- Fibromuscular dysplasia
- Interviews
Sara's interview
How did all start?
I am a healthy 41 year old and I had a stroke while on a run.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took a few months. One radiologist was kind enough to make a note on a CTA report that my arteries have the appearance of FMD. I then followed up on that finding and got referred a couple of times until I found a neurosurgeon familiar with the condition.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
My primary care physician is awesome and so is my neurosurgeon.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Online journals and information from the FMDSA.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
FMD is a rare condition. It's hard explaining it over and over.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family is wonderful and I knew my hubby was a keeper but now I am assured of this.
What things have you stopped doing?
Not much really. I am still very active.
What do you think about the future?
I will have many vascular procedures in my future but it's a small price to pay. I have no deficits from my strokes and I am very lucky.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The current years are the best.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
not a thing
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Luck comes to those who leave their options open.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Chase your diagnosis. Be your own advocate. Do not settle for- this is how it is now.
