Linda
I just read your posting and had to write to you. I hope that she has already had the surgery, but if not, please consider my advice. I strongly recommend surgery. I'm 29 and had 2 collapses last year, 4 months apart and gladly agreed to the procedure. As you may have noticed, this problem is recurring and usually stops after surgery. If she's afraid, tell her the following: Ask for the morphine button for the first 2 days after surgery. Keep on the nurses' butts for percoset every 4 hours, in fact request it a little early because you can definitely tell when it's wearing off (as long as you have your medication, honestly, it's not that bad). This surgery is over 90% effective so she probably won't have to deal with it again. My cat scan nurse had 4 collapses at age 17 and was fine after the surgery - she's now in her 30's. Remind her of the fact that she's lucky to be alive - not everyone can say as much. I now owe 4 times my salary because I don't have insurance and I have no idea how I'm going to pay for this - but when it comes down to it, nothing's more important than your health. This is an incredibe life experience for her - something to face up to and rise above. It will give her strength in the future. Plus you get a lot of flowers, love and some cool scars! Best of luck. I hope that I have helped. Please let me know how things turn out. Linda