Aneurysm Survivor Speaks Out to Raise Awareness

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — a 40 hour work week… A thing most people dread is something Mary Pat Baldauf is looking forward to. “I still see people and they’re like, ‘Oh, are you going back to work?’ and I’m like, ‘Yah, of course I’m going back to work,” says Baldauf. But just months ago Baldauf wasn’t sure if returning to work would be a possibility, after suffering an aneurysm. She says she doesn’t remember much, but the headache she experienced is something she’ll never forget. According to Baldauf, “It felt like lightening struck my head and went down my part line and these electrical impulses went down and then it was like really, something really cold going down my head.” Dr.Roham Moftakhar, Chief of Neurosurgery at Palmetto Health Richland, tells ABC Columbia this symptom is common among patients suffering from an aneurysm. Additionally he says that those who smoke or have high blood pressure are at higher risk, and emphasizes the importance of knowing family history. According to Moftakar,”If two siblings have had cerebral aneurysms then the brother sister children should get screened because they could be prone to having it.” Dr.Moftakar says that time is critical when dealing with such a deadly affliction. According to Moftakar,”When someone has a ruptured aneurysm half the people die right on the spot the other half who make it to the hospital are pretty devastated.” Baldauf says she’s blessed to not be part of the devastated category. After 3 weeks in a coma and months of rehab, she’s making big strides on her road to recovery, returning to her normal work schedule on Monday. Baldauf insists, “It makes you appreciate people a lot more you don’t take as many things for granted.” And one thing Baldauf says she won’t be taking for granted is her second chance at life.