My husband was diagnosed with a 6 mm unruptured basilar tip aneurysm 15 years ago, when we were 27 years old. This was 9 months after his mom died of a subarachnoid hemmorage. His paternal grandma also died from one. We have followed his with annual MRIs/CTs and there has been no change, no symptoms. But now his docs are encouraging us to consider surgery; they think he is at high risk because of its location and the strong family history. Plus he is now almost 43. Clipping or coiling wont work for him, they are recommending 'wrapping' it or the bypass. Not sure yet what we will do. Would like to hear from others with similar stories... has anyone had the 'wrap'? I guess it's not done much these days. Or the bypass treatment?
We plan on getting a 2nd opinion (actually, this would be the 3rd opinion I guess) but WHERE to go...? I want him to go see the BEST, someone VERY experienced. Have heard that Barrows clinic in AZ is good, and maybe the Univ of Washington in Seattle. Where is the #1 place for aneurysm repair in the US...? Is there such a thing?
Sounds so unique...I have been so recommending two books on the BAF website...
Brain Aneurysms and Vascular Malformations by Eric Nussbaum, MD...(Part 1 on aneurysms...69 pages)
The Brain Aneurysm by Vini Khurana, MD, PhD and Robert Spetzler, MD, FACS...
Please read at least one of those...before making your decisions...I put them in my preference order...because of the ease of reading...at least for me...
I regret it took me so long to find/read...to help me understand...even tho they were on this BAF main website...I did not look for / see them...
Prayers for best...and definitely for your additional opinions...read first to add to your questions back to the former opinions...or to any new opinions...
We have a number of women w/basilar annies...who to my knowledge (sooo limited)...have not been offered alternatives to the minimally invasive coiling...
If you want to look in Seattle I would go see Dr. Laligam Sekhar. He performed my clipping just over 4 weeks ago. He is world renowned. I also met with Dr. David Newell at Swedish Hospital. He has been named a "Top Doc" in the state. While I thought they were both excellent doctors, I "clicked" with Dr. Sekhar on a personal level. I felt comfortable with him and felt like he saw me as Terri and not just another aneurysm.
I have never heard of "wrapping", so I cannot be of help there. The "bypass" that I have heard of is cerebral bypass. After looking at my angiogram, Dr. Sekhar *thought* that bypass might be needed based on the size, shape and placement of my aneurysm. He based his approach on this possibility so that he would have a head on view. I wound up with 3 clips, but luckily the blood flow was not restricted and I did not need a bypass.
If you want me to go into more detail about my surgery or my experiences with these doctors, please let me know.
he is in Miami, very established in his field. I live in Orlando Fl and there were no doctors local that could operate on me, I feel so blessed that he was the Doctor who saved my life. God bless you and guide you in your search.
Read your note to me...and I am back to life ( I do not work outside of the house )...but physically I have had my share of problems since my Brain aneurysm...part for me, is learning "my new normal" and acceptance.
There is some residual from my coiling...and will no in a year more...on my basilar artery tip aneurysm...and I have another annie behind my eye they are watching...
I so wish I could help you with the #1 place...but I don't know...
Sending you and hubs some positive thoughts and prayers...keep us posted on the 3rd opinion ~ Colleen
Terri...you said this so well...I am yet smiling...
Terri and Scarlett and any/all...
The "wrapping" is in Chapter 3 Page 42 of Brain Aneurysms and Vascular Malformations by Dr. Nussbaum... under Special Surgical Techniques... and under Glossary Page 133...
I will promote / promote this book and the other one... I pray for their sequels...and, will provide my choice of data for those sequels...will share later on...
Ohhh, I am so pleased (w/myself!!!...whooopeee) I could offer direction of info on "wrapping"...
Seems like we need to set up a Group site of our personally selected dictionary w/the ref source...
(w/no place for questions on the Group site)...just the available verbiage / reference source...
And...oh my gosh...in the BAF "understanding" to Glossary...it also lists wrapping...wow...after learning the BAF listed the books...I am even learning more...
Prayers for best decisions, highly skilled resources, and results...
Thanks for sharing your info. Sorry for my late reply, we were in Europe for the last month for work & vacation.
So... we have an appt for my husband with Dr Sekhar in Seattle on Aug 15th! I did some research (as did my sister, she's a pediatric RN in Seattle...) and his name kept coming up as the very best in our area. We live in Portland, 3 hours away, but have family in Seattle, so if we like him we will probably go with him. First up is the angiogram on Aug 5th, here in Portland.
I'm nervous for what Dr Sekhar will tell us, terrified about the actual surgery of course, as well as managing the logistics of surgery and possibly lengthy recovery so far from home (what about our kids? their school? etc) We've been told clipping/coiling aren't really an option for my husband so we have fewer options for repair, or so we have been told by the 2 docs we have seen down here.
How are you doing now? You are 9 or 10 wks post-op by now right? Any info you feel like sharing about Dr. Sekhar or your experience would be great.
I am doing very well, thank you. I had my follow up appointment and CT on July 3rd. I was told that I am recovering "with flying colors." I am feeling so much better physically and emotionally. I wish you well with your appointment. Please update after.