Diane’s Story

Six years ago my strong husband suffered a heart attack. He spent a few days in the hospital and returned home. Within a week he had a cardiac arrest. This episode resulted in an oxygen deprived brain injury. He was in a coma for a week after which he finally responded to commands to wiggle his toes and squeeze the doctor’s finger. It was the most terrifying moment of my life but at least he was alive and responding.  He remained in the hospital for several more weeks after which he was transferred to a nursing/rehab center. Finally he got to come home and my carrying began. Neither the hospital or nursing home gave us any resource information. He had significant cognitive and motor impairments.

Like most people, brain injury was something I knew little about. I turned to the Internet for any information about it. Through my research I learned about the BIAA.  The website provided me with valuable information and resources. My husband and I attended a local brain injury support group listed on the website. Although I didn’t really believe in support groups, I gave it a try.  It was a wonderful experience and I met the bravest people who had overcome their own brain injuries. They will always be my heroes. Because of them I finally began to accept our situation. The biggest obstacle in my husband’s recovery was finding resources. I feel like we were thrown out into an abyss without any support. Hospitals need to do a much better job of providing post-hospitalization resources to families.