Hi Everyone!
I am awaiting clipping surgery at the end of October to treat an unruptured anterior COM aneurysm found during an MRI in June during a high blood pressure incident. It’s scary of course. I’m mostly scared of what recovery will be like and what side effects I’ll experience.
I’m wondering what recovery is like after clipping for an unruptured aneurysm, and also if anyone has had an aneurysm in the same area?
Welcome and thanks so much for posting! I’m sure some folks who’ve had craniotomy procedures will respond, give them time since we’re all around the globe. Personally I’ve only had endovascular procedures, so I can’t offer any personal experience on recovering. From other members that have shared it’s like everything, we are all different. There are similarities and I hope they really do reach out.
Meanwhile, I always practice and suggest a few things which I call getting your house and House in order. Do all your heavy house cleaning and yard work now before the craniotomy. You’ll have a length of time you won’t be able to do it like mopping, vacuuming etc. It’s really nice to come home to a clean, clutter free space so you can watch your favorite movies, listen to music, read a book, etc. Have easy to prepare meals at the ready for your return. If you reside alone get stuff ready for the microwave or nowadays the air fryer I guess. If you plan on putting in Fall loving plants that’s going to need to be done prior most likely. Same goes for weeding. You might want to consider using some Preen unless you’re planting seeds. Chopping firewood up will need to be done depending on where you live of course. But just examples of heavy yard work. I always mow and trim the day before I go in and then mop the floors, clean the bathrooms, etc.
The House part is if you believe in a Higher Power and is a check in if sorts. I am one of the ones who do and always ask for mine to watch over loved ones, my surgeon and her team.
Always, always make sure you’re hydrated before your procedure several days before and up to the day of until they tell you you can’t eat or drink anything. It helps the IV’s go in a heck of a lot easier and surgeons appreciate it. You’ll have to stay hydrate for a good while afterwards as it will help with healing. Protein helps the brain heal as well ask your team how much you should be getting every day. There’s a lot of items now that are high in protein which makes it easier. I’ll let others add to the list as there’s quite a lot.
I am going into 9 months after my surgery that you will be getting . It’s a long hard road, I will not say it’s easy , my anurysym was at 16mm now down to 2.5 by 4.6. Scheduled Oct for another CT scan. My top skull was cracked also the left side to perform surgery . I still have numbness on my skull . I still have nerve pain as they cut the nerves in the brain . There’s good days and bad . Stay strong , I wish the best for you . I went back to work 3 mo after it’s very difficult. You will sleep alot as you will need it . Time will heal . God bless
Hi WendyFI,
I just had my 1 year anniversary from having a craniotomy and clipping for my unruptured aneurysm. I had a 4mm annie on my right MCA. I am feeling great, exercising a lot like I used to, and I went back to work (which is only part-time) 5 months after I had the surgery.
I understand how scary things feel right now! It’s so normal and you want to take care of yourself and be in the best shape/mental attitude for the surgery as possible. One of my neuros told me I had won the lotto because we found it before it ruptured. So, I kept telling myself that before surgery. I also spent time being as healthy as I could before going in (kept my exercising, eating healthy, lots of water, sleeping etc.) and I think that helped on the other side when healing.
Also, if you are able, try and build a support network around you for post-surgery. My friends and family knew what was going on and they came to visit when I up for it. They sent nice messages - it all helped. I also got very prepared for the recovery before surgery - with things like I did a meal service 3x a week with one of those mail programs - they send you all the items and you put them together. Or stock up with your favorite things that you can easy make like frozen dinners and packaged stuff - but make sure it’s good healthy ingredients. It’s a good idea if you can’t rely on others to help with your food. I also made sure I had my softest, favoritest sheets, a wedge pillow so I could sit up in bed more easily, and a simple little tray where you can sit in bed or on the couch to use for eating.
I slept aaaaa lot afterward so defintely expect to do that. I watched aaaaa lot of movies, just didn’t have energy to do much more. I did try and walk around the house as much as I had energy for just to keep myself moving. One of the neuros I saw (I got a couple of opinions pre-surgery) said I’d be able to go back to work in 2 weeks! That was NOT a realistic thing to tell me. There was no way I could have gone back that soon. So, my take away is to try and get as much time off from work as you can - you can always go back earlier if you feel better! While I was in recovery it felt hard but I was actually surprised that each day I did feel a little better. I won’t lie - it will be difficult but you will get through it. I also highly recommend a therapist or counselor if you are able to do it - both before and then start again 3 weeks after surgery or so. It helped me talk about my fears and everything without feeling like I was over burdening my friends and family so much. I was feeling better enough to go for short walks in the neighborhood already by late November.
I wish you all the very best in your surgery!! Our bodies can be stronger than we think!
Hello Wendy. I’m in a similar situation. An ACOM aneurysm was found in April. Many tests, Drs. 2nd and 3rd opinions, I am having my aneurysm clipped at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville end of October. I have “an irregularly shaped anterior communicating artery aneurysm, measuring ~5x6x8mm, with the aneurysmal neck significantly incorporating the proximal inferior A2 segment.” My aneurysm treatment is further complicated as the arteries in my brain do not flow properly between the left and right hemispheres, a genetic abnormality. The surgeon said to expect to be out of work for 4 weeks.
Thanks for all the great info! It really helps me as I try to stay positive!
Sending good thoughts for both of us! Please let us know how it goes for you.
28th is my surgery. Sharing good vibes and positive energy for yours.
Thinking of you @WendyFl 
Thanks! All checked in and waiting…
Rest, and please come back when you’re up to it and let us know how you’re doing. Thought on you today!