My story - Cynthia

How do you prepare yourself for the sudden, unpredictable death of someone very close? The simple answer is - you can’t.Even a former NSW Premier and Australian Foreign Minister, used to the uncertainty of politics has no answers for unforeseen grief.The Honourable Bob Carr talks frankly and extensively about the very sudden loss of his wife of 50 years, Helena, to a ruptured brain aneurysm. Also, the reason for writing about his grief in his book Bring Back Yesterday .Many affected by partner grief will take solace from his reflections. Will I get through this? Should I have seen this coming? Will I ever feel optimistic about the future? Reflections made on a regime of late night walks across the city, and constant searching to voice his loss.

Good food and rest is usual remedy for any ailment, and it's true for brain injuries too. In this episode we discuss the types of foods and simple healthy treatments that can help support our brain and function. Cynthia talks to Lydia Irving, a nutritionist who aims to help us choose what food to eat and how to best prepare it for optimal nutrient absorption including when there is a big change in our life due to brain injury.

None of us can choose the time and place for when a brain aneurysm ruptures. The random nature of such an event is an added complication to the actual physical trauma that can totally disrupt lives and influence chances of survival. Brain aneurysms could rupture during sleep, at a social event or anywhere. In Greg Hourigan's case while driving in a remote area, far from home. In this episode of Brain Aneurysm Conversations, Greg describes the circumstances of his ruptured brain aneurysm and gives an insight into the family history of his condition, survival, and recovery.  Please have a listen and share with your family and friends to hear and learn from other survivors’ stories.

Life for me changed dramatically – twice. The first in 1990 when my mother died of a ruptured brain aneurysm at 51. The second was 12 th March 2016 when I had a ruptured brain aneurysm at 52. Without warning, my life became the polar opposite of what it had been. I lost my business, my livelihood and the essence of me. I now have a brain injury. This is my story.