Hi Everyone it’s Marie and Corey,
Today was an interesting day. Moss Rehab has asked me to join their Brain Injury Advisory Board. The meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. Fortunately, Wednesday is the day I have nursing coverage.
Corey is home with the nurse and the school OT, Cari and PT, Jen come to the house for their sessions. Cari is focusing on the skills Corey will need for her Culinary activities. Jen continues to work on strengthening her muscles so she can stand at the stove and move about the kitchen independently.
I wish I could say it’s going very well every week but we still face weekly challenges with Corey’s memory verses her emerging awareness. She does not remember Cari (who is new) nor does she always remember Jen (who has been with us for almost two years). Therefore each time they arrive, they meet Forgetful Fran, Nervous Nellie and our least favorite nemesis, Crazy Corinne!
It’s extremely difficult for Corey, our nurse and our home team because of her short term memory loss. We are trying very hard to develop behavior strategies but it’s impossible to remember the strategies when you have no memory!
Reminding Corey of the long term benefits of working with our team can be a challenge because after we hold a conversation discussing the strategy, consequences and benefits,10 minutes after the discussion is over, she doesn’t know we even had a discussion.
Believe it or not this is progress. I know, you’re wondering how this could possibly be viewed as progress. Well, let’s look at the fact that Corey is expressing her emotions. She is able to communicate, understand and participate in the conversations (despite the 10 minute retention).
Let’s also add she was texting me throughout her experience today! I received multiple text messages (30+) explaining her point of view.
This is some of what I read after my meeting:
“mom when will u be home because im not really okay with anyone coming over”
“mom i really dont want anyone here i dont know”
“at all”
“at all”
“never”
(post session)
“mom she is gone now and it was not fun for future reference i never want to be alone with someone i do not know again”
“capish” (this word cracked me up)
“but mom i was not happy but i worked through it thats for sure because i dont want a sour puss attitude”
“i dont mind being happier but getting there is whats hard”
“mom cant wait for you to come home”
“mom i want you to giggle we are happy as a camel on a wednesday because its hump day”
(that line made me laugh out loud!)
Talk about progress!
So how do we get through this day in and day out? Patience, understanding, a positive attitude and a sense of humor are just a few keys to keep our sanity!
From Corey;
i learned that when you are working with people you dont know or remember, it is easier to just brush it off your shoulder or that is what you hope to do anyway. a lot of the time it will scare you and just brushing it off is often times easier said then done. is that even really possible? i do not know.
i know not cooperating holds you back but sometimes fear can trap you just the same way,, or that is my opinion anyway
no one likes fear. it is easier to hit reverse and go the other way but if you do that, the fear did not go away, it pretty much follows you.
fear can not get you better,, we prefer confidence not nerves. so far i am still figuring out what to do, xoxo