I am a 67 year old female that was diagnosed with a avm about 15 years ago ----- I was having severe headaches and when they did an MRI and Cat scan they discovered it at the base of my brain on left side. I have been taking nortryptyline ever since then for headaches.
My question is ------ can certain activities or exercises worsen the condition? We are in Florida for the winter and I started an aerobics class while here. I also attend Curves which I have done for over 10 years with no problem.
I have had a headache for almost a week now, numbness and weakness in my left arm and sensitivity to light and sound. I have tried over the counter medications and nothing seems to help.
I feel a little better in the a.m. and get worse as the day progresses. We will be leaving for Minnesota in about 2 weeks.
I don't know if I should see a physician here in Florida or just "wait and see" ----
I would like your input as to what activities I should be avoiding with this condition.
HI! I was adviced for my doctor…not to do lift weights…Only run, not to go back to school…I will said if you still having headaches…To see your doctor…MY headaches they go away with tylenol…Good luck and take care…God bless.
You didn’t say what if any treatment you received for your AVM.
If it’s been 15 yrs since having it checked, I would recommend going back and seeing how it’s changed, if any, and more importantly, how much medical advancements have changed, since being diagnosed.
When Chari’s AVM showed up about '91, she was told ‘go home, live life the best you can, cuz we can’t treat your AVM, it’s too big.’ Fast forward to '98: ‘AVM is gone!’ Two radiations, several embolizations, and finally microsurgery.
You are too young not to get it fixed if possible. Best Wishes,
Ron, KS
The neurologist said I was probably born with this and there was no treatment ---- it was in area of the base of the brain that could not be operated on — said to treat headaches with medication and no heavy lifting/and or straining.
I usually can “knock” the headaches out with medication but this one seems to “hang on” ----
I have seen a chiropractor in the past for arthritis in my lower neck and shoulder and he told me to avoid doing: any lifting above my head, weight lifting and do only exercises with slow easy movements – so I’m thinking the aerobics might be too strenuous for me.
Helen
Ron, KS said:
Hi and welcome,
You didn’t say what if any treatment you received for your AVM.
If it’s been 15 yrs since having it checked, I would recommend going back and seeing how it’s changed, if any, and more importantly, how much medical advancements have changed, since being diagnosed.
When Chari’s AVM showed up about '91, she was told ‘go home, live life the best you can, cuz we can’t treat your AVM, it’s too big.’ Fast forward to '98: ‘AVM is gone!’ Two radiations, several embolizations, and finally microsurgery.
You are too young not to get it fixed if possible. Best Wishes, Ron, KS
Helen
I whole heartly agree with Ron ! I’d have a second opinion. Today ! I don’t know where in Fl you are but theres a Mayo in Jacksonvill and I’m sure you know about the one in Rochester, Mn
I was also advised by my doctor to avoid any straining such as weight lifting. Dr said running was ok and of course everyone tells me I should walk instead. I’ve always been an avid runner but have struggled with getting back to my running routine. I don’t seem to have the energy. But i continue to try even though I don’t feel strong enough. I’ve gained about 60 pds since I stoped running. Anyone else expirenced weight gain. A fellow AVM survivor experienced the same thing and he thought it had to do with the bleeding affecting the part of the brain that affects your appetite.
Hi, I also live in MN and have had great experiences at the Mayo Clinic. I’ve been a patient there my whole life because of a hearing problem and so I’ve always had a patient number. So that’s the only problem for you if you wanted to get another opinion. Referrals are usually pretty easy to get when you ask your doctor with confidence and a certain amount of aggressiveness. The doctors at the Mayo work well together and there is a Dr. Polock (not sure of spelling) that specializes in AVMs specifically. I have an appointment with him for the beginning of May.
I don’t know about any activities I should avoid but am curious about which ones I probably should. I’m 18, 19 in March, and I was told that the risk of anything happening is 105 minus your age. So mine is roughly 85%. Your’s, going by that formula, is around 35% now. I am fairly active and in good health so this has been hard for me to take in some ways. I’m still trying to process it all.
I’m sorry I haven’t been able to help much with what activities not to partake in, but I truly hope that you get some results.
Rachel Allgor
Hastings, MN