I just wanted to get off my chest the frustration my AVM has given me. Before my brain bleed, I use to play soccer and I loved the sport so much! I planned on playing for my school when Summer would end actually. Unfortunately for myself, I bled before the year started and when I finally came home from the hospital, I was told not to get involved in any sport related activities (especially soccer). I couldn't even if I wanted to. My balance was so off and needed a walker for mobility. Now however, all is somewhat better but soccer is no longer in my path and it devastates me to look back on how much I've missed out on. I find it extremely unfair and... depressing to an extent. Like every survivor, I just wish this never would have happened.
I'm sorry you are feeling that loss. It is bittersweet that we are here still as survivors to rant about what we have lost, while we are lucky to be alive. I can't begin to list what this AVM has taken from me but my hope is to gain something, if nothing else endurance and strength, from this unbelievable journey. Anyone who claims to have lost nothing after AVM is lying. I know it's hard and I hate hearing it but stay strong and hopefully in time you will find other things to love or someday even be AVM free and chasing that ball again!
Thank you! While I have found a hobby to replace my love for soccer, I eventually hope to chase the ball again! :)
I know it's hard having to give up playing. Is it possible to maybe help coach? Be a team manager maybe? You may not be able to play but you can still be involved in some way. Don't give up.
Hi Katrina. I am so sorry that you cannot play soccer now. However, at some point later in life you may discover that having had an AVM bleed was actually a blessing and not a curse. I used to think like you do now. Then I discovered that I was not afraid to talk to people who are physically or mentally challenged. It is a huge advantage with my job. As a Flight Attendant I deal with special needs passengers every single day!
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I feel where you are coming from. I played basketball for 13 years then as it came time to accept my scholarship for my second year of college basketball, I had to decline if after having my AVM bleed a month before. Keep your head up, its frustrating without a doubt but God has plans so big, it’s hard for us even to imagine!
Hi Katrina. I apologize for what you have lost. Giving up something that you love so much is tough, and frustrating.
I understand what you are going through somewhat. Before my AVM bleed, I use to be into ballroom dancing for about seven years. I always dreamed of one day preforming in front of an audience, or becoming a professional ballroom dancer. I had to hang up my dance shoes after my AVM bleed, which was saddening for me. While recovering from my procedure, I ended up getting into fine arts and craft work as therapy. It has been great, because some of my awareness crafts were sold. I will not deny that I do miss ballroom dancing. I mainly listen to vocal jazz, or big band music, and there is a part of me that wishes that I can put my dancing shoes back on and pursue dancing again.
To echo Kim, God does have plans for us. Wishing you the best.
Hi Katrina - I think that we can all relate to your frustration. Like Leslye and a few others on here, we kissed our former dancing lives good-bye temporarily and some permanently; however, like Barbara mentioned, something new can come from it. That's the thing that can keep you guessing until it happens - what will that something be?
Also, I'm unsure what or where your AVM affected, but WII has a soccer-heading game. To test my reflexes, eye coordination, etc., I did it as one of my PT exercises...just a note if you try it, avoid heading panda bear heads and cleats...even though I couldn't feel these things, I would apologize out loud...ummm???
Hi Katrina!
While there are a lot of good suggestions and ways given to not have to stay away from the sport, I can completely relate to the frustration. I started playing soccer when I was in high school, played in college, played on an intramural team after college, played in the over thirties league and even coached for awhile.
I loved soccer but the AVM thing took that away from me too. It took away some other things as well but I can't focus on that. I have horrible balance and my running? Well lets not go there. :) Point is that while it's nothing but frustrating to have to stop doing something you love, everything happens for a reason we just may never find out what that reason is. Yes, it seems unfair and yes it can be depressing but you are still alive and you have a purpose. Don't ever give up on that. No matter what the outcome, this site will always be here for you. Best always Katrina. :)
I can totally relate to you in this department. My left side was paralyzed due to my AVM in my brain. I played soccer, softball, ice-skated, and danced before it(I was 8). It is my friends who actually helped me just last year that doing those things isn’t as important. But I am still negative about it a lot. I was lucky enough to be able to go back to dance, but that also frustrates me because because I cannot do a lot with my left side. It is a constant struggle. You just have to keep your head up. I did start playing piano 4 years after my AVM (which caused a stroke), this helped me get my mind off of what I couldn’t do. I hope this helps, and all is well:)
Katrina, I too played soccer in college and coached my children in their soccer pursuits! As someone else mentioned, the Wii Fit has a soccer disc my kids got it for me for Christmas, No, it is Not the same as running free in a game, but it Is fun, and I hear the mirror imagery is good for our brains!
Good luck,
nicole
Babe I used to play football or soccer as you call it and I was a goalkeeper as Im quite tall but Im not giving up and hope I will play again soon? dont care what any doctors/nurses say Its my choice isnt it? so dont give up your hopes chick?xxxxx
Hi Katrina. I graduated from Snider High in Ft. Wayne long before you were born. I am well acquainted with Lima Oh. I very much want you to succeed with this project. Let us know what we can do to help you!
As strange as it sounds my AVM experience has made me give up so many things i use to do and love BUT in return it has given me a better outlook in life...take that on board because the small things we take advantage of everyday are the things we are never guarenteed tomorrow. God bless
I used to play football (yes football, not soccer!) 11 a side - but i had to give up, my balance and vision wasnt quite good enough. But i tried tennis instead - balance wasnt quite so bad as footie, and u dont have to rotate 360 degrees to play the game.....maybe theres something u can do? I miss football a lot, but i do love tennis now.