William (TBI): Chapter 3 - Returning home & key learnings

Episode 1:  Chapter 3 - William Cole - Recovery from a farm motorcycle accident which resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) - Returning home. William's main recovery learnings.

In this third chapter of the episode, William has just been discharged from hospital and has arrived home. In this chapter we explore what has been most beneficial in his recovery.

Transcript and show notes are available for each episode on the podcast website: storiesofrecovery.buzzsprout.com

Shownotes:

• 00:35 - William describes shearing a sheep after arriving back home. For those who are unfamiliar with this term you can get a good description here. William explains that this highlighted for him some areas which needed more focus in his rehabilitation,
• 04:04 - Playing video games can help (see here), as it did for William. (Note: During the 48 hour period immediately following an injury this is not the case. During this period - absolute physical and mental rest is strongly encouraged by medical professionals),
• ^05:00 - Don't compare yourself to before the accident/injury/event. Instead consider...what 'might' be possible. What 'might' I be able to do? (in a positive sense),
• ^08:15 - Set small challenges and build up, and REWARD YOURSELF,
• ^08:41 - 'Back yourself', in a mature but positive way,
• 11:39 - William thanks the TAC (Traffic Accident Commission) who have provided great financial and emotional support, encouragement and advice during his recovery,
• ^13:08 - William discusses the enormous value in developing a good relationship with a neuropsychologist, and working through the challenges of living with and recovering from a neurological condition such as a traumatic brain injury together. This was William's 'knight in shining armour' and my own key takeaway from this interview,
• 19:10 - Helpful quote: "Your body is the best instrument you'll ever own and your mind is the best map, so nurture them" - William's quote inspired by Baz Lurhman's song 'Wear sunscreen',
• ^20:11 - Exercise, do things that you enjoy, be in places that make you feel good,
• 20:52 - Helpful quote: "Love many, trust a few, but always paddle your own canoe",
• 21:32 - Helpful quote: "As soon as you wake up, try to make someone smile",
• ^21:51 - Book/Movie recommendations: Something that you are excited about. For William this was Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter (with subtitles) in rehabilitation,
• ^23:11 - Book/Movie recommendations: TED talks on brain injury survivors.

^William's main tips