The wide variety of TBI causes

Many people know or have heard of Traumatic Brain Injuries but not many know the wide variety of causes and effects of TBI.  Braintrauma.org lists the three types of TBI’s as Mild, Moderate, and Severe.  Mild TBI’s are also called concussions and a person may lose consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes, or perhaps not at all.  The next level is Moderate TBI’s, where a person may lose consciousness between 20 minutes and 6 hours. He/she may experience some brain swelling or bleeding, causing sleepiness. Severe TBI’s is when a person is in a coma like state for more than 6 hours.  The highest percentage of TBI are falls with 35.2%, and second to falls are motor vehicle traffic accidents with a percentage of  17.3% of T.B.I.’s and incidents of assault counts for 10%.  There are several other traumatic brain injury causes and there are many more success stories of TBI survivors.  We, as TBI survivors cannot give up because “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength, but through persistence.”

Seizures and Pregnancy

By Geoffrey B.
I have a friend who just became pregnant and she has epilepsy also known as seizures.  So I researched a few websites, like WedMd and MAYOCLINIC.ORG and I found a topic called "Seizures and Pregnancy."  In my research, I found that during pregnancy seizures can cause fatal heart rate deceleration and preterm labor.  In another statement, every woman reacts to pregnancy differently but women who have seizures the seizures remain the same. Lastly, before you consider having a baby, schedule an appointment with your doctor, take your anti-seizure medication the same way you have been taken them. A tip, eat a health diet and avoid smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs.

Memory Compensation Strategies, not just for the recipients of Brain Injuries.

Memory Compensation Strategies, not just for the recipients of Brain Injuries.

Most individuals with brain injuries have various memory difficulties similar to what is expected in the elderly. Such as remembering where you parked your car? Where are my glasses? Where is my cup of coffee, car/house keys?  Some of these problems can be solved by developing methods/strategies to help you remember these tasks. Consider the following:

1. Memory Book - write it down!!  Record your day. Start off with your “To-Do” list to help direct your day’s activities. This book should be an appropriate size that works for you.
2. Electronic aids – many cell phones have the capability to store written data such as lists and calendars to note your schedule, contacts lists and written directions, daily schedules, medications, directions etc.  GPS technology may be used for travel.
3. Organizing space – a disorganized area makes life difficult for the best of us, spend the amount of time needed to organize your home/work areas to make it easy to find things.
4. Organizing time – this is essential for an individual without a brain injury to be successful. It is CRITICAL for a brain injured individual just to get through the day.  Pocket calendars to promote time management will help you become more independent.
5. Labeling - visual cues are always helpful.
6. Written Directions – use a personal “Task Analysis” (step by step detailed instructions to complete a specific task) for any routine or non-routine tasks. Use these as long as needed and challenge yourself , on occasion , to not use them so as to test your progress.
7. Special events – these may require special requirements and a unique “Task Analysis”.
8. Other People – determine who you can use to help you with your unique issues, and use them as a last resort. Promote independence within yourself.

 

Remember:

The goal is to improve you quality of life.

Set realistic expectations, and celebrate your successes!

John B.

 

MISSION…….POSSIBLE

The clubhouse mission is to empower survivor of Brain injury to regain and maintain independence through innovative and outcomes based services.  How do you feel your clubhouse is performing at accomplishing the mission?  I see evidence of the mission being accomplished at our clubhouse as members work at accomplishing their goals and strengthening their independent living skills.  One member has been able to move into their own residence since membership at our clubhouse. 

Another facet of independence is working to support oneself.  One member shared that they have been on job interviews and have interview dates setup.  Clubhouse membership helps first define our goals, and then put a plan of action to work.  Constructive feedback from our counselor is very beneficial, because they ensure we are on track.  You may need to increase your typing speed or improve your customer service skills, or maybe you need a job coach.  Your coordinator will put forth the best effort to help you reach your goal.  Whatever your clubhouse mission is, the help is there, to turn your setbacks into comebacks.

                                                   By,

                                                 Debra J.

First hand experience of living with a traumatic brain injury

                    First hand experience of living with a traumatic brain injury


T.B.I. survivors describe living with a traumatic brain injury on brainline.org. These are just a few of the first hand descriptions of living with or living with someone who has a traumatic brain injury.  The short and long term effects can vary greatly, even more that the few that I will list here.  Yet, the same two things are required of any family members, friends, and loved ones of T.B.I. survivors, patience and understanding.


1. " A puzzle. All the pieces are there but they are in the wrong order."  Barbara


2.  "Scary. I look the same but feel somewhere else."  Ann-Michel


3.  "Devastating, exhausting, widely misunderstood"  Jules


4.   "An invisible memory taker, mood changer, life changer!"   Meg


5.  "A family affair.  When a family member has one, it effects everyone."  Stephanie

                                                 Brain Injury Awareness Month  
The Brain Injury Association of America recognizes March as National Brain Injury Awareness month to raise awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury.  Each year, an estimated 2.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury and another 795000 a year sustain an acquired brain injury through non traumatic causes (www.nctsn.org).  Brainfacts.org, biausa.org, and traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org are three of the websites where brain injury survivors, their families, and people interested in this topic can go to learn more about TBI's, the people who sustain them, and the success stories of the many TBI survivors that continue to overcome their injuries

Music can calm the Soul

By: Barry F.

     There are few greater joys in life than to play an instrument or appreciate music.  I am fortunate enough to be a musician.  I play several instruments and I teach guitar lessons.   I think most people without a musical background don’t fully understand the nuances’ of playing an instrument.  It’s a lot of work!  One must be dedicated to the craft and diligently practice every day until are proficient enough to create your own music.  Of course, it helps to be a creative to start with. 

     However, people without musical ability can learn to play proficiently, but it will be difficult in the beginning.  The key to success is practice, practice, practice: for at least an hour or more a day.  Also, it helps if you are patient with yourself. 

     The end goal for all your hard work is to read, write and compose your own music.  Guess what!  You never stop learning!  Music is a lifelong pursuit and even a proficient musician can learn new material or arrange old material.  So get ready for the journey!  Start taking lessons right now and in a few short years you will begin to understand a small part of how music works. 

     Some tips for beginners:  Watch tutorials online to pick up the basic techniques then practice these one at a time.  Also, I recommend that you start taking lessons from a professional instructor as soon as possible.  Then you will have two methods for learning.  Oh, and finally, practice, practice practice

Remembering Marvin L.

By Geoffrey B.
Marvin L. passed away on February 19, 2015.  A Dallas Cowboys fan, he was one the first five members when The Denbigh started in 2005.  Marvin was a good guy. Cool, calm and collective and easy going too.  One of his favorite things he liked to do at The Denbigh House was to be in the garden. He was a  quiet man but always had a smile on his face when he came to The Denbigh House! All the staff and members will miss him but his love is in our hearts!  Celebration of Life for Marvin L.  

Tamara Williams

By Geoffrey B.


Hello Denbigh House! Give a big welcome to our New Communication Unit Coordinator, Tamara Williams.  Her hobbies are going shopping and doing hair.  She attended Virginia State University and studied Social Work.  In ten years, Tamara sees herself owning a business and becoming a L.C.S.W. which stands for License Clinical Social Worker.  What Tamara knows about brain injuries is that it effects everyone so differently.  Also, it changes your life.  Now while Tamara is here at The Denbigh House, she hopes to learn everything about brain injury and build healthy relationships with the staff and members.  Her favorite TV shows are the Golden Girls and Law-in-Order.  Lastly, the one thing Tamara wishes for everyone to know is that she works hard for everything that she has. So say hello to our new Unit Coordinator, Tamara Williams!