S3E7: Brain Aneurysms and Women: Finding a Diagnosis and Symptom Relief

Making Headway

Summary

In this conversation, Tawnie, an aneurysm survivor, shares her experience of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. She discusses the symptoms she experienced leading up to her aneurysm rupture and the challenges she faced in getting proper medical attention. Tawnie emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and the need for better awareness and understanding of aneurysms. The conversation also touches on topics such as the impact of aneurysms on mental health, THC use, and medication management. Tawnie the Neuro Mermaid shares her experience of having a second brain surgery and how it differed from the first. She discusses advocating for her own treatment and choosing the same neurosurgeon for the second surgery. Tawnie also talks about the anxiety and emotional toll of going through multiple surgeries and the importance of self-care and listening to her body. She explains the concept of being a neuro mermaid and how it represents her neurodivergent identity. Tawnie emphasizes the need to rest and prioritize self-care in the recovery process. In this conversation, Tawnie the Neuro Mermaid and Eryn discuss the importance of self-care and managing symptoms after a brain injury. They talk about the need to prioritize rest, set boundaries, and listen to your body. They also touch on the use of THC for pain management and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches to treatment. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating life after a brain injury and the importance of finding what works best for each individual.

Keywords

aneurysm, misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, symptoms, medical attention, advocacy, awareness, mental health, THC use, medication management, brain surgery, advocacy, anxiety, emotional toll, self-care, neurodivergent, rest, brain injury, self-care, rest, boundaries, THC, pain management, anxiety, individualized treatment

Takeaways

Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment are common challenges for aneurysm survivors, highlighting the need for better awareness and understanding of aneurysms.

Advocating for oneself is crucial in getting proper medical attention and treatment.

Aneurysms can have a significant impact on mental health, and it is important to address emotional and psychological well-being during the recovery process.

The use of THC and medication management are topics that can be explored in relation to aneurysm recovery and symptom management. Advocating for your own treatment and choosing the right healthcare provider is crucial in the recovery process.

Going through multiple brain surgeries can cause anxiety and emotional stress, but it's important to prioritize self-care and listen to your body.

Being neurodivergent and having a brain injury can heighten emotions and anxiety.

Resting and taking care of yourself is essential for recovery, even if it means adjusting your daily routine and expectations. Prioritize rest and self-care to manage symptoms after a brain injury.

Set boundaries and listen to your body's needs.

Explore different treatment options, such as THC, for pain management and anxiety.

Find what works best for you and don't be afraid to advocate for your own health.

Sound Bites

"I was telling people that I felt like I was dying and something wasn't right. And people weren't listening to me."

"Women have such a high threshold, you know, we're built to have children. So yeah, it's supposed to be the worst pain ever, but I think in aneurysm might be worse."

"I was like, I'm in excruciating pain, yet no one can help me. And then when you're like, I mean, at one point, I begged them to put the shunt in."

"You have a higher purpose. Yeah, someone wants to hear."

"We're not messing around with this like half-done stuff like you're putting the stent in or you're putting a clip in like we're not dilly-dallying anymore"

"The only other time it was really off like this was after my brain aneurysm ruptured and after the brain surgery"

"I sometimes write it out. Like I'm like, you fed the dog and the cat and this and that. And so like sometimes actually writing everything I did."

"I find that, like you said, your eye crossing, like your body's gonna give you symptoms. So if you're noticing like a lot of your stroke symptoms are suddenly all back and you were fine the day before, you maybe need to reevaluate what's on your calendar. Are you doing too much? Is it time to slow down?"

"I now look at like, with the spoons, how many tasks did I actually do? Like, okay, well, it makes sense why you need a rest."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:45 Tawnie's Aneurysm Rupture and Misdiagnosis

06:17 The Challenges of Advocating for Proper Medical Attention

09:30 The Impact of Aneurysms on Mental Health

13:33 Exploring THC Use and Medication Management

16:25 The Long-Term Effects and Recovery Journey

18:59 Advocating for Your Treatment and Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider

25:13 Managing Anxiety and Emotional Stress in Multiple Brain Surgeries

32:46 The Neuro Mermaid: Embracing a Neurodivergent Identity

35:50 Prioritizing Rest and Self-Care in the Recovery Process

39:51 Prioritizing Self-Care and Rest

43:20 Exploring Alternative Treatment Options

49:04 The Benefits of THC for Pain Management and Anxiety

53:15 Finding What Works Best for You

Reach out to:

Tawnie’s website: http://tawnietheneuromermaid.com/

Tawnie on IG @tawniethenueromermaid

Eryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcast

Alison on IG @alison_maknigheadwayodcast

MHP on IG@makingheadwaypodcast

Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and resources

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