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Thinking Back and Looking Forward

Last weekend was sure fun! So many people came and I think everyone had a good time. I really enjoy having friends and family over - it's makes our house a home. And the grandbabies... Drey is such a sweetie and Twyla's belly is getting so big - only a few more weeks and we'll get to meet our wee one! It's so exciting. Well, I think I'm ready - Judy, Judy, *whistle* oh there you are! I think you should go outside one more time. Come on Jude; don't want to go? Okay, well you'll have to wait for Bernie to get up then. Here's your treat. Purse, keys, jacket, alright, just shoes and I'm set to go. I'll just grab my runners, sit down and ......

..... I am retching and vomiting all over the floor ... why am I on the floor? What has happened? ... I need help ... I ... I just need to lay down ... NO! Stay awake ... get to the bedroom ... oh my god my head is going to explode ... I can't stop vomiting and crying and I can't get up these damn stairs ... oh the pain ... help help help ......

.... bright lights - I can't take them!!!!! SHUT THEM OFF!!!! ... quit poking me ... that hurts ... oh help my head ... what's wrong ... make it better ... help me ...

This was the start of the story that ended with my Mom's death three months later. I write for personal reasons but mostly because I am only 3 years away from her age when she died and I haven't exactly taken great care of myself in the past year. I am only about 40 lbs lighter than she was when she died and I have a lot of her characteristics, including a tendency to easily break blood vessels. There is a likelihood that aneurysms are hereditary, however there are other factors that lend themselves to aneurysms as well, many of which I have ... and need to change. Here are some links: One Two Three Four

Common Questions

What causes cerebral aneurysms?
Cerebral aneurysms were once thought to be a congenital (from birth) abnormality. While this may be true in some cases, studies have shown that aneurysms can be caused by a number of factors. Very often, aneurysms develop from a weakening in the structural layer of an artery which allows the growth of an aneurysm. High blood pressure (hypertension) and atherosclerosis (lipid buildup in the artery wall) can promote aneurysm growth and rupture. Certain infections in the blood can cause a special kind of aneurysm called a mycotic aneurysm. Although we have an understanding of some of the factors which cause aneurysms, it is usually not possible to determine a single cause for a given patient's aneurysm.


Can someone have more than one aneurysm?
About 20% of patients with cerebral aneurysms have more than one aneurysm. Patients can have other aneurysms near or far from the original, often at a similar location on the opposite side of the head ("mirror" aneurysm). The decision whether and when to treat multiple aneurysms are based on many factors and are individualized for each patient.


Are cerebral aneurysms hereditary?
There have been several studies demonstrating that some cerebral aneurysms (perhaps 10%) can have a genetic component. Although the nature of hereditary aneurysms is not fully understood, several centers (including the Department of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University) are actively studying this area. Cerebral aneurysm patients who have current or past relatives with known or suspected cerebral aneurysms are encouraged to contact us.


Here's something disputing the above: How Do You Get an Aneurysm? Are They Hereditary? Should Family Members be Tested?Aneurysms are usually the result of abnormal blood flow patterns within an artery. As the blood pulsates against an area of the vessel wall, the wall begins to bulge outwards. This process usually takes years, and aneurysms in children are extremely rare. High blood pressure can contribute to the formation of some aneurysms. Diseases which weaken arterial walls are uncommon causes of aneurysms. The majority of aneurysms, however, are isolated problems. They are not due to any disease, they are not hereditary and family members are not at increased risk.

So, what to do? I have recently had a physical but a CT or MRI to get the noggin checked would be good too. Getting all of me healthy would be the best thing. I'm accomplishing better mental health - I've relieved a lot of stress with my job change, my home life is much more settled and relaxed, I have consistently taken my medication - all is pretty good. This past week has been one of procrastination yet also deep thought about why and when I eat, as well as hungry and full. I've eaten things throughout the week when I'm bored, lonely, craving, sad, happy, sweet things, sour things, rich things and fast food things. I followed hungry and full about 1/4 of the time, which is 1/4 more than I did last week and so I am counting that as a success. I hope to get the elliptical upstairs tomorrow, so that will be a very good thing. I'd like to commit to 30 minutes of television/exercise four times a week. Now I have said that before and I haven't followed through; so what will make this time different? Absolutely nothing except my choice to either do it or not do it. My choice, my decision, my life. Do I want to continue to spend my money on crap that pads my body, or do I want to move a little more and pay attention to my body's wants and needs, and become more healthy? The choice is obvious. But that doesn't mean I will choose it or will maintain that choice. Tonight, I'm not doing anything more than not overeating. Tomorrow is a new day.

Toodles for now.

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