The Nurse Author Nike

When we talk about brain aneurysms, we often focus on what happened.
The rupture.
The surgery.
The coma.
The recovery.

But there is another important part of the story:
How old were you when it happened?
Your age gives context to your story.
Were you a teenager or young adult?
Were you raising young children?
Building your career?
Caring for aging parents?
Preparing for retirement?
Or enjoying a completely different chapter of life?

An aneurysm does not ask whether you are “too young” or “too old.”

And that is one reason sharing our stories matters.
Age can also provide important medical context. A person's age at diagnosis or rupture is one piece of information doctors consider alongside family history, other risk factors, the characteristics of the aneurysm, and overall health.
But beyond the medical information, your age tells part of YOUR story.

Because surviving an aneurysm at 25 can look very different from surviving one at 55.
Not necessarily better.
Not necessarily worse.
Just different.

So this Sunday, let's talk about it. 💙
👇 ANEURYSM SUNDAY QUESTION #2:
How old were you when your aneurysm was found or diagnosed?
If your aneurysm ruptured, you can also tell us how old you were when it ruptured.
And if you feel comfortable, tell us what season of life you were in when it happened.
Your story matters. Your age is part of that story.

The more survivor stories we hear, the more we realize that no two aneurysm journeys are exactly alike.

Here’s what I’ve learned from reading your stories so far:
Some people noticed something.
Some felt completely fine.
Some experienced symptoms they never connected to an aneurysm.
And some had no warning at all....

So what will we learn from tomorrow’s responses? 👀
I’m genuinely curious.

Keep in mind that your story could help another person recognize something they might otherwise overlook.
💙 Your story matters.
💙 Your experience matters.
💙 Your voice could help someone else.

See you tomorrow. Come ready to share.

Did you know? An estimated 6 million people in the U.S.—about 1 in 50—are living with an unruptured brain aneurysm.

Don't miss this crucial 60-minute virtual conversation! Join Michelle Houston and Nurse Nike to learn about brain aneurysm warning signs, prevention, and real stories from sisters in our community.

In anticipation of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month this September, let's learn, share, and build awareness together before trekkers hit the pavement on September 4th in the DMV. All are welcome!

🗓 Date: Thursday, August 27th

⏰ Time: 8:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM CST / 6:00 PM MST / 5:00 PM PST

📍 Location: Virtual

🔗 RSVP: https://girltrek.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F53937

Tag a sister and save your spot today!

The Thoughts Behind the Aneurysm Sunday Series

When I started thinking about the Aneurysm Sunday Series, creating awareness was one of my goals. I wanted survivors to have a place where they could share their experiences, educate others, and remind someone who may be going through recovery that they are not alone.

But there is another reason for this series that may not be immediately obvious.

I also want this series to support the mental health of aneurysm survivors.

Some survivors do not like talking about what happened. Some dread the anniversary of the day they nearly lost their lives. Some avoid thinking about it altogether because remembering can bring back fear, sadness, anger, or painful memories.

I understand that.

For years, July 22 was difficult for me.

July 22, 2022 was the day my aneurysm ruptured. For years afterward, that date brought back flashbacks and difficult emotions. I would remember what happened and everything that followed.

But this year, I decided to change the narrative.

Instead of allowing July 22 to remain only the day I almost died, I decided that it would also be the day I celebrate the fact that I survived.

The day did not change but my meaning attached to the day changed.

As a Registered Nurse who has worked in a mental health facility for about 11 years, I have learned that healing is not always about forgetting what happened. Sometimes, healing involves gradually facing what happened, processing it, finding meaning in it, and eventually realizing that the experience no longer has the same power over you.

That does not mean everyone needs to tell their story publicly.

It does not mean survivors should force themselves to revisit painful memories before they are ready.

And it certainly does not mean that sharing your story is a substitute for professional mental health support when you need it.

But for some people, telling their story in a safe and supportive environment can be a meaningful part of processing their experience.

That is one of the reasons I created Aneurysm Sunday.

Every Sunday, I am giving survivors an opportunity to share a small piece of their story.

Maybe it is the symptom they experienced.

Maybe it is the moment they realized something was seriously wrong.

Maybe it is something they remember from the hospital.

Maybe it is the hardest part of recovery.

Maybe it is something nobody warned them about.

Maybe it is something they are proud of overcoming.

Or maybe it is simply:

"I survived."

I also hope this series will help us:

• Learn from one another's experiences
• Recognize symptoms and warning signs
• Understand that recovery does not look the same for everyone
• Give survivors a voice
• Reduce the isolation that can come with an invisible brain injury
• Help families and caregivers better understand what survivors experience
• Normalize conversations about the emotional side of aneurysm recovery
• Celebrate milestones that may seem small to other people but are huge to survivors
• Replace shame or silence with connection and understanding
• Create a record of real survivor experiences that may educate someone else

Most importantly, I want this to be a place where survivors do not have to pretend that everything is okay just because they survived.

Survival is only part of the story.

There is also the fear.

The grief.

The confusion.

The changes.

The identity shift.

The recovery.

The victories.

And eventually, for many of us, the discovery that life after an aneurysm can still hold meaning, purpose, joy, and hope.

This is Aneurysm Sunday.
One question. One story. One survivor at a time.

ANEURYSM STORY SUNDAY
Every Sunday, I want to create a space where we can share one part of our aneurysm journey.

You don't have to tell your entire story. Each week, I'll ask one question, and you can share your experience in the comments.

One Sunday, the question might be:
"Did you have any symptoms before your aneurysm?"

Another Sunday, it might be:
"How long did it take before you returned to work?"

We may talk about diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, recovery, returning to work, relationships, mental health, fears, things we wish we had known, and the lessons we learned along the way.

Whether you are an aneurysm survivor, caregiver, family member, or someone who has lost a loved one, your experience matters.

Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. There is no right or wrong answer.

Your story could help someone who is still trying to understand what they are going through.
So every Sunday, let's come together, share, listen, learn, and remind one another:
You are not alone. 🫠

Welcome to Aneurysm Story Sunday.
One question. One experience. One story at a time.

Not every vascular problem comes with warning signs. Some common aneurysm and vascular health myths can lead to a false sense of security.

Know the facts. Protect your vascular health.

Check the comments for more myth debunks. 👇

Follow me for more evidence-based tips on aneurysm awareness, vascular health, mental health, and resilience.

Your Health Cannot Be Outsourced

Doctors can diagnose disease, treat infections, manage blood pressure, repair damaged blood vessels, and help you survive emergencies.

But doctors cannot live your life for you.

Your health is built in the ordinary things you do every day...
How you sleep.
What you eat.
How much you move.
How you manage stress.
Whether you pay attention to the warning signs your body gives you.

Don't wait until your body is screaming before we start listening.

Medications should not become an excuse to ignore the rest of your health.

You cannot take a pill and expect it to replace sleep, movement, nutritious food, stress management, healthy relationships...

Your doctor can give you tools.
Your nurse can educate you.
Your healthcare team can guide you.
But you still have to participate in your health.

Do not wait for your body to force you to pay attention.
Start upstream.
Start making better choices consistently, long before the emergency happens.
Your health is not something you outsource.
It is something you build.