Ha, so much for the new approach. You see how that worked out. I went even longer than the last time without a post... However, this time I have something to write about. If for no other reason but to get the thoughts out of my head.

On June 25 2009, I got news about Michael Jackson's demise just like many of you. I took that news rather hard because I grew up to Michael Jackson and his brothers in the Jackson 5. Now usually given a few years I would struggle to remember that date. However this date I am sure to remember because not only did Micheal die, but it was the day that I found out that I had a brain AVM which had bled.

What is an AVM? That is the very same question I asked the doctor. He informed me that an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) is a cluster of capillaries that is not properly formed. AVMs are congenital and can be found in all parts of the body. Mine, as I said was on my brain.

I was at home when my AVM bled. If felt in instantly. First I heard a small pop sound in my head then I had such a headache like you would not believe. That coupled with my vision going blurry, losing my balance and perspiring perfusely told me that something was wrong. So what did I do? I drove myself to the hospital. A vertigo and aneurysm diagnosis later I was laying in the emergency room at St. Joseph's hospital crying and thinking this sucks. You see, some number of years ago an aneurysm claimed my oldest brothers life. I followed in a lot of his footsteps, but not this one.

After I was transferred to one of the leading neuro surgical hospitals in the country, University of Maryland Medical Center a young resident correctly diagnosed my problem as an AVM not an aneurysm. A few angiograms, CT scans, MRIs, a crown screwed to my head and 25 minutes of radiation, I still can't be sure if this thing is under control. I have to wait four months for a follow up visit with my neurosurgeon to know if the problem is going away.

In the mean time, I just have to wait. With every little ache of my head I am sure that my pressure rises out of concern for what it could mean. I am not one to pray, but I am thinking positive thoughts that will create an environment in which I Will Survivve (Gloria Gaynor).

PS. I hope this all fits no problem...