On November 7th 1994, Philip Fairclough fell fifteen feet from a ladder onto a concrete patio. The impact caused massive trauma to his head and the subsequent brain damage he suffered has radically changed his life. In this book, Philip candidly describes the long and painful process of recovery. At first unable to dress himself, cross roads or tell the time, Philip underwent an intensive course of rehabilitation and occupational therapy, which slowly restored the lost skills that he had once taken for granted. His account tells of the struggle to come to terms with his injury, the hurdles he faced and overcame while in residence at a rehabilitation centre, the difficulties of readapting to family life, and finally the emergence of his new career as a writer. Like most of us, Philip never expected that severe injury would happen to him - but from the first he decided never to give up. His courage and determination characterize this account, which interweaves his own story with practical information about brain injury. Members of the medical profession, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and counsellors should all find this account helpful and revealing - as should people affected personally by brain injury, and their families and friends.
Preface, 1. My introduction to brain injury. 2. Brain injury - The facts and some statistics. 3. The symptoms - The first few days. 4. Coping with your feelings. 5. Life at home - The first few weeks. 6. Long term problems. 7. Sufferers can help themselves. 8. The benefits of my brain injury? 9. Caring - How to cope. 10. Useful information and sources. 11. What of the future? Some hopes and aspirations. 12. Conclusion References. Useful addresses. Index.
`The writer gives invaluable insights into his journey, for example the changes he experienced in physical ability, thought, cognition, emotions and most valuably, his own perception of his experience...This book gives a clear overview of how valuable health and social care support is to someone who needs to find their way through a complicated and frightening system. I would recommend this book to professionals, families and carers. It explains what is happening to the injured person and the significant people who are part of their journey; the reader will gain invaluable professional guidance from a neew perspective. As a social work practitioner, I feel the urge to read the book again. It has given me insight from the soul, from a personal experience, and on that basis, this book is highly recommended.`
