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Memory Issues From Brain Surgery?

I've posted a few questions in regards to my boyfriend's brain tumor and shunt problems & now it seems the doctor feels the shunt is adjusted & working OK. He has started talking and moving but is making little or no sense. Yesterday he was able to sing with me over the phone but today isn't able to answer simple questions. I'm concerned, how do I know what is "normal" in his situation or isn't there anyway to make sense of this? I'm so happy the tumor was removed and the shunt issue has been addressed but I'm not sure how I can help & feel like I'm on the outside looking in. I'll be going to see him in a couple of weeks and need some suggestions. We live in different states right now & I'm not able to be with him. Thanks for all your help!
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Avatar universal
Being new to this community and in recovery from a massive intercranial hemorrhage that put me in a coma for six weeks, and in hospital nearly 4 months I am having serious problems comprehending and in decision making.  I have to read and re read things time and time again, but I just recently got a 50 plus page booklet from the Mayo Clinic, free from my State Brain Injury Association.

It is titled, "UNDERSTANDING BRAIN INJURY, A GUIDE FOR THE FAMILY.
My son got it after he drove me to a support group of patients and family dealing with recovery from brain injury.  It deals specificall in several chapters with what you friend is dealing with and even though I had to re-read the whole thing several times to understand it, it is an excellent resource for those either recovering or dealing with those recovering from brain injury.
On the back cover of the booklet there is a web site for the mayo clinic and I think you can order it free from them or look online for the BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION, in the state which you live, call them and ask them for the booklet.  The web site on the back of the booklet that I think connects you with orderin this directly from the mayo clinic is
www.mayoclinic.com.
I wish more people knew about thius booklet and that each state has a Brain Injury Association they can call to get it from.  In Virginia, where I live it is mandated by law that a hospital that treats brain injury patients contact the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, and then they reach out to the recovering patient and family.  At first I was upset that the hospital was mandated to give personal information out to a non profit group, but after learning about them and the work they do I am glad I found them, although I personally dislike the Government forcing hospitals to release names and histories of patients, actually it violated Frderal HIPPA Laws, or so I would think.
anyway goo luck and hang in with your man
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Since I am following your posts, there appears to be improvement. Post brain surgery cognitive functions do wax and wane. However what is normal in your boyfriend’s case can only be told by the treating doctor. Please try and contact his treating doctor to get a clear picture. Take care!
Helpful - 0
1524673 tn?1327841500
Some things that I do know.  When My son came out of his coma he talked in rhymes, repeated all kinds of numbers, phone #, bank acct #, SS#, Birthdays, this went on for a while, then he had many hallucinations, especially upon waking.  He has little or no memory of these weeks and months.  He had to relearn how to sit up, eat, walk, dress, do just about everything again.  He needed the people who loved him to help him, along with the professionals.    It has been 18 months.  My son still has issues in social situations, and some physical problems which are handled with meds.  He is recovering wonderfully.  Don't believe them when they tell you your boyfriend will be as healed as he is going to get in a year, this just isn't true.  We see improvements all the time with my son.  By the way he is 23.  He is taking a couple of courses at the local college, and works out at the gym to regain core strength.  You need to talk to your boyfriend, encourage him to get better, let him know when he does a great job.   Most of all Love him.  Please let me know if I can help you or offer any additional info, not to much I haven't been through with brain injury in the past couple of years.  My prayers are with you.
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