Hi! I just was diagnosed with this AVM November 12. A cerebral angiogram ruled out an anurism or tumors. That left a differential diagnosis of cavernous malformation (I know I'm leaving something out, but I'm still in shock processing all of this). I had numbness (no loss of function or weakness) predominantly on my left side. It spread from just the side of my head, my left arm and my foot to the whole left side while I was in ICU. I also became a little unsteady on my feet while there; but I have no loss/impairment of function. Numbness is less on right side.
I am a schoolbus driver, & I'm just wanting to know if it's realistic to believe that I could return to this occupation. Presently I'm on medical leave, but dr. hasn't completed the FMLA paperwork yet. Neurosurgeon has been asked to do that, but probably won't address it until my follow up appt which is not for 2 more weeks! & I don't expect he'll do it then, because he's talked about another MRI needing to be done following the follow up!
I've been told there is a 4cm (mm?) spot on my right side of my brainstem. Because it controls involuntary functions, neurosurgeon feels surgery too risky and we've opted to monitor it for now.
A lot of unknowns about your future as a bus driver.......... In most states, there is a no driving period of either 6 or 12 months following a seizure. Once on medication, and seizure free for six months, I think you can drive at least on a regular license.
I'm not sure how your situation would fit into the law. If you haven't had a seizure, lost consciousness, or lost motor control, maybe you can still operate a bus.
Both my wife and son have had seizures, thus lost their licenses. For my teenage son, it was really a loss of freedom. He really wanted to drive, but he had no pre-warning of his seizures (even after being on meds).
It broke my heart, but I had to say No to his driving, even after the state said he could. I told him I loved him too much to see him hurt himself or others. He understood, and eventually, after surgery, he has been seizure free, and now can drive.
I like to believe anything is possible until it's proven other wise. Since you are in the process of finding out more about your avm. It's hard to say. If it is inoperable, the dr. may suggest radiation or a similar to treat it. The dr. also may be able to give you a prescription to help with your symptoms. Possibly a seizure med may do the trick for you. I would ask him/her about it.
Thanks for your help! It's the old wait and see, again. I've got to start living today and not in the future. Hubby says, we'll deal with it. Maybe I can find something else to do. Before driving the bus, I had been a VERY happy housewife and mother of 6. Maybe God's putting my life back on His track!! lol I really like this AVM Survivors..... you are really nice people and I will add you all to my prayers!
Hi Tammy, im a wife of a avm sufferer and live in the uk, before one seizure that my husband had in June 2012 we didnt even know this condition existed, the fallout of this is terrible as his career as a bus driver had to stop, all driving licences revoked, we have been told that 12 months following medical he could reapply for his car licence back and could be 10years + after his last intake of meds for his professional driving license, and fully dependant on wether he shows signs of deteriation following, im amazed at the lack of support the uk have and empathy of employers that shy away from this, its almost as good as saying 'Your no good to anyone now' i have to watch him on a day to day basis deal with the fallout of this, this is besides dealing with the emotional side and financial upheavel we now find ourselves dealing with. Im in total agreement with you as far as consultants are concerned, there never in a hurry to tick the boxes that matter, and in the light of this you still have to provide for a family and embrace it with the least effect on your children as possible. My husband was on Job Seekers allowance which they said he could find some form of work with restrictions, hah, not knowing what capabilities he has within the work industry, we went back to benefits where they now have put him in 8 weeks assessment for Employment support allowance and not received a penny since 12 Dec, how on earth we got through the festive period i do not know. They state i work and yes i have quite a good job but our future was not designed for a one wage, we planned for two wage not one and the benefits seems to think we are not in crisis as they dont seem to be making any decisions fast and meanwhile we have to maintain some form of living standards.. im appauled of the support given, currently under counselling as im needing help to process the pressure i feel on a daily basis.. iv only joined yesterday this group and already i see im not alone in what we are experiencing, rightfully or wrongful i find comfort in that.. im hoping i could be of support to others within time, cos at the moment time seems to be the only thing i can see passing with no change occuring and time cost nothing..
Hi Tammylee - At one time, I pretty much had very little movement on both sides of my body. After some time and a lot of work in that time, I now consider my right side of my body my stronger (and more coordinated - not saying much side.
I have use of my left side, it’s just pretty weak, and I have to concentrate and use a lot of brain power for my brain to tell my left hand to pick up something, for example.
I’ve learned that there are no definites. Of course, you want to be realistic - I get that - on the other hand, never stop believing in yourself and dig, if you have to, for those things that you can still do…and keep your focus on those things.
That way, if you can drive a bus again, great. If you’re unable to do that task, you have other things in your “toolbox”…and, most likely, an opportunity to use those strengths toward something that you love that you never considered an option before.
I know the emotional hurricane you are feeling... I was fortunate not to have such severe symptoms as your hubby, but it doesn't really lessen the impact, especially once I saw the MRI scans! Physical therapy started about a week ago and I think I'll be approaching my employer to return to work in FEB. I've been assured that nowhere in my records is it stated that I suffered a seizure or stroke, so that's a plus. But given the rarity of this condition, I'm nervous how employer and state will respond. Hang in there Vivien... it's shocking when your world gets turned upside down, but Life has a way of righting itself (eventually!). Praying for you & your familly...Tammy
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