Beyond the Invisible: My Battle with an AVM Stroke at 35

I never imagined I’d have a stroke. At 35, I was active, driven, and full of life. I had no high blood pressure and no noticeable symptoms. Then, suddenly, I was struck by the worst headache of my life. It felt like a freight train hit me. Dizziness followed, then confusion, and finally, darkness engulfed me.

I had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)—a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain. This condition was something I was born with, and it had silently remained hidden until it ruptured and turned my world upside down.

The Day Everything Changed

That moment altered everything in my life. On January 1, 2021, I woke up in the ICU during a global pandemic. While COVID-19 ravaged outside, I was battling my own crisis. I faced the daunting tasks of learning how to talk and walk again. Each effort required immense strength, determination, and hope.

The Hidden Threat of AVMs

This kind of trauma often doesn't show on the outside. I appeared healthy, but strokes do not only affect the elderly. They can happen at any age, including during the prime of life. The risk of an AVM can remain undetected for years, with no symptoms until it's too late.

This experience felt surreal. One moment, I was enjoying life, and the next, I was in a hospital bed grappling with a new reality. The fear of the unknown loomed large, but by divine grace, I survived. I emerged grateful and determined, given a second chance to live with purpose.

The Road to Recovery

Recovery from a stroke is a winding road filled with ups and downs. I vividly recall my first steps with the help of a physical therapist. Each small victory felt monumental—a clear sign of my resilience.

The emotional challenges were just as significant. I confronted vulnerability and fear daily. I learned to embrace the journey, finding strength in my faith in Jesus Christ and the support of loved ones during those dark times.

Raising Awareness

I'm sharing my story to raise awareness about AVMs and strokes. While strokes affect nearly 795,000 people in the U.S. each year, the symptoms can be easily overlooked. If something feels off—a strange headache, sudden numbness, or confusion—please seek help immediately. It could save your life!

Understanding the signs of a stroke is crucial. The acronym FAST can help:

• Face drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call emergency services

  
  

By recognizing these symptoms quickly, you can make a significant impact. Reports show that timely intervention can reduce the long-term effects of a stroke by up to 30%.

Thoughts on Recovery

To every survivor: I see your fight. I understand your struggle. Healing is a slow process that requires patience and self-compassion. It’s not just about physical recovery; mental and emotional healing are just as vital.

For everyone else: Please educate yourself on the signs of a stroke. Health isn’t always obvious. The more we share knowledge, the better equipped we become to respond in emergencies.

Stay Connected on This Journey

Follow my journey at AVM-Stroke, where I share my recovery, healing, and faith. I invite you to reach out for mentorship. You are not alone; your voice matters, and you deserve to be supported!

A hospital room filled with medical equipment

My experience with an AVM stroke at 35 reshaped my perspective on life. It taught me the importance of awareness and resilience. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take their health seriously and to seek help when needed. Life is precious, and every moment counts.

Let’s continue to raise awareness and support one another in our journeys. Together, we can make a difference.