So I had a severe throat infection. I thought it was just allergies initially. Ended up in the ER with piercing pain in my ear and eye, and was unable to swallow. They did a CT Scan looking for an abscess. Fortunately there was none. However they found a 6mm cerebral aneurysm at the left MCA bifurcation.
Not going to lie, it was a bit daunting to be sitting in the ER waiting for my discharge papers and the doctor to nonchalantly mention they found the aneurysm and I should follow up with my primary the next day.
I have an appointment Thursday with them, but from what Im reading it’s likely I will be recommended to have surgery.
Despite being terrified, what things should I know about this process? Are there questions I should ask my doctor?
It’s not always true they will recommend surgery, everyone is different. They could monitor you. For me, my age, location of aneurysm and having high blood pressure was enough for the doctor to recommend I have surgery because of the likelihood if it did rupture I would have a stroke. I chose to have surgery sooner than later (it’s scheduled for 6/13/18) because why take the chance. I have a 7mm wide neck saccular aneurysm. I did get a second opinion and a second CTA so that I know mine has not grown. Educate yourself on coiling, pipeline stents, and clipping. The more you know the calmer you will get. Endovascular surgery (going through the groin into an artery) is less invasive and has quicker recovery. My doctor says my pipeline stent surgery should take 40 min and I should be 1-2 days in hospital with 1-2 weeks recovery. During recent prep work pre-surgery, one of his nurses told me she prepares on average 3 people a week (like me) for my neurosurgeon to operate on.
I recommend asking your older family members if they know if there’s a history of aneurysms that have been genetically passed on.
If you want to talk, I can give you my contact info
Well my doctor confirmed it will likely mean a craniotomy. Thankfully she got me a referral for the Cleveland Clinic instead of in house at the VA. I go Monday morning for the MRIs, and I should have an appointment with the neurosurgeon shortly after that.
So after the angiogram, the doc said he wanted to try endovascular coiling. He said he couldnt be sure until he was in there whether he could make the turn with the stent that was required because it was 6mm at the neck.
I had the procedure on Wednesday and am already home. It was a success. Though I am experiencing mild headaches, blurry vision, and some dizzy spells.