Hello everyone, I am new to the group. My mother passed away last year of a aneurysm rupture. Out of precaution I asked the doctor for an MRI referral. I procrastinated a couple of months to do MRI until just a few weeks ago when I got this headache that would not go away. They did find a 9mm saccular aneurysm on my left vertebral, I see the Neurosurgen on Wednesday. My biggest fear is they say they can’t do surgery on it do to location. If you know any info on that location and surgery possibilities please let me know. I’ve been so scared and worried. I’m trying to stay strong and positive for my children and husband I’m sure you all know how hard it is to live with this fear.
Jennifer
One thing we have all learned (and it is more easily said than done) is to hold off the worrying until after your consult. Breathe deep and try to relax until you have a clear understanding of the circumstances. They can do more than we can imagine so at 9mm I'm sure there are many options. Mine was 9mm and on my left ophthalmic artery and they said I would probably lose all eyesight in my left eye. My neuro-ophthalmologist said my vision is better than it was before my surgery. Her exact words were "Go light a candle, you are one lucky lady" :)
Carol
I don’t know much about options and locations. I’m new here too. My mother also had a ruptured aneurysm. Hers was 12 years ago. They just found one in my left side of the brain. Small. But still scarry. The Dr’s will know what to do. You have to trust them. I am awaiting g Surgury yet. 2 weeks from today exactly. It’s hard waiting. Not knowing. Worrying. I also have young kids. And we worry about them. But the best thing we can do is love them and trust our Dr’s. This group is great! I asked so many questions and talked to them even I was getting really down. They all have been a blessing through this and you will find strength here too. Message me if u want someone else to just chat with that can relate.
Hi Jennifer,
Try to not worry. My mom was diagnosed with 2 aneurysms a few months ago. I decided to chat with my doctor because of my headaches, and after the MRA found out I had an aneurysm also. Waiting for the neurosurgeon drove me crazy for a few. Than, after some research and reading posts from here...... I decided the odds of it rupturing is so low, and I found out by chance that I needed to let it go until I saw the neurosurgeon. My mom is having one of her aneurysms coiled on Thursday, and my surgery is now on the 5th of May. The people here are great at answering what question they can. So ask away....
Andrea
Please get a full Second opinion before any surgery, preferably from a top notch Neurosurgery program in NY, LA, SF or other major city. There are so many possible solutions these days, it is good to hear all the choices such as: embolism, noninvasive gamma knife, and others. Good luck and keep a positive attitude!
Hello my mom passed also two and half years ago from a massive rupture. I got Checked as soon as I was able and brave too (I was pregnant) they found an 8mm aneurysm in my left carotid artery and I go in for coiling May 4th. The waiting to see the surgeon was agonizing as I had an MRI and then CT with contrast to confirm all before meeting with surgeon. I did feel the greatest relief after talking to the surgeon. That was the best I had felt in a very long time. The worry and fear has returned again as the surgery date approaches however I too have found this group so helpful in my journey. Stay strong, keep busy, meditate, pray become knowledgeable. These are all the things I have been doing and it helps just a little. I have come to the conclusion I won’t feel better till I’m out of surgery and hear all went well. Big hugs and prayers for you.
Jennifer: I had a brain aneurysm coiled last July. They usually do it close to it but my the artery going into the aneurysm was twisted. So they had to do my rt carotid artery. It worked and luckily no side effects. There have been many advances in how they do these things so try and relax, which I know is easier said than done. Very sorry about the loss of your mother.
Hi, Jennifer
There's always hope, so don't be afraid. please find other hospital then where you went.
Key is it's better do any kind of surgery now is better then do things after it ruptured.
Good luck and God bless.
Jennifer, Holding you and your family in prayer! The BA Foundation provides awesome Support!
Hi Jennifer:
Six years ago I had a Neuro-Intervention doctor go through my femoral artery to fill both aneurysms (one behind each of my eyes). The surgeries were a success.
Just letting you know that there are so many different ways and doctors that can help. Ask lots of questions, check out credentials, and let others help you.
18 months ago I (aged 73) had an aneurysm that they clipped by passing the 'tool' from my groin up blood vessels to my head! an MRI scan a year ago did not show any problems! next one next month!
Thank you so much for your replies, Tomorrow can’t come soon enough, I have my list of questions ready for the Neurosurgen. God bless you all.
Hi Jennifer. Sounds like you are getting yourself organized for your Neuro visit. Just make sure you are seeing the best Neuro doctors that treat aneurysm in your area (in LA, that would be UCLA medical center) and that you understand both kinds of treatment options: craniotomy/clipping with a neurosurgeon or coiling with a neuroradiologist (there are a few other types as well). Sometimes you’ll only be a “good candidate” for one approach, sometimes you’ll be told they can try either, and there are pros and cons to each. Educate yourself about clipping, coiling, stents, etc before you go, so you know what questions to ask. And don’t assume that “any Neuro doctor” can do it. Do your research on the hospital and the Doctor, get references and choose the best. Best of luck!
Hi Jennifer, I will pray all turns out well for you. I had an aneurysm rupture on December 15, 2015 and was lucky in that I called 911 immediately and the hospital had the best Neurosurgeon in the area who coiled my aneurysm.
Dr Steifel @ Weschester Medical is amazing in the field
Please keep us updated
Hi Jennifer, The most important thing is to have faith and know that you must stay charm. After you see your Neurosurgeon you will know your options. My Brain-Aneurysm was in 1990 and my surgery was done successfully. I had no choice or options as I was in a coma. I have no disability to show I went through such a life changing experience. We are now in the twenty-first century with much more advancements in detecting and curing patients with aneurysms. So, stay strong and know you will be taken care of with the good medical team on your side.
The good news is that they have discovered it and can monitor / treat it, rather then have it rupture out of the blue without you having any idea that it was there. You were very brave and sensible to get yourself checked out.
Hi Jennifer.
I had the same concerns myself after my otherwise healthy mother died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm 14 years ago. A few years after she died, I did the same as you and they discovered a small saccular aneurysm where yours seems to be located as well. Mine was located left central 'branch'. It is my understanding that as long as they are NOT located in the center (Circle of Willis, central vertebral, or Basilar - or anything close to the spinal column) then, it is of low concern. (Right. That's what they say, 'low concern' because it's not in THEIR body :)
However, I have not gone to medical school! and you should always consult with a neurologist, a smart one. Yes, sadly, many doctors are not smart, which is a painful fact I have learned over the years. BTW, I'm 61 now, 14 years after my mother died and I've had no issues with it. I had a follow up MRI a few years after the first, and there was little or no growth at all. This is quite common. Here are some links to look up: http://www.rnceus.com/sah/sahtypes.html and http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/TypesofStroke/HemorrhagicBleeds/What-You-Should-Know-About-Cerebral-Aneurysms_UCM_310103_Article.jsp#.Vx-7LHo09Ds which I found helpful.
Get re-checked in a year, unless those headaches continue. Watch out for either slurred speech, disorientation or perhaps forgetting the word for a common thing, like spoon or something. I haven't the knowledge to advise on surgery and I won't attempt to try. My best piece of advice would be this: question everything and everyone (including me :) and educate yourself and educate those adults around you who could become your advocate should you need one... a neurologist friend would be nice!
AND
Keep your blood pressure low! I know it's hard not to be afraid, but please, don't be afraid. In the past 10 years, some miraculous techniques have been implemented with outstandingly successful outcomes. So, take that fear and channel it into educating yourself; try your best not to let the kids see you afraid, especially if they're young. They're so sensitive to these sorts of things. I know this for a fact.
I have a good feeling about you Jennifer, surrounded by love and a positive outcome with whatever you and your family decide to do. I wish you all the best, today and always.
Jennifer: nearly 20 years ago, I suffered a brain bleed while flying over the Atlantic to a meetin in Budapest. Upon returning home, diagnosis confirmed a right PCA cerebral aneurysm. Options of major surgery and watching and waiting were considered. We chose the latter. One interventional procedure was scheduled a few years ago but stopped because of the serious neurological effects.
The aneurysm has remained stable, and I have not had a headache for nearly 20 years. I have remained on Dilantin which I had been taking for years due to a couple of grand mal seizures in my early 20’s. The doctors are not sure, but think there might be a connection between the earlier seizures and the much later aneurysm bleed.
All this being said, I may just be lucky but in my situation the conservative approach clearly has worked out well. In a month I will celebrate my 80th birthday, and every day I ask God what he would like me to do for the Mercy and Grace he has granted me. May you be blessed accordingly.
P. S. I have a daughter Jennifer, and 10 grandchildren thanks to our three wonderful children. Our current family health challenge is dealing with colon cancer for my wife and other daughter, and my own recovery from prostate cancer radiation therapy last year!