23 May 2013 we have new members!

Good Morning y’all! Boy living in our new place is exciting to say the least and a bit frustrating as we are still unpacking. I’ve decided I don’t like cardboard boxes much. The dogs still do as they think every box is for them lol. In the last week, we’ve seen a full complete, probably black snake skin that’s about 8’ foot long and a nice healthy probably Eastern King snake though my cousin thinks Eastern Rat snake. All three will kill copperheads so I’m excited to have them in the yard. Best of all, we have a gravel drive down to the shop! Woo Hoo, no more mud all over the vehicles!

Besides being excited about everything at the new place, I’m excited to welcome our newest members! Let’s start off with

@smugsy up in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Jennifer has had a CTA and a MRI in which a small suspected aneurysm was detected and she’s trying to cope and accept. We can help with that, just start a new topic or reply to one that’s active. Jennifer also is the keeper of many cats and has a beautiful 20 year old daughter, isn’t that great!

@sldowney05 is also in Pennsylvania (PA for those that live in that beautiful State btw, I’ve never heard anyone from PA say Pennsylvania and I have a lot of family up there). Shannon had an incidental find in March of a 4mm aneurysm after 12 hours in the ER for dizziness and right arm weakness. The doctor diagnosed her with vertigo and degenerative cervical discs which was causing the weakness. The doctor also that she would be on the watch and wait for the aneurysm but suggested she follow up with a neurosurgeon, which she did. The MRA detected the aneurysm whilst the CRA did not during her ER visit. Sounds like that ER doctor was really good for her to get both in one day, good for her!

She met with a neurosurgeon who did the angiogram, determined that a flow diversion was the best option due to location and shape. She had the endovascular surgery the first day of May!

Shannon wants to educate herself so she can educate others. She says she doesn’t check any of the boxes for aneurysms so believes it may be familial. They don’t really know what causes aneurysms so that’s as good a guess as any. She has four boys, been married 20 years and wants to be educated when her family is tested. All we can say is good for you! It’s a lot to learn and you’ll read conflicting studies, stay within the last two or three years as the area of knowledge is always improving.

@awat919 is in New Jersey and had a double brain aneurysm in August 2022. Aretha has been a higher education administrator for over 20 years -that’s dedication to her field!

@Seek1ngAnswers is up in New Brunswick Canada with a beautiful profile picture that reminds me of the Grand Canyon or maybe New Mexico as I’ve never been to Canada. JJ just had a CT for a lump on her neck that had been followed with ultrasounds. She moved to a new province and her new PCP ordered a CT. The good news is that it’s probably calcium growth due to the osteoarthritis which is going to stay on the watch and wait regime. Other side of the coin - received a finding of at least 2 aneurysms a 5mm and a 3mm and will need to follow up with the PCP and get in to see a specialist.

JJ does have familial history as a sister died in 2011 of a giant brain aneurysm having multiple surgeries. JJ is really frightened and we can understand why. Please talk to us and we may be able to help - just hit the blue circle with the white “+” sign and start a topic, it’s that easy!

@RossCottage is up in Massachusetts and was diagnosed with a 15 mm cavernous carotid aneurysm just a few days ago. Laurie is retired and as she says “trying to stay that way”! I’m guessing her next step is a trip to a neurosurgeon. You’ve got some pretty good ones up there, that’s for sure!

We have one person down in Texas who has done everything but needs to check their junk or spam folder for the automated reply and respond to it. Please remember to do that so we can admit you!

I’ve got some quotes to end this weeks welcomes:

Eleanor Roosevelt said “When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.”

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” -Helen Keller

“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day” - Dalai Lama

and one of my favorites-

“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.” - Joe Girard