@rwinney thank you for your comments. @jimhd I admire your tenacity and motivation. Each of us have choices to make with how we live our lives and how much we can tolerate. Through our experiences, we do what is best for us. I have always been tough when making my decisions especially when dealing with my health. I firmly believe I have survived my ruptured AVM because of that. While I was in intensive care at the hospital doctors told my family they did not think I was going to make it. My hard work before had paid off when I awoke from my coma. I knew doctors did not know much in general before, but this incident confirmed my beliefs. Since I got no answers I decided to research and learn through trial and error for myself. I saw friends who took medications their doctors recommended. After years of taking some of those medications I saw the negative impact on their health. We also see ads on TV from lawyers who sue companies for illnesses caused by their medications. I am not saying to not take the medications but to simply do your research to see if the benefits outweigh the risks. I am an advocate for my 90 year old mother who lives independently. I taught her to communicate online with me since we do not live closely. Luckily she listens to me and avoids hospital stays. I communicate with all her doctors and tell them what is best for her. I advise her what to eat to control her diabetes and cholesterol without medications. So far her blood lab results are well within range. She only takes prescription medications to control her thyroid and hypertension. As @rwinney mentioned sometimes we may have to endure pain but that is ok for me because I do not want to deal with any health problems down the road. When I was released from the ICU I was given a prescription for a pain killer to ease my headaches. I chose not to get the medication but instead to use ice. It has been a great help. I also questioned the need for a medication given to me while at the hospital to prevent seizures. My doctor agreed with me and weaned me off the drug since I had no seizure activity. I have remained seizure free ever since then(4 years now) and without drugs. If I had never questioned my doctor I would not have gone off the medication. I feel doctors won’t mention medical options unless the patient has medical knowledge. Knowledge is power. I feel each day provides a new challenge on tackling our health issues depending on what we can tolerate. Best wishes to all in finding the right solution.