My Brain…

My Brain…7-6-25

February 17th of ‘24, I had a TIA. About two weeks later, I had a CT which reflected no bleeds or worrisome features. After that time, I continue to have cognitive delays and processing issues. The neurologist I saw then said that it might occur for an indeterminate time. Doctors and literature says that the effects of a TIA even with normal brain scans can last for years. A TIA can cause, or increase the decline in processing, focusing, attention, problem-solving, short and long-term memory, and delayed language recall. I play memory games, work on recall, focus and attention strategies, and problem-solving skills. These are all things that I know help in this area.

My husband had a TIA this past fall. He has not suffered effects at all. He has not noticed, nor have I, any changes in his memory, processing, or language issues. However, I met a woman at the workshop I attended a few weeks ago. She had a TIA last year also. She shared with me some of the problems she is having as well. The same issues as I experience with cognitive functioning. She shared with me what her neurologist had said about long-term effects. The same things mine had said.

Romans 12:2 states, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." I know this verse is referring to reading God’s word to understand His will. It is perfect for this situation, at this time. You see, there is a reason why she and I suffered TIAs with these lasting effects. There is a reason why we continue to suffer problems with our brains. I don’t know what His will is with this issue, but I know I will read and wait for His time to reveal that to me.

Will I wait patiently? That is not my strong suit. I tend to rush headlong into whatever project or task I feel is important or assigned. But this, this brain thing is actually slowing me down, and I can’t speed my brain up. Knowing this, I will take into heart Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I will calm my anxious heart. I will put aside my worry. I will wait on the Lord. I know in the meantime that I will say things backward, be slow in processing, put things where they don’t go, forget my tasks, have trouble focusing, and transpose words. Been doing that for a year and 4 months now. I will keep praying, keep relying on God, and understand that He does have a perfect will. After all, I know that worrying will not add one measure. (Matthew 6:27)