The reason I personally decided that it would be a good idea to put this in words is because I have seen how doctors treat me and other people living with brain injury .”
The reason I personally decided that it would be a good idea to put this in words is because I have seen how doctors treat me and other people living with brain injury .”
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• Do provide me with all treatment options … so I can make an informed decision .
• Don ’ t assume all my symptoms are related to my brain injury .
• Don ’ t just ask if I understand , ask me to reflect back what I have understood .
• My brain injury doesn ’ t define me . Don ’ t fixate on my weaknesses and limitations – what are my strengths and potential ?
Yoki , a Headway East London member and co-facilitator for the project says : ‘ The reason I personally decided that it would be a good idea to put this in words is because I have seen how doctors treat me and other people living with brain injury .
‘ I feel that they undermine me and make me feel like I have no options in what I say . So , I ’ m always scared to see a doctor . Also , I feel like I can ’ t visit a doctor by myself . This all makes me feel stripped away of my independence .’
I am regularly humbled to work with such an incredible group of individuals . I hope that this document will help to make the journeys of those living with a brain injury less difficult in future .
Words MORVEN BROWN , Occupational Therapist , Headway East London , morveno @ hotmail . com , with special thanks to co-facilitator ( member ) Yoki , who is a true inspiration in her strength , courage and compassion . Download How I want to be treated by health professionals after my brain injury at https :// bit . ly / 40TWda4 .
Above : The final published document
May 2023 OTnews 53