A Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones) has been written to assist those who are experiencing a similar tragedy to realize they are not alone. By reading my story it will help them adjust to the monumental changes in their life and that of their injured family member.
They will learn that it is sometimes two steps forward and one step back. In the days ahead; they will learn not to take things personally if their brain injured loved one becomes angry or verbally abusive and they will discover the importance of setting boundaries. As well, it is important not to feel guilty if they wish time for themselves or if they occasionally feel frustrated; their life has changed also.
Initially the most crucial things to do are to ask the right questions; take control of the situation; be proactive; be their own advocate for their injured family member and realize the necessity of having support. These are vital when battling cognitive and behavioral problems, frustration and anger management difficulties, confusion and short-term memory loss as well as other brain injury impairments.
Included with my story are sample cognitive exercises that we used at an early stage in Larry's development which helped immensely in his progress towards recovery.
As time goes on they will learn that there are adaptations and adjustments that will be necessary to make for their new life. There will also be many bumps in the road.
Any road that is not travelled alone makes the trip much easier. By reading Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones), the reader will realize they are not alone; many others have travelled the road before them.
Unable to stop the floodgate of tears, I cried the whole way to the hospital, praying that Larry would be alive. Finally, after what seemed to be hours later I arrived at the parking lot but was completely stymied by the parking meter. With my non-functioning brain, I had no idea how to use the machine to get a ticket. While tears continued to stream down my face, I asked a young lady for assistance. Looking at me strangely, she explained and finally, with shaking hands, I managed to get my Visa card into the slot provided. Karen, the Social Worker, met me in the Emergency and led me to a Family Room. "They are stabilizing him and then he'll be going for a CT scan. I'll let you know when you can see him. A doctor will come and speak to you and let you know the extent of his injuries. Are other family members coming?" Unable to speak, I could only nod. With no one to talk to, my only company was the terrifying images that plagued my thoughts. I could not control my flood of tears and no matter how many times I brushed them aside, they continued to fall. The half hour or so I sat alone in that room with my brain alternating between mush and the horrible images that cascaded through my head, my usually calm nature did not hold up very well. "You may see him now," Karen told me as she quietly rolled her wheelchair into the Family Room. Confined herself to a wheelchair, she was the perfect person to be dealing with those in times of stress. She was the calm personality I had leaned on in that first hour or so as she periodically checked on me. Knowing by now that Larry had hit and slid under a tractor mower, I was surprised and relieved that his face was not as I had imagined it might have been in that time while I sat alone. Road rash extended from his forehead and down his cheek and both eyes were badly bruised and swollen shut. Although he was heavily medicated and appeared to be unaware of our presence, I whispered, "I love you," as I leaned over his hospital bed. The doctor smiled sympathetically. "He was conscious when the paramedics arrived on the scene and when he arrived here but he's very confused. Because of his confusion, he's being taken for a CT scan to determine if there is any brain injury."
Writing has always been a large part of Sylvia's life. While in her teens, the experience of writing opened up whole new worlds for her as the characters she created became, for a short time, almost as much a part of her life as those in her reality. Her first non-fiction book entitled "Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)" is based on her partner's serious motorcycle accident and subsequent brain injury. Her first fiction book entitled "His Sins" is a three generation family saga.
Over the years she has had many articles, short stories and essays published in newspapers and magazines within Canada and the United States. As well, she has had many articles published online relating to brain injuries, family issues, motivational topics and travel.
Sylvia is also busy with five grown children, one daughter, four sons and their respective significant others as well as being grandmother to seven grandchildren. Sylvia enjoys photography, gardening, entertaining and exploring B.C.'s gulf islands where she can relax and listen to the sound of waves crashing onto the shore.