Good Saturday evening, September 29, 2018 @ 22:34:50 MT to you. I just began my dive. All systems are go! Yes, I have my bottle of zero water and a snack of dark chocolate no-bake bars and my personal fan (that is in need of new batteries), my large ice pack to my back, my comfortable zero gravity lounge chair and of course my laptop and cell phone with me. My ears needed a little longer time to finally open up but I am sure it is because of the day-long of windy weather. The seasons are definitely changing in NW Colorado. O LORD, send us rain and snow in abundance this year. We need the precipitation so badly.
What is Neuroplasticity? It’s an unfamiliar word in the world outside of TBI or any brain injury, condition, stroke, aneurysm, or dementia patients and their caregivers. Most people assume the old understanding, that the brain never changes except for deterioration with age. Others liken the brain to a computer mainframe which in some ways is true but for the most part the human brain is much more complex, was created marvelously, and does not live within a secured facility . Still others assume that the brain has a huge capacity but we choose to only use a portion of it. WRONG, WRONG, AND WRONG. Our brain is a major player in every function of our human body. Any injury or infection or condition to either our brain or other parts of our body effect and affect the total individual: cellular, biochemical, physical, emotional, relational and spiritual. Everything that I am was immediately altered and afterward continued to be damaged by the TBI I suffered from a simple fall at work 2.5 years ago.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections . It allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease, and to adjust its activities in response to new situations or to changes in its environment. Neruoplasticity is also called brain plasticity. It is the process in which your brain’s neural synapses and pathways are altered as an effect of environmental, behavioral, and neural changes. (I rewrote what I read online just now)
I have done my research. I have read books from survivors and parents of survivors. I have read multiple books about TBI and stroke. Each of them have been beneficial in many ways but it was not until I found books about Neuroplasticity that I really got motivated to find my answer. My way out of this mess!
Neuroplasticity: I have interviewed doctors, practitioners, therapists, biologists, nutritionists, homeopathic providers, fellow survivors and counselors to find the hope that I need to get out of the downward spiral of TBI and its life threatening results if I chose to leave it alone and accept the death-hold given me by conventional medicine. I will continue to renew myself in the knowledge of HBOT and oxygen treatment, light therapy, saunas, supplementation, ketogenic diet, hormonal deficiencies, mineral deficiencies, salt water desensitization, cranial massage/alignment, stem cell and prp treatment, sound therapy, biofeedback, talk therapy, brain games and so much more. as I learn of them. I will continue to pursue total health. I am so passionate about this journey that I am on. Come along with me!
I did not choose to get on this road, it found me. So now that I am here I intend to find every way out of the tragedy of brain injury. I will triumph for me and my family and for you too.
This dive is nearly complete. This evening, I have chosen to give another hour and a half to the improvement of my health! This vertical mHBOT chamber is my friend. It is my safe place. It is a vital part of my life. I enjoy every moment I spend in here. I also enjoy being here with you too. I am blessed with the responses I am getting from others that are following my journey. Please respond to my blog posts now and then. It helps me know that you are there.
Hugs,
Suz
P.S. My journey is marked by my faith. I sing the old hymns in bed at night. They help me fall asleep in my Savior’s arms. Without them I wouldn’t be here sharing my deepest thoughts and words with you. It takes courage to do this. But I am not alone….Join me in singing with Elvis Presley
How Great Thou Art by Carl Gustav Boberg of Sweden (1885).
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Suzanne's LiveWell Blog 