Living with Traumatic Brain Injury

My story started two years ago when my mother started having back pains from excessive chores around the house, so she decided to run a check-up. It was revealed that she had a clustered blood blocking a way in her spine & she had to undergo a surgery to remove it.

Everything went well, even though it was a severe surgery. Naturally, she was really weak after the surgery. The next day, the doctors insisted that she at least should take a little walk around the room. She woke up normally, brushed her hair backwards (just behind her ears like she does every morning) & started walking slowly around the room. Minutes later, she collapses on the floor & her face turns pale. Doctors & Nurses were running around saying that she just had a stroke & she needs to be revived ASAP.

After two days from that incident, we were allowed to go see her. She was sleeping when i first got inside the room to see her (while actually she was in a coma). I couldnt help but noticed that her whole face changed. It was simply ABNORMAL. Same day, doctors said that when she had the stroke air stopped going through her brain for a couple of seconds which led to a brain-damage. I couldnt imagine what the symptons could be when she wakes up at all. I honestly did not know a thing about brain-damage.

Few weeks later, she awoke from her coma. When i went to see how she is, i expected her to be back to normal, or at least, could recognize me. As i entered her room, the scene was just too shocking & unbelievable ! She looked pale & skinny. Her arms were crossed & attached towards her chest. She cant see, she cant speak, she cant move, she cant walk & she cant recognize anyone around her. She high pitch screams uncontrollably like a crazy person.

It has been almost two years now but no change. She still cannot do a thing although she could recognize us. Still, cant see nor move nor speak (she murmurs weird words sometimes). We’ve tried every single way to cure her. From top doctors all the way from Europe to alternative medicine (witch-doctors) & nothing works. Most of them said that the damage is just too severe & a woman in her age (almost 56) is unlikely to heal.

I gave up to the possibility that she would ever heal & get back like the way she was before. Still, i cannot accept the fact that the person living with us right now was/is actually my mother.

A prayer always helps through the desperate times. I’m trying to move on with my life now, even though it’s hard. Me & my brothers still live together under the same roof with her which sometimes could be stressful.

I grew a strong faith to God now more than ever. Everything happens for a reason. I only hope that she could start seeing again. I think if she was able to see us, it’d be more comforting for her.