Everyone who has come into contact with those who suffer from brain injury (both directly and indirectly), has a story to tell. This area of the site is dedicated to the personal experiences of these people, and how they have come to terms with the problems associated with brain injury, as suffered by themselves, family or friends.

My husband Phil was involved in a road traffic accident in October 2000. As a pedestrian crossing the road he was knocked over by a car causing him severe multiple fractures of the skull, humeru, tibia, fibula, and right haemorrhage contusion.

When Phil was in Walsgrave Hospital I knew would have a battle on our hands. I never worried much about the physical injuries, as I knew they would heal, but with the head injury I was dealing with the unknown. When Phil came home in January 2001 it was almost like he had, had a complete personality change. His cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems including terrible mood swings were affecting our lives on a daily bassis: at times it was like walking on eggshells.

Othwer changes to Phil include him now having a much lower tolerance level, short term memory problems, poor concentration and difficulty following conversations - its almost impossible to watch televsion now as Phil as difficulty following the plot and talks non-stop whenever I try watching anything. Phil also needs to be reminded about his medication and any appointments. He often stays awake during the night and if he wants to speak to anyone on the telephone then I have to ring them for him. There are times I feel my life has been turned upside down and I am no longer a wife but more of a mother figure.

Normal family life went out of the window: everything he did and still does revolves around the needs of Phil. Our daughter Aimee has had a terrible time and on more than one occasssion she has said that she no longer has her dad. At times its hard to know who is the child as they both compete for my time.

When Phil was at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital in Wolverhampton, Dr.Aung was superb but when you come home there is not enough support available. Jan Savage (our Social Worker until recently) was a wonderful support and other than her and Headway we have received little other help. The neurosurgeon at Walsgrave Hospital gave me Headway’s telephone number: I contacted them and spoke to Sue Hill a few times who helped prepare me for what was to come when Phil came home. I went to my first support group meeting in January 2001 and then did not go again for a couple of months as I felt overwhelmed and did not know if and how I was supposed to cope on my own with Phil. Through Headway we have made some good friends, and Phillipa Wood was a great help last year, and Sam is always available for advice.

The difficulty with head injury is that you cannot see the problems and unless you spend time with someone with a head injury you will have no idea what they and their family are going through. Very few people have take the time with Phil: our friends Dianne and Eddie Burton have been superb and I do not know what we would have done without them and the others who have helped us.

My Story: as told by Johnathan Grizzell (first published summer 2002)

I’m 18 years old, just over a year ago I was involved in an R.T.A. (Road Taraffic Accident) which resulted in me having a severe head injury. The accident occurred when I was attempting to cross the road to go to my local shop. I am not exactly sure what happened after that. I lost consciousness and ended up in a coma for a bout a week.

After I regained consciousness I didn’t know where I was and didn’t even recognise my mum. I found it very hard to comunicate with family and doctors. The injury affected my speech severely, I just couldn’t get my sentences out properly futher to that I kept repeating myself.

It was a long struggle getting back on my feet I received a lot of help from West Park Hospital in Wolverhampton. They gave me self confidence and the will to carry on. At this time I realised who my true friends were and how important family really is. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my real friends who took time out out to visit me in my hour of need, especially my girlfriend at the time Charlene. But the the people I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for all their love and support are my parents and my aunty who stuck with me when others turned their back.

My family and I first met Sam Hay from Headway when he came to visit me at home. Sam explained to me how Headway could help and the opprotunities that were open to me. I enrolled on the Computer studies course and the fitness group ath Top Notch Health Club organised by Headway. I enjoy my time at Headway because everyone here understands what I have been through and everyone treats me like a normal person, they can look beyond my head injury.

My Story: as told by Bill Trahearn (first published summer 2002)

I had my stroke four years ago. My right side was affected and my speech was impaired. The Rehab Unit at Corbett Hospital taught me to walk, regain the use of my right hand and improved my speech. I started back to work, one day at a time. The Company still emplyed me even with my disabilities. Unfortunately the Company closed down two years ago and I was made redundant.

Then the problem started with Social Security etc., There was no one to turn to with a listening ear. One day we came across an article about Headway. My wife telephoned and spoke to Sam Hay, the Project Manager. Sam explained how Headway provides information and support for pepole who have survived any form of brain injury, their families and carers.

We met Sam Hay from Headway 12 months ago. He told us about Headway House Day Opportunities Service starting last September, which incorporated activities such as Art and Crafts, Computer Studies, Leisure and Fitness, Reflxology and Indian Head Massage. I have not tried the massage sessions, but with the thought of the bed, candles and aromatherapy, I am very tempted.

On Tuesday morning we go to Topnotch Health Club. We have been given the use of their facilities including weight training, fitness machines, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Topnotch trained staff are always on hand to help.

Art and Crafts curently takes place on a Wednesday afternoon. At the same time there is also a computer course for beginners. The course is run by the Central Adult Training Scheme and the tutor is Dawn Watkins. The course involves training in Word, Excel, Publisher and how to use the internet. Dawn helps any of us interested to take exams including CLAIT.

I have found Headway Black Country has helped me to form new friendships and helped me to regain confidence since suffereing my stroke. All the staff and volunteers have given so much of their time to listen, encourage and help me express my self in new ways.

[Home] [Headway Origins] [Services] [Frequent Quest'ns] [Brain Injury Expl.] [Fundraising] [Volunteering] [Personal Stories] [Personal Story 1] [Personal Story 2] [Personal Story 3] [Personal Story 4] [Personal Story 5] [The Gallery] [Links] [Contact Us]