hello
I just got diagnosed with MRA .I have 2 aneurysms close to each other both are 3mm and close tho that I have mild to moderate stenosis and I also have moderate to severe stenosis in the right cariotid artery . IM so scared of the situation . my doctor said that I have to do an angiogram and than see what to do about it but all this is new to me because I’m 34 and he said that it weired that I have that because of my age . please anyone experienced this situation or can help with any advice , I will appreciate that .
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Sabrine, remember to breathe! Do you know when you’ll have the angiogram? I’m not a doctor but I wonder if your stenosis is familial…I’m also guessing your doctor will use the artery with the mild stenosis. I once was told by a cardiologist that I had stenosis around my heart but with all the angiograms I have had, the neurosurgeon hasn’t found any, anywhere…hopefully the angiogram will give you more information.
Thanks for the reply . I’m having an appointment with the surgeon on tuesday to see my CD and report and I already spoke to another surgeon over the phone he told me that I need to do an angiogram to have better image of what’s going on . I’m even scared from the angiogram . I already have health anxiety and I can’t stop thinking about it .I can’t eat sleep or focus on anything .
Not being able to eat or sleep isn’t good. Your brain needs both. Try talking to your PCP about this maybe they can help. I give myself a set amount of time each day to acknowledge my various health issues and no more. I want to enjoy my life, not be ruled by my health.
I’m sorry I don’t know what “CD” is, my ignorance is showing …
The MRA CD so he could see it .
Now it makes sense to me, thank you!
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Hello. My name is Tim and I have somewhat the same issue. I have been diagnosed with a cerebral 3 mm aneurysm with severe stenosis. I dont know if you have headaches or vision involvement as I do, but for the aneurysm we are on a six month wait and check. It has been one year since diagnosis and with blood pressure control and dietary changes I am hopeful that my aneurysm has not changed and we continue with a one year check! I know how scary the diagnosis can be but you are always in control! Please insure your blood preasure is under control and dietary changes are appropriate! If you would like to contact me (personal email removed by moderator) just send a PM. Take care!
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May I ask how your stenosis was diagnosed? I supposedly had over 60% stenosis in my right carotid artery per a doppler a ultrasound, and was medicated for it for several years. It was even repeated at some point with some variation in the numbers. When my aneurysms were discovered and I had an angiogram, it revealed I did NOT have stenosis. Instead, I have tortuosity which can fool the doppler. Don’t fear an angiogram due to stenosis. After it, they will have a clearer picture of your health. Your angiogram will be invaluable both in revealing details of your aneurym and the condition of your arteries, which will allow them to plan the best path forward for you.
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It was in the MRA but the neurosurgeon told me it may be the Artiodactyla from the MRS . He is not sure if I have it but the aneurysm I have that for sure and one doctor recommend the watch every 6 months and another doctor recommended the stent surgery . I’m lost and scared .
I hope the angiogram provides greater clarity. Its so difficult to have two varying opinions. I had a watch and wait determination from one doctor. The other wanted an angiogram to better determine the size and see if a stent was necessary. I did a third consult and he was the tiebreaker.
I looked up the word and I think you mean something else. But thank you for teaching me a new word, any day I learn something is a good day!
It is artifact just miss type it
Thanks! I know that word well. I have lots of artifacts in my brain and my arteries are all tortuous (squiggly). My Neurosurgeon is a specialist with AVMs so it’s nothing for her to get the catheter where she needs it. When they did the last angiogram she had her fantastic Resident start it out in my radial artery. The Resident stopped because she said there was a 90 degree bend, I tried to encourage her to try but she opted to wait for my Neurosurgeon.
Artifacts are like a blurred area where the Radiologist can’t see exactly what they would like so they always err on the side of caution. The angiograms have always been clear.
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I just got out from the 3 rd doctor he was sure that I should just come back in a year for MRA . He said nothing to be concern about .
That sounds like very good news. Did you feel comfortable with his assessment?
You know I was comfortable but at the same time with my anxiety I know it is going to be hard . Every time I’ll have headache or anything I’ll start thinking about it . that’s what I’m afraid of.
I understand. I was actually somewhat relieved once things started moving and I didn’t have much of a choice. I’m not saying which direction you should take, but if you choose to watch and wait, I have one suggestion… my husband was with me when I saw the first doctor who said watch and wait, and of course he knew how stressed I was. He asked the Dr. if we could do the repeat MRA in 6 months the first time instead of waiting a full year. The Dr said yes and wrote it for 6 months. Perhaps you could call and ask for that too to help alleviate your anxiety while you adjust to your new reality? You won’t have to go a full year before they have another look.
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So how long did you wait since your diagnosis and what size was your aneurysm during that time ?
My situation was not the same as yours. Mine was larger and 2 out of 3 surgeons recommended further study and action. I was merely suggesting you may be able to get a repeat MRA sooner to alleviate your anxiety since the surgeon that told me to watch and wait was amenable to that.
Isn’t tortuous a horrible word to pick for this. The first time I read it I thought it said torturous. I didn’t doubt that a bit but noticed the difference when I reread the report.