- Arteriovenous Malformation AVM
- Interviews
Paul 77's interview
How did all start?
In 2015 I suddenly had the worst headache of my life accompanied by double vision, auras, and the loss of my right field peripheral vision. I was told it was a migraine initially but a CT scan showed something in my brain and the follow up MRI showed it was an occipital lobe AVM.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
No prior issues but got answers within a few days of being in hospital
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Vascular neurosurgeon
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Facebook support group call ACT
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Aphasia, loss of peripheral vision, memory issues, bad headaches, relationship issues.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Fallen out with family and a girlfriend dumped me
What things have you stopped doing?
I will never be able to drive but over than that, I do everything
What do you think about the future?
Optimistic about the future
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
2009-2012 I did a degree in English Literature
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Have a family
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Growth
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Be kind to yourself, be patient, and talk to people. Go out, have fun and try to find other warriors
