Regular readers will know that I have muscle weakness from my brain injury which affects my left side. As I’m right handed, it usually is more of an issue for my leg than it is my arm. (I can’t run at all, but now most people don’t notice that I limp when I walk.) I have weakness on my right too, but as that was my naturally stronger side it coped better than my left. Initially when my accident happened I had foot drop in my right, so there clearly was some damage. But since I haven’t given it much thought or attention, until we got a new front door….
It’s a door. I mean how difficult can it be to use?
I was excited to get a new door as I’d never liked our white plastic PVC one. In my opinion it was ugly, and I had been locked out by it a few times. The locking system was playing up and sometimes even with the key you couldn’t unlock it. So my partner James and I decided it was time to invest in a new one.
James was keen on one where you didn’t need to turn a handle to open the door, just the key. Otherwise when you’re carrying shopping you feel like you are running out of hands. So we went with a 5 point locking system where you don’t have a handle. Under the lock is a lip for you to pull the door shut when closing it, but opening you just unlock and push. Sounds like it fits the bill, right….
My weakness resulted in me being trapped in my own home!
We were warned that as the frame and surround was well insulted it would take a few days for everything the settle. Basically that meant the door would be stiff for a while. That’s when I found out how weak my right hand really is. Previously using a handle gave me more leverage and so I had no problem. But with just a small knob to grip and turn, I couldn’t get out of the house! I was a prisoner in my own home!
They said that often women would find it a little more challenging than men whilst it settled, but this was ridiculous. I should be able to answer my own front door. There was a stage where if the postman needed to give me a parcel, I had to open a window for him to pass it to me. I must have looked like I was a bit crazy or something. (Alright, I am a bit crazy, but I don’t need other things masquerading as my issues.) Although it might have been a little tighter than necessary, it wasn’t really their fault, it was just that I’m unusually weak. I could open it from the outside with the key, but twisting the knob and pulling the door towards me when I was inside, was neigh on impossible.
I’m pleased to say that as it has settled now I am able to open the door by myself. But this episode reminded me how I am more limited than I had accounted for. It was so embarrassing that it highlighted how abnormally weak I am. Particularly when you don’t want to explain to someone you have only just met that it’s your brain, not really the muscles. However at least now I can escape the house (even though I look like a slow motion replay.)
For more about some of the physical affects to brain injury visit Headway’s article on it.
6 replies on “Held back by muscle weakness from brain injury”
After my accident I was left with not only 3 brain injuries but severe muscoskeletal injuries so I left hospital with both arms in plaster and needing a shoulder replacement. When the plasters were off I tackled the gym as the threat of not having movement in my hands and told to build the muscles up prior to shoulder replacement. I had severe weakness and still have problems with my legs but I believe the gym helped not only my body but my brain to recover. Can’t recommend exercise enough. I also walked a lot.
You’re fighting spirit and determination are commendable Graham. I improved my muscles with exercise to begin with but I clearly have a lot further to go.
I really enjoyed reading this! It is so hard to learn to accept your boundaries. I have had the most problems with this more than anything else.
Yes I have too. It’s a difficult process unfortunately and we all have to go through it. I hope you get there soon 🤗
is there anything physical a person can do for the muscle weakness
Exercising that muscle can help it to grow stronger. Weight training is particularly good for this, but start with something small, even if it’s just doing bicep curls whilst holding a bottle of water.