July will mark two years since my spinal fusion surgery. For a year prior to my surgery I was in a drug-induced haze caused by the painkillers I took so I could sit, stand, walk, sleep… basically function in my daily life. I took a (legally prescribed) synthetic opium for a year and then detoxed (under medical supervision) after my surgery.
Before taking the opium I would have claimed to have an excellent memory. Now I have a year of my life that I can barely remember. I’m surprised I could remember my own name during that time. My fuzzy-headedness got really bad just before my surgery. I have no recollection of my 4th wedding anniversary or G-Man’s 12th birthday.
While my short-term memory function has returned to normal I can’t help but wonder if the opium killed off a few of my brain cells. I have HUGE holes in my memory! Someone can talk about something that happened in 2008 and I am clueless. After looking at them with a blank stare for a few moments, I usually reply, “That’s when I was on drugs.”
My eldest son tells me that I suffer from Brain Termites.
If you can remember, visit Momalom for more Memory tid bits.
22 comments:
I think it's awesome that you can just blithely say "That's when I was on drugs!" You sound so glamorous, like an actress in LA.
Joking aside, I cannot imagine the agony you were in. :( Are you okay now?
Brain termites...can I use that excuse for motherhood?
In all seriousness, I can't imagine how it must have been for you. The pain leading up and all the chaos following your surgery. Brave.
That must have been a rough time. But I think it's awesome that you can just say you were on drugs :) "Brain termites"--too cute.
Before the invention of Imitrex I had days on meds for migraines. They were hazy stupors with thankfully very little memory. I can't imagine spending a year that way. Thank goodness your surger helped. Brain termites, clever boy, that son of yours!
I'm pretty sure I have "brain termites," too, but I don't have as good of an excuse for having them! ;)
I do believe that just might be the best excuse ever for forgetting things.
Brain Termites. Well said.
Hope you are on your way to recovery and trying to fill some of those holes.
LOVE the bit about brain termites!!! that will have me smiling all morning...
I have a period of young adulthood that was plagued by the same brain termites. I have been unable to recover it, as well-let's just make some new memories to make up for the ones that were eaten, I suppose!
Ooohhh,.. brain termites! That's great! I think I"ll be using that one when my husband asked me if I did something he had asked me to do.
I'm sorry you had such a rough couple of years but it sounds like things are ok now! And you have this great excuse for forgetting thing to boot!
Wow! Being able to say "that's when I was on drugs" gives it a whole different meaning, but I think it's better than saying you have brain termites. Maybe not. Your son is so funny!
Brain termites? I love it! Can I use that excuse for my breastfeeding years? But seriously, such a sad reason to suffer from brain termites. Hope you're able to fill the holes!
My husband had brain termites for most of his Junior and Senior years in high school. Although, his was not because he was sick.
I can see it now: Brain Termites, the best-selling memoir by Erica, aka Pines Lake Redhead!
In all seriousness, though, I'm glad you have been able to come out on the other end of your suffering with your sense of humor still intact.
Have a great weekend, Erica!
I love the term, "Brain Termites". I've just said that with each child, I actually delivered part of my brain with the placenta. I think I may change my 'tune'... your's is less likely to elicit and EEEWWWW from whomever I am speaking with!
The miracle of modern medicine comes with some really screwed up downsides.
I think brain termites is my new favorite saying. It shall replace momnesia.
Over here from momalom and hoping the surgery was a great success!
Over here from momalom and hoping the surgery was a great success!
I don't know about those termites, but if there were any it's obvious that there was plenty to eat in the first place and at least they've left you with your wit, kindness and authenticity.
Brain termites. Fabulous description. And lightens it all up a bit, no? I can't imagine the pain you were in and the resulting fuzziness just so you could get through the pain. It sounds like you memory gives you much to be thankful for. This post really incorporates all three of the topics we have touched on so far at Momalom.
Brain termites! Good one; I'm totally going to use that one. I have them and I didn't even take any drugs. Oh yeah I did. Nevermind. LOL!
Brain termites? My actually be a medical condition. Seems better than the excuse I have been using: "stupid baby brain". Which should have gone away by now seeing as my baby will turn three in July. It may now just be the "overwhelmed mom stupids". Hope that your recovery has gone smoothly!!
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