Having survived a ruptured aneurysm, if another was discovered and given the choice would you be more likely to treat an unruptured aneurysm or wait and see?
Myself, I would definately treat, the experience of having one rupture has left me feeling as though wait and see just wouldn’t be something I would consider. Wondering if other SAH survivors feel the same.
I would definitely treat it before another rupture. I wouldn't like it, but there is no way I want to live through another SAH. And I've seen people who had a coiling done for a non-ruptured annie who go home the next day.
I agree with Debbie, definitely treat it. Postponing could easily result in a rupture and after living through a rupture, many hours of hemorrhaging, surgery and a stroke, I think the benefits of treating it early far outweigh any concerns you might have about coiling, which is a much easier recovery.
Agree - I’d treat it! Because at least we lived through our ruptures. The majority don’t. A girl in my son’s school, age 13, collapsed and died immediately from one a few years ago. If only they had known…
Definitely treat. Statistics are very poor for asah survival. the nurse part of me had to do research when I was capable. 15 to 20% die before getting medical attention, 50% die within 30 days. I’m reminded every time I read on these boards that for all of us who survived 65 to 70% didn’t. That’s all the incentive I need to be treated if another occurred.
Been there, had it treated, didn’t even cross my mind not to. Apparently not my Neurosurgeon either as she scheduled it for the following week after finding it.
I absolutely agree to treat it. No question. Not that I want to have coiling done again but have already done it twice - 1st after SAH, 2nd after coiling compacted so at least I’d know what to expect. I can’t say I’d be happy to have it clipped either but the statistics are scary enough to not risk another SAH!
I'm stunned anyone surviving an SAH would even have to think about NOT treating it--immediately! For all the reasons cited above and more.
How could you live with the fear?
Definitely treat it. I was told many years ago (can't remember when) that I had an aneurysm, did nothing, am now in the process of putting my life back together after surviving an SAH in 2011.
When mine ruptured last Jan they discovered another unruptured aneurysm. I was discharged from the hospital for the ruptured one on Jan 23rd and returned Feb 20th to clip the other one. It was the longest month of my life worrying about it. My neurologist said if it were a few years ago they probably wouldn’t even operate on it. I however, felt like i had a ticking time bomb in my head! So my answer is definitely!
Interesting! After reading your comments, I would definitely plan to treat it although I would be influenced by the opinion of my neurosurgeon. I hold him in great esteem, unlike my local neuros. I do worry that he told me to come back in 5 years. I guess they studied my brain pretty well and decided I didn't have any signs of growing another annie. Still..... I'll hit 4 years in July so there isn't so much longer to wait. I also wish I could get my kids and siblings to get tested. I had a grandfather who died of a ruptured aneurysm and then there is me. They don't think their doctors would refer them or insurance wouldn't cover it and it would be too much of a fight to add to their daily lives. I guess I should harp a bit more.
I also would have it treated. Having a ruptured brain aneurysm in the past made me very aware of the possible outcomes if another one ruptures and the risks are far too great to wait and see. I can't imagine starting from square one again and have to relearn the simplest tasks if it was anything like my first aneurysm.
I will treat it ASAP. After what I went thru with rupture aneurysm, I will never want to go thru that again if I can prevent it. My older sister has brain aneurysm that is being monitored. She's much, much stronger than I am because I don't know how I will handle myself if I had to wait and see.
I would treat also. I am returning to the doctors who clipped my annie as the doctor here in West Texas said he saw another one 2 to 3 mm in size. If indeed I do have another I will have it coilled as soon as the doctors in Dallas think it can be done. I do not ever want to go through another rupture - it was horrible, and so scary for my husband and kids.
when I had my rupture they found two more, one a similar size to the one that ruptured and a small 4mm one. the neuro suggested we treat the larger one and watch and wait on the smaller one so that's what I have done. I had to wait 6 months for the doc to come back from holiday to do the second coiling (I didnt want another doc to do it). Im fine with my decision, I based it on what the neuro said and he was keen for me to treat the larger one because he felt it was a concern, but didnt feel the small one was necessary unless it gets larger. I barely give it any thought now and Im hoping it doesnt need treating in the future. I had constant headaches after the second coiling which eventually went away but not keen to go through that again either.
Troy said:
Interesting! After reading your comments, I would definitely plan to treat it although I would be influenced by the opinion of my neurosurgeon. I hold him in great esteem, unlike my local neuros. I do worry that he told me to come back in 5 years. I guess they studied my brain pretty well and decided I didn't have any signs of growing another annie. Still..... I'll hit 4 years in July so there isn't so much longer to wait. I also wish I could get my kids and siblings to get tested. I had a grandfather who died of a ruptured aneurysm and then there is me. They don't think their doctors would refer them or insurance wouldn't cover it and it would be too much of a fight to add to their daily lives. I guess I should harp a bit more.
I wanted my kids tested, too, after my SAH. I asked my neurosurgeon, who agreed and simply filled out & signed Rx forms with my kids' names and dates of birth, which said, "Recommend to have MRA Brain to evaluate for cerebral aneurysms - strong family history." My son recently took it to a new primary care physician, who ordered the test based on the Rx, and so insurance paid. My son's 24 and the results came back negative, and now he has an excellent baseline scan for future reference.
I would definitely have it treated right away.having the first ruptur re was way too much. Iwouldnt want to go thru th ha t again!