Crazy Thought.....What Happens After Clipping?

[svalmor]

Okay, I just had a crazy thought......what happens after a clipping? I mean, what can we expect our life expectancy to be as compared to someone our same age and "annie-free"? I know that anything can happen in life (case in point: diagnosis of annie!!!!) but I'm talking about a normal aging process (NO other illnesses, accidents, etc.)

Can we still age gracefully :p and live until our 80's or 90's without having to worry about a piece of metal (okay...titanium?) in our head?

What happens to the clip 10-20-30-40 years from now? Can it corrode???? :eek: I know I probably sound like a goofball, but this crazy thought popped up in my head!!!

I'm sorry for this silly post. I did forewarn you guys that I'm a worry wart!! :D

Most likely I'll probably think of other crazy things in the upcoming days, so please bear with me.....

Sandy

[Tricia1271]

I don't think this is a silly question. When you've been diagnosed with an annie and are scheduled to have a major surgery (your clipping on 05/28/09) many questions come up. Don't ever think you're asking a silly question.

I think the best example, most public example, of what living with a clipping is like is V.P. Joe Biden. He had an anuerysm clipped a little over 20 years ago and made a full recovery, continued to work, and lives a very active life. He is in his 70's and is otherwise healthy.

I need to lose about 30 pounds. My doctor told me that I need to worry more about that (diabetes runs in my family) instead of worrying about the annie now that it has been clipped. Talk to your physician. Make an appointment, call or email your questions to him. He won't be shocked or surprised. My doctor was very informative and sat down with me even when I started annoying myself with my questions. Trust, he'll understand.

The great thing about this site is you will find people who understand your struggle, fear, and joy, etc. like know one else. I'd be willing to answer any questions I can based on my experience. I am about to celebrate my one month anniversary since my clipping surgery on April 14th.

[Beachgirl]

Hi Tricia,

It's great to see that you are doing so well - Yay!! :)

Sandy,

I don't think this is a silly or crazy question either. I have exactly the same type of questions always coming up in my mind too, including this very question you are now asking! I'd forgotten about Joe Biden - thanks for that Tricia!

I just keep adding questions to my EVER expanding list. My poor NS - I think he'll run the other way when he sees me coming in August! :)

Hugs,

Nat xx

[janeh]

Not crazy question at all. I asked my Dr. Dude guy they same question, his answer was he just gave me a life expectancy. Told me to go live. So no questions are bad, write them all down and ask away.
jane

[Cajsa]

Hi Sandy -

Not at all a silly question. After my clipping and subsequent follow-up visits with my internist, I asked the same question. He said: Your clip will be there after you are gone and I am gone. I thought that was reassuring, and kind of funny, too.

All the best to you -
Cajsa

[annharrell33]

Svalmor, did your neurosurgeon not ask you if you would like to have your annie watched, say for a year because it is so small. I have a 2 x 3 mm mca and my dr. is watching it for a year. Told me to come back in a year. Yours is small. Thanks for your answer

[beach1_gal@yahoo.com]

I just keep telling myself to think of the show Bones and when I am gone they will say and in the posterior MCA there is a clip an antiquated way they used to fix Aneursyms so i would place here age to be around 85 yrs old. Other that that just numerous nicks here and there ~Ahh she was a clutz too.

So when I look at it that way I can smile to myself and hope that I am right in thinking these little buggers are just going to stay there and be just fine.

Don't ever worry about questions or your mind will drive you nuts! I know that is why I am so greatful that I am here and with all of you for all the support you give..

LaDawn

[svalmor]

Svalmor, did your neurosurgeon not ask you if you would like to have your annie watched, say for a year because it is so small. I have a 2 x 3 mm mca and my dr. is watching it for a year. Told me to come back in a year. Yours is small. Thanks for your answer


Hi Ann,

My NS gave me two options after my diagnosis. I could either wait 6 months and have another CTA OR I could get it clipped. The annie is relatively small, 3mm x 1.5mm. I opted to clip it because I don't want to wake up every morning wondering if "today's the day".

One of the questions that I asked right off the bat was if it was too small to clip.....My doc's response was that there is no such thing as a too small aneurysm. Nowadays there's special clips for small annies. He said they even have a 1mm clip!!!

I have to say that the decision to clip it has been mine. Yes, I'm scared as heck of the actual surgery and after effects, but at least the surgery will be performed in a very controlled environment. It is NOT an easy decision to make, that's for sure, but the alternative of living in fear everyday is also not living (at least not for me....I'm by nature a freaky worry-wart!!! :o).

I REALLY admire those that can wait and watch. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those folks....cool, calm & collected. Nope, not me!!!

Hope that answers your question!

Take care,

Sandy

[Xtina M]

I saw your latest post - glad you got answers to your questions, but I just wanted to respond to this one by sharing my life's ambition. It hasn't changed since having my rupture in February, if anything it's stronger than ever.

So here it is:

I plan to become a very old lady - or die in the attempt!: D

Let's all plan to live a good, long life and make the most of every day.

Blessings,
Christina :)

[svalmor]

Cristina,

I like your attitude!! The problem that I have is that right now I don't know what will happen with my surgery and AFTER the surgery. According to statistics and my NS quotes them, the risk in the surgery itself is 1%. However, those risks are kinda nasty.

I think once the surgery is behind me and I realize that I can still remember my name, my family's names, what day it is, etc., I'll feel a lot better.

I just never thought I would be undergoing brain surgery....EVER!!! Isn't that something that happens to other people???? Guess not! Cuz it's happened to us......ugh!!

You are a fighter so keep on fighting!!!

Take care!!

Sandy

[mayansun]

I think about this from time to time too. It has been 5 years since my clipping and I'm in good overall health, age 32. I asked the NS this question and he said the clip was good for life - and the inter-operative angio confirmed complete clipping.

It is probably true that the metal in my head will outlast me and I hope that to be the case. I try not to think about the technical aspects (like how does it ACTUALLY stay there) but rather that I have no reason to be worried.

There are people (wish I knew more) walking around with 20 plus year old clips so I guess that is the good news. It would be interesting research and maybe there is some out there.

[svalmor]

Hi Mayansun,

Geez, you were so young when you were clipped!! Do aneurysms run in your family? or was this a fluky thing? As far as I know, I'm the first & only one in my family. I hope the last too!!!

When I asked my doctor about the longevity of the clip, he gave me the example of Joe Biden. He's got two clips and it's been well over 20 years.

How long after diagnosis did you undergo your surgery? where was your annie? were you given choices of clipping vs coiling? also.....how is your incision site? do you have any indentations? sorry to rattle off so many questions, but I'm getting clipped in less than two weeks....and....well, you know!!!

Thank you!!

Sandy

[GalacticGal]

Can't be a crazy thought, as I know I'm not crazy, merely slightly off-center, and that thought has bounced through my brain lately. I'm merely 62 days off of my emergency clipping and I have little or no clue as to what to expect from here on out. I'm only 54, married 35 years to a wonderful man, and we have three grown children and as many grandbabies on the way this coming year! Lots to look forward to, for sure!

So, if you get an answer from your NS, do share it. I have to see mine again before I travel in January and shall have to remember to ask him.

~GalacticGal

[jess2002]

Hi there a very good question my ns said it would last my life that was good enough for me try not to worry to much about the future live for now. Jess

[GalacticGal]

Cristina,

I like your attitude!! The problem that I have is that right now I don't know what will happen with my surgery and AFTER the surgery. According to statistics and my NS quotes them, the risk in the surgery itself is 1%. However, those risks are kinda nasty.

I think once the surgery is behind me and I realize that I can still remember my name, my family's names, what day it is, etc., I'll feel a lot better.Sandy

Oh, and they'll ask you what day of the week it is, even when you have no point of reference, to wiggle your toes and to squeeze their fingers. LOL I got too used to the routine in the hospital. I never got to have a say-so in the possible treatment for my aneurysm, (I never had a clue it existed) until it ruptured, putting me immediately into an emergency situation!

Best of luck to you!

~GalacticGal