I am a 67 year old male and have a superficial to deep arteriovenous malformation of the left parietal lobe near the speech center. I've known something was wrong since high school. In college I played soccer and would lose sensation in my right arm and not be able to t
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[More]ell where it was. When I was finally given a diagnosis at age 26 I was told it was inoperable. Follow-up studies caused me to have seizures for which I was given phenobarbital to which dilantin was added. Next dilantin and tegretol. And then tegretol and depakote. Finally gabapentin. All during this I have had break through seizures but no one was willing to operate for which I am now grateful. I have had an active and fulfilling life. I still ride a bike. I'm a one day Seattle to Portland rider and try to do a century every month from March to October. The pills haven't been fun - especially when they go toxic - but after hearing the stories about surgery... You young folks are certainly a courageous bunch. My hat's off to you.
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