Joanne' mother, Barbara Whitlock, Joanne
Met online - Barbara's story
My Aneurysm Story
23 March 2004
I woke up one morning in June, 2002 and was getting ready to shower when my left arm went numb and had a migraine. I showered and drove to work, only to realize that I really wasn't feeling well and went back home to "sleep off" the migraine. After talking to a friend about this, she convinced me to see my doctor. I made an appointment that day for the following morning. My doctor called what happened a "severe migraine", something that I had not yet experienced in my 25 years. She ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything looked fine. She called me the next day with the results. I had two, possibly three aneurysms in my brain. I had no idea what that even meant.
That summer I had more scans done and saw doctors at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The neurosurgeon there recommended monitoring the aneurysms through angiograms, but I was uncomfortable with feeling that I was waiting to die young. 18 months later I saw a neurosurgeon at the University of Minnesota who recommended surgery. Since the aneurysms were an unusual shape and in an unusual location, he recommended that I have surgery done in Phoenix, AZ by Dr. Robert Spetzler. I was so happy to hear that my problem could be fixed!!
So, I arranged to have surgery on 12.12.03, 5 days after my 27th birthday. Surgery was a success they wrapped the artery and partially clipped it as well, however, I came out of it with hemiparesis on my left side and mild cognitive deficits. The doctors said that I had made the right decision to operate because the wall of the artery was as thin as Saran Wrap. I was in ICU for 5 days and was then transferred to my own room for 6 days. I entered the neuro rehab unit on 12.23.
It is now almost 4 months later. I work 6 hours a week and have PT and OT 3 hours a week. I started driving 2 weeks ago, which is great. I really just want things to get back to normal, but I am still easily fatigued and need to nap almost every day. Luckily, I am alive. I have to keep reminding myself of that, however, the depression that I feel is starting to become stronger and stronger. I am one of the lucky ones, though. I am young and survived a complicated surgery with minimal complications. I remind myself every day that if was either life as it is now or death. As in the movie "Trainspotting," I choose life.
I thank God every day for all the talented doctors I have met through this entire ordeal. Each one saved my life.
Update: 12 Apr 2004
I have been doing much better since I first wrote a few weeks ago. I was discharged from PT today, which makes me feel like I've really made some good progress. I am working 18 hours/week now too, which again makes me feel like I'm returning to my pre-surgery life. I know that I can beat this and things can only get better.
I've tried to maintain a positive attitude throughout this whole recovery period. Receiving so much positive feedback from this family has really gotten me out of my hole and has put me back onto a positive road to recovery. Thank you so much for all of the emails, they have really made a world of difference!!!!!
Update: 3 July 2004
I lost my job last week due to some "clerical" errors that my boss said is putting company business at risk So they offered me a different position as a receiving clerk with lower pay and 2nd shift working hours that I declined. So, now I'm unemployed and looking for a new job. It's SO frustrating because I had a great relationship with my boss pre-surgery and when I returned she avoided me like the plague.
Update: 14 December 2004
It has been quite a long year since last December 12th. I have been thinking about how far I've come, and yet how much further I still have to go. I have defeated my bout with depression, I think. Life hasn't been too rough, just different.
I am looking forward to making some kind of positive difference in this world. For starters, I'm having all of my family members donate to the brain aneurysm foundation instead of giving me Christmas gifts this year. I hope that will help someone somehow.
My marriage is still holding up, although it hasn't been great the past year. We definitely have some things to work through, but I thank God every day that Jaret is so wonderful and supportive. I don't know what I would do without him.
We took 19 of our friends out the past Sunday to celebrate the big day. It was such a great way to celebrate the passing of this first anniversary.
I suppose I've gotta go in for some tests and stuff. For sure an MRI anyway. I haven't heard anything from Dt. Spetzler since I came home from Arizona...I don't know if that's normal or what. If some could let me know about any post-op experience with him I'd appreciate it.
Well, I'm glad I've pulled through. I feel like the best is yet to come!!
Discussion, comments, or questions: Joanne Giesbrecht
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