Hi! New here!

[Aprilsm4]

Hey all. I've been diagnosed with 2 brain aneurysms. Due to the location of one of them, I'm being referred to an endovascular guy (does that sound right?) for treatment. Both are unruptured and were found during a scan for something else. I have no symptoms and am in reasonably good health.

My doc is calling me back tomorrow with more information. When I went in today to get the scan results he told me he wanted to present my case to the other docs in the practice to get a consensus on the referral. What should I ask him when I speak with him tomorrow? What should I expect in the next weeks/months?

Thanks in advance for your help.

~April

[jess2002]

Hi April I would ask what is available to you however you are in good hands they have found them before rupture so you will be fine anything you want to know just ask, I for one will be happy to help, just let us know what other information you are given. Jess.

[goldie411]

Hi April, welcome to the site. It's good that they were found before a rupture. That will make dealing with them easier, and your recovery will be easier. Let us know what the doctors says..good luck..take care

[BLopez]

Definitely do your own research, that seemed to help me out alot. I looked on the internet as much as possible on exactly what an aneurysm was and how it could be treated and what the different procedures were that were available. As you are researching questions will come to you.
I'm happy that you found this site, it's been a big help to me. We'll all help as much as possible, I'm glad that they found your two annies.
I am a survivor of a 10 mm cerebral annie and had the coiling procedure done Feb, 06. I'm doing ok.

Barb

[Nippet]

It sound like they are going to try to repair the aneurysms with coils and/or stents. That is a much less invaisive procedure than doing a clipping, where they have to open up your head. The recovery period is less also. They negative is much more follow-up.

[Kitty]

Welcome. Sorry you have to be here, but as others have said, having aneurysms fixed before they rupture is definitely better.
There is a sticky at the top of the board that has a lot of sites listed. You could start with that to do some research.

When you talk to your doctor, try to make a list of questions first, then write down the answers so you can go over them later.

Kitty

[hstupno]

Welcome April. So sorry you have annies, but the good news is that they haven't ruptured. You're very lucky they were found. Just remember that.

I agree with Kitty, whenever you think of something write it down and take that list of questions with you when you see the Dr. Don't be embarassed about asking any question...you have every right to know what's going on.

The recovery and path the Dr decides to take (coiling or stint) will depend on each individual case. Make sure you ask him/her what your limitations are. Probably taking it a little easier and lifting less, drinking less...smoking is a no-no if you do, will come to the table. You need to take care of yourself and make sure you have someone to help you after surgery if you need to have surgery. Everyone is different. Some bounce back days afterwards, so others it's a longer process, but certainly not hopeless. Just reading some of the other posts on this board, you'll find many people who have had similar experiences as yours and some with much worse and they're doing great. Many of us are very, very lucky and also make sure you feel confident with your Dr. If you feel uncomfortable or hear stories about him or her, don't be afraid to get a 2nd opinion. Where yours were discovered before they ruptured, you have that option.

Take care of yourself and know that you're not alone. We're all here for you.
Heidi

[FireflyR7]

;) Welcome to BrainTalk, there are some wonderful people here and it is a great support group!! I am sorry it took me so long to write!! I am so sorry you have to join us here but, it is a great place to come for support & questions & lots of prayers. :) We all know what a shock this can be and how overwhelming it can be in the begining. We can definately help you with lots of support and love, we understand what you are going through sweetie!!!

I hope you got some answers at your appointment today??
I am so happy that they found them before you had a rupture hun, it makes things a lot different. Every aneurysm is different and so is each of us.
We all can help each other so much though. Many of us who have had ruptures or long term recoveries share many of the same sypmtoms. I have been on here almost 3 years now. I am a rupture survivor. :D I am Stinted and Coiled myself.

We can help you more once you know the locations and the proceedure they are going to do?? We are always here if you just need to talk too.
We all had to go through all the test, Dr.'s, stress and fears as you. Don't be afraid to ask the Dr. or us any questions!!! There are no silly questions!!!!

Do you have a family member or someone who can go to all of your appointments? Prefferably someone who is going to be taking care of you after the surgery!! They can help you take notes, ask questions... It is quite helpful to have them go in with you, so they know what to exspect also. ;)

I will send you a link that should help you with some questions and answers.

http://www.bafound.org/info/index.php

You can click on each category in the box at the top right of the page. It is short & easy to understand answers. A good place to start. There are a lot of good links on the "Sticky's" above, listed under Useful websites or links?

I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers hun!! I hope to hear what you found out from your Dr. soon???? We are here for you!
God bless you, Tricia

[Aprilsm4]

Thanks for the welcome :) My local doc has referred me to a specialist 3 hours away (fun with current gas prices...) I still don't know the size or exact location but will find out when I see the new doc. He's requested that I have a visual field test (does that sound right?) that I have scheduled for later today. Once that's done, I'll make the drive to see him. There, he's going to do an angiogram. Luckily, I've got a good friend that has offered to take me.

I'll post more info when I have it. I checked out the links that were posted. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it!

[Nippet]

I have had 2 visual field tests. I have an aneurysm on the right anterior communication artery and at that location it is common to have it affect your field of vision. Mine is very small at about the 5 o'clock area. The test itself is very simple. You look into a machine and push a button every time you see a small flash of light. It only takes a few minutes. I have had no change in my field of vision and it has been almost 7 yrs. Had a follow-up visual field test last summer.

[Linda645]

Welcome to the site April.. there are a lot of wonderful people on here to help and offer support. I'm fairly new too and the site and its people have been a godsend. Doing a little research on the subject too helps make you familiar with the disorder and also helps in knowing what questions to ask your doctor. Remember, when it comes to your health, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Good luck and keep us posted.