Braving the Unknown: Bridget Conrad's Journey of Strength and Resilience

by:

October 7, 2024

Bridget Conrad’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome fear and uncertainty. When faced with the daunting prospect of brain surgery, Bridget didn’t let the weight of the situation define her. Instead, she approached it with determination, thorough research, and the unwavering support of her loved ones. Her story is one of hope and empowerment, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating their own medical challenges. Through her experience, Bridget has not only transformed her outlook on life but also hopes to spread awareness and support others facing similar trials.

Can you describe the moment when you first learned about the need for brain surgery?

When my orthopedic doctor told me I had Chiari Malformation 1 with syrinomyelia, I was so grateful that mom my was with me at my appointment because I blacked out. I have been through three previous surgeries, but the thought of a doctor touching my brain terrified me.
How did you process the decision-making process regarding your surgery?

Since this surgery was not an emergency, I was able to take my time and to select the best doctor for me. I saw three doctors- two in my home state of Louisiana and one in Houston, Texas. I ended up having surgery in Houston because once I met Dr. Arthur Day, I knew that I wanted him to perform my surgery.
What role did your family and friends play in helping you through this challenging time?

I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation 1 in Nov. 2019 and had my surgery pushed back three times due to the pandemic. Coincindentally, my mom was living with me during this time and it was truly a blessing in disguise. I don't know how I would of coped during the time leading up to my surgery without my mom by my side. My friends were also super supportive. They served as an escape. Time spent with them felt like normal life.
How did you find the strength and courage to face such a significant medical procedure?

I kept telling myself that it was better to take care of this now, while I'm still relatively young, then suffer the consequences of the condition down the road. I am in good health, I am still young, and I have a world-class neurosurgeon on my side.
Can you share any specific coping strategies you used during your recovery?

The majority of my coping happened during peak times of Covid, so options were pretty limited. I enjoyed taking walks around my neighborhood, I got into meditation, and I love to binge a good show.
How has this experience shaped your outlook on life and personal resilience?

This experience truly changed who I am. It changed my demeanor, by confidence, and my overall presence. I do not let small things bother me nearly as much as I used to and I'm a more positive person. I feel like conquering brain surgery makes most of life's challenges seem pretty mundane. As for personal resilience, once you successfully go through brain surgery, you almost feel like you can conquer the world.
What advice would you give to others who are facing similar medical decisions or challenges?

I can't stress this enough- take care of your physical AND mental health. The two are so intertwined and it took going through brain surgery for me to truly realize that. Be kind to yourself, show yourself grace, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
How did you educate yourself about Chiari Malformation and your treatment options?

First. I went to one of my most trusted doctors, my chiropractor, and got his advice on what I should do and what doctors I should meet with. Also, I found a great Chiari Facebook group I joined. The members of the group were so helpful and make you feel like you are not alone in your journey. Word-of-mouth is so strong in the medical community.
What was the most surprising or impactful lesson you learned from this experience?

I was very surprised at how well my body physically recovered from this surgery- I was preparing for a very rough recovery. Staying in shape and taking care of yourself is so important because you never know what is going to happen. At 3.5 weeks post-op, I was able to go back to work part-time from home, then started back full-time a week later.
How do you manage your mental health and well-being after such a significant life event?

After I recovered physically from the surgery, I realized I still had some mental recovery to do and I started going to therapy. Best decision I've ever made. I feel like everyone should at least try therapy when they feel the time is right.
Can you discuss any misconceptions about Chiari Malformation that you encountered?

Chiari Malformation is a condition that does not have a lot of awareness. Additionally, it's something that is internal. If people can't see that something is wrong, they assume everything is fine. Like Chiari, there are plenty of "invisible conditions" that can cause chronic pain and discomfort. Having Chiari reminds me every day that no one really knows what other people are going through on a daily basis.
How has your journey with Chiari Malformation affected your perspective on life and health?

My journey has showed me how important it is to go to the gym and focus on stength training on a weekly basis, and it's shown me just how connected your mental and physical health really are.
What support systems or resources did you find most helpful during your recovery?

I set up a recovery schedule for myself. For instance, one day I would walk 10 minutes on the treadmill and if I was able to do that, then the next day I would up it to 12 minutes. This was a good way to get my stamina back. I also was very careful not to overdo anything- overdoing it can easily cause plenty of setbacks.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations for using your experience to help others?

I would love to find a mechanism to help spread awareness about Chiari. I was very lucky to have an experience with no complications and would love to help guide people down that same path.