Life with Gusto after Brain Injury
August 25th, 2010 |
Categories: Brain Injury Survivor Books |
12 Comments |
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Professor Cromer Learns to Read: A Couple’s New Life after Brain Injury
By Janet M. Cromer
This book chronicles the seven year journey Janet shared with her husband after a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest left Alan with a severe anoxic brain injury. In an instant, the brilliant physics professor and prolific author lost his abilities to read, write, walk, talk, think, and remember. With intensive rehabilitation and ongoing cognitive rehab with janet at home, Alan did regain his essential abilities to varying degrees.
In a memoir brimming with information, Janet describes how the couple composed a new life with meaning and gusto. While a full recovery was not possible, Alan made an equally valuable “Best Choice Recovery” by making the most of every opportunity to learn, contributing to others, and finding new ways to enjoy life.
The story is told from both Alan’s perspective, and Janet’s perspective as his caregiver. She honestly explores the changes in their relationship, ambiguous loss and grief, caregiver stress, and the process of empowerment and reinvention. The challenges faced and coping strategies shared are relevant to families of adult survivors of all types of brain injury.
About the Author:
Janet M. Cromer is a psychiatric RN, licensed psychotherapist, support group facilitator, educator, and advocate. She speaks widely at conferences, hospitals, support groups, and community events.
As a freelance writer, Janet specializes in feature articles for publications serving healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. The American Medical Writers Association/NE Chapter awarded Janet a Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Writing in 2006 and 2008.
Janet also writes personal essays and poetry. As a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), she encourages people to get in touch with their creativity in any form or media. Creativity is much more than an artistic process and product. Creativity is the energy, goodwill, and attitude we bring to daily life.
You may contact Janet at janetcromer2@gmail.com or visit her web site at http://janetcromer.com/
Professor Cromer Learns to Read: A Couple’s New Life after Brain Injury
By Janet M. Cromer
Professor Cromer Learns to Read: A Couple’s New Life after Brain Injury is the recipient of a Solimene Award for Excellence in Medical Communication and Neal Duane Award of Distinction from the American Medical Writers Association – NE Chapter.
To order, click here!
Hello Nita,
You are taking so many positive approaches to connect with your husband and keep his brain stimulated and his heart soothed by your presence. The early months are terrifying, and it’s very hard for doctors to make an accurate prediction about a person’s recovery. Alan was fortunate to receive 3 months of excellent in-patient rehab. That made a huge difference. We continued doing cognitive rehab at home for years, and he made progress in specific language and thinking skills for 3 years. He remained a man with a severe brain injury, yet he usually considered his quality of life to be pretty good. The brain injury changed his personality and abilities, and we eventually made a new marriage to accommodate that.It was often difficult, yet worthwhile to give Alan the best life he could have.
Hello Joann,
I’m so sorry about the tragedy and stress your family has endured. Many public libraries carry my book, so you might be able to get a copy through your library. Have you contacted your state Brain Injury Association for resources? They will also have a list of free support groups for families. The local hospital or community mental health center may have a therapist who could help with the children.
I wish i could afford to get your book My daughter 32 suffered a cardiac arrest and anoxic brain injury in October and boy what a change in our lives. She lives with us now and we have her two children but with no financial help or help with her care,our resourses are challenged. Friends and family dont understand about the event and all the changes. Her children have a hard time. It is nice to know other people have lived through this and can give pointers.
Janet,
On March 24, 2011 my husband had a massive heart attack and was left with an anoxic brain injury. If left to physicians, they would have pulled the plug 7 weeks ago. We have a friend who teaches a class at UT Austin in brain injury. We keep him stimulated with reading, singing, talking, music. I see minor improvements and he continues to respond to new stimuli. He is definitely aware of my presence. He smiles, grimaces, responds to pain stimuli, shows emotion, is beginning to show eye movement.
The pathway has been tough and while I have considered the possibility that I might need to let go, my faith in God tells me to hold on. I look forward to your reply. Thank you for your book which I plan to order.
Hello Tarveen,
I’m so sorry that you and your husband have gone through such a rough time. Alan and I worked together every day for seven years on specific skills and activities that interested him. We had to pick just a few areas since he needed intense concentration and repetition for each task. We had to learn to be realistic about our expectations, even while hoping for good progress. Alan was eventually able to ‘think for himself’ about opinions and basic problem solving. However, he was never able to be completely responsible for his own safety due to memory impairment and poor judgment. There is a lot of specific information in my book and on my website, http://www.janetcromer.com. You can also email me at janetcromer2@gmail.com.The staff at your husband’s nursing home can share some ways in which you can practice communication strategies together.
Dear Janet,
I just stumbled upon your book (on this website, have not bought it yet) and there are many similarities between your and my situation. My husband, 5 years ago had a cardiac arrest at home and has severe brain injury. He cannot read, write or recognize faces and objects. Although after extensive therapies in Holland, India and US he is able to walk and talk but requires 24 hr care and so is currently residing in a nursing home.
I would like to know from you what strategies you used to help your husband to “think” for himself and make some strides into his own progress together with your support. I am at a loss and lost hope. Yes, I do believe in miracles and think that I shall receive a signal of when I need to dive into and dedicate time to his care.
Thank you,
Tarveen
Thank you to Lash & Associates for the opportunity to write a weekly article for the Brain Injury Blog Postings section. I’m joining a fine group of writers who are all experts by experience. Please check out the range of viewpoints and interests.
Dear Janet, my husband Bill has also lost his ability to read, and now almost 5 years into the TBI, we are being told he is at baseline and I should begin to look after myself, and basically I think don’t expect more from him. It does not appear to be in my nature.
I will order your book and hope to read it to Bill. He will relate to your husband’s story, and we will both relate to yours. Caregiving and love go hand in hand. I do hope to hear from you all as well. I agree with your statement Janet, we all have so much to learn from each other. Thank you, Ginger
Trina,
We will call you this week and see how we can help you.
I would like to talk to you. I am in need of help with my husband. We are going through the same thing. I need some answers. please call anytime
Nearly twelve years ago, at age 47, my husband suffered cardiac arrest. Since that day he has been living with an anoxic brain injury and I have been his primary caregiver. When I heard about Janet Cromer’s book, I was reluctant to read it because I was afraid that it would be too depressing. That was not the case. Her book made me laugh, cry and most importantly, learn. She has an amazing ability of telling a compelling story while at the same time sharing important medical facts and information. Reading this book left me with a feeling of enlightenment. I have shared the book with many family members and friends with the hope that they may be able to better understand what our life has become since my husband’s acquired brain injury. I truly believe that it is a must read for anyone who is a caregiver for a loved one with a chronic disease, as well as his or her family and friends. Thank you Janet for writing this wonderful book.
Mary Ann Ozug
I am looking forward to hearing from readers about their experiences and their thoughts about Professor Cromer Learns to Read. We all have so much to learn from each other! Thank you.
Janet Cromer