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So the latest on DS3 is that he has suffered a traumatic brain injury (which we pretty much already knew) but also some other problems.

He has been having arm / leg numbness along with back spasms, for which he has been prescribed (daily Mon-Sat) physiotherapy.

When he was at physio today, the physio thought his neck felt weird so sent him to the hospital. There they did an eeg and found a part of his brain that seemed slow to react, so they followed up with (another?) ct scan.

They found a tear in the meninges where some fluid was leaking out, probably that's what's causing the pressure and arm / leg numbness I guess? And identified the location of the injury to his brain from his concussion.

So physiotherapy is going to focus on that part for the next ~month, and they said if there isn't any progress, they would probably need to do a surgery. (I guess this is the procedure where they put in a shunt for the liquid to drain??) Anyway, we're not there yet.

DS3 is in good humor, but bummed out that he's supposed to be taking it easy (he's always been very sporty). He expressed relief that there was some explanation and a plan for going forward. And I'm so proud of how he's making good decisions about his health. He is not hesitating about going back to the hospital when he's not feeling right.

Any and all info along with mojo, thoughts, prayers, shared experience, etc. most greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much.

Oh Zen, I’m so sorry for all this. But it does seem positive that there.may be some explanation.

I have no medical expertise (Unless it is a 65-year-old man with a 48 year old spinal cord injury🤨) But I can certainly send the best mojo I can muster, and lots of prayers your way!

Please keep us posted!

As scary as it is, finally having an explanation and plan going forward is really good. I'm especially glad he's realized that his health is important and is taking it easy. Of course not easy as a mom to see him going through this. Hugs and prayers and MOJO for both of you.

The only additional thing that I have to add is that TBI's take often months if not years to fully recover from. Therapy both physical and Cognitive are essential in helping the brain rewire itself and work to the best of its ability. So make sure that with the physio he is getting either Occupational or Speech therapy to help w/ cognitive function and help him heal.

Just sending healing mojo!

Thanks everyone!!

tn, thanks for the tip. Is occupational therapy the same as ergotherapy? From what I can tell, that's what it seems to be called here.

I will have DS ask about it - for it to be covered by his insurance it needs to be prescribed by a doctor (just like the physio). He would probably have to set some specific goals.

My son is an aspie, so he has had lots of occupational and pysical therapy. Since his condition is related to brain wiring, the two go hand in hand. Bilateral coordination work actually can aid the brain in growing connections in other areas between hemispheres. Definitely see if he can get the two in a mix together, occupational and speech. Best if theyre coordinated at the same center with therapists working as a team.

He may want some emotional cognitive/behavorial therapy. Its basically coaching on how our engrained thought patterns shape our perceptions, decisions ajd mood states. It has helped me amd my son so much.

When people have suffered a brain injury much above a mild concussion, mood disorders can develop. This is often overlooked as the healing immediately after usually focuses on day to day self care and functioning. Dont let the emotional and thought pattern side slip through the cracks! There are so many war vets out there with mental and mood disorders, living in way more pain and internal chaos than is truly necessary!
Not to paint all men with the same brush, but they can often be resistant to therapy with a counselor. I sold it to my son saying that he is going to see an emotional coach who will help guide him in understanding his emotions and help him learn ways to manage them. That he can learn to manage his emotions so they dont run his life for him. He liked that and has been very open to the therapy.

Good wishes coming your way, praying for you sons healing!

Sending ((virtual hugs)) and healing thoughts and prayers.

When people have suffered a brain injury much above a mild concussion, mood disorders can develop.

Yes, they told him about this. I will keep an eye out and see if this is becoming a problem for him and zip him into therapy if so.

He already has an emotional therapist in Amsterdam (when he was dealing with being raped here), and has contacts with a therapist here (in our country, where he is now). I'm pretty sure that he can see her in the event it is necessary.

The physio is at the main state hospital here, which also has ergotherapy. I'm not sure that they specifically work as a team, but they would all have access to his records.

Sending you prayers and mojo!