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I never planned to be a caregiver. I don’t think many people do.
I used to be human a resources professional, a small business owner, a busy wife, and a mother of two. Then everything changed.
My caregiving experience started on April 13, 2002 when a car struck my husband as he rode his bicycle home from an afternoon cycling workout. His severe traumatic brain injury not only changed our lives in the moment, it changed the course of our lives forever.
Caregiving for a loved one with TBI can be difficult for the caregiver at best, and detrimental at worst. Shifting roles, excessive stress, uncertainty, and financial strain are only a few of the challenges caregivers face, all while dealing with ambiguous loss and constant exhaustion. And yet, it is the mystery of our human condition, that amid all this turmoil, we still find moments of beauty and progress, of hope and joy.
After Hugh’s accident, I wrote my way out of heartache to find meaning. With reflection, came growth, peace, and a commitment to help other caregivers cope through shared experience, hope, and healing.
This blog is dedicated to caregivers — and to the loved ones who let us care for them, for their fortitude and the life lessons they teach us.
Comments (27)
Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.
Robyn replied on Permalink
I am a caregiver for my husband since 1985. He was in a severe car accident. He had another TBI in 2002. We have been married for 46 years.
I'm still at my wits end daily. Waiting for my caring husband to come back but never will I see him again. He functions but he struggles with everyday life. He lacks empathy, care, understanding etc. All the things I know are from his TBI but I am human. I can't handle the daily issues. I'm exhausted. We had 5 small children at the time he was injured. I became everything in my family. My kids are married now and we have 14 grandchildren. Truly blessed. But.... I have a need to know I'm not alone in this. It's hard to explain to someone that hasn't dealt with TBI how horrible and lonely you can feel in a crowded room.
Thank you for listening.
Robyn
Amy replied on Permalink
No compassion, no empathy, horrible angry outbursts that leave my nerves completely shot, with zero acknowledgment from him. Acts as if nothing ever happened after an outburst. I long for some kind of acknowledgment, “honey, I’m sorry I got so upset”
James Supernor replied on Permalink
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My husband has had multiple TBI's and dementia and is now declared disabled at age 51. His mood swings and outbursts make living together so difficult yet he can't function all alone. There is only an Alzheimer's support group in town and I crave to be able to talk to someone who understands how hard it is to see someone you love suffer and to have to carry the burden...with no end in sight. This is heartbreaking.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My husband, of 21 years at that time, had a massive brain tumor removed in October 2010. He was left totally disabled. Immediately, our family lost the main financial provider, business manager and head of household. I lost my best friend, lover and confidante. I became his caregiver while raising a 13 year old son, running a household, managing all of the finances on very little money, pastoring a church and pursuing my Master's Degree. It's been over 6 years and I am dealing with my own health issues and major caretaker burnout. Our son is now away at college and I've finished my degree and pastor two United Methodist Churches. We don't have a lot of family support and we live in an area where we don't know a lot of people. My husband's health has improved and he is able to stay home alone and walk with a walker. He is a highly educated person and all of his knowledge is intact but he struggles with processing information and making the smallest decisions. In many ways he still requires a lot of care; however, I'm thankful that he is a very pleasant person and although he cries easily, he is not mean or easily frustrated. Yet, it still is a lot to handle and I want to know how others handle being a caretaker for years without support.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Thank you for your blog. My husband fell off a two to three foot ladder at work and he fell straight back on concrete. His hands were above his head at the time, holding a mental cover for an air duct. I believe it happened so fast he didn't have time to brace his fall at all. His cover coworker heard and described it as the sound of a coconut hitting the concrete. He has a large bleed on his left hemisphere two small bleeds behind his eyes and one behind his left ear. He has progressed rapidly. He is on a rehab floor awaiting transfer to CNS in Bakersfield. It's my understanding this is a great program. I try and stay strong but it's breaking my heart. He understands the need to go but he is frustrated and wants to come home. Of course, I want to scoop him up and running away with him. I known this irrational and crazy but instinctively I want to bring him home and take care of him. I want to punch well meaning people that tell me how , "Lucky " we are. I understand what they mean and that they mean well, however if we were any "Luckier" we would both be dead. My father had a stroke and had aphasia. So I'm familiar with dealing with the language issue. My father however was always angry-prior to the stroke. This came as no great surprise when he was angry after the stroke. My husband is the most mild tempered- good natured- upbeat person- I have ever had in my life. He is angry at times. He pushes me away. He wants no physical intimate touch from me. This had never been the case with us. I feel rejected and lonely. When I come here tells me to go be with our kids. I throw all this up here because I'm up at 4:24 in the morning, praying for the day he is happy to see me. He isn't happy to see me. He talks about hooking up the truck and trailer and driving away. Because he isn't any use to anyone. All keys and guns are either locked up or removed from the house. Most of all, as selfish as it is, I miss my friend. He is the person I would have discussed an issue such as this with. I feel as though the carpet has been pulled out from my feet and I'm dangling in mid air.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I have a severe TBI. I have never had caregiving services! After divorce my child and I moved in with my mother because I was unable to care for myself nor able to care for a 8 year old. It was a nightmare! And 5 months later she and her husband gave me 30 days to get out! It was in writing in my divorce papers why I moved there. Are there disability laws regarding this? I'm doing prep work for meeting with my TBI lawyer . Thanks !
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My son is 13 years out from his TBI caused by a car accident. For the majority of those years we have enjoyed his sense of humor, kindness and respectful attitude. 1.5 years ago his behavior changed, he began with imagining things that are not set in his mind as real, they are hurtful things and have turned against me his mom after years of caring for him. Those that are close to him have noticed that he now forgets to eat and says he did, that he embellishes stories more than he ever did and is easily angered. We can sometimes distract him by changing topics, etc which helps but this sudden emotional and behavioral change has made being a caregiver very hard especially since the majority of it is directed at me. He has scar tissue that is blocking the draining of fluid from his brain, a year ago a spinal tap was done and fluid was drained which helped for quite sometime but now symptoms are back, his medications were increased and another tap done but his symptoms have not gone away like they did the last time. I miss my son the one before the accident and the one after the accident, now I have to get to know another son that no longer likes me, accuses me of doing things I would never do and someone who I just don't know anymore. I love him so much it hurts.
Dawn Ausborn replied on Permalink
I feel for you. I really, really do. You have a very heavy load and you "have" to deal with it. There's no giving up. Your beloved son needs you and I DO know what you're going through.
As for myself, I'm my 38-year-old son's only caregiver. He sustained a Traumatic Brain Stem Injury as a passenger in a car which struck a tree at 60mph. Long excruciating story short, I've found that this is a lonely life, as people have their own lives to live and we, as caregivers, must function the best that we possibly can. I all too often can relate our lives as to being stranded on a deserted island. It's exhausting. My son can't speak, can't position himself and actually, just lies in bed and waits for me to tend to his every need.
I believe that attitude is everything. We absolutely MUST maintain a positive attitude, even though our lives are extremely "trying" and our strength is zapped and we sometimes long to just get away for a bit.
Even though I'd love for my son to be able to talk to me, because he can't, I don't have to go through the "hurt" your son bestows upon you. My son gives me a difficult time on a regular basis, but yours stings you with unkind words and you must overlook his words so that you can continue.
You said "those that are close to him." So, apparently he has others in his life other than you. That's certainly a good thing. My son and I are all alone 99% of the time. We have a relative whom visits an hour or so, once or twice per month. But the best that I can offer you is this: Find time for "therapy" for yourself; something that frees your mind of your huge burdens for at least 15 minutes per day.
MY therapy, since moving from a concrete jungle, is walking out back and listening to the birds and enjoying the trees. I always say "I am grateful" 3 times each when I escape out to my haven. I breathe in the air, do a bit of stretching and keep my mind in a positive outlook. After all, no one else can do this for me, and no one can do it for you.
So, life is a journey, not a destination. "We" have, unfortunately, been given a difficult journey, not of our own choosing. We simply must deal with it. Our sons must depend upon us. And are they grateful? It appears not.
I, too, miss my son from before the accident. I often look back at the fun times we had together and I'm so grateful that we had those times, together. So, you know that when you think of the good times you had with your son, that you "feel" happier. So each time he throws some horrible, hurtful words at you, perhaps you can train yourself to immediately think some kind of happy thought. It's amazing what our "minds" can do to help get us through. I know that, for a fact.
I really feel for you. I'll tell you what I've told my son a couple of times: "One day...we may be both be in heaven, together...and let me tell you this, son...You WILL be waiting on me hand and foot." lol
Hang in there; after all, that's what we HAVE to do, isn't it?
Blessings,Dawn
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My son overdosed and now has to live with his tbi. Yes there have definitely been changes emotionally. His "outburst" are very difficult. He is not and neve:-)r will be the same. Every day is heart breaking.
The 24 hour care needs never end. I get so frustrated but have to be careful what I say so I don't set him off. It feels good to have a place to vent. I would never want my son to know how difficult he is. Fantasy of a group home. Right now I am waiting for him to go to bed so I can.
And then we have a good morning. My son is up and comes to wake me, offering to start the coffee for me. Showing what a gentle soul he really is. Speaking softly and being kind. Love love love a good morning. They have been rare lately.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My thirty five year old daughter was in a car accident over a decade ago and while the physical scares have healed she is a mess. My wife and I noticed a behavior change immediately and hardly recognized her as the same person. I have tried to identify her symptoms with other P.C.S. victims so I could know what to expect but the only thing I can conclude is that there is no mold. While some of the symptoms have passed she still retains many emotional and behavioral problems. She has pushed her whole family aside but insist we abandoned her. Incidents in the past while having a kernel of truth are embellished beyond belief and filled in with imaginary details that never happened that she truly believes. For a decade her mother and I watched her children, took them to school, picked them up from school, babysit so she could work or have a night out with her husband and on and on. We have done more for her than the rest of our children combined by a factor of at least 20 times. Her complaint? We were never there for her. If you get on the wrong side of her she is the most hateful of persons and tries to hurt you where she believes you are the most vulnerable. I would be interested if there is anyone out there that has experienced something similar to this so long after the T.B.I.?
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I forgot to add that my husband also suffered a stroke after his aneurysm clipping.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
I am so Happy to .find this place. Our whole life has changed since February 2014. We are now 46 years Old. My husband also had a ruptured aneurysm. It took 2 weeks to get him to the er. They transferred him immediately to a larger hospital and did surgery to clip his aneurysm. Two years prior he had an AAA. Abdominal Aortic Repair... Of his first aneurysm. Since then, he had bee. Diagnosed with 7 more in his body. I don't know how much more I can handle. My 92 year old great uncle also lives with us. I am so stressed. My husband and uncle have recently started going to an adult daycare center 3 days a week. That really has helped. There is nobody Who can or will understand. My husband's family doesn't help, but have started being very judgemental of me. My husband finally got his disability which 130$ goes to his 11 year old son for Child Support. So we are living on 600 $ per month. I can't work because my husband requires 24 /7 care. He can never be left alone. I am his guardian.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My husband suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm Dec 2013. He just stood up that morning, felt sick and a horrible pain in his head. It took me over an hour to convince him to go to er. He then took a shower and got in the car and walked into the hospital. They immediately transferred him to a larger hospital. He had surgery to clip it. It took 3 times longer than expected because of where it was located. A week later 2 coils had to be used to seal it as it was still leaking. Miraculously he does not have any physical disabilities. He does have short term memory loss. Today he might not remember what we did yesterday. Tomorrow he may remember though. Sometimes it may be so short that he can't remember 15 minutes ago. He just turned 50. We have 2 girls 13 and 16. It is so difficult dealing with this. People say "at least he's here", "I forgot things too", "he looks so good". They just don't understand. He worries, doesn't sleep well, asks the same question over and over, says inappropriate things sometimes, is needy, gets frustrated, doesn't want to go places, can't make decisions, has no problem solving skills. This is not the person I married 25 years ago. We own a small business and are together 24 hours are day. Some days I just want to get in my car and drive away. I spent last year expecting things to get better. This year I am trying to accept that this is just how it's going to be. It's not going to get any better. There hasnt been any memory improvement in over 6 months. I will need to make hard decisions this year about our mowing business. We always made decisions together, but he can't do that now. Thank you for letting me post to your board. I feel so alone and overwhelmed sometimes.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Hello All!! Just need to tell everyone that reading your comments helps me tonight as I am having trouble with my son not listening to me anymore, when I try to do my best for him and have. That is my struggle at this time in my life, He tries so hard to be accepted by others, he is a follower and has so much trouble with wisdom skills, to know who is a user and abuser and who is a good human being who cares, I have worried for many years now when he went out with friends if he was to nice how they would react to him as people can not see his injury, and it did not take long! People are not as friendly as they use to be and if he shows love or happy emotion he is shunned for it, yes a sad world we live in today, I told him people do not like anyone putting an arm around someone anymore, as people place themselves in one own box, which is know as ones space. Now it can works for some if you are famous, important figure, rich or etc. again sad world we live in, I myself taught him values and manners and to love, and that he has mastered but at a high expense to himself, where as folks think he is different and do not want him as a friend, and he does not smoke, do drugs, or drink, he did smoke and drink before but conquered the smoking, and drinking was out as he started taking seizures after twenty three years. Coming out of a 22 day coma at age 7 his doctor told him he could land back in one, so no more alcohol ever!!. He said the seizures were caused from alcohol not working with scar tissue. So I have to be very thankful he such a great person and strong willed, but in saying that when someone makes fun of him, which happens a lot or makes promises to him and not keep them, big ones that get him so excited and then just forget about him it breaks my heart over and over. They talk behind his back and etc. Why do they do this??? Is this just the beast in nature, or evil against good?? I use to stand up for him when he was younger and then I had to loosen the strings and take him out of that glass bottle so he could face this world head on and I had to see what would happen. So far I am not impressed, older folks who know better make fun of him as he can not think fast with comebacks as anyone could, most of them on drugs I think which makes them quicker thinkers and have no patients for someone who can not keep up, losers I call them! but this is wrong of me to say, as they are also just trying to find their place in this messed up world. My son is now 33 and he still comes to me when someone mocks him, bullies him etc., and every time he does it upset's me to know end, and my hands are tied now and if I said anything to them it would make him a mommy boy. I tell him to stay away from negative people, even if he only goes to volunteer at our local legion or go to a dance they may have as he is lonely, and boarded and tries so hard to fit in, and he is loved by many as one of the sweetest guys around, but if he messes up something by a simple mistake then they jump on him, for an example he orders a water or pop instead of alcohol and is told he is cheep and hard on the bar tab as he does not drink, so if he drank and gambled then he would be excepted, what happened to our Royal Legions?? He volunteers for God sake!! He is told he is gay which he is not, etc. etc. picked on all the time by elders who are suppose to be in charge and be mentors, say nothing but join in with the bullies, if not outside smoking dope with them, so he will come home all upset again and then he will forgive and forget and it starts all over again this is very hard on me to watch and is so upsetting, all I see is he is so lonely for friends its just so sad, see we live in a small village and not much here for him, How he is dealing with this lately is he will come home and post his pomes over his face book just to feel better. His work is wonderful and that is how he would deal with rejection in earlier years by writing about it, taking bad things and turning into good things. In relationships girls have used him and then dumped him. Heartbreaking again, but better than him having children and have this happen to him then, so I am thankful for that. I love my son to the moon and back and I am very proud of him for who he is and understand what a brain injury does to someone as lived it for over 26 years. Believe me I hear all of your comments and they so relate to me and I have had hard times also, struggling just to survive no help, no family, and no husband. I worry every day what will become of my son if I die, as I am now in my sixties and on borrowed time as they say, I pray every night that he will find a caring young women who can respect his disability and love him for who he is an old soul with a big heart!! So this is just a touch of my life, but what kept me strong all those years was that someone else always has it worse off than me.!! My biggest fight now is the system and how corrupt, heartless and cruel this planet has become, its in such a shameful state!!
Anonymous replied on Permalink
My son has a TBI he is 4 and a half weeks out from the accident, and will be coming home from inpatient rehabilation in just 2 to more weeks. I feel is to early.I'm so worried how he is going to do. He is still confused and very unsteady. I am worried that even with bed alarms I will not be able to prevent him from falling. I worry about everything. He has frontal lobe damage. I need advice on how to begin here at home. Please help.
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