ABC Podcasts

Days Like These — True Stories

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Karen forgets everything

Karen forgets everything

Tuesday 15th March 2022

Explore Karen Tighe's inspiring recovery from encephalitis, reclaiming her identity amidst memory loss. A story of resilience and hope.
25 minutes
Inspiring
Hopeful
Compassionate
Informative
Healing

About this podcast

Days Like These — True Stories
Author:
ABC Podcasts
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Relationships & Community
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Family Recovery from Addiction
Comedic Journeys
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Karen Tighe's Journey: Rediscovering Life After Memory Loss

Episode Overview

  • Karen Tighe faced memory loss due to encephalitis.
  • Her family played a crucial role in her recovery.
  • She found solace in understanding her condition.
  • Karen adapted by using life hacks like writing names down.
  • Gradual recovery brought small victories back into her life.
"My brain was trying to enforce anxiety and extreme fear... it was on my side all along."
Get ready to be moved by the remarkable story of Karen Tighe, a seasoned sports broadcaster who faced an unexpected battle with encephalitis. Imagine waking up one day and realising your brain has decided to hit the reset button on your memories. That's exactly what happened to Karen when she contracted encephalitis in 2020. This episode takes you through her journey of rediscovering herself and her identity after losing a significant chunk of her memories.
Karen's tale is a poignant reminder of the fragility of memory and identity. The podcast sheds light on her struggle to regain control over her life and her mind. With anecdotes from her hospital stay and the challenges she faced upon returning home, you'll find yourself empathising with her plight. Karen talks candidly about the frustration of not being able to recall names or even basic recipes from her pantry.
Her journey is not just about loss but also about resilience and the power of love and support from family. Her husband Glenn and son played crucial roles in her recovery, offering strength and encouragement when she needed it most. Karen's story is also a testament to the importance of understanding and patience when dealing with brain-related illnesses.
As she slowly rebuilds her life, Karen shares the little victories, like being able to say the word 'encephalitis' or sitting on the sidelines at her son's cricket matches. It's these moments that highlight the gradual yet impactful recovery she's experiencing. Karen's story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, serving as a beacon of hope for anyone dealing with similar challenges. Her ability to adapt, learn new life hacks, and find peace in unexpected places is truly inspiring.
So, how do you think you'd handle such a profound change in your life? Tune in to hear Karen's journey and reflect on your own resilience.
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