Hi everyone, I have been reading past posts, but couldn’t find information about the following. Has anyone decided NOT to do the 6 month follow up angiogram, if so why? If you did have your angiogram, were there any complications? Unfortunately my surgeon is leaving the practice and so I went to seen a neurointerventional radiologist who has me on the schedule for an angiogram in August. I am nervous to say the least. I’m just not sure what to think about this upcoming procedure and this new doctor.
While I am also not keen to have my six months angio in August, I need to know if the coils have obliterated the aneurysm or compacted. I think you need to know this as well and you cannot know without the angio. You really need information from your doctors to make an informed decision. Find out your surgeon’s compaction re-do rate. My doctor’s is much lower than 1/3, but even though his percentage is much lower I am afraid to simply hope I am in the group that doesn’t need repeat surgery. But at least knowing this info is a good starting point. Please get information about the new doctor. Ask if he/she has had serious complications with angios in the past.The first questions I asked the asst. were about this. Hopefully, the answer you receive will reassure you.
Many folks here have had multiple angios with no issues, while it is reassuring we cannot extrapolate that all will be fine unless we are seeing the same skillful doctor.
Thanks Campanile. This is why I like this forum. There are things I haven’t even thought about, but have learned here. I was debating whether to make another appointment befor my preop on August 5th just to ask these questions. Although I feel kind of silly doing so because I should have ask everything I needed during my first visit with her. What do you think?
No question is silly if you get peace of mind, after all you did have brain surgery! A phone call may suffice-you may not need an office visit.
I noticed that you chose “obliterated” as the status of your aneurysm in your profile. Were you told this? I will not know if my aneurysm was obliterated until the angio.
Hi campanile that’s a good idea, maybe I can just talk to her in the phone . Regarding my profile, . I choose obliterated because the other choice did not seem to apply to me. Maybe I need to change that. LOL. All I know is that I had coiling and 2 stents put in.
Yes, there are only two options “active” and “obliterated.” I chose the former and will keep it until the doctor tells me otherwise.Sigh! Let’s pray that we both get the big “O” designation in August.
Sky. The doc we share is good about telephone contact for questions or via her nurse, I want to talk with her about my September angio and see if there are other options. Sending you all the best for health and peace of mind ellie
Hi sky. I have had a few angios, and will have another in Dec. I guess that's the only way to find out what's going on and all is good. Considering what we have been through its not so bad. Had no complications, all went well. All the best. Mark
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My followup was at 3 months instead of 6 months, but I looked forward to mine. For some reason, I did experience pain at one point, but the doctor immediately had them medicate me and I did not suffer any more pain. Everything was fine except for that - there were no complications afterward. My followups now are MRAs. My surgeon left the practice also after my 2nd year followup, but I am seeing the neurosurgeon that took his place (not real fond of him, so if I need further treatment, I may have to go out of my area to find a new doctor).
I wouldn't hesitate to have another angio if an anomaly is detected at some point.
Sherri
Mark, I have MRAs every year. I haven't had an angio since my 3 month follow up after surgery going on to almost 5 years now. I have had 2 different neurosurgeons that prefer MRA to monitor rather than angios, especially since I have to be monitored every year. I would not want to have an angio every year because of the amount of radiation - I have had a lot of tests over the years with radiation exposure. I do agree with you that angios are not so bad - but MRAs are non-invasive.
Sherri
mark de koning said:
Hi sky. I have had a few angios, and will have another in Dec. I guess that's the only way to find out what's going on and all is good. Considering what we have been through its not so bad. Had no complications, all went well. All the best. Mark
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