My AVM

[Steve]

My stroke happened on August 24, 2001 when I was 35. I remember going to bed around 6:00 pm because I thought I was getting a migraine. (I had migraines before but the last one I had was 8 years from Aug. 24.) My husband went to my parent's house to pick up my daughters since they stayed there for 1 week. Then all of a sudden my head felt like it exploded and it hurt all over really bad. I didn't know what it was at the time.

John got home about 10 minutes later and I kept banging a trash can against the floor. He asked Stephanie and Lizzie if they knew what was making the sound and then he found me in the bathroom. He didn't know what was wrong either but I guess I looked bad because he decided to drive me to the hospital. At the time I still had complete control of my arms and legs.

We went to Central Montgomery Hospital and in about 1/2 I passed out from the pain. When they did an MRI they discovered an AVM. They told John that I might not make it and he was a wreck I'm told. I had to be flown to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

I don't remember too much about what happened in the hospital but I know they had a feeding tube and all kinds of stuff to keep me alive. When they took the feeding tube out and I moved to a step down unit, I told John that I really wanted a Coke and cheeseburger and fries from McDonalds. Well, there was a reason for not giving me liquids right away as I swallowed but I did it with my breathing tube! One thing I do know is that a Dr. who was a resident in intensive care told my parents, sisters and John that I would never get off the bed! Well, I proved him wrong!

After spending a month in the hospital I was sent to Magee Rehab for a month. I was really bad at the time because I couldn't talk right and I couldn't used my right side. Eventually the talking came back and I'm pretty happy with it now. My right side is somewhat better but I still limp and I can't really use my arm for most things.

After recuperating at home for a long time I went back to the same company where I was an Actuary before. I walk without a cane now but I have "drop foot" so I have to wear a leg brace.

The AVM burst so I shouldn't get anymore hemorrorages (spelling).

I'm happy now and I am closer to my family and God.

Lynn