Hello everyone:) I was just diagnosed with a 6mm aneurysm in my basilar artery. They recommend that I get a stent and coils. I am meeting neurosurgeons at UCSD and UCLA... I am trying to find the best doctor! I am really scared and am very grateful to have found this site.
Shanihan,
I had my aneurysm clipped by Dr. Rene Sanchez-Mejia at Scripps Green hospital on Torrey Pines in La Jolla and I absolutely loved him and highly recommend him. You may want to see him at least for a consultation, just to see what you think. He and his staff are absolutely wonderful. I have been back to see him several times and can call with any questions I have and they are always there for me. I can't say enough good things about them. He went out of his way to clear his schedule to do my surgery before my son's wedding and allow for time for me to heal enough to enjoy it. He saved my life by caring enough to do the surgery sooner than originally planned. Here is a link to my story http://www.bafsupport.org/profiles/blogs/do-you-believe-in-miracles Here is also a link to my surgeons page at Scripps http://www.scripps.org/physicians/6651-rene-sanchez-mejia-md I will certainly have him do surgery again if it is determined that I need another surgery.
~ Carol
Hello and welcome to the Site--
You have every right to be feeling scared, a diagnosas of an aneurysm is undoubtably the last thing you expected to hear and usually sends each one of us into the "OMG this isn't happening to me" mode!
Glad you've landed here, as this is an awesome place to research and ask questions, vent, cry, you name it. I've undergone 2 clippings and an sah/coma/coil, and wish i'd found this site sooner. Your situation is very "do-able" , But I know just getting thru it all is overwhelming . Best of luck to you, and keep us posted,
Peace, Janet
Again Welcome to BAF ~ it is so normal to be scared...you just found out you have a brain aneurysm...be thankful it was found before rupture...and seeing the neurosurgeon should shed some light on your next step...if things get to overwhelming...ask the Doctor for something to take the edge off...wishing you a good Saturday ~ Colleen
Hi Shanihan! So glad you're here! it will help. Fear is common but don't let it consume you. Unfortunately I didn't find baf until the scary stuff was over with but hopefuly I can give others a bit of peace and comfort. What I did was pray and listen to radio sermons to combat the fear. You always have us to lend an ear or give a cyber hug! I just have coils and I'm 4 yrs post sah rupture. I'm permanently disabled from the devastating bleed- so take comfort in hope that yours will be fixed soon. Think positive and play some positive music. Hope is the expectation of good things to come, read it , think it, believe it!. Oh wow you have great docs out there in Cali! Stay with us-it's darkest right before the dawn! ps, stay away from any scary or negative stuff on the internet- you are too vulnerable. Nice to "meet" you and look forward to more - feel free to write, question or even vent--we got big shoulders!~~~
Hi Carol:)
I am so happy that you are doing well. I have decided on Dr. Khalessi at UCSD. I have had visual changes so they want to get it done right away. We are doing my surgery Tuesday at 230pm!!! Do you live in san DIego?
Shannon
Shannon,
I live in Murrieta now. I was born and raised in San Diego, though and moved to Murrieta in 2004. The Drs aren't so great up this way so I have everything done in San Diego. I am glad they are moving quickly on treating your aneurysm. Are they clipping or coiling your aneurysm? I am praying for you today and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Carol
Hello Janet:)
Thank you! How are you doing after all of your surgeries? They have decided to do a y stent and coils. My surgery is on Tuesday!!!! AHHHHH...
Hello Colleen -
My doctor RX me valium...THANK GOD! I haven't been able to sleep, too scared I won't wake up. Crazy I know but I took a valium last night and slept:) I hope you have a great weekend:)
Thank you Ron:) I already feel so much better communicating with you all. My family has been great but they don't understand. I just am so relieved to read about so many survivors. At first my internet search was very grim so I am definately staying away from that now:)
Shannon
Glad to hear this...hang in there...and sending good vibes your way ~ Colleen
Hi Shannon!
I'm doing great, thank you for asking ! and you'll have this over and done with before you know it, I'm glad they're doing this quickly --get it done and behind you. The waiting is the worse part and yay for valium! I have you in my prayers for a peaceful waiting game and super recovery!
Janet
Hi Shanihan- you will be in my thoughts & prayers for your procedure. Finding the dr you trust and have a good rapport with is awesome. I didn’t get to pick my dr since my aneurysm ruptured and I was helicoptered to UT Southwestern hospital. It is a teaching hospital. My neurosurgeon is the assistant professor of neurology & radiology. This site is so great! Lots of good information & always encouragement.