[Mz Carrie Bitz]

Central Auditory Processing Disorder is not well understood ~~even by my own Neurologist whose particular focus is concussion.

I have said to several doctors: “I feel like I just ran a mile; carrying bricks!“ ~~that is how PHYSICALLY exhausting conversation can be for me, both my arms and my legs feel like jelly; never mind the cognitive exhaustion! The Doctor will look at me with incredulity, and sort of shrug it off. Even the Audiologist has no further explanation other than “The Auditory System is the biggest Energy Hog in the brain,” and “Everyone has a different reaction…”

[Mz Carrie Bitz]

When I am having conversation with someone~~

–new to me, but I have no issues sharing my (7 yrs)TBI situation–

[In fact I feel encouraged to be vocal about my injury,

So “neuro-TYPICAL” folks will better understand

We “Neuro-Diverse Invisible Injury” folks out in the community]

~~Say “Can I ask what happened?” (they tend to be polite about it)

I jokingly reply either:

“I was beat up by a second grader”

Or “The back of my head tried to catch a soccer ball”

[Mz Carrie Bitz]

I do so jokingly to break the awkwardness of their query

As well as the curious manner of my injury

{Which, as this community knows,

Does not dispel the severity of its consequences}

I discovered along the way of these 7 years

It is then best, to further describe that it was whiplash

–With new Doctors as well!!

I will advocate here:

This shorter sentence structure and spacing in my response,

Is intentional: easier for MY brain to relate and digest…