I thought to assess my progress in recovery from coma, to provide non medical advice to those dealing with such. 

Talk

Communicate about the past for memory, shared or significant experiences. Discuss the details. They may have forgotten, but not completely I suspect. I had forgotten everything, my native language of English, the spark of discussion reignited identity. If not immediately, these are the things victims need to recall to become themselves again.

What to do?

Do typical activities, what was normal pre coma. I tried to follow my instincts, but was being protected. Perhaps always trying to be independent was beneficial. That requires trust, but I couldn’t get into too much trouble. My ability to move about was bad, but I didn’t allow my mobility to prevent me from doing things, took a walking stick.

I would often wonder what I should do today, what can I do. I followed my desires, even when those around me thought I shouldn’t. I’d often go to places on my own, explore a world that was previously familiar. Unprompted, memories came back. I once lived here, frequently went there, studied at that place…

Treatment

A questioned medical treatment is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it seemed to help. Just the act of getting treatment was positive, psychologically encouraging. Once a week for 3 months, I sat in an oxygen chamber to breathe high levels of pure oxygen. Apparently the brain uses oxygen to heal. After every session I felt a bit clearer. Afterwards I did more stuff than previously, for example attempted to cook dinner. I do partially attribute my recovery to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Questioned by some, just the affirmation of a treatment promoted recovery.

Final Thoughts

Indeed I have focused on recovery. I moved county to Singapore, got married, took up writing, travelled, I think around 15 countries. I simply wouldn’t become a burden because of coma. I hope to be a true version of myself.

Often there seems to be no progress at all, even backward steps. Then you realise sometimes you must go back to refresh, start anew.