- Carotid Artery Dissection
- Interviews
Ally's interview
How did all start?
Car accident. I was rear-ended.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
About a month after the accident, I was diagnosed.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Physical Therapy and CAD Stent Placement Surgery.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Running across the country to thank my doctors for saving my life.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Chronic pain and concern for stent failure.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family, friends and community have been very supportive and encouraging.
What things have you stopped doing?
I am not longer flying as a Commercial Pilot.
What do you think about the future?
I look forward to a wonderful life with my loving husband.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
The best years of my life have yet to come. I have enjoyed every year and every opportunity to take in the moment and live to the best of my ability. However, I have so much more to achieve.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I have had this condition for so long that, without this condition, I wouldn't have appreciated or enjoyed the little moments in life. I would have taken them for granted like I did before my injury.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
An unpredictable adventure!
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Never give up hope! Keep fighting! Look for the small successes! Don't be too hard on yourself. We don't get out of this life alive so be adventurous, spontaneous and above all LIVE while you still can!!! Put yourself and your dreams first! No one else is going to achieve them for you! -And if they did it for you.. it isn't the same feeling of accomplishment as if you took those steps towards achieving your dreams yourself! Face your fears and get out there!!! Don't give up on yourself! <- Too many other people are really good at not believing in you! Everyone has the hater club.. Ugh..Thank goodness those people are there to take all your negative thoughts so you can stay focused on the positive ones!!>
