Timing, timing, timing

[newannie]

Hi Everyone
I'm brand new to the site. Just found out that I have a 5-6 mm aneurysm on the right interior carotid artery resting on the opthalmic nerve. At first I was panicked, but then the neuro team isn't even going to see me for 3 weeks. I guess we will then discuss potential next steps. Is it very typical for this to be a very long process? When I first found out, I thought I'd be rushing to the hospital to get it taken care of... I am 37 and had an MRI/MRA performed because I was getting SEVERE headaches when working out at the gym... Any words of wisdom from people who have already been through the waiting game?

[ncjimmy]

Hi New

WELCOME TO THE SITE. I AM AFRAID I CAN'T HELP TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ON THE WAITING GAME, MINE RUPTURED. JUST TRY TO STAY RELAXED AND GET YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN.I WOULD LAY OFF THE GYM FOR AWHILE ALSO .. I WISH YOU THE BEST.

JIMMY C

[Tunifer]

Yes, it can be a wait. My annie was discovered in February and so far, I've been told to watch and wait and go back for another scan in August. If they are giving you that much time, they must have a reason that they don't feel they have to rush you to emergency surgery. Try to relax and do whatever you were told to do or not do what you were told not to do.

[sccandice]

Waiting is not an easy thing to do! It does help to get on here to vent about your feelings and emotions. Everyone here is so supportive and here to help with any information that we have. I intially had a 7mm annie on my carotid that was touching my optic nerve, so it sounds like our stories are very similar!

[ljt764]

As ridiculous as is sounds, try to relax! Mine was found in April, and I didn't get coiled until September!! Welcome to the boards..glad you found us!

[beach1_gal@yahoo.com]

Hi and Welcome to the greatest place to be when you are happy, lost, scared or just angry at the whole situation.

I have an 8mm x 4.5mm x 2.5 annie on my Left internal carotid artery and another one they found on my Right MCA 3mm x 2.5. These were found around the end of March or beginning of April..(short term memory is kinda shot from the meds these days LOL).

Anyway as for the waiting game just remember they are right on top of everything and will get you in at the right time. Sometimes it's just due to the scheduling and others it's they don't want to just rush in for all annies. Brain Surgery is such a big event that there are a few of us out there still waiting and watching to see if it has grown. Plus location is another factor some annies are in area's that they don't want to rush in on.

My surgery is on the 15th of June and then the 2nd one is on the 18th of June. Here it's my birthday on the 9th and I always loved June and now it's taking the fun away with these upcoming surgeries.

One other thing is you can always call your doctor and ask to talk with him regarding the annie and what the delay is. I know my NS is great anytime I call he talks with me an explains along the way what they are doing and why I had to wait til June and so on. So don't be afraid to call and ask questions it's your right!!

I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way that soon all will be taken care of for you.

Love and Prayers,
LaDawn

[TropicalTrish]

Hi NA,

It seems unless it's an emergency - it can take awhile for sure. Everything is a process these days.

It was 6 weeks from finding mine to the operating table with many consults in between.

And...........I begged to get me in quick to Coil with Stent ~ as I couldn't stand waiting.

I'm sure once you meet the Neuro team and decide on the procedure it will move quicker for you.

In the meantime ~ don't stop your life but do "take it easy" :)

Welcome to this site ~ it's a great place to belong and you can ask ask ask any questions at all :)
.
.

[Beachgirl]

Hi and welcome to BT! :)

I'm so sorry that you have an aneurysm, but you have found a great support network here, as everyone is so wonderful!

The wait is the hardest part, after the initial shock of being told you have an aneurysm! It really does feel as though your world has been turned upside down with this news, and yeah, I can relate to the feeling of wanting it fixed now!!! I recall being terrified to even sneeze for fear of the little bugger rupturing, but remember, that it has more than likely been there for at least a little while. Alot of the time these things are congenital! I've experienced both ends of the spectrum - mine was found on a Thursday, I was in seeing the neurosurgeon the following Monday morning, had a CTA on the Wednesday, saw the neuroradiologist on the Thursday and again saw the NS on the Friday!! It was happening so fast that my head was spinning and had no chance to try and process what was going on, and it really frightened me the speed with which it was all happening! They were initially talking of surgery straight away, but when they got a good look at it, it all came to a grinding halt, and decided to monitor it really closely instead - due to the high risk involved. I have now been monitored for the past 16 months, with the next checkup due in August. Of course every person and every aneurysm is different, and I know you will feel better once you have met with the NS and know what the plan of action is.

As has been mentioned, try and stay calm (really hard I know!:)) as it is really important to keep your blood pressure down. Try to avoid any heavy lifting, and as Jimmy mentioned, keep your workouts low key - at least until you have met with your NS and know exactly what you are dealing with.

Post any time you like, and remember that NO question is too silly or trivial!! :)

Lots of hugs,

Nat xx