Brain Injury Blog: Dancing Upside Down
June 11, 2009 · Print This Article
Brain injury blogs provide a great deal of current information about the number one cause of death and disabilty in the world. Jane H. of Seattle, Washington writes one of my favorites. After having two brain injuries three years apart, Jane describe herself as being like Swiss cheese: the block is still sharp but has holes.
The story featured in the photo, Something like "AAADD", is one that millions of people can relate to, not just persons living with brain injury. Here’s a short excerpt.
"Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D – Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:
"I decided to wash my car. As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the hall table. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the trash can under the table, and notice that the trash can is full.
"So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the trash first. But then I think, since I’m going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
"I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go to my desk where I find the bottle of juice that I had been drinking. …"
You can read the rest of this story on Jane’s blog by clicking this link: Something like "AAADD"
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Another entertaining and informative article by Jane is entitled, "This Too Shall Pass." Here’s an excerpt:.
"I feel so very confused as to who I am, who I am not, and who I should be, and who I can be. I want to know where the brain holes are so I can avoid them. I want something like a map to a mine field. I want to know exactly what is not working. I want to know exactly what I need to avoid. I want to know what I can do, and do well." …
" look normal. I seem normal. Not only to my friends but to me too! I keep expecting myself to be normal just as they do. The confusing thing is that often I am “normal” and sometimes I am not." …
"Another thing that is frightening or confusing to me about all of this is that I TRULY do not know what I can do and what I can’t. Now as I am learning more about TBIs I am also seeing how many compensatory techniques I have already developed. The compensatory techniques are a good thing. I am not knocking them. They are also part of the silver lining that I have talked about in previous posts. But all the compensatory techniques I am now identifying are also pointing to the number and depth of holes that currently exist. What I need to do is develop more compensatory techniques but first, as I explained above, I have to find and define the holes." Read the complete articleby clicking this link: This Too Shall Pass
Larry, thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad that my blog is helping others. I have had some computer woes of late so I am way behind on posting. A new computer is on its way to me so soon I will get back in the saddle of regular posting.
Jane H.
LEARNING TO LIVE v2.0 is the name of my new network for Brain Trauma Survivors.
“Learning a New Way of Living After Brain Trauma”
Social & Support Network for Survivors of Brain Trauma and Their Supporters.
Focusing on Community, Country, Friendships & Fun!
http://www.learningtoliveversiontwopointzero.com
Here is our home page
My name is Pam and I am the creator of the site. I am a Christian. I am married to David, for 17 years. I am a LPN, he is a RN. David has Multiple Sclerosis. We have 2 grown children.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH BRAIN TRAUMA
I have worked in a Brain Injury Program, provided private duty care for 3 stroke survivors in their homes, took care of my Mom after 2 mild strokes and cared for my Dad in the hospital after he slipped into a coma from a massive stroke that he never woke up from.
My husband worked 7 years in the acute care setting at a large teaching hospital as a Certified Rehabilitation RN.
WHO I’D LIKE TO MEET
Brain trauma survivors of all walks of life and give them a voice.
People who have a passion to work with brain trauma survivors and those that have had to adapt because life has thrown them a curve ball, but instead of throwing up their hands and running away, they have grabbed a warm wash cloth and started washing the face of the person they loved. And started making plans for the future. Just a different one than yesterday.
Veterans who leave the people and country they love to fight for my freedoms. Who sacrifice daily in ways I can’t imagine. Those that sacrifice more and the families of those that sacrificed all, that I might live in the best country.
MY NETWORK
I named the site LEARNING TO LIVE v2.0 because Brain Trauma Survivors have to learn to live a totally different life than the one they started out to live. And it seems like all we hear these days is upgrades.
MY GROUPS
I have a section in my groups called OUR NEIGHBORS where I feature neighbors like you who do good things for Brain Trauma Awareness. We have a link to your blog and post some of your stories there. I am including a picture of the group. It is really neighborly looking, don’t ya think?
I appreciate what you do to promote Brain Trauma Awareness.
Brain trauma touches everyone. I have provided some education below. Even if folks are not a survivor or a family member can join our community as a general supporter. We would love to have them!
God Bless!
Pam
Great site, I will be back. Well done