AVM

I went back for an MRI/MRA this afternoon. It’s been determined that I have a condition called AVM — arteriovenous malformation. This is not a tumor, just some freaked out blood vessels that pump blood to and from the heart without feeding any surrounding tissues. They are basically having their own party up there, hogging all the blood. At this point, mine is 4 cm in diameter.

The main concern is that AVM’s can rupture, causing stroke-like symptoms. They also present in the form of headaches and seizures. So far, I have only experienced severe migraine-like headaches, nothing else. We are meeting with a neurologist tomorrow to determine course of treatment. Apparently this is a rare condition and there isn’t a lot of research on this.

For those of you who are wondering — I feel fine, no worse than normal, although normal has been an evasive term for the past three months or so. I feel a little more tired, a lot less energized, and a bit foggy-headed. My vision has returned to normal since I had my last severe headache during Thanksgiving week.

I am glad this is not a tumor. I am thankful for a wise doctor who insisted I get a CAT scan. I am amazed at the support from our families, co-workers, church family and friends. I have a peace about this and in my gut I know everything will be fine although getting there might take some time. We appreciate your prayers. A lot.