Neuropsychlogist Visit

Today was my appointment with the Neuro-psy.  It was an informative and interesting appointment.  In the beginning she interviewed Kirk and I.  She wanted me to tell her about the night the bleed happened.  I learned that each time I share the story it is very tender for me, but I'm reminded that I'm very blessed.  She made an interesting observation, she said since I was somewhat alert to what was happening during the bleed that this was emotionally challenging for me.   She said that in some ways I would have been better off to be unalert the whole time because I remembered too much.  However, on the flip side this means that my brain was still working somewhat well.  She said that my long-term memory was probably well, but my struggle will be more in likely in my short-term memory.  She said that two years from the day that the bleed happened that everything that comes back is back; however, if some things don't come back they never will come back.  So basically another year of therapies and brain excercises. I really want to put a lot of effort into this during the next year.

We also discussed embracing my "new brain and the new Heidi"  She said that it was very common for me to miss the "old Heidi", and since my long term memory appeared to be functioning well the grieving piece would be challenging, and I think this has been one of my blessings and hurdles'.  However, on the positive side this is and can continue to be treated, and I recognize almost everyday I miss a piece of my "old self"  Yet I'm discovering my new brain and truly appreciating the gifts that it gives to me each day. 

I see her again August 16th to get the results.  I spent seven hours doing memory tests.  From the tests I could see some of my strengths and weaknesses.  I know that I need a lot of repetition in order to remember muti-step directions and even simple lists of items.  The more repetition I had the better I did.  I also think I will need some work in the area of attention.  I'm sure there are other things that I have not even thought about , but will discover at the next appointment.  There is more work ahead, but I'm willing to keep moving it all foreward.