I arrived home from work on October 23, 2001 to find my husband of 30 years sitting on the living room couch. He was complaining that his neck was sore and stiff and thought he may have been bitten by a spider while outside working on the fences. Finding no evidence of any kind of bite I became concerned that he was getting worse and I called 911.
Prior to this incident Duane was a healthy 53 year old father of two boys who never even complained of a headache and had just had a full physical weeks before and was give a clean bill of health. We had had lunch together that afternoon and showed no symptoms nor complained of any headaches.
Duane would survive his trip to the hospital and the life flight to Omaha, but was unconscious shortly before leaving the house. After a seizure at 3:00AM on October 24, 2001, Duane no longer was trying to breath as he did while on the respirator. Unable to stabilize him, Doctors were unable to do a CAT SCAN until Thursday morning October 25, 2002. The CAT SCAN showed a massive brain aneurysm and doctors stated that there was no brain activity.
Immediate family was notified so arrangements could be made to get to Omaha. I also asked about organ donations, knowing Duane always wanted to help others. Finally arrangements were made to remove Duane from the respirator on Friday October 26, 2001.
My only solace to this tragic event is that Duane was never in any pain and never really knew what happened to him.
I thank all those who have submitted narratives; it does help to know that others have gone on after such tragic events. To those who survived their brain aneurysm, may you make life the fullest, because you know just how short life can be.