Renewed Enthusiasm and Vigor after Brain Surgery
George Baumgarn, 73, is a man of many talents. A retired graphic designer, George enjoys painting with acrylics, gourmet cooking, playing golf, and the list goes on. But in the years leading up to 2008, George’s list of favorites grew shorter for reasons beyond his control.
“I thought I was slowly fading away,” he recalls. Cooking was hampered by George’s inability to recall where he stored the spices. Painting with acrylics became frustrating because he could no longer figure out how to achieve certain color blends. And at times he could not remember how to start his golf cart.
George was stumped. Was this a sign of normal aging? Could it be Alzheimer’s disease?
Neurosurgeon Douglas “Kit” Fox, MD, diagnosed George with a benign brain tumor called a meningioma. As the tumor grew, its pressure on the area increased, causing symptoms related to cognition and memory.
“Dr. Fox said that the tumor needed to be surgically removed,” George says, “but this scared me. I had esophagus surgery a few years before and at that time I had told myself that I would never have surgery again.”
But after talking with Dr. Fox and discussing the matter with his wife, George agreed to undergo the procedure. The decision changed his life.
In a few weeks after the surgery, George returned to pursuing his favorite activities. If he is not in the kitchen preparing his signature spaghetti and meatballs or delicately spiced lamb chops, he may be found swinging his clubs on the golf course or saying Buenos Dias in a Spanish class. He and his wife are excitedly planning a trip abroad.
“Dr. Fox not only saved my life; he gave me a new life,” George says. “I feel better than I have felt in years. It is unbelievable.”
