Wednesday - Friday, 02/05 - 02/07

          WEDNESDAY, 02/05:   We had yet another snow day.  It was a day I couldn't come in to see Caren.  She walked 66 feet today.  Caren was sad because Speech Therapy is becoming more and more difficult as she struggles with the acute concussion which still is unresolved.  Stress exacerbates the symptoms of an acute concussion, and she becomes more forgetful, and more stressed . . . and so goes the cycle of Caren's healing journey.  "A brain injury can change the way people feel or express emotions.   . . .  This is called emotional lability.  . . .
In some cases the brain injury can cause sudden episodes of crying or laughing. These emotional expressions or outbursts may not have any relationship to the way the persons feels (in other words, they may cry without feeling sad or laugh without feeling happy). In some cases the emotional expression may not match the situation (such as laughing at a sad story). Usually the person cannot control these expressions of emotion. Anxiety is a feeling of fear or nervousness that is out of proportion to the situation. People with brain injury may feel anxious without exactly knowing why. Or they may worry and become anxious about making too many mistakes, or “failing” at a task, or if they feel they are being criticized. Many situations can be harder to handle after brain injury and cause anxiety, such as being in crowds, being rushed, or adjusting to sudden changes in plan. Some people may have sudden onset of anxiety that can be overwhelming (“panic attacks”).

• Difficulty reasoning and concentrating can make it hard for the person with TBI to solve problems. This can make the person feel overwhelmed, especially if he or she is being asked to make decisions.
• Anxiety often happens when there are too many demands on the injured person, such as returning to employment too soon after injury. Time pressure can also heighten anxiety.
• Situations that require a lot of attention and information-processing can make people with TBI anxious. Examples of such situations might be crowded environments, heavy traffic or noisy children."  (Emotional-Problems-After-Traumatic-Brain-Injury)

        THURSDAY, 02/06:  Hooray!  School day!  Wednesday's shower was moved to today.  Especially after her shower Caren was feeling much better today.  It's amazing what a good shower, shampoo, and pretty outfit can do to lift a woman's spirits.  Then, THEN PT comes in for her daily exercise.  While Caren and PT head down to the gym, I clean up after the shower and tidy her room.
     Today Caren would like to exceed her best walk of 66 feet.  She pushes herself to achieve.  The therapist and Caren had fun joking around, which is also a boost to spirit.  Rex pulled out the wheely-measuring-tape-thingy, and told Caren that she had only walked 62 feet.  Jovially she said, "That's okay, I'll make it next time."  Rex showed Caren the tally on the rolling measure.  Caren looked confused, so I leaned in to read it.  Caren quipped, "That doesn't look like 62!?"   Caren, today, walked a total of 256 feet!  What a successful day for her!  This was her best PT ever.

        Friday, 02/07:  "Friday's child is loving and giving."   
Nich and Austin missed school today because of illness.  By 11:30 Benjamin called from school, and was ill.  Well, three down, and two to go!  No visits to Caren today.  Blessed Mary did talk to Caren about her struggle with the acute concussion.  What a gift of compassion Mary, the social worker, always brings to Caren.  When someone suffers a brain injury, the entire family is affected. Studies show that caregivers of people who have suffered a brain injury may experience feelings of burden, distress, anxiety, anger and depression. If you are caring for a partner, spouse, child, relative or close friend with TBI, it is important to recognize how stressful this situation can be. Information about brain injury and support can make a great difference.  Brain injury rehabilitation is a marathon and not a sprint.   . . .  An individual with a brain injury may not be fully aware of the impact of his or her injuries until he or she resumes old routines (personal care, for example). It can be very upsetting for the person when these realizations set in, and behavioral problems can surface. Although this increased insight is a sign of recovery, the family may need to provide greater support and be more vigilant to ensure safety and ease the person through this period.  (Brain Injury Association) 
      Mary scheduled an appointment for Caren to meet with a counselor on Tuesday.
      Andy Rooney has said that love not time heals all wounds.
     Jehovah-Rophe