Michele's Story

Hey Everyone! As you know, the whole point of More Than Skin Deep is to give AVM survivors a chance to tell our own stories.So...I am so honored to be present the first in a series of Q&A's with AVM surivivors! Check back for more to come!!!

1) Describe the type of AVM you have? What was the first sign?

I have a brain AVM in the right temporal lobe which I didn't even know I had until one year ago February 10, 2011. I had no idea what an AVM was until my fateful night. The one and only sign I got was when my AVM ruptured, without any kind of warning.

2) How did you eventually come to receive treatment?

February 10, 2011 was like any other normal day for me at 46 years young. However, little did I realize that this would be a day that would change my life forever. I went about my normal routine of work and the gym. After leaving the gym, I came home and was going about my normal routine at home and all of a sudden... WHAM. I felt a pain in my head and knew that something was seriously wrong. I called my sister and then 911. When I got to the local hospital, all I remember was I was continuously saying "PLEASE HELP ME"! The doctors did a CT scan, and it became evident that I was in the midst of a massive brain hemorrhage and was med-flighted to Boston Medical Center. I woke about about three days later not knowing where I was or what had just happened. It was then that I started learning about AVMs.

3) Who are/were your main doctors, where were you treated and how was the care?

I was initially treated by Dr. Alex Norbash at Boston Medical Center who saved my life and performed an emergency embolization to stop the bleeding which ultimately saved my life. I spent the rest of February at Boston Medical Center and the care was exceptional during my stay. I was scheduled for brain surgery on Feb 23rd, however, as part of the pre-op process, the angiogram showed that the embolization that was done on an emergency basis treated 85% of the AVM. The surgery was cancelled as there was only a very small residual pieces of the AVM remaining. I was discharged from the hospital on March 1st after surviving a massive brain hemorrhage as a result of my AVM rupture with not one deficit other than intense fear. Now, I consider myself truly blessed! I went through CyberKnife treatment back in June of 2011 to remove the residual pieces of my AVM. After learning that my neurosurgeon left Boston Medical Center, I was so very lucky to find Dr. Christoper Ogilvy at Massachusetts General Hosptial and am now under his care until my AVM is obliterated.

4) How is your health now?

While I am still waiting for my AVM-FREE report, my health is just as it was prior to learning of my AVM back in Feb, 2011 (which is very good!).

5) How has having an AVM changed your life?

Having been thru this near-death experience, I am truly grateful for ALL that life has to offer! While this AVM was a terrifying experience, this has also brought so many blessings into my life which would not have surfaced if it was not for this AVM experience.

6) What has been your biggest challenge in the battle with AVM?

Dealing with the initial fear and anxiety has been the biggest challenge in my battle with my AVM. However, I know that I am in the BEST hands possible!

7) What do you think a documentary about those surviving AVM can achieve?

It will raise awareness and help our medical professionals receive the funding they require to continue to advance early detection and treatment of AVMs. In addition, this will also raise awareness for the families of a loved-one who have to battle through the effects of an AVM.

8 ) What are your hopes for the future of AVM research?

Early detection and continued advancements in treating AVMs which will accelerate the treatment process to become AVM-FREE.

9) What has been the biggest lesson you've learned throughout your journey thus far?

Never take life for granted and live lovingly and happily. Another lesson is that my priorities have certainly changed so much. I no longer strive to make more money, have a bigger house, better car, etc. Life is about creating and sharing memories with loved-ones and helping others when needed.