Update: I have decreased my head pain, and increased my energy! I recently turned 53 (or am I newborn w/o AVM :)?), and started back at gym. I am now up to 2 miles on treadmill. I started slowly but am improving...thank the lord. I urge other post surgery patients to not rush...let your body get as much rest it needs. Slowly add new to do things in your days. Families need to not push patients to do more until they are ready to ... always support your AVM family member!!
On another note, I too have lost alot of hair. I wondered why and just read another blog about radiation from embolization that contributes to hair lost. I much appreciate how much I learn from others on this site.
As always, my thoughts and best wishes are here for my AVM families.
Take care,
Marie
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On 9/28, my AVM was embolized. I was in pain later in evening; a CT scan was taken. The brain was swelling, and the interventional radiologist staff contacted my neurosurgeon. Around midnight, Dr. Martin called my husband to inform him that surgery was moving up to 1am! I was in surgery for 7 hours. I was in ICU for about 5 days. I was on antibiotics, and my right lung was in pneumonia. After 11 days in hospital, I was discharged from UCLA on 10/08.
There is so much I do not recall because I was on medication and sleeping so much! I am recovering at home, and have little energy. I have also lost most of my hair! My head continues to feel numb where the incision is. At this time, I feel sad (for lack of energy and not feeling normal) yet relieved my AVM is gone. I think about everyone and wish the best for all.
For those who reside in SoCal, I do recommend Neil Martin in UCLA. He has an AVM Program.
