- Aortic aneurysm
- Interviews
Kim's interview
How did all start?
Family history. I presented with symptoms in August 2015 at local ER. After 10 month misdiagnosis it was discovered in ED at different hospital.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took 10 months after initial hospital visit. I was misdiagnosed as having acid reflux and anxiety. ItKno was found at 6.6cm. I was admitted with surgery 6 days later
What have been your biggest difficulties?
PTSD from a long misdiagnosis. Over 100 doctors wrote me off as going insane. I felt tjat I was dying and not one doctor heard me for 10 months. Once discovered, it all happened so fast from admittance to hopsital to surgery that my mind was overwhelmed and I was in shock. I now suffer from anxiety and fear that every pain that I have will be misdiagnosed.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Husband ledt me 6 months post op. Family was supportive for the first few weeks poat op and while I was in the hospital waiting for surgery.
Since then, they have grown tired of me and want me to "get over it"
very distant now
What things have you stopped doing?
I have no restrictions
What do you think about the future?
I hope the graft will last and that I don't develop any other aneurysms. I have a small outouching in the branch at the arch.. they tell me its not an aneurysm but probably where my surgeon reinforced the suture line
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Not worry or have PTSD
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Very strange
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Get knowledge and be your own advocate. Push and push harder. If something feels wrong or off inside your body, listen to you.
You are all you got
