WHAT TO EXPECT -Craniotomies/clipping unruptured

Symptoms and Treatments Post Surgical Recovery
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In 2010, I had 2 craniotomies (clipping of multiple unruptured aneurysms on right and left temporal lobes) within 2 months of one another. My neurosurgeon, Dr. Gewertz, in Columbus, OH had wanted to wait 3 months for healing but I healed quickly…from both. I was 45 at the time.
I’m surprised your surgeon would perform 2 craniotomies in such a short period of time! Unless, your’s are 7+mm in size.

I’m also shocked to hear that someone was released the day after a craniotomy! I was able to go home on the third day following surgery & was told that was very good recovery time.

Anyway, of course post surgery isn’t pleasant, but my pain was managed well & I had an amazing surgeon. I do have headaches & have been taking 600 mg neurontin daily (at bedtime) and the headaches are minimal. Caution about Neutontin! depression & suicidal ideations are common side effects, along with memory issues so be mindful of that should you be prescribed the drug.

Not having to think about having ticking time bombs in my head that could rob me of verbal skills or cause other physical impediments made the decision for clipping an easy one. Clipping, while an easier procedure, requires ongoing monitoring & testing. I refused to entertain thoughts about something going wrong and after a few months I was back at work. My hair grew back fast too!

Skatwooki, I hope you have an excellent neurosurgeon & trust the hospital. Blessings to you!!

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Oops, I made a mistake…it should read that coiling, while being an easier procedure…, not clipping.

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Hey, just wanted to say that I was 25 when I had my ruptured brain aneurysm I’m glad you found out about your before it ruptured your situation definantly rings home to me and has brought tears to my eyes. I’m 34 years old now and feel so greatful to have gotten 9 years out of it and I’ve been living my life to my fullest potential everyday at least I try feelingas though my condition may sneak back up on me soon because well you never know. I want to wish you hope in your situation because there is hope and that’s what this forum is about. I think you will be ok because you found out about it early on and now you have an opportunity to do something about it. Noone knows what you are going through and noone knows what you will endure in the future becuase each situation is truly unique but there is life after this and I hope you continue to seek it out I hope that you stay strong and above all please share your story with the world because people need to know about this.

Love and support shared.

Pentley

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Hey, Sorry to hear you have aneurysms. I was 27 when they found mine, I had one giant one on the left hand side pressing on my optic nerve. I had to have a few procedures over a few years to get to a point where the aneurysm was safe. It was a challenging time but it made me a stronger person and more appreciative of life and health. I am now 34 years old and have a 2 year old son. I ended up changing my work so I wasn’t so computer heavy - I live on farm and put on farm events and dinners. I think everyones’ case is different but you have every chance of a successful operation and a wonderful life ahead of you. Good luck with the operations, be brave and give yourself lots of treats. E x

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Hi Skatwooki, This year marks my 50th (yes, 50th) year as a survivor of a ruptured berry aneurysm. My anerusym was clipped. This was the only option available at that time. There were not CT scans or MRIs then, either.:wink: The short story is that I was BLESSED. I had an extremely competent surgeon and excellent health care. I did not require any physical or occupational therapy. Since my surgery, doctors have marveled at my outcome.

At time of my surgery, a second aneurysm was suspected. It was confirmed to exist several years later at which time two others were found. I have not had any additional surgeries to date.

What I have learned is that aneurysms are a bit like real estate. Location matters! Mine was in the circle of Willis which explains much of my good fortune.

I’ve also learned that there is no way, currently, to predict if or when an aneurysm will rupture.

My suggestions are to get the very best surgeon and hospital care that you can and to get several opinions. Since you have multiple aneurysms, consider carefully whether they all need to be treated and the risks of doing so.

Because so much has changed medically in the last 50 years, I won’t try to address what to expect. Instead, I pray that you will have as good an outcome as I did and that in 50 years you will, like I am now, be an active older adult who has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a good life.

And, as difficult as it is, I urge you to try not to be afraid. May God bless you!

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Howdy,
I had a burst brain anny that was clipped back in 2004. No problems whatsoever. The danger was from the rupture with stroke & death. After the clipping no changes. No headaches. All good. I was a bit “floaty” for about 2 months after the surgery, which was on the left side of my brain; I put this down to the fact that I was operating from my right brain, since my left was still recovering (right brain governing more intuitive etc processes).
My burst anny was so bad that I was not expected to live, and even after surgery, my family were told I’d probably be a vegetable, and never speak again. Drove myself home from the hospital 3 weeks later. Very best of luck. Cheers! Scharyn.

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I also had a rupture, mine was tangled in my optic nerve as well. I was given the last rights, as my brain began to swell after the surgery, I had two strokes one that night and one 6 weeks later. I was on disability retirement for one year. Through many prayers I was able to return to my job that I will retire from in July with 30 yrs. I have little or no peripheral vision. I feel like one of those weebles in a car when I drive. The other residuals for me are weakness on my left side and when I am really really tired I have to remind myself to pick up my left foot, and definitely short term memory. I have post it notes everywhere, at work in my house in my car. The other day I ran water in my coffee cup and an hour later remembered to shut off the water. I am also 63 and it could be related to age, but I had my rupture in 2004 and it began then so I tend to believe that is definitely the cause. Last summer I had to ask someone who a couple was because they looked familiar to me but I could not place them…when they came back and told me I burst into tears, it was my first cousin… then I will go for months without a “brain bubble” as I call it. I am definitely not the same as I once was, but I am so proud of how far I have come. I really think its harder when you are alone…I hope you have someone to help you through your surgery and especially after. I had hallucinations from the medication I swore I could see a lady in the branches of my oak tree, and when I went to bed as I passed the hallway there was a little tiny about 21/2 ft. tall nut cracker guy, he didn’t speak but he was alive and so was the woman in the tree. My Dr. said it was perfectly normal that some people experience hallucinations, most do not however. I pray for positive outcomes for you. I had no prior headaches I didn’t even keep aspirin in my house, I just had this pressure in the back of my head that was getting more intense as the day went on, so my boss told me to call the Dr., of course they told me to go to the ER and they gave me an MRI, next thing I knew I was admitted to ICU, and they told me life flight was on there way, the surgeons at Cleveland Clinic would be waiting for me, so scary… but with God’s team of surgeons I am here:)… and so many prayers from friends and family!

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I have had 3 surgeries for 5 different cerebral aneurysms. Each one they had to bypass with a vein graft. They took my safinus vein from my right leg and created a new blood flow pass, once they clipped off the aneurysm. Unfortunately that graft failed after 4years. They just went back in and harvested my safinus vein from my left, which also failed causing a massive stroke. So the third surgery they decided to harvest my radial artery from my left arm which 4 years later is still keeping me alive. I have 2more aneurysms now but I’ve learned to not let the fear control me because once it does it takes over. Always stay positive. Lean on those around you if you need that little extra support. If surgery is a must then the doctors will know exactly what to do. Have faith sweetie. Things do get better!!!

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I have to add one more thing, I went for a check up and I never have to go back again, I am so blessed the coil is in place I was 49 when this happened, soon to be 64…so very happy and blessed. It is depressing when it first happens but you have to put your body, soul and mind in “drive” and never look back…

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I’m a survivor from 12/99. My clip was front right lobal. From my understanding to complete the clip they had to stop the blood flow which caused about 200k blood vessels downstream to stroke out. I had severe personality changes lost my career and got disability in 2012. Ask your doctor about this. They told my parents there would be a personality change and it would probably be unpleasant due to the location.

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Hi!
I was pleased by you’re statement “ct scans & mri” is not available when we are in the urge of trying times. But we both live until now, I think there is one thing we both have this is “faith in God our creator and pure love to our love ones”

THANKFUL OF LIFE
LOVE LOTS
Maes

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Hi, Sandra!
I am probably the oldest living aneurysm survivor in the group. (Not sure, though, just assuming.). I had my aneurysm clipped back on March 30, 1988. I was released from the hospital on April 10th - was 19 at the time. One of the first things that I noticed was that I couldn’t open wide to yawn, as my mouth would get stuck open. As far as the aneurysm being near the optic nerve, that is where mine was, and, on the right side. As time progressed, I have lost a lot of peripheral vision in my left eye. That has been a slow, 31 year progression, but, it has happened - just as my neurosurgeon predicted. I was not allowed to drive or work for 2 years after the surgery. Only 3 days after the surgery, I had a grand mal seizure. (The worst one to have.). Doctor told me that is normal. At that time, Ritalin was the medication used to prevent seizures. My head was very swollen. My family said it looked like someone threw me head first into a brick wall. Also, because of the location of the aneurysm, I had double vision. Physical therapy to train the brain to see single vision again. And, I was temporarily paralyzed on the left side of my body. It took me 3 months to regain most of my strength to be able to walk on my ow again.

You are very young, and, I can foresee you recovering faster than I did. (I was also 6 months pregnant when I had my surgery, so, recovery time for me was longer than usual.)

There has also been some memory loss. Luckily I remember plenty of stuff from my childhood. But, people I went to school with…I recognize their face, but, don’t remember who they are. (I was doing that when I was 20. As I get older, it gets worse.). I can no longer have MRIs performed, as the clip I have is a metal clip, and, would explode in the machine. I don’t want to scare you, but, want you to be as informed as you possibly can be. I ended up having 2 kids, have consistently worked after recovery period was over, have ran in 6 5Ks, and work out at least 3 times a week. I DO believe you can lead a normal life.

Not sure about everyone else, but, when my stomach is empty and begins to growl, I have to eat within the hour or else I start to get the shakes, lightheaded, and, almost throw up. Most typical physicians want to say I have diabetes (and I don’t - been tasted MANY times). I read an article that this community emailed last week. These symptoms are associated with brain surgery. I just find it relieving to see that it’s related to my brain surgery instead of what regular physicians say.

God bless. you before, during, and, after your surgery. It looks like there’s a LOT of new, and, less-invasive surgery options out there. (I didn’t have any option.)

Rosie

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Hi Rosie,

I’m probably the longest survivor. :slight_smile: My annie was clipped in 1969!

Thanks be to God!
Carole

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I am six weeks post surgery for a clipped unruptured aneurysm. I am 53 and according to the doctor, once he opened me up (right ear almost all the way across to left ear) he said the vessel walls were so thin on the aneurysm he could see the blood swirling inside. He believe it would have ruptured in the year. My recover has been much much better than I anticipated. I was in the hospital for four days and am heading back to work next week. I have been told there are no restrictions on activity – and I actually started using the elliptical two weeks post op. If you are healthy now, your recovery will be much easier than some of the stories you are probably reading. I’m twice your age and feel fantastic. I read some of the stories and was terrified. I’m telling you, your doctor can advise you best, but stay positive – be healthy now and leading up to the surgery. My only notable side effect is I get so tired around 4:00 or 5:00 each day. Otherwise, no memory issues, no strength issues, nothing I can even think of except fatigue. You will do great.

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Hi Skatwooki,
I too found this site immensely helpful as I had not one ounce of information of what to expect. Once I had my date for surgery, the surgeon from Barrow here in Phoenix explained the open craniotomy microsurgery for clipping. Mine was one aneurysm that had two out-pouches, so I was desperate to get the show on the road and equally terrified. He explained that my DACA aneurysm required an incision horizontally across the midline of my scalp. Picture bangs. Mine basically went up and over my bang line. They only shaved a line over the width of them so I didn’t lose my long hair. That was great. You’re also at an amazing facility - mine too is a teaching hospital. The Nero-ICU will make sure to keep a very close eye on you the whole time. I was really thirsty from the extended time under anesthesia but overall, I was not in as much pain as I had expected. I honestly was more nervous about after surgery than the procedure itself. But the nurses and Dr’s were amazing at keeping me calm (I asked to be put under right away in the OR) They understand. You’ll also more than likely have 1 or two more IV sites when you wake. An A line is used to get meds right to your brain faster if needed. But ask your anesthesiologist what to expect before being brought to OR. The extra IVs are inserted after your asleep and are painless to remove. I felt better after fin ally being allowed to have water and resting a bit. It’s best to keep visitors to a minimum to allow you to fully wake and sleep when needed. I had a steady stream of 2 and it was great, but tiring. I was able to walk later that night so I was able to move to a reg. rm. the next day and left after 2 nights. I would’ve preferred to stay longer, however. Rally a helping tribe to be there for you when you get home. It’ll be fuzzy for quite a few days so it helps to do things at your pace but have help. No one in my immediate circle knew what to expect so it’ll require patience and insistence on your part that you have NO control over your tiredness - even though you may feel badly for sleeping a lot. You body and brain need time to recovery and it takes a while. Do things as you feel able. I’ll be praying for you and look forward to you letting us know how you’re doing!

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Hi! I am 3 weeks post surgery for cranionatomy for clip of 2 aneurysms. I also had surgery the 26th and went home the 28. I have no mental or physical issues. I do have unexplained anger, feelings of depression and fearfulness. But that was worse the first 2 weeks.
As suggested invest in ice packs and good pillows. I use 2 pillows and the first 10 days used ice packs most of the time day and night. Jaw pain and discomfort opening my mouth to eat is ongoing. So have soft foods, smoothies, ice creams/yogurts, bone broth soups, etc. On hand.
Plan to sleep A LOT!
I’m a 60 year old woman and doing well. You can do this. Positivity and understanding caregivers are essential.
With you!

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I had my clipping 3 1/2 weeks ago and have had 4 seizers within that time. They said seizer was a pretty common occurrence after this type of surgery.

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Hi Seastcroix1
Hi Cathy!
I had my aneurysms clipped on 10 September 2020 so you and I are only a week apart in terms of operation dates. I haven’t had seizures (touch wood) and I think that must have been scary for you. Do you get readmitted to hospital or go on medication after a seizure?
I thought I was recovering really well, my head was starting to feel normal a week ago (I could almost forget that it had been operated on). However, I think I have overdone things in the last few days/week as now I’m having some swelling and pulling feelings across my head and scar. I’ve been scrubbing and cleaning my house including the windows and I should have taken it slower. My head is not painful but it’s definitely become uncomfortable in the last few days and makes me aware that I’m still not healed. I wonder if this is a setback or if this is normal in that you can feel better one week, then worse the next week? That’s what lead me to find this website (and it’s great!).
How is your head feeling? Can you relate to feeling better one day and then having discomfort the next?
I had a stressful day yesterday (heavy rain and a leaking roof!) and got the aura that normally precedes a migraine. I was scared that I would have a seizure.
I guess its a message to me to slow down, I’m not “back to normal” and I need to get less stressed about things. I saw on another member’s posts that they’ve linked stress to pain and swelling too.
I see on your profile that you like to paint and hike. Are you painting? I don’t have an arty bone in my body so I admire other people’s paintings. Hiking, however I do enjoy! I think I’m a few months away from hiking though.
I hope you are able to “take it easy”, move slowly, avoid getting stressed, do things that are relaxing (my advice to myself! ) and not have any further seizures. Let me know how you’re doing day to day.

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BetterUseThis
Hi Julie, Thanks, this was great to read, useful information and very encouraging, especially the part where you exercise more now. It gives me hope that I’ll be bushwalking again in the future.
I will also be avoiding the hot bath thing and keep showering. I can see how that might be the catalyst for a seizure. Also useful to know that it took a while before you returned to needing a regular amount of sleep. It reminds me to be patient, getting back to normal might take a year or more.
Thank you!

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Hi Nat, thank you so much for the concern and for sharing. Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. (I’m still trying to figure out how this site works)
How have you been feeling since October?
And in response to your questions, I was re-hospitalized because of the seizures, 3 times within a 3 day time frame. Apparently some seizures can present like a stroke, which what was happening to me. I had lost feeling of my tongue, then the left side of my face and the fingers of my left hand. At the hospital I had an MRI and an EEG (I might also have had a CAT scan but seriously you loose track after a while of all the tests and the needles they give you) I have learned a lot since this aneurysm journey began:
-first off neurology seems to be a lot of ruling things out and whatever’s left must be the answer
-neurologist really love to say let’s reassess in a couple of weeks
- I’ve learned that a 24 hour EEG is the worst test they can give someone whose just had their skull cut open.
-I’ve learned to appreciate everything and everyone in my life
-and I’ve learned that I’m a lot tougher than I thought I was.
I hope that you are doing well and up for some nice hikes.

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