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From: "Gustavo Rodriguez" olafo60@hotmail.com
Sent: November 14, 2003
My name is Gustavo Rodriguez. I am Colombian. Presently, I live near
San Francisco, CA.s just normal, after the operation.... they did not
even cut all my hair!
The first time I had an epileptic seizure was four years
ago. I am presently 33 years old. After several studies and exams I was informed
that I have a cavernous angioma and it is located in the left frontal lobe.
After leaving the hospital, I wanted to resume my normal life. I was a bus
chauffer. Things were progressing smoothly. I was on a daily regime of four
tablets of 200 mg Carbamazepine.
After a few months, I had another epileptic seizure which
resulted in another hospital stay. The doctors made their confirmation and they
told me I could no longer drive. This meant a radical change of lifestyle. First
of all, I could no longer continue my profession. Secondly, my family labeled me
an “epileptic.”
During this time, I attempted several jobs. But in
Colombia, if you are more than 30 years old, you might as well change country
(than change jobs) because you are too old to work. That is why I decided to
move to the US and did so at the end of 2001. I found an agency that helps those
of low income and they have supplied me with my medication that controls my
seizures. However, it is incredible how much life can change. When one thinks
that all is well, one is faced with difficult challenges and this is one of
them.
UPDATE: August 12, 2004
Six years ago, my life completely changed due to the
discovery of a cavernous angioma. I was a bus chauffeur and my family searched
for a means by which to control my epileptic attacks which were becoming
unbearable. We began with primary doctors, then neurologists and a whole range
of referrals to those who might be able to save me.
After several years and an epileptic seizure (grand mal)
the Hospital San Ignacio reported that I had a cavernous angioma or a venous
malformation, which caused the epileptic seizures. After this diagnosis, a
friend in the medical profession advised us that it would be best to come to the
United States to consider surgery since in Colombia surgery was not considered
due to the risks. After two years of taking carbamazepine 1600 mg daily, I was
fortunate to be able to travel to San Francisco, CA. I was able to participate
in a program through Martinez County, which helped me obtain my medication. Here
began extensive treatment and thousands of studies to find out, with certainty,
what the problem was and how to resolve it. Unfortunately, the neurologist had
the same response as did the Colombian neurologist.
My best option, then, was to go to University of
California San Francisco's epileptic clinic. They decided to review my case. Dr.
Heidi Kursh was the first person to tell me that there was a possibility of
surgery and that they could perform it. After more studies, Dr. Nicolas Barbaro,
chief of neurosurgery at UCSF, demonstrated the procedure that I would undergo.
He told me to make my decision and a surgery was scheduled. After four hours of
surgery and one week of recuperation, I can say that things are clearer now and
I can say that I have been reborn. My wife and family suffered many difficult
times but I am here to tell my story and to give greetings and regards to the
persons who cared for me at UCSF and Hospital of Martinez County. And, of
course, many thanks to my family. I now lead a normal life, with my job. And,
even though it will take some time, I know that I will attain the dream I've had
since I left my country of Colombia. Life has given me another
opportunity…thanks to all the persons who were at my side when I most needed
them. Gustavo Rodriguez Walnut Creek, CA Gustavo
Gustavo Rodriguez
Bay Area, CA
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