Good news: no deterioration of the brain; just the same amount of dark patches from bruising and scar tissue
Bad news: medication needs tweeking but it may also be that Phil needs to make more effort
Bob Rafal is like an absent minded Professor and it took him about 20 minutes to set himself up for the appointment; amusing really and frustrating at the same time
We were able to see the scans; first time for me; Phil saw the original ones a couple of years ago.
Amazing pictures and so easy to see the points of destruction!!
Dark patch on the back of the skull shows main impact 2.8.02; dark patch exactly opposite on the frontal lobe where acceleration de-acceleration took place; break in the olfactory nerve which has caused loss of taste and smell. The hippocampus shows no deterioration.
Are your eyes glazing over yet??
I have to say doing a dissertation on Brain Injury has helped me so much and today I realised why I had chosen to do it.
Its not quite so scary when you know the terminology.
So no signs of brain malfunction (more than usual) so that was a big relief ; no obvious sign of early Alzheimers - Phil's sigh was deafening. Mine was quiet as always.
The next discussion was about medication. I have to say Bob Rafal usually rushes us in and rushes us out but today he was wonderful and took his time to explain everything to us both and checked that we both understood.
Sulpiride, tranquilisers, are known to cause Parkinson type symptoms, some of which Phil has; stiff joint movement; no facial emotion; no motivation; slow actions.
Bob checked Phils walking, his ability to draw spirals (obviously means something) and confirmed that Sulpiride could be the culprit.
The plan: reduce the tablets from 300 to 200 mg per day and monitor the effects. I asked that we have a different psychiatrist as I do not have a good relationship with the current one. Bob has agreed to discuss it with neuropsychiatrist linked to brain unit.
Post script I mentioned about the alcohol consumption so that the full picture could be assessed and although Bob said he was not particularly happy about it he could see no reason to ban it.
It may be necessary however at a later date (depending on the results of the proposed plan) to reduce the amounts ( 4-5 bottles per week).
So Phil was relieved about the whole day. We are going to monitor his moods daily and hope that the anxiety attacks don't return. I have to email Bob and keep him informed over the next month.
How do I feel?
Glad that the brain is no worse, sad that the alcohol is now permitted medically; concerned that there may be a change as the medication changes and Mr Angry will return; hurt that maybe Phil is causing some of this himself by not making enough effort.................................................
It's positive that they're prepared to adjust the meds and that they're actually listening and giving you time.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed you'll have a lighter Phil once his system adjusts to the change in treatment.
It's a relief about no Alzhimer's, and as Sam says if they are prepared to adjust the medication that is a positive sign. Not so happy about the alcohol being passed as ok.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it, especially after Phil's sigh..
Phil realises that maybe he is capable of doing things to improve his/your life, as there has been proven no further deterioration in the brain. He needs to be motivated now into small steps towards a less sad life.
You went today looking for answers, not sure you got the answers you wanted. Hopefully changing the medication and reinforcing to Phil that this is a positive outcome of sorts. Will give him a boost and enable you to see a future that is a little brighter?
Love to you both
Big Hugs
She
xxx
I have challenged Phil to try a little harder because I can't. I have explained to him that the changes will only happen with more effort from him.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to sometimes think what would the old Phil do and try to get at least someway back there . Particularly with the "lazy" situation. The old Phil could NEVER be called lazy. He would NEVER be called slovenly. He would NEVER be called boring. He would NEVER be called overweight and unattractive (that was my tag!!). He would NEVER be called awkward in company. Now as for the things he was called- how long have you got.........................................