@karly
Welcome to the group that no one would like to be a member of.
I’m a ruptured aneurysm survivor myself and I also had vasospasm that was resolved. I spent 12 days in the ICU. It ruptured on October 20, 2020 so I have recently celebrated my two year survival. I got a stent and additional coils six months after the rupture. You can read about my journey in my profile.
I was lucky to not having any headaches after the rupture, I remember that I was recommended to take Tylenol for a while. I was just very sensitive to bright light and sounds. But it didn’t last for long. I am also experiencing some sinus problems on my right side, the aneurysm was on my right internal carotid artery. As far as I know, my sinuses looks ok on my MRI so I don’t know if the aneurysm is the cause of that problem.
My humble opinion is if the doctors recommend a stent, do it. I actually think that this is a standard thing, they stop the bleeding with coils and then secure it with a stent. A stent cannot be used during the bleed as it requires a dual anti platelet medication prior to the surgery. I still remember the shock for my husband and me when we were told that I needed a second procedure as they couldn’t fully treat the broad neck aneurysm when it ruptured. I asked a lot of questions and when the neurosurgeon looked me in the eyes and said,” it’s a weak spot, and I cannot guarantee that it will not rupture again, and if it does, you will not survive”…………………
We went home, devastated, but I came to the conclusion that for me and my family, it was the best thing to do. So I faced my fears and went for the stent.
Long story short. Everything went fine and I am almost back to my normal self. It took me about one year to feel like I used to do. The emotional recovery was the longest.Every strange sensation in my body made me think “is this it?” I understand it was a part of my lingering PTSD .
My neurosurgeon told me at my two year follow up that everything looks good, the aneurysm is occluded and no longer a part of the main circulation, then he said; “I would like you to go out and live your life and celebrate the fact that you are alive. Welcome back in two years.”
That’s a success story.
You are still so early in your recovery so you will continue to improve and I believe that your youth is your superpower. I was lucky to recover and I am much older than you are, I could be your mother.
This group is so helpful for us, you will find a lot of stories from members with the same problem.
Good luck with everything and come back and chat with us when you need us.
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