How do I begin? Where do I begin?
While riding to work with my husband and listening to you both on WMAL (as we do every morning) I told my husband I wanted to have the Virtual Physical that you just finished talking about. I had already given them a call and knew I wanted the total body scan, etc and how much it would cost. My theory was I was in good health and I wanted to know for sure I had a healthy heart and would dance at my grandchildren's wedding! They are only 5 and 7 now!!
My husband immediately said, "Do it." I called and scheduled the physical for January 29. My husband went with me.
I didn't let him go with me to discuss the findings with the Radiologist. I don't know why I didn't want him to hear my results. After all, I knew I was in great health!
Surprise, surprise. The Radiologist looked a little apprehensive but sat me down next to her and proceeded with the computer images of my physical beginning with the head. I am staring at her computer looking at a tumor at the back of my head as she continued talking-telling me something about what I was looking at-all along my mind is telling me-they must have someone else's results mixed up with mine. Why is she still talking?
Should I tell her this tumor isn't mine? She must be kidding. She asks me if I am all right. I smile and say I'm okay. She continues with the computer readings for the rest of my physical findings. In medical terms, a 6 x 3.5 cm cystic lesion (the size of a fist or an orange) is growing in the left posterior fossa with partial calcification of the wall and erosion of the adjacent skull.
I follow up a week later with my primary care physician who schedules more testing. Up to this point I have never had any symptoms whatsoever-of any kind. I continue with my life going to work everyday, walking and doing aerobic exercises at night. Sometime around the middle of February I have an episode of vision distortion and dizziness. I call my HMO and things start moving fairly fast now. I am referred to a neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Nguyen, in Fairfax. He orders surgery.
On March 13, I have a cerebral angiogram and on March 14-brain surgery.
Today is Monday, March 18. I am home now, recovering, alive and well. I keep asking myself "What if I hadn't had that Virtual Physical?"
I was symptom free-it could have gone on for many, many months.
I was lucky-yes! I was blessed-oh yes! Thank goodness I kept listening to your commercial and thinking maybe I should do that. Thank God I did.
Andy and Tim, my husband said I should tell you about my experience; maybe it will help someone who is undecided about having the Virtual Physical. It was painless, it was professional and believe me it was so very inexpensive. Do it-save you life!
Tim and Andy-this is a true story. If you choose to share it-I know you will protect my privacy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.