Many of you know me as Dana Dzurko, but today, I want to share a different side of myself – a brain aneurysm survivor.
On April 9th 2024, my life took an unexpected turn. I experienced a sudden "worst headache of my life" accompanied by rapid breathing and blackness in my vision. It felt as if someone hit me with a bat and an electrical charge shot through my brain. I experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm. A weakness in my interior carotid artery ruptured causing life-threatening bleeding.
Thankfully, I received prompt medical attention and underwent a procedure where the doctors put coils in the ruptured blood vessel to stop the bleeding and aid in healing. Months later, doctors performed a follow-up procedure, placing additional coils and a stent to promote the aneurysm's permanent closure. While the recovery hasn't been easy, I'm fortunate to be here, sharing my story with you today.
The prompt medical attention is vital for survival. We knew this and the signs because my cousin, Lisa, died of a brain aneurysm in 2015.
Why Awareness Matters
Brain aneurysms can strike anyone, at any age. Often, there are no warning signs, but knowing the symptoms and risk factors can make a critical difference.
Here are some things to be aware of:
Symptoms: Sudden, worst headache of your life, blurred vision, drooping eyelid, weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, difficulty speaking, seizure, or loss of consciousness.
Risk Factors: High blood pressure, family history, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
These are only guidelines as some, like myself, had no risk factors.
If you experience any of these symptoms, I urge you to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, as it did for me.
A Message of Hope
Recovery is an ongoing journey, but I'm grateful for each day. Sharing my story is my way of giving back and raising awareness about this condition. Although I work through the challenges of sensory overload and neurofatigue. I am grateful to be alive. By working together, we can help others recognize the signs, seek timely treatment, and ultimately save lives. Scans can identify unruptured aneurysms. Talk to your doctor about this.
I was back to working in my sketch book in four days. This would not have been possible, if we didn't act immediately. I am so grateful for the quick action of my husband, the doctors, nurses and all the medical staff.
The sketches and prints are available for purchase, with proceeds to help brain aneurysm research and prevention. Click here or see below.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Together, let's make a difference.
Sincerely,
Dana
Feel free to share this webpage with your network to help spread awareness about brain aneurysms.
Beyond Awareness - Taking Action
In addition to raising awareness, below are some valuable resources that can provide more information and support:
Available Prints
I am thrilled to share these prints with you! They were created using a thoughtful gift of sketchbooks, watercolor pens, and other art supplies (Thanks Deb & Chip). Just four days after my ruptured brain aneurysm, while still in the hospital, I began creating. Knowing that I had survived and could still express myself through art was a true blessing. I sought to capture the vibrancy of the colors I was experiencing. The process of creating became a form of therapy, helping to distract me from pain. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these works with you. If anything catches your eye, click to buy.
Thanks and wishing you a great day!
Dana
