I have read a few posts here on ruptured aneurysms, how it happened, what it felt like and the various reactions to it. A friend also passed away from a ruptured aneurysm weeks ago when she felt a really bad headache and didn't go to the ER immediately. I am completely amazed at how some thought it was just something that "will pass", that it was nothing and they'll feel better after a nap, a shower, a mild pain killer, etc. If I did not undergo what I underwent with my aneurysm, and I suddenly had a great big headache, I will react exactly the same way. I wouldn't think "maybe I have an aneuryrsm that burst". Would any of you (who never even knew what an aneurysm is all about) react differently?
This has made me realize another great benefit I have from having had an aneurysm treated (ruptured or not). This made me become more aware of and more knowledgeable about aneurysms, the symptoms of a bleed and what to do and I pass this awareness on to family, friends or anyone who cares to listen to me - that if they are having the "worst headache of their life", DO NOT BRUSH IT OFF. Go to the ER and have it checked. What happened to me and you all here will benefit your family and friends - they have the benefit of hindsight, of aneurysm awareness. A super bad headache will no longer be a simple headache that will go away as usual. A trip to the ER, even if they find nothing wrong, is never wasted.
Thanks for listening to me.
Cris Paco
8.5 mm unruptured aneurysm discovered by accident
treated with PED Jan 11, 2011