So in another 6 weeks or so i'll will be back to work and I have no idea how to deal with some of the questions some co-workers may ask. Most don't know i had a crainitomy done they just know ive havent been around. I'm not sure how to respond when they ask what happen? where u been? are u ok? what kind of surgery did u have? etc.. Should i be open about my experience? i'm not ashamed of my avm sx but I just dont know what or how to say it
I would just be completely honest, people are surprisingly understanding and tell then exactly what you have been through. although the surgery I have had is very different to what you have been through, my avm is on my eyelid so have not had a craniotomy people are interested and understanding. At the end of the day you have to do what you are comfortable with.
Best of luck,
Caro xx
Hi Nay. I remember my first trip back working as a flight attendant. I told the other flight attendant that I had had some surgery and I did not want to discuss it. 2 days into the trip I heard him tell the pilots that I had had breast cancer. I asked him why he thought I had breast cancer. It turned out his sister had breast cancer. At that point I told him what had happenned to me. Unless they live in a bubble…most people have another family member who has suffered from some sort of an illness. I am sooooo happy that you are getting your life back on track again!
Thanks Caro and Barbara
I just want to prepare myself...seems like any little thing overwhelmes me..it tru ppl can be understanding and some may have a family members who are ill.
I'm trying to just focus on sleeping..lol and getting back to work feeling 100%
A lot of people assumed I had cancer also. That's because my head was completely shaved after my bleed and before my crani. When I went back to work (for the short time I tried) most people had some idea of what had happened to me since one of my coworkers was one of my best friends and she was keeping everyone updated. If anyone asked a question I was completely honest of forthcoming. I figured any way to get the word out about AVMs was a good thing. If you're not comfortable doing that you don't have to. You can just say you had some health problems but that you are on your way back!
I am pretty open about my AVM. I work at social services so most people are pretty understanding and compassionate. I do find myself having to explain myself to a particular inquistive co-worker who calls me. I have to remind myself that I get to decide who to share with and how much to share with whom. I'm glad you are focusing on healing and sleeping. Sleep is good! I have to sleep a lot now. I am glad you are progressing in your recovery!
Thanks Trish and Pat
I've always been a personal person..always on a need to know basis. I just dont want people to treat me differently or feel bad for what i've been through. I also feel like I should share my story and educate people about this rare condition. I know that I am a stronger person bc of my avm..
Pat how are you feeling? I know we both had our crani two days apart...
Hello Nay. I had taken a ten week leave of absence from my last job. I did return to the "How are your feeling?" "You look great" during my first month at work. When people asked what had happened, I told them. I've been pretty open about my experience. I've been with my new job for about eleven months, and I usually get the question: "Why can't you drive?" or "What does the burgundy ribbon you wear around your neck represent?" I'm pretty honest and open with my coworkers about my condition. I would say to do what is most comfortable for you. If you wish to tell your coworkers about what happened, then that's fine. If you're not comfortable with telling others about your experience, then that's find too.
My next bit of advice is to be patient with yourself. It had taken me almost a year to see improvements with the affects of an AVM, and the surgery. There were many times that I kept wishing that I would "return to normal" overnight. I share this advice with you, I do know that every AVM is different.
I'm glad that you are returning to work in June, and best of luck to you when you return to work, and as you continue to recover.