Dogs Can Help

          Dogs can be very therapeutic.  At the place that I’m staying at, we have a small dog, it is a Chihuahua.  Dogs can be very therapeutic because they can listen to commands.  You also need to be able to judge like when they have to go outside.  

          The dog at house I’m staying at is very nice.  It is very friendly and it will let you know when it needs something.  It does this by not leaving you alone until it gets what it wants.  If she needs something, like for you to let it out, she will keep bugging you and will run at the door.  If the dog is hungry, she will keep bugging you and run by her bowl.  The dog has learned how to deal with us.

          When it comes down to it, I personally believe that dogs are very

 therapeutic.  I think this because it is another living thing you must learn to deal with.  I also think this because it works on your judgment skills.  When I first moved to the house I thought the dog was just doing all of this to be annoying, but it actually does all this stuff because it needs something.

Wayne DTS at Toledo Zoo

            On Friday, May 10th, Wayne DTS made their way to the Toledo Zoo. At the zoo, we were able to see a lot of different types of animals and their habitats. The weather was beautiful that day, which made it even more enjoyable for the group.

    Upon entering the zoo, we followed a path that let us view some eagles. The next animals we saw were the elephants. The elephants have a new exhibit, which had opened up recently. While we were going through the zoo, close to the elephants, we came across two hippos. Apparently they were so comfortable they were catching some z’s in the water. We took our time getting to the reptile house, taking in the animals we saw on the way. Once in the reptile house we saw snakes and various other animals. When we were through the reptile house, we were able to see raccoons and monkeys. They both had newborn babies with them in the zoo.

    The weather outside was very nice. It was sweatshirt weather and it wasn’t raining either. It was overcast, so it was kind of cloudy that day, which kept the sun from shining on us and making it too hot out. The animals were active, since it wasn’t to hot out or to cold out for them.

    The zoo itself seemed to be well kept. It seemed to be clean, which is good because it lets you know that the animals are well taken care of. The zoo’s grounds were very well kept too. All the landscaping was appropriate for the animal that was being viewed. The zoo was also very handicapped accessible. The staff had no problems maneuvering multiple wheelchairs through the exhibits.

    All in all we ended up having a good time at the Toledo Zoo. Before leaving, we were able stop in the souvenir shop. A few clients were even able to purchase some goods at the store.  We were also able to have a good time at the zoo since the weather was nice which let all the animals be a little more active.

Warm Weather

                The temperature outside is going to be nice from here on out in Romulus Michigan, except for Sunday May 12^th and Monday May 13^th.  It is going to be in the 70’s and 80’s through June, which is a decent temperature.  It is going to be nice enough to do my favorite thing, fish.  I also like to watch baseball too, and it’s going to be a good temperature to be able to go to some games.

            I like to fish for fish that fight a lot. I even like to fish for carp, if I am in an area were you can either catch carp or bluegill.  Bluegill sure don’t fight very much, that’s why I like to fish for carp when I’m in that area.  Plus, carp are generally big.  I’ve caught a three foot carp before.  That thing almost broke my rod!  I hope some of my readers enjoy fishing and can tell me about it by leaving a comment.

            I also enjoy watching baseball too.  My favorite baseball team is the Detroit Tigers.  They are doing pretty good, so far this season.  At this point they are first in their division, with 19 wins and 11 losses. Their record makes them second in the American League, with a .633 winning percentage.  That is the second highest winning percentage right now in the American League.  I was scheduled to go to a game already this year, but it got rained out, and the game hasn’t been rescheduled yet as far as I know.

            There are plenty of fun things that can be done in warm weather.  Any kind of sport can be played or watched, as long as it’s not raining.  You could even fly a kite, if you are into that type of stuff. Any outdoor activity can be done in nice weather, except snowball fighting since we just got out of that season.

            I hope I was able to make you think about some stuff you would like to do in this beautiful weather.  If I forgot anything you could let me know by leaving a comment.  Hopefully some of you enjoy fishing as much as I do, or enjoy watching baseball like I do.

Spring Fling 2013

         

Written by Bret K.

The Spring Fling is an annual get together for all Special Tree clients and alumni.  It is a time where clients get to meet, have conversations, and enjoy each others company. This year’s dinner dance was held this past Friday evening, April 19, 2013. Clients from all over southeast Michigan traveled to Roma’s Banquet Hall in Garden City for the event. We were all very excited to see old friends as well as make new ones.

          The dance began at 6:00pm with a hearty dinner. Everyone enjoyed pork chops, stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes, mostaccioli, salad and dinner rolls. For clients requiring food consistency changes, there were stations set up with blenders, food processors, and food thickener. In my opinion, the food was astounding and I am looking forward to next years festivities already. Dessert came at the end of the night. It consisted of delicious cannolis for everyone to enjoy. Sugar free cookies and cakes were provided for any diabetic clients in attendance.

          After dinner the band was able to get down and get nearly everyone out on the dance floor for some amazing dance moves.  Remedy, the name of the band, was able to make their 3^rd appearance at a Special Tree function. All in attendance couldn’t have been more elated. They covered a variety of classic rock jams that everyone knew, including Aerosmith and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Clients and staff alike were able to get their groove on throughout the dance!

          Towards the end of the night, there was a slight break in the dancing to hand out some amazing prizes. Names of all clients present were placed into a medium sized pale and drawn by chance to win a variety of prizes. Approximately a dozen gifts were handed out to the clients that had their names drawn. Winners from both Oakland and Wayne counties were overjoyed upon hearing their name called for a prize.  I was one of the lucky winners and got to roll away with a brand new Detroit Tiger’s windbreaker jacket. This will come in handy for me, since I am going to be attending a Tiger’s home game this week.

          The Wayne Day Treatment Services staff was there as usual to take photos of each client that attended. Photos were taken in a “prom” style around a spring themed backdrop, consisting of beautiful flowers and twinkling lights. They were printed out and placed in a special card and given to the clients to take home as their souvenir from the event.  One staff from the Riverview house was able to take candid photos of everyone enjoying themselves as well. Hopefully we will be seeing these photos soon.

          All in all this party was pretty fun for all involved.  We all got to eat a wonderful dinner, dance to some classic music, win prizes, and take a photo home to remember the evening. Who wouldn’t have had a blast participating? I’m already looking forward to the Fall Bash in a few months to be able to see old and new friends again.

Something New!

   written by Bret K. 
    Prior to my auto accident I loved going on long bicycle rides with my friends and family. We would go to local parks with bicycle trails as well as ride around the neighborhood. We would have so much fun together, racing, taking in the nature, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. After my brain injury riding a bicycle quickly became a distant dream.

    But that is all about to change. This week I was able to receive a custom made tricycle, and I am very excited to open this new chapter of my life. The tricycle was custom built with foot sized pedals that are able to be strapped to my feet prior to riding. The gear shifter was moved to the left side of the tricycle so that I can shift gears with the push of a button. The seat position was custom to fit my body proportions perfectly. The brakes of the bike are usable on both handle bars, however I will only be able to access the left one.

     I got the tricycle not only for personal gains, but for gains with family and friends as well. Although in the begining I only wanted a bike for personal pleasure reasons, I will be able to utilize multiple therapeutic outlets as well. Not only will I be able to get out and enjoy a past time that I loved so much I will be able to work on increasing my endurance level, range of motion, and build lower extremity strength. It will take me a few months in therapy to master my ride, but I am determined to be out on the trails by the end of this summer!

    I have big plans for when I am able to ride out in the community. I am planning on riding my bike at some State Parks. My favorite ones are Sterling State Park in southeast Michigan and Maumee Bay State Park in Ohio. I am very excited to carry out these big plans with my family and friends.

April is National Stress Awareness Month

     written by Bret K

           Did you know that April is National Stress Awareness Month?  I was unaware that such a holiday existed until recently.  In light of attempting to manage my own daily stressors, I am going to inform you of some possible ways to assist in relieving stress.

            Not all stress can affect you in a negative way. There are some great outcomes from stress when it is handled appropriately.  Stress can lead to personal creativity, learning, and is essential for survival. So how can something that is supposed to help you end up hurting you in the process? The negative effects of stress can be seen almost everywhere today. It can become harmful to the individual when it interrupts the healthy state of equilibrium of a normal healthy body.  When a person is overwhelmed, this is becoming increasingly common; they are unable to face any stressors and can become depressed or anxious. Upon becoming overwhelmed with daily stressors, the body is flooded with chemicals to prepare you for “fight or flight”.  This natural instinct can be very helpful in emergency situations; however it can wear down the body when it is constantly activated by daily stressors. 

            There are multiple techniques used for relaxation. However, lying on the couch or sleeping is not a proper way to relieve stress.  The relaxation response in the body is a mentally active process that leaves the body feeling relaxed, calm, and focused.  Some ways to reach this state of relaxation would be to utilize deep breathing techniques, visualization, meditation, yoga, or rhythmic exercises.  You should try to set aside 10-20 minutes a day for proper relaxation. These exercises can give you an energy boost and improve your mood. 

            There are some important ways to choosing a proper relaxation technique for yourself. Be sure to consider your specific needs, preferences, fitness level, and the way that you tend to react to stress.  Make sure that your relaxation technique fits your lifestyle and you are able to focus your mind.  Consider alternating or combining different techniques for the best personal outcome. This may lead to provide the best results and to keep you motivated.

            Well I sure hope that I was able to give you some helpful hints to managing daily stressors. Remember to stay calm, even in most impossible situations and all will eventually work itself out.  If you have any stress relieving tips or comments please leave them below. Thank you for your participation. Have a happy day

Relationships after TBI

          Forming and maintaining meaningful close relationships after a traumatic brain injury can be very difficult.  You may not be able to recall who important people are in your life, such as your parents, siblings, significant other, or even your children.  I remember after I woke up from my coma, my father asking me if I knew who he was.  All I could do was respond with a very slow thumbs up.  I cannot recall the exact look on his face, but I do remember him being overjoyed with me knowing who he was. 

            Despite having a wonderful family by my side through my recovery, I still have a desire to build meaningful relationships outside of that close knit circle.  My biggest difficulty thus far has been expressing my thoughts and feelings to others.  This can be very common in survivors often leading to feeling misunderstood or feeling isolated.  It is also sometimes difficult for me to understand what others are meaning when they say certain things.  This is a huge barrier, often affecting all relationships post injury.  When participating in open conversation, I sometimes think that others are saying insulting things; this causes me to “emotionally” shut down.  I have read that other survivors can become irritated and may say or do things that they later regret upon misunderstanding a conversation.  Friendships often crumble upon repeated misunderstandings, due to lack of communication.

            Another significant barrier to building new relationships after traumatic brain injury may include difficulties living within a long term rehabilitation facility.   Difficulties in getting from place to place can make it incredibly hard to visit friends or do the things that were once enjoyable.  It may be almost impossible to decide to up and go to the mall for the afternoon, due to staffing issues as well as transportation. Participating in a work or recreational program on top of daily therapies can further restrict your time to partake in solo activities to build relationships.  It can also be intimidating to go out in the community with a large group of housemates.  I often find myself sticking with the group as I should, but reluctant to associate with others outside of the group.  Time restrictions put in place by the facility may limit visits with friends.  This can be aggravating to be an adult and have a curfew so to speak.  I’m not trying to knock living in these facilities, because I do, I just know there are some issues that will always arise. 

            The largest barrier to building relationships, in my opinion, is meeting new people.  This is a must to create any type of relationships, whether it is an acquaintance, or a potential significant other, you will never know if you never meet them.  After injury survivors often stop working, and partaking in community based events; such as sports, church, or other social activities.  This limits the amount of people that the survivor can come in contact with to converse and build a relationship.  Over time, friends and coworkers may lose contact with you, due to their own busy lives. This happens a lot, and if there isn’t a way to replace these relationships, the survivor can end up feeling alone and may become depressed. 

            Now let’s overcome these difficulties!  When conversing back and forth, try to ask open ended questions, so the person is more likely to give a detailed response, allowing you to elaborate on what they are saying.  This is a huge conversational pointer!  Try not to push away the people that care about you, instead let family and friends know your positive and negative feelings to allow them to assist you better.  Attempt to take the initiative to make an acquaintance a friend.  This can be done by inviting someone over for a visit that you regularly see but may not speak to outside whatever you usually do.  Keep in mind that it is much easier to get to know someone if you are participating in an activity that is enjoyed by both parties.    

            Once a connection has been established, it must be maintained and cultivated.  This takes intention, attention, courage, creativity, and love from both parties.  These things take hard work, but the rewards are rich and friends can make the intolerable tolerable. So get out there and make a new friend or get to know a new partner.  Having a positive relationship can help you feel satisfied with your life and give you a sense of belonging and self worth. Something we all search for in life.