I just joined this site. I found out 6 days ago I have a 3 milimeter aneurysm. I am not sure if I would need surgery. Does any one have any situation similar to mine? Also, does any one have any advise to cope? Thanks
Nicole do you know where it is located? From what I understand a 3mm aneurysm would probably just be watched for growth. If it grows then a surgery may be necessary, and it also depends on the location. As far as coping, it isn’t easy. I found out about mine 3 years ago and I think about it everyday. Family and friends are great for support, but a group like this might be of more help because we all have something in common. I wish you well!
I have a 2mm Annie that is being watched. The neurosurgeon told me that he wouldn’t even think about touching one unless it were 7mm, 5mm in rare instances. I have very few restrictions and was told the chance of rupture is so tiny that I shouldn’t worry at all. Easier said than done. I found out in October and met with a neurosurgeon a month later. That was the absolute worst part; waiting and not knowing. But once I spoke with the doctor, it got a bit easier. I try not to focus on it, and I really don’t think about it much now. I’m sure that will change when it gets close to the 1 year repeat MRA.
Just be sure that, if they watch it, you are checked fairly frequently, and be aware of any changes in headaches, etc. I had a ruptured aneurism Jan. 2014 and they found a second one they were going to watch because they weren't really worried about it. A week later I was having such bad headaches that they went ahead and did a follow up CT scan. The second aneurism had grown so substantially that an emergency stinting was done the next monday! During the stinting, they found it had actually leaked and damaged a small part of my frontal lobe. I don't want to scare you, particularly since you only have one aneurysm, but just make sure they keep an eye on you. I don't want ANYONE ELSE to go through a rupture! Yours sounds small which is good...I'm sure you'll be fine. I've got a 3rd we are watching...have CT scan next week (fingers crossed)!
I have been getting headaches and they seem to be getting worse. I am not sure if I shoud go to the er, or wait to see my doctor which in 5 days.
I'm in the same kind of situation. Mine were stinted with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) and it's my understanding that it may take some time for the aneurisms to fully occlude (block off and die). I'll have a couple of really good days that I feel almost normal, then a day like yesterday when I feel like my head is going to explode. I've almost gone to the ER on more than one occasion but I don't want to be neurotic either. I guess in your case just pay attention to the headaches changing in nature and any other neurological symptoms (tingling in extremeties, blurry vision, etc). If you are really concerned, call your neuro and see if you can move appt. up.....and, by all means, if the headaches are explosive/unbearable, go to the ER! I hope you find solutions really soon!
Thanks sandy. I think I will wait the 5 days. Also, my mom had an aneurym rupture when I was 17, she is veey disabled, and I been taking care of her for 16 years. I got a MRI last month because of my mom, my doctor insisted. I still cant believe I have an aneurysm, I feel that having my mom to care for all these years really makes me even more freaked out because I know how bad this can be.
I experienced a ruptured a/SAH and have a smaller one the doc is monitoring. I think my doc would agree with Sandi, right now; the risk of rupture during a procedure to coil, etc would outweigh the benefit. After my rupture, the do did MRAs every 3 months x w, then every 6 months x 2 and now I can weight a year. =)
Hi Nicole-
Have you gotten an angiogram to get a clearer picture of the annie? Before my angiogram my annie was thought to be 3-4 mm and the treatment discussed was watch and wait or coil. The angiogram changed everything. My annie was 5.9 mm wide necked and looked like Mickey Mouse ears. I had my annie clipped last May.
This past year has been a roller coaster. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Learn everything you can about your annie. Size and placement are important. I did tons of research on annies and treatment options. I also researched the top surgeons in my area. I interviewed several. Not only did I choose the best treatment option for me, I chose the surgeon I wanted. I felt we were a good fit. While I could not control what was happening in my brain, I could control my research and treatment options. I was able to cope this way. Also, coming to this site was a HUGE help.
Terri
I have a CT scan on april first, and I dont have a neurosergen assigned yet. I am seeing my physician this thursday but he said I didnt even need a mri for family history, my moms neurosurgen demanded it or I wouldnt even know . So I am a bit leary of my doctor, and I am hoping he can do something with the headaches, as I never had them before. Its hard too as I have four year old twins, I work at home so the stress is pretty high.
Please try not to stress about it (I know...easier said than done). It's got to be really frustrating to wait for assignment to a neurosurgeon, etc. I'm not familiar with your healthcare system....is there any way to move up the appointment since you are having headaches?
Nicole… I just had my aneurysm coiled Thursday… A couple of things have greatly helped me… Faith in the Lord… He will carry u thru… The awesome people on this site… They will share their experiences to keep u informed… And a two awesome doctors I could fully trust. My neuro radiologist even gave me his personal cell to follow up and my neuro surgen told me his best prescription was prayer… Remember, he has blessed u by giving u a chance to be treated.
Hi Nicole my mum had an Annie 3 years ago and had it coiled and now has got bigger and she now needs the clipping I feel for you has I no how hard it can be especially with you knowing you have one now I hope all goes well for you and mum
Nicole… I just had my aneurysm coiled Thursday… A couple of things have greatly helped me… Faith in the Lord… He will carry u thru… The awesome people on this site… They will share their experiences to keep u informed… And a two awesome doctors I could fully trust. My neuro radiologist even gave me his personal cell to follow up and my neuro surgen told me his best prescription was prayer… Remember, he has blessed u by giving u a chance to be treated.
Bummer, about your mom Sophie. =(
Hope she is OK now.
Teresa
Going to the doctor in the morning, and getting blood work for my ct scan in 2 weeks, wish me luck!
Thank you Christina
My CT with contast is in about 16 hours, I am pretty nervous, I am preying to god there is no bleed, and I am still at 3mm. Wish me luck and prey for me and all of us. Thank you everyone for all your support so far.
Only the Doctor can tell you what you will be best for you...They look at many factors to decide what is best for each patient. ~ wishing today is a good one for you...~ take lots of deep breaths...~ Colleen
Hi and welcome. Sorry to hear your news. I have 2 or 3 annies about that size. Was tough to adjust but you learn to accept it and live your life. Of course once you’ve consulted with the docs. It’s a pretty small one and they usually just monitor them. Wishing you well… it gets better and easier.