Last post Wed, Apr 09 2008 10:32 AM by Whitney. 6 replies.
I am a double BK amputee, who got this way in 2006 from a rather large explosion in Iraq.
It was the 12th IED I had survived, with multiple concusions since 2003.
I was diagnosed with having a TBI, and have undergone therapy to help me regain some of my cognitive ways. I have a VERY hard time with memory, more than anything. And I was wondering if anyone out there might have some advice to help remember things.
Currently the only medication I am on is Zoloft, as I don't believe to much in pain meds. But the family thinks the Zoloft helps with my moods.
Any and all advice is welcome.
My thanks in advance.
The good news is, the brain does retain plasticity and you may regain some of your cognitive abilities just by doing ordinary things. I think playing games, reading, keeping your mind fit through education is a good way to help. It has helped me, to an extent.
Welcome to disaboom.
"It's not just about Obama is a young black man, and McCain is an old white guy."Shelley!
I'm also a TBI victim. Basically with all we struggle with there aren't always exact things we can do that will help us immediately. We just gotta keep on keeping on. Plainly go about and live your life with an optimistic attitude and it will gradually come. If your worried about remembering things some of the things that I've done to help me would be; 1: think out loud and specifically remind yourself, 2: write it down (take notes). I'll think about it and see if I can remember anything else that my help. I hope the best for you. Good luck with everything.
Hi, My son suffered numerous injuries including a severe TBI upon his return from Iraq. We spent many months going through rehab. I know the things I suggest sound silly but they really help. We play ed things like Match game (they are cards usually sold in the childrens section, you have to try and match all the cards by remembering where you saw the last card). Also, we were told that video games were very helpful in short term memory loss due to the fact that if you like the game you will try hard to remember where you left off and what occured previously helping to assist in the triggering of the memory. We also bought the game Simon and Yahztee (which works with numbers) As I said I know all these games sound silly but they really do help. The other thing that we found even more helpful was to have my son keep a journal, where he can write his private thoughts. We found that when he read back what he had written previously had written he could see the progress that he has made. This has been crucial in his recovery and in helping with the depression and the anger he experianced. My son currently remains in the military (has yet to go before the board, we are trying to keep him in) he takes a lot of notes now, but he has made significant strides. If you need any other additional information, please contact me if you would like.
Take care, God, Bless and thank you for all you have given.
Cindie
I really HATE Vermont with TBI because I had a stroke. The snotty people caterogy with NAMES , FOR INSTANCE
Anna you are TBI for the doctor. Oh, really? I DON'T THINK SO. PEOPLE PAID BIG MONEY WHO HAD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY WITH THE GOVERNMENT. I am sorry, but that is that! In February 15, 2003 I fell down with the pole ; I bumped my head with a pole that fell down into the floor. My uncle came over and drive to the hospital; no sign for MRI or CT scan. But I had NO sense at all. The flowers did not smell at all, lily of the valleys, lilacs. I know because I was a RN, but again lapsed. Blamed it on Vermont! I NEVER WANT TO GO BACK TO TBI!
It give me nightmare just to think about it in Vermont for 18 months!
Anna--not joke!
Cindie, childrens games sure don´t sound silly, because they are meant to help learning.
It sure helps to just do things like Liesl suggested.
And what is also helpful is to do every day stuff differently. For instance, brush Your teeth with your left hand when You are right-handed, open bottles with the other hand, things like that. The brain has to make new connections if You break a routine.
All the best
Daisies
I don't have any suggestions but I want to thank you and the others who've served in Iraq for your sacrifice and service in keeping our country safe. You guys are the best!
