As part of raising awareness for Brain Injury Awareness Week, we are privileged to highlight another one of our inspiring service users stories.
This year’s theme is – On a good day and Sandra shares what both her good and bad days looks like. A huge thank you to Sandra for helping us raise awareness for Brain Injury Awareness Week.
What happened to Sandra
Sandra has an Acquired Brain Injury. A 10mm aneurysm was found in her temporal lobe. It was discovered after an MRI scan, which was performed due to the blackouts Sandra was suffering. The surgeon told Sandra it was a rare condition and had likely been growing slowly for over 20 years. She underwent a craniotomy and had the aneurysm clipped.
For a long time, Sandra wasn’t aware she had a brain injury until she was referred to P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery by her GP Surgery. Sandra says it was such a relief to finally understand what had happened to her and be told about her condition.
At first, Sandra struggled, felt lonely and cried most days. She didn’t know there were other people like her, people who also had an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
What does a good day look like compared to a bad day?
On a good day: Sandra can go outside and interact with people without experiencing panic attacks triggered by her anxiety. She really enjoys socialising and meeting other people.
Sandra now lives in a flat that has a community room, which allows her to socialise with the others in the building. They are aware of her condition and understand the limitations.
Bad days: On the flip side, Sandra can struggle to get out of bed. The thought of going outside makes her feel anxious and can lead to panic attacks. She feels overwhelmed by noise, crowds and things that startle her. Sandra also suffers from depression and a lack of motivation. Short-term memory loss is another challenge, and when she can’t remember things, it upsets her.
How has P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery supported you during the recovery process?
At P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, Sandra feels safe, accepted, and supported. She no longer cries all day. Sandra has learned that it’s okay not to be okay and that she can also laugh and feel happy again.
Sandra says she can’t thank the staff enough for everything they have done to help her and for the support she has received. Nothing is too much trouble, and she knows she can turn to the charity for help if needed.
Sandra attends music and animal therapy sessions, which she finds really uplifting, as well as nutrition classes.
There are so many activities available to try for those who are interested. She also attends the weekly coffee morning, where service users chat and share laughs.
Sandra would like to thank, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery for all their support.