I had an fusiform aneurysm come on at age 43. I was lucky that a nurse took me seriously and had me scanned when my life-long headaches got worse. I went to a local surgeon whose explanation made no sense- my aneurysm could still burst. I got a 2nd opinion from Dr. Lawton and went with him. (Barrow Brain and Spine).
While the surgery was certainly rough, as soon as I came out I started testing myself and my memory…. am I the same person? I was, everything was working normally! Well, right after surgery at least. I think it must be the pain meds that destroy your memory because them my memory got really really bad for a few months. I had trouble reading at my normal pace. Recovery was extremely difficult. I was like a baby. No empathy- couldn’t do anything. Couldn’t take care of myself. I got back to work after a couple of months and an emergency at week 4 where I think my surgery “leaked” and it was officially diagnosed as a hemorragge. Barrow said it was left over blood from surgery but my local surgeon said it was a leak. I had the whole “brain clap”. Actually the brain clap is not worse than a migraine,- when they say “worst headache in your life” it’s basically the same as a migrain- but also you have to vomit and it made my neck muscles seize up. I literally screamed and ran to the toilet. But anyhow- after a couple of months started back at work. it’s now 8 years later. I work out really hard- I hike 14er mountains (slowly)- I live life completely normally. I permanently lost hair on the side of my head where they performed the CTA scans (3) - wish I had done some Rogaine! I can feel my plates- they feel like pimples and somettimes that is bothersome. But overall-we are extremely lucky to live in this day and age where they can save us. Thanks Dr. Lawton!!! ps- the surgical team at Barrow very awesome- the nurses were not very good.