Podcast Title: We're All Insane
Host: Devorah Roloff
Episode: My Toddler Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury
Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction

In this deeply personal and heart-wrenching episode of We're All Insane, host Devorah Roloff welcomes a guest who bravely shares her journey of navigating a traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffered by her two-year-old son. Through raw and unfiltered storytelling, listeners gain insight into the challenges, fears, and resilience involved in overcoming such a life-altering event.

Background: An Unexpected Pregnancy

The guest begins by recounting her unexpected pregnancy during the early stages of her relationship with her now-husband. Unaware of being pregnant due to the absence of typical symptoms like morning sickness or weight gain, she discovered the pregnancy by feeling an unusual hard spot in her abdomen.

• [01:00] "I didn’t have one, so it’s not like I could tell her or anything." — Guest

Relying on home pregnancy tests confirmed her pregnancy despite being on birth control. This revelation came at a time when she was completing her last year of college and felt unprepared for motherhood. With the support of her family, she navigated the initial months of pregnancy, eventually welcoming her first son in May.

The Accident: A Fall That Changed Everything

Approximately 21 months after her first son's birth, the family settled into a relatively stable routine. However, during a vacation to Texas amidst the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, tragedy struck. While visiting her husband's family, their two-year-old son fell down a single step of a staircase, landing on his left side, which resulted in a fractured skull and a brain bleed.

• [05:55] "Kids fall all the time. They are crazy." — Guest

Initially dismissed as a minor accident, the fall quickly escalated into a medical emergency as the son's condition deteriorated. Despite continuous assurances from pediatricians that he was developing normally, subtle anomalies in his motor skills prompted the mother to seek further medical evaluation.

Medical Journey: From Misunderstanding to Diagnosis

Upon noticing unusual behaviors such as his left hand remaining in a fist-like position and difficulty extending his arm, the guest persisted in seeking answers despite initial medical reassurances.

• [14:35] "Let me look stuff up and really just try to push for what's going on." — Guest

Her research led her to suspect cerebral palsy (CP) caused by a prenatal stroke. When the initial hospital visit coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family's opportunity to obtain a definitive diagnosis was delayed. During their stay in Texas, interactions with hospital staff were fraught with misunderstanding, leading to accusations of child abuse based on the visible injury and lack of prior documentation of CP.

• [74:16] "We found out that this is what happened to him." — Guest

The family's ordeal culminated in a frantic rush to a nearby children's hospital, where an emergency surgery successfully repaired the fractured skull using titanium mesh. Miraculously, within hours, the son began showing signs of recovery, contradicting the grim prognosis initially given.

Diagnosis and Aftermath: Embracing a New Reality

Post-surgery, the son exhibited rapid improvement, including walking and holding objects more effectively. However, the diagnosis of CP necessitated ongoing therapies to address fine motor skills and speech impediments.

• [96:12] "He does occupational therapy once a week... He gets better every week." — Guest

Despite seizures occurring sporadically, adjustments in medication have helped manage his condition effectively. The family's persistent advocacy and willingness to seek second opinions were pivotal in ensuring the son received appropriate care and support.

Reflections and Insights: The Power of Parental Instinct

Throughout the episode, the guest emphasizes the critical importance of parents trusting their instincts and advocating for their children's health, even when medical professionals initially dismiss concerns.

• [102:23] "The safety of myself and my kids is what's important." — Guest

She underscores the necessity of persistence in medical settings and the value of seeking multiple opinions to obtain accurate diagnoses. Additionally, the guest highlights the therapeutic benefits of sharing her story, both for personal healing and to raise awareness among other parents facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

"My Toddler Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury" serves as a powerful testament to the strength of a mother's love and determination. By sharing her son's journey through injury, misdiagnosis, and recovery, the guest offers hope and guidance to listeners navigating their own familial adversities. This episode reinforces the message that while life can change in an instant, resilience and advocacy can lead to miraculous recoveries and deeper familial bonds.

Notable Quotes:

• [14:35] "Let me look stuff up and really just try to push for what's going on." — Guest
• [74:16] "We found out that this is what happened to him." — Guest
• [102:23] "The safety of myself and my kids is what's important." — Guest

Resources Mentioned:

• Support Groups: The guest recommends joining support groups, particularly those where parents of children with CP share their experiences and strategies for living fulfilling lives despite challenges.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of We're All Insane not only recounts a harrowing experience but also serves as an inspirational narrative about overcoming medical crises through unwavering love, determination, and the courage to speak up. It underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact of parental advocacy in ensuring the well-being of their children.