The Recovery, Part 4
By Tom Quirk

Individual brain aneurysm recovery differs widely and no two cases are the same. No one can really appreciate what you are feeling.

This is a major event for you and your family. The reality is that you are not as you were before, and won’t be. You may not recall what happened and therefore be very confused about the circumstances.

It is normal to be frightened about that event and to be very concerned about your current limitations and their impact on your future; as a parent, spouse or provider.

The brain is a complex organ, involved in everything that we do. It has been injured and needs to heal. Along with physical impediments and concerns about the future, it is natural to have feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-confidence, and with a reduction in functionality and concentration, it can result in anger and frustration.

The survivor is not the same, nor for a time, capable of maintaining normal conversation and other routine interpersonal communication. They tend to withdraw from awkward circumstances, and often become isolated. Family caregivers endeavor to remain upbeat and encouraging, but after frequently bearing the brunt of the survivors (unintentional) wrath, as well as the repetition of questions and conversation, they too find themselves contributing to a decreasing level of civility.

Depression is very often present with both the survivor and family caregiver. Depression is not something that either can snap out of, as it is an illness involving the entire process; mind and body. Life is different and there are responsibilities that the patient can never again assume. Professional treatment is sometimes necessary, and when combined with medication and therapy, can be very effective.

It is important to keep in mind that a traumatic event has occurred that has caused a degree of damage to the brain. Adjustments are required, either temporary or permanent, that will affect your life and that of your loved ones.
However, there are family members, friends, and medical rehabilitative professionals, who want to ease the recovery journey and to assist the survivor to achieve everything possible and to speed the return to an optimum state of recovery.

Support groups exist to provide a respectful environment where experiences are shared and mutual support is given and received.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For more information you may contact Tom Quirk at (781) 545-2300, extension 628 or via email at tfquirk@aol.com. For more detailed information about brain aneurysms, please visit the Brain Aneurysm Foundation’s web site at www.bafound.org.

The South Shore Brain Aneurysm Support Group meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Parish Center, 2 Edward Foster Road, Scituate.