Ruptured in 2009, have multiple anersuyms! Lucky me, to have survived! Went for a follow up mri/mra scans early January. Both of my previous coiled pcomm and mca anersuyms are once again filling. My neurosurgeon has me scheduled for a angiogram 2/2/2026. To determine the next intervention on these anersuyms. He suggested clipping the pcomm and putting a flow deverter in front of the mca. I really am scared to have my head cut open. I have a family history of brain anersuyms. My mother had hers clipped in 1988 her personality changed drastically after surgery. She never had any follow up scans and died of a rupture in 1999 age 66. I’m 65. Scared to death here thinking awful thought of my future.
Peggy, it’s always saddens my heart when I read someone has passed away due to an aneurysm. Medical knowledge has changed dramatically since I ruptured in 2013, never heard about cerebral aneurysms before that. BH thinks Granny ruptured back in the early ‘60’s. She had a metal plate across the front part of her skull. Fortunately for her (and us) the cotton mill village doctor went to check on her because she’d left work. He took her to little Siluria hospital. When her plate would heat up from the sun, her words and behavior changed a lot. First and only time it happened to me scared me to high heaven. I thought she was having a heat stroke. She thought I was her long deceased husband and was fussing at me. As soon as she cooled down and hydrated, she was fine. She wasn’t allowed to watch me work in the front yard unless she had her sun bonnet on ever again.
I cannot imagine the amount of fear and anxiety this is causing you. Some folks do not change much in their personality department while others change a lot from what I’ve read here.
Have you discussed this in depth with your surgeon? Really stressing your feelings? Has your surgeon explained why a craniotomy is needed and not one of the other many different types of endovascular devices? Sometimes we have to allow the benefit of the doubt to our surgeons since they’re the ones who went to school. But personally, I’d want my surgeon to be compassionate about my concerns and talk to me. Knowing me, I’d give mine a list of all the new devices just in case they weren’t aware of one or two. I’d want to know why’s of everything. I’m irritating like that, no joke. Yes, they do have to have continuing education units to maintain their license but maybe they didn’t pick the class that covered one. My guess is they get to pick for themselves. I’d want to know if mine was curious enough to go outside their comfort zone and learn about a new technique. That being said, we all know the risks of endovascular procedures can be compaction of the coils.
Send your team a detailed explanation of your concerns. And a big long list of your questions I think will be a good starting point. Remember we are here for you, you’re not alone in this.
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Hi Peggy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can understand how afraid and anxious you must be after experiencing everything with your Mother.
Your story sounds a bit like mine. I had the aneurysm that ruptured (in 2001) coiled. Because I didn’t have a complete Circle of Willis, and the AComm was the end, pressure kept pushing the coils into the head of the aneurysms. Therefore, the neck would fill with blood. We coiled it again in 2002. Every 6 months, after that coiling, I had angiograms. In 2006, it had to be clipped. I was scared, anxious, etc…you name it and I was that.
In 2015, another aneurysm was found. It wasn’t coil-able. We watched it and every 6 months, I had an angiogram. In early 2017, it was decided to clip it. Before that decision was made…I talked to my surgeon, my spouse, my Mom and Dad, friends, a neuropsychologist who was also a friend, my co-workers…anyone who would listen, I asked for their thoughts and advice.
The medical/surgical advancements between the 1st and 2nd clipping was mind boggling. I can’t imagine the advancements that have occurred since 2017.
My personality did change, temporarily, with the 1st craniotomy. I lost my sense of humor for 6 months, at least. I became agitated more quickly. I was told to expect to have a “shorter fuse” because my brain was angry. Naps were the cure.
A friend gave me a CD (now a digital download) that was called “Guided Meditations to Promote Successful Surgery”. It’s by Bellaruth Neperstak. That helped my fear and anxiety more than anything else. I listened to it and followed her suggestions every time I felt those emotions. I’ve gifted it to so many friends since then.
I was 45 years old for the 1st clipping and 54 for the 2nd one. (I’m now 63.)
I just realized you had your angiogram today. I hope that everthing went well. I hope you find answers soon.
Take care,
Mary
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I ruptured in 2013 , doctors were amazed I survived also had second aneurysm coiled a few months later. In January of last year also discovered both were filling again. My neurosurgeon also suggested clipping but I was so frightened of a craniotomy I opted for flow divertor and stent. Have had follow-up arteriograms every 6 months. Last one showed left side all good but right side still had some blood flow . Will go in June for another arteriogram to check status!! Praying all is good!
I understand your anxiety completely, I live with it everyday too! I pray you find peace in your decision.
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So I had my diagnostic angiogram last Monday! I have my anersuyms mixed up. Right pcomm was not occluded so I had a flow diverter installed. My left mca is also not fully occluded. Dr couldn’t add anything to this anersuym. Have an appointment to discuss clipping of this anersuym on the 17th!. I’m coming to terms with what is the best option for long term gains regarding these anersuyms. I didn’t realize that the coiling done 16 years ago was not a long term solution in my case. Each anersuym has its unique characteristics no two are alike. Having routine scans forever is in my future. My third ica anersuym is small and has maintained its size and shape through the years that’s good news. No new anersuyms identified also good news. Still scared but I’m alive and in pretty good health otherwise!
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Thank you. For kind words and wisdom. I live in the Philadelphia area of the USA. It has the finest doctors and hospitals in the world. I am confident in my drs knowledge of the latest and greatest advances in medicine regarding anersuyms. I do have a list lol and it’s getting long!
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I am sorry that the news was not 100% ideal, but what a relief that the two of the three are in good shape (after the flow diverter) and that there are no new ones! That must be such a relief!
After all you have been through it shows what a strong individual you are, and I am sure you will get through the clipping just fine!!
Sending good thoughts your way. Let us know how it goes!
Fin Whale Fan 
P.S. I live in the extended Philadelphia area as well, and, like you, I am so grateful for where we live as our doctors are absolutely fantastic! It is a completely silly thing, but my hospital system had a big marketing campaign recently in my area. There are still a few billboards left; I always breathe a sigh of relief once I pass one as - to me - it symbolizes that I am now back in their territory and under their care should something go amiss. We have so much to be grateful for!
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No doubt you’ve got some great doctors up north in a big city. I’m still partial to the one who saved my life down here
. I get imaging every couple of years but seems like my NP prefers yearly which messes my 2 year schedule up and keeps my NP with my neurosurgeon on her toes.
Please keep us updated as you’re able.
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So true! We are all very big fans of those who take care of us personally - and with good reason! I am grateful for all the medical teams who took care of each one of you which brought you to this very moment of being here! 
[O.k., yes, I just did some meditation today - how did you ever guess?!]
Fin Whale Fan
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