Hi,
I had my angiogram yesterday. I have a 6mm aneurysm on my right ICA? Near MCA. I was told on mri and ct that I had multiple aneurysms but it was just the changes in the artery. I have been diagnosed with moyamoya and will eventually need a bypass is what I was told. Taking care of the aneurysm comes first he said. I am seeing dr hauck at Duke. I go Monday for web placement as other options are not a choice for me due to the moyamoya and deteriorating artery. He thinks I may be having TIAs but wants to look at the scans further. I am nervous but thankful to have answers. Any insight into this procedure and what to expect would be graciously welcomed.
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Glad you started a topic! Had to look up Moyamoya diesease, doesn’t sound fun at all. Duke has a wonderful Neuro department (one of the best) and Dr. Hauck is supposed to be really good from what I’ve read from members here. I go to Baptist in Winston-Salem so I’m pretty biased lol.
We do have some members who have had a WEB used and I do hope they respond. Meanwhile I found this WEB System Treatment for Aneurysm - YouTube that gives a clear explanation of it. I also have this in my YouTube library which helps to explain the ICA. Blood supply to the brain - YouTube. You can also search here on the site for WEB devices by using the magnifying glass and you’ll see many posts on them. Remember the WEB has evolved since it’s conception which is pretty cool!
For any angiogram it is important to hydrate well before and after as it helps the RNs stick you and the surgeon to get the catheter through. For afterwards, it helps to combat the dye and anesthesia getting it flushed out. Protein is very important so ask Dr. Hauck’ steam how much you will need. If they don’t know, Duke has a few RDN available that can tell them. For repairs, expect at least one over night stay. Have everything ready in your home for your return, so if you’re the cook, you may want your husband to do it for a few days or have some meals ready for him to heat up. I always have done all the heavy housework beforehand as it makes coming home nicer and you won’t be able to do those chores for awhile. You may have some brain fogging for a bit afterwards, be kind to yourself and have your family help you. It is perfectly okay to get them to take over what you normally do for as long as you need them to. Since you’re a mother, have your child(ren) step in as well, depending on their age, they can pick up their toys so you don’t trip over them. Always had to teach folks that if a child was old enough to get toys out, they were old enough to put them back lol. It’s easy to do if you make it a game. You may get headaches if bending, so squat or get down on hands and knees. It’s extremely important not to fall afterwards. It makes the Neuorsurgeon a bit upset and they do a plethora of Neuro checks and maybe an extra MRI or CT. If Dr. Hauck goes through the femoral artery. you’ll have to lay flat for a good long time, if he goes through the radial, it’s much nicer as I learned here and was able to experience on my last angiogram.
Brain surgery is serious business so I made sure my will was updated before procedure three. Unlike some States, North Carolina has a law that if a married person dies intestate, then part of the estate is split between spouse and any children. General Statute Sections - North Carolina General Assembly A friend learned that when her husband suddenly died and though they had no children, his mother was eligible for half of what they owned, I’m not trying to scare you, just suggesting everyone should have a will.
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Wow. Thank you for the info. Dr Hauck went femoral for my angio and I think that’s what he is planning for the repair on Monday. It is a bit sore but not too bad. My kids are 14 and 11 which I’m thankful they can keep themselves occupied and busy through all of this. I want them to still have a good and full summer despite this.
My Neurosurgeon would switch legs when she did the femoral entrance. I’m really tortuous (squiggly) and one femoral artery has a nice 90 d bend to it. I used to joke it was the “look see” leg as in let’s go in for a look and see what that aneurysm is up to (diagnostic) the other I deemed the “fix it again” leg. I’ve got a good amount of scar tissue in both now so I was really happy she switched to the radial approach, though she had no problem moving the position of entrance or getting through the scar tissue if needed.
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@Jenny215
Welcome to the group that no one would like to be a member of. But here we are trying to lift each other up.
I have no insight in the web thing that you will get, but I have some other general advice for you. As you can see in my profile, I ruptured 2 1/2 years ago and I got coils, six months later I agreed to have surgery on the remaining aneurysm with a stent and more coils to completely close it off. The procedure itself is as you may know a “minimal invasive procedure “ but nevertheless someone is poking around in our brain which is scary.
I came home the following day after spending the night in the ICU and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. You may be sensitive to bright light so bring a pair of sunglasses to wear when you get home. Loose fitting comfortable pants because you have to be careful about the puncture site in your groin. Make a “day bed” in the center of your home so you can spend the first days resting but still be around your family. You will get detailed instructions how to behave when you get home. As @Moltroub already said, prepare some meals, fill your fridge and cabinets and do all the heavy cleaning before the surgery. You may also experience some flashing wiggly lights in your eyes. I started to get those immediately after the surgery and it could pop up quite often, but for me it seems that they might have disappeared, I haven’t noticed any since last November. Many members have had the same experience with this. I hope that your surgery goes well and that you recover quickly. Your children will of course be worried about their mother. It’s important that you look after Yourself, and don’t get too tired after the surgery. I also recommend that an adult will stay with you for a couple of days, it’s required for at least the first 24 hours. But in my experience this is not enough time.
Your underlying health condition seems worrisome, but it is good to have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. I wish you all the best and good luck with your surgery. We are here for you and we are cheering at the sidelines.
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Thank you. I’m so sorry to hear about your rupture and I’m glad you are still here after what sounds like a long journey. Thank you for the advice and heads up for what to possibly expect afterward. I had my follow up today after angio and we talked about my upcoming procedure on Monday. Dr hauck will run some perfusion tests while I’m admitted to see the extent of the moyamoya. It’s scary walking around trying to live a normal life knowing that I could have a stroke because of this. He started me on some aspirin to help the blood get through my tiny arteries on the right side. We will then talk about options possibly bypass down the road. He keeps saying things like “since your artery is almost closed and not normal” and that scares me. But…. He keeps reiterating the importance of fixing the aneurysm first and to not focus on the other at the moment so that is what I will try to do. Live in this moment on this day and pray for the best
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@Jenny215
You are a strong woman!
“Live in this moment on this day and pray for the best”
that is so true and the only thing that we can do. I was lucky enough not only to survive but also almost being back to my normal self, just a little bit more tired at times. That’s a cheap price to pay for a second lease of life. I’m a retired RN and a retired Certified Nurse Midwife with my career overseas, so I’m fully aware of what could have happened. It seems like you have a skilled neurosurgeon who knows the necessary steps in your case.
I will be thinking of you on Monday and I hope the surgery goes well. Get back to us when you are ready and tell us how you feel.
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Thank you. I think as nurses we know just enough make us a little more scared or aware should I say. Thank you for your kind words. I hope to update after procedure.
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Not sure how Moyamoya disease affects your aneurysm. My aneurysm grew to 33mm and didn’t burst. Have they talked to you about coiling? That’s what I had done. Much less evasive.
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Wow. 33mm. So thankful it didn’t rupture. Dr said coils or stents would not be best choice for me because of the arterial changes with moyamoya
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Good luck tomorrow! We will be thinking about you. Get back to us when you feel up to it and update us, please ma’am.
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Thank you!
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Procedure seems to have went well. Stayed one night in ICU. Feeling a bit tired. Rheumatologist wants to do lumbar puncture but Dr. Hauck wants to wait about a month. Also found a murmur so outpatient echo is ordered as well. Referral to stroke neurologist sent as well. Trying to keep my head above water and focus on one thing at a time. Thankfully aneurysm should be taken care of. Thank you for your support.
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Glad to hear you came through your procedure Ms. Jenny! Thank you so much for the update. Sounds like Dr. Hauck is one those special doctors and is concerned about you, not just your aneurysm.
It can be a bit overwhelming when we get several specialists in our lives. There were a few months of seeing a few when I suggested to my PCP, Rheum and a couple of others that they meet for lunch, my treat and develop a plan together 
One day at a time. I look at the Neurologist as long term after care as they get to be the ones that follow us for the most part.
Check in as often as you need us for whatever you need. Merl with @ModSupport has had more craniotomies than most, but we do have a lot of other members who’ve had one. We also have many members with multiple health issues going on and so understand that as well.
I’m a firm believer in hugs since I ruptured, good hugs, not those side hugs we have to do when we work in the helping fields. Hugs increase endorphins. So big hug to you! Hug the ones you love when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
All the best,
Moltroub
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@Jenny215
This is wonderful news. Take care, rest and one step at a time. We are here for each other.
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