NARRATIVES
TALK TO A
ADVICE
Deborah
I have A Bachelor of Science - Nursing. Work
full-time as a Rn in Milwaukee and Northern Illinois Hospitals and
Work Part-time as a Clinical Research Nurse for Abbott Labs. I have
been a Reservist for 12 years - LT in the Navy
The best parts. A 11 year old son, two step sons 15 and 18. My
Husband of 1 and 1/2 years got a little more than he bargained for
this past April. He knew I had mild Crohn's disease, that is no
preparation for surviving an aneurysm. I am also a part of Wayne
University Genetic Study on Aneurysms.
The past two months have been the most blessed and terrifing of my life. On April 5 2002 I was found to have a 30mm by 9 mm Opthalmic aneuysm (on the right internal Carotid). Due to the location it was concidered inoperable.
By chance, I found Dr. Ahuja in Milwaukee. This week, June 19th 2002, he placed 12 Titanium Coils in my aneurysm. Although I will take a while to heal, I feel as if I got my life back. At 37 years old, I believe I have a long one ahead of me. I only had what felt like a sinus infection on the right side of my nose. A wonderful MD listened to my symptoms and obtained the proper tests. I am one of the Lucky ones.
I was released within 48 hours, and just took a walk outside with my 10 year old son. The headache post procedure is tremedous. The coils overfilled the space, and there is some minimal brain swelling. The steriods should help.
I have an extensive family history. 10+ first and second degree relatives. Only two of us had them fixed in time. I am glad this site is here, it has helped me through the last 2 months. As a nurse, I knew what I was facing. Now, I believe life is wide open.
Update: 14 Oct 2002
I would like to extend the warmest Thank you to all who responded to my request for information. I tried to answer most of them, for those I could not, your information and support was appreciated!
The initial results of my son's MRI were negative, its a great feeling. Now we have peace of mind and a baseline for my son's future monitoring.
I just started a new job with Novartis Nutrition and am swamped with an amazing amount of stuff to learn. So Thank you to all of you for being there when I needed help.
Update: 20 December 2005
Its been 3½ years since my Aneurysm was coiled. During this time, I have had absolutely no complications. I was checked in August; no additional aneurysms. My son is now 14, and is plagued with Migraines. He will be watched closely. About 15 relatives have been identified with aneurysms, and almost all are participating in the Yale and Columbia studies. I believe we are one of the largest families in the world with diagnosed aneurysm participating. My prayer is that they will be able to identify the gene associated with genetic aneurysms. It is so important to not take having a relative with an aneurysm forgranted. Make sure you are checked, its easy and painless.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Deborah Chapman
© Copyright 2005 Deborah
Chapman
All Rights Reserved - Fair Use
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