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In the blink of an eye, in the prime of my life, I was not ready to face this moment. Why Me?

When I was diagnosed I just knew, that my hair was going and they would have to do Brain surgery. I wasn’t worried about my hair AT ALL. What was going to happen to me?

 (Wow, can you believe an Ent visit led to the founding of my BA ? I went to him for my vocal cords, ordered the mri /mra to check nerve problem. I was  shocked when he told me that I needed to see Neuro-physician, stated possible Brain Aneurysm.

Amazing, what can happen to you when you go for one problem and receive news that you have another problem. I actually thought and laughed  today that this Dr. had me mixed up with someone else. Looking at me , you would never know , I had a what??  Possible BA 

 Left here went by the Habersham house to see my Mother-in-Law, knowing she has Alzheimer’s, bless her heart and others with this. At least I could practice telling her, before I got home.

Anything I would tell her she would forget. She always is able to laugh at life. (Told my self ) "Well, Linda you still have a real life, great memory that is working." I was a very fortunate person right now. How blessed after visiting all these residents.

 The night before my Dr' appt., received a call, my friend's Mother was admitted into Memorial Hospital possible a  fracture to hip, this is a lady in her 80's . Told my friend that I was going to see her after my Dr's appt. How would I know after this Physician visit today was going to get this diagnosis.

Well, I made it to her room, she thinks she taught me in school but, really she didn't,  I love her  and the good thing is she states  "I was the best and  greatest student ". 

I loved this, why would I change this. Good in school, get real,  I was a clown and talked continuously..trust me. If my Mother & Father were only here to hear this...lol..

Then, I stepped out in the hallway, due to tears started running down my face. As, I was in the hallway( crying now) a nurse came up to me, and said "ma'am, are you ok?"  I stated to her, "I was just diagosed with a Brain A. today and it has just hit me I think." She became  an angel for me at this time. God bless her, I hope I can find her to let her know how much this meant to me. She is my caring Angel 

I just didn't want to go home and tell my family, I still beleived that they were going to find this is a misdiagnosis. Me with BA, ---hel-lo I thought I didn't have a brain.

I just knew when I told all my friends, they were going to laugh at me, thinking what is she up to now?? I was always joking with them about my brain..you know my nick name  is Diz 

                        "Laughter is a part of healing"

Well, I made it home and I told my girlfriend down the street, well she rushed to the house. I told her that Christmas is here, I just don't want to ruin my family Christmas. she stated, "Linda,  you've got to tell them".

 Knowing that my husband is VERY SUPPORTIVE, my best friend, loving and most of all I am very blessed. I just didn't want this on him right now. It was Christmas soon.

 My daughter was going to be the biggest problem, she just can't handle when I am sick . So, I knew it was very important to bring Dr. John Northup into this, he could handle her , (he has known her since birth) and plus he would advise me what to do. He is my genius Angel . 

 Finally, the time had come to tell husband. I did alot of thinking, if I kept it from him this would probably hurt him more. We have a bond of trust and love in our marriage, we have become one. 

 I finally told him, he stated," we can make it through this, I love you."  We made a few phone calls, but not my daughter yet. We both knew this was not the time we would talk with John Northup first.

 We put in a call to Dr. Northup, and  a min later he returned my call. Explained to him, what we were facing, and he was silent on the phone. "Linda don't worry", we will meet in the morning at Candler, page him when we arrived. Well, he knew I was so worried about my daughter hearing this. As, he knows my love for her. I will take all the pain, don't make my daughter suffer. All moms are like this, yes!!

  We then called daughter (Amy) and told her that I possibly might have a Brain Aneursym, but Dr. Northup wanted to meet with us and go over this in am . This was not a good call. We told her that it might not be one. Well, I knew how much she loved Dr. Northup with him looking at this she would feel alot better. I knew he could handle her when we met.

 Well, she got to the house the next morning, of course face full of tears and she stated she cried all the way to our house. She is my heart, this is why I  have to be strong for my her . Moms are suppose to be strong for their children. 

 We left to meet Northup at the hospital, yes, she cried all the way to hospital. When we arrived, we met with him (Northup)  he took my family under his wing and they had smiles on their faces. He made my day. Amy was laughing, and joking with him, this was so great for me this day. We finally made it down to radiology, Northup and Amy stopping and visiting everyone, but she was laughing, this made me so happy.  I don't care if it would  have taken us 3 hours to get there, I was enjoying seeing this smile on her face. He was the savior Angel today.

 Finally, we made it to  Radiology, the treatment and care we received today with these radiologists was unforgetable. They explained everything they were seeing.  Then a decision was made to see Neurosurgeon. Amy, seemed very comfortable  and felt so secure with Northup on our team. She didn't even look at me she looked straight at Dr. Northup and the Radiologists said "I want the very best for my mom." radiologists mentioned a  physician name, that he was specially trained Neurosurgeon in "Brain Aneursyms". His name was Dr. Howington.  

 Well, I thought all neurosurgeons can look at this, why is he so special ? Just the thought of  this, was how in the heck are they going to get to the Ba?

  So, an appointment was set to see Dr. Jay Howington, that name sounded pretty good but how good is he??? My appointment with him was on Dec 11th, 2006.

 Today,Dec.11.2006  

  When HE came in my room, him. I was more scared of him then what was going to happen, thinking he was going to say I can't do anything for you. Well, he was a very nice looking, pleasant and YOUNG.

  He explained what he had to do, like I remember any of this (Hubby does )  but anyway I was more concern with him and  you know how steady his hands were??? Trust me . I don't know why this stuck with me?

  I even asked him "put your hands out in front for me" of course with a laugh.."he did,  they were shaking", Oh, my gosh, Well, at least he is a joker, this is a plus...

 All I know, Angiogram needed to be done of the Brain. Oh, someone is going to look in MY BRAIN, my gosh that is scarey. 

 December 13th 2006 for a Angiogram was performed, it was confirmed that I did have a Brain Anuersym at the Basilar tip Artery. Was unable to fix it at this time, stayed over nite and was put on medication to get ready for surgery called Endovascular Embolization .

 Did you know "I felt a danger to society" driving. I didn't drive another day after this diagosis. I felt really like this was the right thing to do. Prevention is what I thought. What if, I was driving and it ruptured, who would be my other victims. I just couldn't do this. I guess being a mom and grandmother, your always thinking what if it was your children out there on the road. We teach them to drive safe, but you never know who else is out there behind that wheel NOT SAFE.

 Being that my Daughter and 2 grandsons showed up today, December16^th,2006 was somewhat a blessing and always excited about seeing my 2 grandsons Kyle 11 and Colby 5 when they come over, but with what happened today.

  I was sad that she (daughter) had to see this, but to my understanding (boys) were sent away and didn't know what happen. As, I don’t recall anything accept that I went into the bathroom and somehow didn’t return. 

My daughter was working in the den, and husband was across way working in Living room, she stated "I heard thump, and husband heard thump both thought it was coming from each other, till husband came in and said "where's your mom" I think she went to bathroom, he then came to bathroom door and said "Linda are you in there" there was no answer from me so he opened door, and guess what, I fell out. 

 My daughter and husband were devastated as they are not used to medical emergencies. They called 911 and when the Ambulance arrived I was unconscious was taken to St.Josephs Hospital ER.

My family explained to them that I was diagnosed with a Brain Aneurysm December 12, 2006 and had Angiogram procedure December 13th to see if BA could be fixed. Dr.'s  couldn’t fix the BA at this time, I needed to be placed on medication (plavix) before the surgery.

 Help, they kept me in the hospital and planned to do the surgery on December 18,th 2006.

          Endovascular Embolization or Coiling was scheduled for today

 I was ready for this, mainly to get this over. The surgery was approximately 3 hours was in recovery then ICU Neurology unit, don't remember anything accept seeing lights and heard noise....then nothing. I know what they tell me, is all. I don't remember Christmas this years 2006 and said I was confused for Janurary and February, but who are they to know...lol, I am like this always....lol.

 Was, I scared ? No, but was very concerned, there are risks and complications with any surgery. I honestly felt the hands of my Father over me and , knew I was going to be safe and blessed. I had the greatest confidence today in my Physcian, Dr. Howington.

 Why did this happen to me? I am a true believer that “things happen for a reason” you have to now accept it and go on.

 I had my family behind me and of course many friends that kept their prayers going for me. I was in a wonderful hospital, with great staff that made you feel comfortable and at home.

 Most of all I had my Angel looking over me....Dr. Jay Howington Neurosurgeon, with great and positive actitude. My family just loved him, he explained and showed them everything.

When I asked questions, he would say don't worry, with laughs and that special look in his face, this really needs to be shown in a picture or video. " I am going to surprise him one day."

 I was so lucky and blessed to receive his help, and his staff was so great. Let me give some praise to his secretary Lori, she really took care of me with appointments and any information that related to him "she did in a minute of time".

This is so important in any physician's office is "relationship with patients", getting information to Dr. and back from Dr. and this is very important to me. This staff and office has it together.

 Months gone and now it is my 6 months "Brain check" I call it. (Angiogram) but was having some pains in back of head so he decided to do a CT scan, everything looked good. Since having this, they decided to delay the Angiogram. It probably was telling me “yes, Linda you still have a brain and it is working harder now”.

 (May 2006 Angiogram) Return Brain check  is scheduled to.  Here we go again, what fun it is to return knowing you had a BA and right now it is being taking care of with this Platinum coils and stents in there. Is this not amazing !

Wow, my brain is expensive now, how many people get this? How lucky and blessed I am. Everything looked great "very good report". Stayed overnight and was released next morning. 

 My next Brain Check is scheduled January 14, 2008^{th 8:30am} at St.Joseph’s Hospital Savannah Ga. 

 Everyone ,St.Josephs/Candler and Dr. Jay Howington and    St.Josephs/Candler Foundation, Thanks so much.

 I am a “Peers” volunteer, I volunteer for the “Stroke Foundation”, what a “great life I am having now. You, see things happen for a reason.

Now my biggest goal, is to make awareness of Brain Aneursyms, Brainograms, set up screenings.

 You and everyone can find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. My favorite song is “Over the Rainbow” Remember that rainbows are God's covenant with man. He will never leave nor forsake us - never.

A Survivor, Yes are you a survivor? Maybe you’re a friend or family member then get involve and support ba help. We need you, I need you. Most of all supporting this we can and will make Awareness, Education and hopefully prevent ruptures.

 If you are reading this and you have suffered an aneurysm, it is not the end of the story. You can write your own ending - a happy ending! Never give up. Pray continually and ask God for guidance. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God be with you all always.

My next Brain Check is scheduled January 14, 2008^{th 8:30am} at St.Joseph’s Hospital Savannah Ga.  I keep you updated !!!

I had a wonderful Christmas 2007, everyone !!! I remember this one.

 Peace, love and hope to you all. Never give up hope - it is a true gift from God.

Being Thankful is the road to Surviving

Strength to you all,

Linda Inglett

December 2007