As you all know, Ive been battling with what to do about my medical condition known as AVM (arteriovenus malformation)... basically, I have a large nest of excess blood vessels that is giving me bad headaches and will at times mess with my speech abilities. My AVM was first discovered when I was 15 years old, though apparently I was born with it. After almost two years of tests and research, the doctors ruled that it was too dangerous to operate. They recommended monitoring, so once a year, I went in for an MRI to make sure nothing changed. About ten years later, I had a seizure; and Matthew and I decided it was time to get my condition re-evaluated. We found a specialist, and he put me on seizure medication and magnesium supplements. These two pills have worked wonders!! My headaches have gone down in numbers, and light no longer bothers me. AND whenever I do have a bad headache, I now have a good pain pill which allows me to be back up and running within 4-8 hrs. Originally, it took between 24-72 hrs of constant pain and agony before I even could begin to think of functioning normal again. During an episode, I had difficulty speaking and comprehending what other people were saying, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light... on top of a pounding headache. Now, if I feel a bad headache coming on, I take my special pain pill, go to bed, and wake up 4-8hrs later completely healed. I continued doing tests; and a couple months ago, the specialist presented a plan to surgically remove the AVM; however, there were risks involved. Weve consulted another specialist, and Ive been doing lots of praying and pondering. This was a huge decision, and I had no idea what to do!! Then yesterday, we had another consultation with the specialist, this time to basically go over the pros and cons about the operation. After talking it all over, I finally had peace about my decision: to not go through with the surgeries. Ill continue taking the seizure medication and magnesium supplements. Also, once a year, I will head back up to Nashville, TN for an MRA and follow-up, just to make sure nothing has changed. In a couple years, maybe well go ahead with the operation. Medicine is evolving, and maybe by then theyll have another option that wont be as dangerous. But for now, Im happy to continue with my pills and being free of doctors appointments. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers as it was a really difficult decision for me! But I finally feel at peace and am the happiest Ive been in years. Ive become an active member of a dog club, started exercising and losing weight, am considering possibly perusing a career in dog training, and am just overall excited about being free to live a normal life. Oh yeah, and my family will be happy to know: Ive been given the go ahead to become pregnant, though c-section is highly recommended as a natural birth could cause an annurism. ;) ~love SJ
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:17:22 +0000