A Brain Aneurysm and me.

I get some interesting mail about the problems that come with a brain injury like a hemorrhaged aneurysm in the head. What's really surprising me is the number of people that go through the agony that takes place when the damn things blow.

It comes right out of the blue. One minute you're fine, then BAM! You're stepping in the deep stuff. I didn't see mine coming. In my case everything was in place and I survived with a good deal of my abilities left to live a fair degree of living.

I have a few deficits, but I ain't complaining. There are many out there that are in far worse shape than myself. One of my problems is grammar. You may notice a few "high school" grammar screw-ups so just kind of bear with me.

One thing I had to go through, like it or not, is therapy. You're in real trouble when a brain aneurysm bursts. Your mind gets really messed up and you need help to get back on track to be able to resume some sort of a life style.

My physical abilities, walking, waving, winking, things we all take for granted, have all taking a serious hit. A good deal of my first year was spent in physical therapy. The first three months of the therapy was critical to get me moving.

Physical therapy is not that big a deal. If you are satisfied with having someone serving you for the rest of your life then I guess you can stick your nose up to the hard working part of therapy.

However, getting your mind back in shape is a real pain in the kester. The first thing you have to do is realize, (admit), that you are going to need some help. Ego, also known as bull-headed dumb, rules a lot of us. Think about it. Have you ever heard this?

1. I know what I'm doing.
2. It's my life.
3. If I want your help I'll ask for it
4. I'm ok.
5. I can work this out by myself.

It's tough to come to grips with the fact that you are no longer able to do the everyday things you've always handled yourself. It took me awhile to realize that I actually did not know my own birth date.

Here's where my wonderful wife came into play. She made up a list of about 300 questions that revolved around the common things we all know about ourselves.

1. Where do you live?
2. What is your birthdate?
3. Where were you born?
4. How old are you?
5. Are you married?
6. Do you have any children?
7. How many kids do you have?
8. What are your kids names?

These type of questions proved to be the key to putting my mind put back into what is now an orderly fashion. I was surprised to reliaze that I didn't know the answeres.

**I'll have to get back to this tomorrow. I'm starting to ramble.**

One of the problems with my brain aneurysm is that I don't have the ability to stay focused on what I'm doing. Er'go, I need a break.

A quick note: A brain injury stinks. The problems seem to linger on forever. Don't let-up and don't give-up. A ruptured brain aneurysm is a two edged sword. It slices through your life and it will also slice through those that are near to you.

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Dick....