I had my first neurosurgery appointment on March 7. I met with the neurologist who does the angiograms, which is, as I suspected would be, the next step. So I am scheduled for a cerebral angiogram on March 27. I like the doctor. I like the nurse practitioner.
I know for him this is a routine procedure, but medical procedures always make me nervous. It seems that the older I get, the worse it is for me.
They answered as many questions as they could and said we would have more answers after the angiogram. He said we will discuss the angiogram findings and next steps for possible treatment options before I go home on the 27th.
So here we go. Ready or not.
They thought it was pretty funny that I named my AVM. They said they’ve never had anybody do that. I told them that since this thing was in my head, I might as well work on accepting it, and what better way to do that than to name her.
So everybody – meet Matilda. I hope she continues to play nicely in the sandbox. All “kidding” aside, how do you all settle down once you find out that you are carrying one of these around in your brain? They told me to live my life, but I find that a bit hard now that I know it’s there.
Hi, Judy! I just had my first cerebral angiogram on March 5th (exactly a week ago)! I was super scared too. I never do well with any sort of blood or heart related topics. Luckily, everything was numbed up and it was done pretty quick. Contrasts felt weird, but it wears off fast. My leg/groin have been sore, but quickly getting better. My diagnosis was different after my angio (turns out I have a CCM). I keep reminding myself that I have lived this long and lived happily without even knowing it was there. Hope you get the answers you need during your angiogram!
Personally, I think keep busy. An empty head fills with unhelpful worries. You can obviously do the various self-help things I talked about before but yeah, I think keep busy and busy with something that needs you to think. I don’t think there’s much help to be had if you’re busy doing something that leaves you free to still think about other stuff, so something that keeps your mind busy.
I had the same initial MRI, then, because I am not good with hospital things, the doc suggested he knew enough from the MRI to decide on the course of action, so did the angiogram and a catheter embolization procedure in the same sitting. Obviously that meant that I wouldn’t find out exactly what the plan was until afterwards, and if it had deviated significantly from “do an embolization” I guess they’d have brought me round and done whatever else on a different day, so my waiting period was for the whole shooting match.
So what did I decide to do?
I’m an IT person but I’d never successfully made anything in electronics, so I set myself the task of making a radio synchronized digital clock! I mean, why not?! It required me to do a bunch of learning, then design, then buying of electronic components, then construction and testing. Plenty to keep me from thinking about the worst of things.
Did it work? Yes, the clock worked. Did it stop me worrying about stuff? Not really! But it probably reduced the amount of time I had to worry! Was it interesting to do? Yes. Am I crazy enough to make a better clock? Well, let’s say not yet
Maybe have a think what could keep you out of trouble. What’s that thing you never really had time to learn?
@JudyB
Hello Judy and Matilda
Read about the difference treatment options so that you can ask questions after your angio.
If you have an operation how big will the scar be and where
What are the risks
What are the options
I hope you’re able to get rid of Matilda before she causes more problems.
Thanks for sharing your angiogram experience. The fact that this thing has been in my head since the womb does offer some comfort, and I do go back to that thought often. It’s the only thought keeping me in check emotionally right now.
Once the initial shock and fear wore off, I have been staying as busy as I can. I got back to the sewing machine and quilting, which for me requires concentration. I also am learning watercolor painting — not the easiest medium but fun!
Right now, I’m sick with a cold and just hoping I get over this before my scheduled angiogram on Thursday.
