In 2011 there was snowfall in 49 of 50 states simultaneously … a record breaker!
The kitchen is an area that can create significant chaos when things get put away in the wrong place. It’s distressing to those Read the rest of this entry »
So many times those with brain injury use the wrong words, but was this really miscommunication or just a mistake? Read the rest of this entry »
I was touched to read that some people think brain injury can simply be put aside and life goes on. Life does go on, but in whatever direction the brain takes you. Every day is a challenge and it does not help when others do not understand. I don’t want others to learn either, because it can be torture. Brain injury is not easy, it’s not a choice of how you want your day to unfold, it’s the unpredictable paths a damaged brain takes one on and is not under voluntary control. If it were voluntary, we’d all be better! This young woman clearly helps others along her own difficult journey. She’s an inspiration to so many with traumatic brain injury and also has an on-line support group. Is this something you endure daily or even understand?
Over the years I have learned to compensated with precision. To have a holiday dinner Read the rest of this entry »
Everyone should have a Living Healthcare Will highlighting who is significant and who is not. Does your friend know where you keep it? Make sure Read the rest of this entry »
Shortly after we began moving … and we are still moving 6 months later! I just Read the rest of this entry »
You are finally getting your life back in order. You are alert and oriented, don’t feel like much and yet so much has changed. The world Read the rest of this entry »
If you go into work and do your best, there is NO room to worry about mistakes. Humans are not flawless, but there are boundaries that need to be set. Revealing mistakes is human and can Read the rest of this entry »
Have you had an increase in symptoms and can not Read the rest of this entry »
Many times when you or someone you know feels under the weather and dealing with health issues all you want to do is be comfortable. How can one feel most comfortable when their world is turned upside down? The type of clothing you wear Read the rest of this entry »
Laughter helps the body, mind and soul heal. It seems like life has so many twists and turns, is unpredictable daily, and we find ourselves walking around aimlessly many days in our own homes. What happens when you visit a cemetery of a loved one when all the plots look the same and a long time has passed since one was able to visit? Read the rest of this entry »
Have you ever been with someone who simply continues going to the bathroom? Or may never get to the bathroom in time? These are basic functions that nearly everyone takes for granted from a young age, usually around the age of 2. Routine bodily functions are often lost and need to be relearned following a traumatic brain injury and many other illnesses and injuries. Read the rest of this entry »
What is important to personal hygiene? It sounds like such an easy question, but when you are dealing with traumatic brain injury and several other issues that deal with thinking problems this is a complex task. Many times this is difficult to figure out, especially in the first year or more following traumatic brain injury. It is something so many people take for granted everyday, until you no longer have that ability to perform the most basic of all functions. Read the rest of this entry »
Loneliness is the Most Terrible Poverty.
This is a well written article that nearly all TBI, brain dysfunctions, chronic illnesses, and an array of health issues deal with. Most readers will certainly understand this this loneliness. This will also offer insight into FM (fibromyalgia), another frequently misdiagnosed, and misunderstood disease. Take the time to read this and leave your comments.
Legal Representation following traumatic brain injury, injuries, and other cognitive issues can help ease the burden in many aspects of life. Don’t wait, time is of essence. Seek help now before it’s too late. The sooner the better to ask for assistance. Legal help can equal proper evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan and other proper healthcare interventions. Read the rest of this entry »
Everyone would like to return to a higher level of functioning and feel as though they are contributing to society. Some people more then others, but I doubt most people want to just sit and waste away! Here are some things to consider before returning to work after TBI, chronic illness, mental illness or any other circumstances you’ve endured and are considering a return-to-work status. Read the rest of this entry »
When you feel as though everything you are doing isn’t helping there is still something you can do to help make yourself feel better. You’re probably tired about hearing you need good nutrition and exercise. This is true, good nutrition and exercise are essential to your optimal level of health. Nutrition and exercise needs to be a lifestyle change and that takes at least 5 weeks of consistent change. What about an instant change that doesn’t include nutrition or exercise? Read the rest of this entry »
So many people have chronic pain and it seems like there’s no solution, or very little help. Some things work, some times it works, but in between that time you are still plagued with pain. All people want is for their body to be comfortable…at least some of the time!
I’ve discovered this scientific news May 17, 2012 about the most recent findings of why there is chronic pain and what is happening in the brain. This article really spells that out and also offers much hope.
If you suffer from any sort of pain, take the time to read this brief article from Science News. It offers better understanding into pain.
Training the brain could help reduce pain.
Are you having difficulty with your memory and want to know how you can help yourself. Here are some tips to help compensate for memory problems. There are a list of ways to cope with these deficits. The first way you can begin to help yourself is by keeping a journal and documenting. Immediately following an injury or dealing with brain dysfunction you may need a friend, spouse, or significant other to help document in a journal. Have you tried using a camera to record everything in your life? One will give suggestions of how this works. Read the rest of this entry »
Physician appointments, Emergency Room Visits, and Hospitalizations–Take all your medications, vitamins, herbs, natural remedies, and anything over the counter. Take a list of your medications as well. Sometimes there are mistakes with medications and this help alleviate those errors. Read the rest of this entry »
Allergies-Make a list of all your allergies. The list of allergies should include both medication allergies and food allergies. DO NOT take any medications you are allergic to. Usually the most serious allergic reaction occurs when you take the medication for the second time. This can be life threatening. Read the rest of this entry »
If you are dealing with brain injury you spend many days just standing at the crossroads in life, and wondering which way to go! It’s not easy when families walk away, friends leave, and your pet(s) stays! Traumatic brain injury affects the entire family system including the animals. Pet therapy and their unconditional love help patients and families cope throughout this difficult journey. It’s priceless. Animals are consistently the most therapeutic in this lengthy rehabilitation process for these special families. This unimaginable journey is affected in every aspect of life: physiologically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Families walk away, friends leave, and animals stay.
Poor judgment is only one issue of this complex injury. In this video one can see that even the dog’s health was jeopardized. Read the rest of this entry »
How can you cope with the unmentionable after traumatic brain injury? It’s blood, sweat and tears with urine, sweat and feces. Oh Crap, or Piss-on-it, or just too much Sweat! Any way you look at it I stink! The injury is healed, but now you have so many symptoms to live and cope with. Now, who is there to help you anyway? You are at home…big deal! It is a big deal to be at home, but now you have to figure out your surroundings, your role in life, but most importantly how your body now functions or for that matter does not function. Read the rest of this entry »
How can you manage mental and physical fatigue in your daily life? The normal fatigue you feel from brain injury is not like simple feelings of tiredness. It’s far from this. It exhausts all your physical and mental energy and leaves one in a brain fog where you can not think at all or physically accomplish anything. Your limbs feel so weak you just cannot be involved in doing anything until you get rest. Sleep is the only thing that helps you feel better. Read the rest of this entry »
My computer is not working like it did before brain injury. I need a computer to help me compensate for my memory and other things. What should I do and where can I go? Read the rest of this entry »