A Patient Story – Geralyn

In April of 2018, Geralyn fell and suffered a concussion. When she began experiencing migraines a year later, she knew there was reason for concern. At 62 years old, Geralyn is the oldest in her family to survive with aneurysms. She explained how her life was turned upside down when her mother died suddenly, at the age of 52, from an aneurysm. “Most of my family died in their 40’s from fatal aneurysms,” she said. “I felt like I was a ticking time bomb.”

In September, Geralyn was referred to Dr. Keith Woodward, neuro-interventional radiologist with Visa Radiology, for further evaluation. The migraines were not normal for her and she knew with added memory loss that there was a problem. Dr. Woodward discovered three aneurysms in her brain. He presented several treatment options to Geralyn, yet her decision to proceed was met with great anxiety and fear. “I was so worked up about the situation. My daughter encouraged me to take it one day at a time,” she shared.

With her daughter by her side, Geralyn underwent surgery to repair the aneurysms on October 31, 2019. After three hours, Dr. Woodward was able to fill the three aneurysms with platinum coiling, but in the process discovered she had a total of six. Afterwards, Geralyn felt great. “I felt like myself – and was not scared anymore,” she shared. Dr. Woodward will continue to monitor the remaining three sites over the next year to determine if additional surgery is needed.

Following the surgery, Geralyn told her daughter, “It was scary, but worth it!” The sense of relief that she overcame the condition that has taken so many of her loved ones gave her great peace. “When I saw Dr. Woodward for my follow up, I just broke down and cried,” said Geralyn. She continued, “You saved my life!”.

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