Great Scott it’s a beautiful morning here in my neck of the woods! I have always loved to learn things people consider odd. Since I popped my pipe, it has become very important for me to learn and re-learn what I can. So a bit of odd to some trivia this morning before I start the welcomes…
Every American knows we just celebrated our Independence Day on the 4th but did you know that there are a lot of countries that celebrate their Independence Day this month? 24 in fact. Some call it by different names, Canada has Canada Day on the 1st of July, Somalia has Republic Day on the 1st, as does the Philippines, Kiribati has National Day on the 12th but that may be different as the site I’m looking at is in red. Belgium has National Day on the 21st, Egypt has Revolution Day on the 23rd. So from Algeria to Venezuela, I hope each country has a safe celebration day this month. For those of you who celebrate in a different month, always be safe!
Now to our newest members!
@Activan18 is in Singapore. Yap Hong had endovascular coiling for a ruptured brain aneurysm in May and stayed in hospital until 10 June 2025. Yap Hong was given a stent along with the coils after experience the thunderclap headache on 7 May, passed out after vomiting and when Yap Hong woke up was in ICU at the local hospital. Eventual transferred to another hospital for the procedure. Yap Hong shares that they were very weak for several days, experienced slurred speech and has trouble lifting themselves up to walk. We get the weakness that a rupture can cause along with the prolonged laying in bed with everything attached to you. We are here to help support you!
@Cath1 is in Ireland. Catherine had her aneurysm diagnosed about 7 years ago and has had numerous MRI’s. She had an angiogram recently and is waiting to be told the recommendation. Catherine has been married 37 years and has 5 daughters who live around the world! She and her husband love spending time with them. I hope you’re fortunate enough to go visit them, that would be exciting wouldn’t it? Different cultures, different food. Sorry for getting off topic, it’s one of my many issues. It’s hard to wait for the surgeon to decide what they’re going to do Catherine, please come talk to us by starting a new topic under the General tab!
@Mamamia is down in Louisiana and is having an MRI every six months. Mia shares that it started with IIH (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, yes I looked it up) and then the aneurysm on the right side. She has a shunt maybe to control the IIH and she has three kids! That’s a lot on your plate Mia, my gosh girl, we are here for you, come talk to us!
@Jenis168 is across the globe from in India! Jen is has an unruptured brain aneurysm and was put on the watch and wait list. So Jenis joins many, many members in that group. We understand the concerns and the what do I do now questions. A lot of what direction do I turn my life, left or right? They’re similarly different than those of us in the ruptured group who often times have to re learn their left from their right, a task that is apparently daunting to me these last several days.
@KelleyP is up in New York. Kelley is one of our most beloved type of members that we don’t give gratitude enough, she’s a caregiver of her best friend who resides in her home. Shelly was living with Kelley and her husband when she had the thunderclap headache and collapsed at Kelley’s husband’s feet. Immediately transported to the hospital and was treated for 2 ½ months. Shelly was able to return back and has been home for 2 ½ months. Kelley shares Shelly is doing really well! As an RN, Kelley has found the caregiving aspect came easily, the hard part is Shelley being her best friend. Kelley, as a professional helper you know the importance of having walls up and being respectful and kind but a different type of relationship than you have with friends, especially best friends. Usually, people in the helping professions can leave work, go home and unwind but for caregivers who come home to helping can be difficult. Please take time for yourself, take you and your husband out for a walk in the park and remind each other why you got married. Work talk isn’t allowed, caregiving talk either, just focus on the two of you. Ok lecture is over, welcome!
@Deborah is across the pond in the UK. Debbie is another of the wonderful people and is a caregiver for her husband. Her husband has a 3.5cm giant aneurysm and has had endovascular surgery to have a stent put in. She says they can’t remove it as it’s too dangerous and they have to be patient waiting for it to shrink. She shares he had the procedure 3 weeks ago and is getting worse. Debbie, again, I’m not waiting for you or Kelley to start a topic apparently. Please call or get on your husband’s portal and let the team know exactly what is worse as soon as you can. Be very specific when you tell them, so write things down as we all tend to forget when we are under stress. Ok another lecture over. Debbie wants to connect with others who have had giant aneurysms to hopefully find some light at the end of the tunnel. We are really good at finding positives, I do believe we can share our experiences with you, it’s what we do!
A couple of folks haven’t looked at their automated message so maybe it’s fine to their junk mail. Hopefully if they’re reading this, they can look. Have a great week y’all! The sun might be shining tomorrow, if not, punt and color or enjoy your hobby!