Advice and The Hull Workmen Calendar
November 1, 2014
I enjoyed a four-mile run around Liverpool as part of my challenge. I took it steady and had fun taking in the sights! There were times when I thought this experience would not be possible … things can get better!
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 4
November 1, 2014
One thing that has plagued me during recovery is making mistakes. Tasks can generally take longer because I am slower than before. Everyone makes mistakes occasionally and we shrug them off but when you have a brain injury and they are happening daily with easy tasks it can become really frustrating/upsetting. I could make the same mistake 5 times over and this would get on my nerves. Sometimes, it would have been easier to walk away from the task, but I was always persistent!
I believe this attitude has really helped my recovery and transformation.
November 4, 2014
Have patience …
There were times when I felt stuck during recovery. It’s a long process … stay strong. Enjoy what you can.
You might not think it, but you will be getting there … a place where you can move on.
November 5, 2014
I was invited to play football with some of the Neuro ward staff! These are some of the staff that cared for me during the early days of my recovery. Who would have thought that? It’s the first time I’ve played since my injury. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do this a year ago. I wouldn’t have been on the ball – ha ha pardon the pun! You just never know what you will be capable of if you keep pushing on positively.
November 6, 2014
Prompts … reminders … these are things that I have needed lots of during my recovery!
I need a reminder about a reminder sometimes. I can be so forgetful. I can have all good intentions of doing/texting/calling/sorting but 5 minutes later it can be gone. My poor memory is a consequence of my injury. It can get me down as some of the things I forget can be important to myself or others. I really appreciate a prompt or a reminder from love ones.
November 9, 2014
Early rise for week 5 of my challenge. I really pushed myself this week. I have never joined 3 disciplines together so it was a new experience. If you never try, then you never know what you’re capable of doing.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 5
November 10, 2014
Every brain recovers differently – we are all unique in our own way and every recovery will be unique to the individual. There are limited answers on how long things will take or how well you will recover.
It’s important to set your own goals as you are going through recovery. Personal goals that are right for you, depending on circumstances. As long as you’re doing best that’s great. Always be kind to yourself and celebrate your achievements.
November 11, 2014
Coffee and cookies to celebrate my friend Claire being discharged from Neuro at HRI after 4 years! She has never taken a backwards step throughout her recovery from a brain tumour.
Claire is a huge inspiration.
November 13, 2014
I am not ashamed to say that I fell into depression during my recovery. I am a man living with a different brain and life can be really tough. It can pull me down. Depression is a nasty illness that can fill your mind with darkness. If you are struggling with depression, then don’t be afraid to tell someone and get some help. Don’t suffer in silence. I have tamed my black dog:
November 16, 2014
On with my marathon challenge – A 6 mile run in the countryside this week.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 6
November 18, 2014
The only way that you’re going to rebuild your confidence after a brain injury is to get yourself back out there – when you’re ready and at your own pace of course. It will be hard, and you will feel vulnerable, but you must keep plugging away. I pushed myself through some really difficult situations to grow my confidence. It did get easier over time.
I was fighting for my future.
November 21, 2014
My friend who has gone through brain recovery sent me this – so true. Thanks Claire.
November 22, 2014
Felt great to do a seven-mile run around my home city. Hull and proud.
MARATHON CHALLENGE WEEK 7
November 23, 2014
I had worked in the construction industry for 20 years. I was lucky to meet people who would become good friends. I thought of a way of catching up with them and doing something worthwhile which was a Hull Workmen Calendar. It would be a sexy/fun calendar that would be sold to raise funds for Neurosurgical ward 4/40 at HRI. I asked the lads, and all were happy to get involved. I recruited a local photographer and sourced a brilliant location. I am very lucky to have such supportive friends to help in my projects!
November 25, 2014
It’s coming soon … my website will be known as – PAUL My brain recovery.
A friend and I are working on the logo. Thanks to loved ones who have helped with some great ideas. In particular my mum and Shannon for their positive influence in reaching the final name.
I chose the name PAUL as these words are reflective of the work I’m doing in the community and what I’m trying to achieve for people affected by brain injury.
November 29, 2014
I have often got to X, Y and Z!
Learning how to cope with your new brain can be challenging. It’s going to take patience and determination. You may need to try different strategies to carry out and complete tasks successfully. Don’t give up.
November 30, 2014
Something new as part of 8 miles for my challenge today. I think it’s really important that you test yourself once you feel ready. I attempted to use a paddle board for my challenge this week. I fell off, but I dried off and got back on to reach my goal. Things may take time and you may fall whilst going through recovery but keep getting back up and trying again – you can get there.