My therapy

I have had two "last sessions" so far at the neuropsychologist's!!  Turns out my brain is slightly more damaged than we thought, ha ha.  Well, not really, but the assessments took so long and then the last two sessions were spent exploring a couple more issues that have come to light. I think the next one really IS my final session. Or that's the plan anyway.... 

One of the issues I have is that I find abstract thinking very hard. This has interesting consequences, such as the inability to answer a question that starts "what if...." (my mind goes blank), and taking sarcastic comments literally, although I do "get it" when it's explained to me.  I can only concentrate on what's right in front of me, which is why, for example, I can leave pans on the stove because as soon as I turn away from what I'm doing it's like it doesn't exist. The psych thinks this might be why I am having trouble understanding that I'm not fully recovered yet. On days when I'm rested, I think "I'm fine - there's nothing wrong with me"; then on days when I'm exhausted, and this happens all the time, then I understand. "Oh right, the doctor says I'm still recovering". Then it starts all over again the next day!

Reading about other people's journey to recovery has been very helpful. Do you remember Richard Hammond from Top Gear's high-speed crash? He has spoken out about how long his road to recovery has been, and how he realises now that he went back to work far too soon. From the Headway charity's facebook page (2009):

"Nobody associated with Headway will be surprised to hear that Richard Hammond's recovery is ongoing three years after his accident. The effects of brain injury can last a lifetime and no two routes to recovery are the same. 

It takes courage to admit you're still 'not quite right', particularly when on the surface you seem to be fully recovered and back to 'normal'. Unfortunately, the concept of the hidden disability is not widely acknowledged or understood in society and the personal testimonies of those affected by brain injury play a vital role in helping us raise awareness. 

By speaking in the press in this way, Richard Hammond has helped raise awareness of brain injury and challenged people to think that just because someone looks perfectly healthy, there may be hidden injuries affecting their daily lives."  

It's annoying and reassuring at the same time! And much as I try and do stuff, I'm still learning that I have to take it easy.

Anyway, my therapy, as I state in the title, is that I've been told to take up a hobby and to get out and do it every day, or as often as I can.  I am already supposed to go for a walk every day, which I don't always manage, but as you've seen recently my biggest therapy is photography and that's what I've started to try and do more of.  So this afternoon S came and picked me up so we could go and take pictures of her adorable 9 month old son F.  He really is a poppet; every time I see him he is smiling!  

It's tiring, but I'm SO enjoying myself!  Keep checking back because there are more babies due around here, and I'm lined up to take their pictures. Can't wait.  

So, nite nite everyone. Hope you are all well and enjoying life. Peace!

Comments

[Lisa Baker]

LOVE LOVE LOVE The photos! Keep going brave girl. xo

[Carolyn Rigg]

I agree with Lisa! Keep it up, Jen... You are brave and don't worry, we all understand it will take time and patience ;-)
And keep on showing your lovely pics please ;-)

[jml]

love the pics,they're beautiful. I can relate to your leaving pans on the hob,I still do five years on & all because I can't smell what's cooking!!! I start something then get sidetracked. Keep up the good work it'll take time but you'll get there. Love