questions for my consult

[KevinMc]

Hi All,

I have my consult with the neuro-radiologist on Thursday prior to my coiling (date TBD at the consult).

After doing research and reading lots of posts, here's what I've come up with. Is there anything I shouldn't be asking or anything I've forgotten?

Thanks - Kevin


How often have you done this particular procedure?

What is your success rate with this?

What are the risks?

What about the Onyx method?

What is the likelihood of brain injury?

What happens if bleeding should occur during the coiling?

What happens if I develop a clot during the surgery?

Will there be a neurosurgeon in the room or nearby in case something goes wrong?

Where is my aneurysm and how might that affect my vestibular system?

Should I have a neuropsychological evaluation prior to surgery and then again later?

What can I expect as far as recovery time?

What can I expect as far as side effects?

Will this have to be repeated?

How often will I need follow up MRIs?

What are my restrictions – now - and in the future?

Can I develop new aneurysms?

Should I be taking Plavix or aspirin prior to the surgery?

What are the stroke risks?

[ChrisC]

Kevin, excellent slate of questions. You've just about covered everything. A well informed patient should be a doctor's dream patient! Good luck with your appointment! Keeping you in my prayers!

[Gabrielli]

KevinMc

You pretty much have it covered!! I think after your coiling you'll be amazed how fast you are back up and around. You have to go in positive and remember you didn't rupture and don't have to go through a clipping...those are far worst to rebound from. You'll do great my friend....

ooxx
mimi

[FireflyR7]

:D Good list!!! You did your homework well!! ;) You haven't had a rupture so all should go very well!! :) I think you have learned more here than any Dr. will explain to you!!
I think it really helps to have the person or people who are going to be taking care of you after the surgery, to go to all of your appointments with you!!

I had to have someone take me to all my appointments, they took notes as we went along. I did have a rupture, that unfortunaletly wasn't diagnosed and treated right away. I am prob. a worst case senario and I am still here hun!! :D I had mine stented and coiled, I did throw a clot. They have some stuff they squirt into it to desolve it and suck it out with their little camera operation tool. Pretty cool!! They have a lot of cool technology now hun!!
I know, I am still here!!! :D

You will do great!! I am sure you can't wait to get the date set and get it over with! You got it pretty much down & you know we are here for support!! Good list!! :) Please let us know what you find out?? I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!! Tricia

[heartland]

That is a very good list, Kevin. Good luck w/ your appointment and I hope s/he's able to answer all your questions. Did you ever decide if/how/when you were going to tell your co-workers/actors? Keep us posted. We're here for ya.

Lisa

[goldie411]

Your list is great, I think you covered all the questions...take care cindy

[NHDebbie]

Kevin, I commend you on your positive outlook concerning your journey.
You had an Angio. The doctor may have images of your annie available. I asked mine and he pulled it up on his Laptop. I wonder if you could call the office manager and request a copy of the image for your consult?
My doctor told me I could request a copy of the disk with my image on it from the hospital "library".
Ask him/her her to draw out where this aneurysm is "sitting". Mine is behind my left eye and right from my left ear.

Let us know what the answers will be. Write them down. We are here to help. *smallheart

BTW: LOVE YOUR VOICE!!!! Danny Boy is my favorite!!!

[KevinMc]

Thanks All!

I'm feeling very positive. They even called today to see if I wanted to come in a couple of hours early tomorrow - two less hours to wait and two more hours available to get an OR for next week.

Lisa - I've decided to pretty much keep this amongst close friends for now. My agent suggested the same. People are funny...
Debbie - the doctor who did my angio and the one I am seeing tomorrow are one and the same, so I imagine he would have access to the information.

I'll let you know what happens

thanks again
Kevin

[NHDebbie]

I've always had both coil and clipping doctors close by when I first ruptured and when my first Angio revealed the coils compacted. I had separate, individual appointments for consult on the options I had before me.
You will be OK. Bring your list. That is a great thing to have. I did it. Take care Kevin!

[Malgosia]

Not to add more worry to your plate but you might want to ask about what to expect during your hospital stay as well. I was recently coiled and thought i had asked asked all the questions prior to the procedure, especially with my Dad just having gone through it, but was surprised by some things during my overnight stay...Had blood taken 5 times and Heprin adjusted several times, booster shots given, angioseal used though previously discussed that it would likely not be, etc.

[heartland]

Lisa - I've decided to pretty much keep this amongst close friends for now. My agent suggested the same. People are funny...

thanks again
Kevin

Kevin... I think that's a good idea and you're right, people are funny... especially about stuff they don't understand.

You're welcome!

Lisa

[tink]

Kevin, You seem well prepared for your appointment. I'm sorry that you have to go through this in the first place, but hopefully pretty soon this will all be just a bad memory for you.

I agree with what you said to Lisa, tell as few outside people as possible. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attatched to brain surgery. Good luck and keep us posted.

Lori