Friday, February 24, 2012

Update from recovery

Yesterday, at 8am I had my embolization. The procedure was successful in that there were no complications, however, it was unsuccessful in that they were only able to seal up some of my AVM. They knocked it down but they didnt knock it out, it did shrink near my brain stem. I am in ICU recovering now. My side effects are dizziness and headaches. The doctors and nurses told me I am recovering well! So, thats good!! Meanwhile, they took out my IVs and I am sitting up on my own now. The doctors thought I could leave the ICU this afternoon but since I am dizzy and off-balance, they are moving me to a unit called step-down. Its basically a less intense ICU. Visiting is more lax there, so thats good. After 1 night there I will be reassessed and then either leave tomorow night or Sunday. So what's going to be with me? My doctor wants to give me a couple of months for my condition to stabilize and then we will discuss how to close off the rest. Thank you all for your support!! Thank you to everyone who donated towards TAAF to raise awareness and help find a diagnostic tool for early detection. I especially want to thank my sister Amy for all of her help in raising money for the cause!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Together, we can raise AVM awareness!!

AVMs are very rare, 1% of the population has an AVM somewhere in their body. 
By the age of 20, only about .1% has NOT bled-- that means that 99.9% of people with AVMs will hemorrhage by the age of 20! Every year, the odds of bleeding go up 3-4%.
Since my diagnosis I have discovered a fantastic website, www.TAAFonline.org . TAAF stands for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation.
This organization is researching AVMs and aneurysms in order to find early detection, before they hemorrhage. This foundation also organizes an annual awareness walk.
I am currently selling these bracelets all proceeds will be donated to TAAF. (on one side they say: "RAISE AVM AWARENESS", the other side: "WWW.TAAFONLINE.ORG"-- band is black; font is teal.)
I am accepting any donations for TAAF, but for a donation of 5 dollars, or more, you will receive a bracelet.
Please contact me if you are interested in making a donation.
Thank you all for your support!