Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Growing Humans & Healing Brains

Since pretty much everyone who reads this knows Kara, I figured this would be an appropriate place to list the similarities we've noticed between pregnancy and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Of course, there are many obvious differences, but there are some ways in which we can relate that you might not realize. So here goes:


Top 10 ways having a brain scramble is like being knocked up 
(the title was all Kara):

10. The most frequent incoming call on our phones is the automated doctors appointment reminder.

9. Short-term memory...what was I going to say? Oh yeah, we don't have it any more. That makes for fun shopping trips.

8. We have no control, and therefore, no accountability for, our emotions. If I burst into tears because the line at K-Mart was too long, you must comfort and console me. If Kara comes up with new, even more colorful, names for stupid drivers (think, "ass-pie"), you must encourage her creativity.

7. We no longer have control of our bodies. This includes: bodily functions and fluids, emotions, awareness, energy levels, hunger, and body temperature, just to name a few.

6. We no longer have impulse control. If I even think for one second about a pumpkin pie blizzard from Dairy Queen, I want one immediately (guess I know what's for dessert tonight!). If Kara sees something shiny in the store, she might just have to have it. This may not be the best for our wallets and waistlines, but it sure can be fun sometimes!

5. Friday nights were once spent at the "library" having fun and enjoying a few adult beverages. Now, I'm lucky if I can stay awake long enough to see Kara's bored facebook posts.

4. We used to enjoy an adult beverage from time to time. Now I slam organic milk and she rocks the Ensure.

3. We now both need pillboxes to keep track of our meds.

2. Instead of comparing tattoos, now we compare track marks from blood draws.

And the number one similarity between brain scramble and being knocked up is...

1. Neither one of us has any clue how to deal with this mess we've gotten ourselves into. But no matter what happens, she'll make sure my kid has a crazy amount of Aunt Kara love, and I'll make sure she puts her shoes on the right feet. :o)
 

5 comments:

  1. Both of you are amazing, and will deal with what you must, no doubt about it! The other thing you two have in common is that you are very loved by MANY people because you're freakin' awesome!

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  2. Holy crap, maybe for 13 months I have been carrying a child!!! That explains the weight gain and erratic emotions! That explains my stomach pains too. Damn, I need this child to come out, he or she is ready for 5th grade now!

    Honestly Shan, my face hurts from the smile this gave me. WOW, honestly this is what I need.

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  3. just read this again for a good laugh!!!! I love it sooooooo much. Ymmmmmm....Ensure, Yummmmmy......so um, wait what the hell am I talking about??? what is this????

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