Welcome to this new edition of BRAIN TIMES

Volume 3 May 2006

Welcome to the new edition of Brain Times. This magazine is for people with a brain injury and others interested in their recovery. It is hoped that it will also let them know about the trauma felt by a brain injured person and those around them. we hope that you find this edition fun and informative.

J“ HIM” AND “ I”L

Thank you to Tom Fleming for his very interesting article “Him and I” a number of people have commented on how they could relate to the feelings Tom described and were glad to know that they are not on their own

Tony’s Jokes!!!

Question: What do you call a fish with one eye?

Answer: Fsh

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Question: What do you call a Deer with no ear?

Answer: D

My Story

My name is George Mc Kibbin. In December 2003 I was assaulted by three men, as a result I was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital with serious head injuries. I spent two weeks unconscious and a further two weeks in a ward of which I have absolutely no recollection. The doctors and nurses who looked after me were fantastic. They saved my life.

My first memory was that of being at my local hospital in Downpatrick, where after lots of care a few lessons on a walking frame I was ready to go home.

The start of my “Brain Injury awareness.

My house is two storey, the stairs looked like Mount Everest, one stair at a time for weeks. While looking out the window one day I saw a hedge which needed trimming. Armed with a walking frame and a pair of secataurs I spent about ten to twelve minutes clipping, after which I spent two full days in bed sleeping totally exhausted.

It took me a while to understand I wasn’t who I used to be. I tried extremely hard to build up my stamina and strength, daily walks with my trusty border collie, Tess and walking stick “it was difficult”. I was very unsteady at first, and can recall feeling as though I was carrying a bucket of stones on my head, narrow footpaths were a problem for me, especially when high sided vehicles passed close to me.

Two and a half years on I’m, going to the gym twice a week, working one day per week with lots of tea breaks, a must for me.

I feel greatly indebted to the Trauma Team as without their help. I dread to think what state I would be in.

To contact the team: 028 92633189

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Thursday 25th May 2006	Braintime Support Group Topic: Alternative Therapy by Eadie walsh	7.30 – 9.30pm Occupational Therapy Department, Thompson House Hospital
Thursday 22nd June 2006	Bar-B-Que	Tollymore Forest Park Details to follow

FEMALE CARERS GROUP

For further dates contact Susan at 028 92633189