Great questions re repair of aneurysm!
Immediately post rupture, I had 3 coils placed, and then I went through all of the aforementioned stuff. Throughout though, I would periodically have CT scans, MRIs to check on how my remaining aneurysm was doing. Was it stable? Was it growing, etc.? Seems like I had an appointment with my neuroradiologist around every 4-6 months or so.
Coils can compact after some time, so - in my case - he installed a pipeline flow diverter under the aneurysm (basically a mesh wire tube). Cells then grow over the mesh, and basically cut off the blood flow to the aneurysm - hence stopping it - but officially calling it occluded. I had a small-ish aneurysm so it took about 3 months or so for that to happen.
And, yes, I have had many a cerebral angiogram! I understand it to be considered the “gold standard” since that is how they can get to the aneurysm and do whatever they need to do (install a stent, determine if it is occluded, etc.). Angiograms aren’t so bad: from my experience I have had angiograms when I don’t remember a thing and others where I felt wide awake the whole time - I am suspicious that it just depends on what cocktail the anesthesiologist gives me that day!
In terms of finding my medical team, it was very situational as they are associated with my closest hospital (albeit that group is about 40 miles away or so). If you are not comfortable with your medical team, then you may want to consider getting a second opinion. We do have a posting with medical recommendations, and I noticed that there is one in NY (not sure if you are upstate or not).
That being said, I have a feeling you can get second opinions virtually as another option.
My aneurysm was declared occluded not-even a year ago, so I am in a bit of a break for another few months to go back and check and see if any additional ones have grown.
Finally, I don’t really get positional headaches. Because of the shunt inside my brain (helps with the hydrocephalus) I do feel things when I lean/bend quickly things get a little out of whack. After a moment or two, everything seems to settle back down into place though.
… and that’s it from me. Let us know what other questions you have and how we can help!
Fin Whale Fan 