CGMH Radiologist Dr. Michael Carstensen (L) and David Barrett (R)
David Barrett is a charismatic, lively family man whose passion for skiing and golfing keeps him healthy, happy, and fit. When he started having a series of headaches that wouldn’t go away, he thought this was quite unusual, and brought it up with Dr. Richard Cornell, his family physician, who promptly ordered a CT scan to rule out anything concerning.
After the scan was interpreted early on a Sunday morning, CGMH Radiologist Dr. Michael Carstensen called David, inviting him back to the Radiology Department. David, nothing if not consistent in his love of the outdoors, being active, and spending time with friends, assured the doctor he would come to the hospital right after a hike with some friends
Dr. Carstensen however, insisted he come to the Emergency Department urgently for a CT angiogram to provide more thorough imaging of the blood vessels supplying David’s brain. This was when David realized that things were much more serious than he anticipated.
This second test confirmed what Dr. Carstensen had suspected on the first exam – David had a large aneurysm (an enlarged blood vessel with the potential for rupture), an incidental finding likely unrelated to his headaches. In fact, it was the largest intact aneurysm he had seen in this location.
Dr. Carstensen referred David to the CGMH Emergency Department immediately after the study was completed, where an urgent neurosurgery consultation was arranged. David was promptly seen at St. Mike’s Hospital in Toronto and a non-surgical interventional procedure to treat the aneurysm was performed two weeks later.
The two weeks between David’s diagnosis and his procedure were scary. But this was also a time David used for deep introspection and reflection. He reached out to loved ones, had heartfelt conversations with them, talked about hopes and fears, bringing them closer to each other. It felt like life was giving them an opportunity to say goodbye. During this period, David had the chance to think about all he had accomplished and the legacy he was leaving behind. He took this time to rethink his priorities and truly appreciate the people and experiences that really mattered to him.
When the wait was over and David had his procedure, he and his entire family were relieved to learn it was very successful. David was out of danger, with no major complications. He was grateful to be alive and to have received such excellent care. And those two weeks of connection and conversation with friends and family? Those will continue. Having that time to truly express his love and gratitude will forever be part of David and his family.
“I always felt like I was in such good hands. The emergency care at CGMH was really there when I needed it. It started with Dr. Cornell not dismissing my pain, to Dr. Carstensen taking the time to check up on me every step of the way, to the surgery being booked in a very timely manner. I am beyond grateful for all of those involved in my care.”
David Barett
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