Hey Everyone,
Has anyone had stereotactic radiation using the Branlab system? Or had a frame tightened on their head? I am having this scheduled with my doctor and are having huge anxiety about this frame thing. HELP!
Thanks!
Keeping you all in my prayers!!
(If you want to know my detailed story you can visit my blog. www.kimrim.blogspot.com)
I too am due for radiosurgery in April this year, I have not had it before but am also a bit uneasy about the headframe. I searched "gamma knife" on here and it gave me a lot of info as well as some pics of smiling people WITH the frames on, so I figure it can't be too bad :)Good luck :))
I am not sure what the procedure is you are having but it sounds similar to the gamma knife surgery which requires the frame as well. I actually have a picture of my daughter smiling with the apparatus on her head (yeah, she was a little doped up). The pain she felt from it was afterwards with soreness on the back of her scalp & headaches. Also, I noticed another post & can confirm what seemed most difficult for Nicole (age 16) was the laying down without moving for 4 hours afterward. This time they were able to put some kind of plug in her atery near the groin to lessen the time to 2 hours when she undergoes another procedure. Prayers to all !
I was very anxious with the headframe but it was literally over in seconds and not so much painful at all. I didn't even get time to react and it was over. I had just a bit of needle feeling and they topped the dose for numbness. A agree with all others, lying down on your back for 4 hrs is worst than the head fitting.
Good luck
I just showed my daughter my response to you regarding the frame. Her response to me was that it was 'ignorant bliss' in the photo of her smiling.
sorry i meant to say ..."lying down on your back for 4 hrs is worst than the headframe fitting" :)
Thanks to everyone, this definitely helps! I am definitely nervous but God has a plan!!
I had the head frame, when I had Gamma Knife surgery on my avm. The only really hard part for me was when they were screwing it on. Once it was on I got used to it quickly. I fell asleep for a lot of the day; or most of the waiting parts, anyway.
If they offer you anything for the nervousness at the start, take it! ;)
Kim, I just read your "story" of having an AVM enter your life. In a lotta ways it sounds similar to mine (and probably a lot of others 'round these parts).
I just wanted you to know that I admire your faith in the One who bought us. He WILL see you through, Sister. Sometimes He does it in ways that are "mysterious" to us (I'm reminded of Job from the Bible), but THIS we can rest in: He is Good and He is in control.
If the days ever get dark for you, please don't forget these two facts. Hold tightly to them.
The "dark days" of my Beloved wife & I still seem to be with us and I wanted to recommend a book that the Lord has used greatly to keep our focus where it should be (on His Glory). Its called "Trusting God Even when Life Hurts" by a man named Jerry Bridges. I'm sure it can be found on Amazon for a real good price.
Kim, you appear to be so young... too young for such an experience of "AVM," though I was probably about your age when mine went "pop." Please remember the promise Jesus gave us: Even though we may have difficult and challenging times, He will be with us... and THAT is better than anything we could possibly want!
Please stay close to the Word, stay close to those who will build you up in Christ and keep trusting our Saviour!
Thank you so much for writing! There is something so comforting in sharing your journey with not only someone who has an AVM as well but someone who shares the same faith. Yes, God is good and every time He reveals something that I feel so blessed to have realized my mom and I have a saying where she starts out with "God is good all the time" and then I reply "And all the time God is good!" It is so true isn't it?! His plan is perfect! Thanks so much and God bless!! Will keep you in my prayers!!
Anymore details that I find out I will be sure to share with you then! Let's figure this out together! I'm glad I'm not alone in this fear! Thanks so much for sharing!
How many needles did you end up getting? Thanks so much for the reply! It is good to hear others experiences were not that terrible.
Thanks so much for the reply! Yes I hope mine is ignorant bliss as well! haha It's comforting that I can hear of other girls opinions that are around my age (19). Thanks again and tell your daughter thanks so much as well!! God Bless!
Oh my gosh that is such a relief to hear!! Thanks so much for replying!
Thanks for your honesty in your reply!! It is good to hear of your experience!
Hi Kim, i know what you are feeling i had mine back in 2006 so long ago now, and yes i was nervis as hell but looking back on it after thse 6od years id rather have gone thore the sterotatic radiation surgery 10 times then have a bleed agin, yes ther nervis part means your human and no mater what people say yo you you will be. rember they ony do it becasue it works. and other have had it doen. i rember thinking to my self other have had on then so can i
Gavin