AVM

Tuesday December 11, 2007 | 5 comments

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.

{ Speak Your Mind }

  1. 1Dec 12 • Kristi

    Came from Godbit, Olga. I’m praying for you so much!
  2. 2Dec 12 • Jessica Harper

    Lord your are our protector and healer. We thank you for the life of Olga and pray you protect her at this very moment. Jesus thank you for your love.

    Olga, please keep me posted. Aaron Mansfield is also wanting an update through this process. You are missed and loved by many here. We are praying for you.
    Jessie Harper
  3. 3Dec 12 • Olga Smith

    Thank you Kristi and Jess.
  4. 4Dec 13 • Deborah

    A Godbit member who visited your site this past spring, and was sad to read the news Nathan posted earlier this week.

    I am glad to hear you are feeling better and your vision has returned to a more normal condition. Just the news about it not being a tumor is much to celebrate. My prayers and thoughts go out to you.
  5. 5Jan 15 • Chris McLeod

    Hi Olga, came here from Nathans site.

    In 2005, I was taken to hospital after the undiagnosed AVM in my head ruptured, which later lead to a stroke.

    Thankfully, after some emergency surgery, doctors were able to stop the bleeding, and remove the AVM in question.

    With a bit of rehab, I was back on my feet and able to get to church on time to get married, just 2 months later.

    I am now fully recovered, with only a scar to show for it. I did experience epilepsy-like seizures for a while, but these have either stopped, or are under control.

    I’m wishing you all the best. Although my experience wasn’t the greatest, what happened to me is extremely rare. I am only the 3rd recorded person in Scotland to have ever had this happen to them. I do not believe anything like this will happen to you, and you will come out of this experience with a happy ending.

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