My story

[Nippet]

I was asked to tell you my story. My first aneurysm was found when I had an MRI to monitor scar tissue from surgery for Arnold Chiaries that I had in 1988. That one was on my anterior carotid artery and was coiled in 2001. At that time I was told I had 2 other aneurysms that they did not have a way to repair at that time since they were fusiform aneurysms. I had several angiograms to monitor them. In June 2006, while having an angiogram my right carotid artery in my neck was dissected and a stent was put in during that angiogram. My area got a new neuro-radiologist shortly after that and I was refered to him. He did another angiogram and then put a stent in my right internal carotid artery. My next angiogram six months later, showed that the original coiled aneurysm formed a new neck and the coils had compacted. He recoiled and put a stent in that one a month later. I had two more additional follow-up angiograms and everything was fine. Last month, I had a follow-up CAT scan expecting everything to be fine and found out that a new aneurysm has formed where the stent ends on my right internal carotid. I am having that one repaired with a stent in two weeks. There is still one small aneurysm on my left side that has not been treated. It is small, but there is no treatment for that particular one at this time. I am not looking forward to starting all over again with another year of plavix and more angiograms. I have lost count on the number of them that I have had. Counting my original brain surgery for Arnold Chiaries, it has been 21 years of dealing with brain issues. I actually debated on saying "no more, I quit," but I have a husband, four sons, and five grandchildren, so I will keep on for them. I am lucky that I do not have any neuro defects from all that has been done, I tire, have headaches (that are controlled with drugs) and some other minor problems. One of my sons is having a CAT scan on Wednesday because he is having headaches and ringing in his ears and they want to rule out aneurysms.

[Ging]

Wow Nippet, you are a very bravee lady. after my artery was disected, and I had on left, I could not go on. I was too afraid. I am so please to meet you. God Bless you and yourSon. Keep us posted. Big Hugs, Ging

[excell123]

Well here i am about to have my first ever angiogram for a fusiform annie.Then after that maybe stent (i hope).But u have given me inspiration,sometimes i think its a life sentance aready,thanks for posting,Jason

[Junebug]

Nippet, You give me the courage to continue on with what ever is in the future. I have not gone through nearly what you have, and I turned out to be a basket case after various angios, scans, MRIs, and coiling. I have three children and 9 grandchildren. I also have a little 9 year dog that thinks she is my daughter, as she does not know she is a dog. I have a husband with a major heart condition, so I really need to be around for a while.

My faith in God keeps me going, as well.

Thank you so much for posting your story. I know it must not be easy for you to go over it again and again in your mind.

[Silencer]

You have been through so much! Thanks for sharing your story and here's some positive thoughts to get you through what's to come.

[Nebraska]

Thankyou so much for sharing your story. You are a very strong and brave person. I will keep you and your son in my prayers.

[Adday]

Hi Nippet, you are the 2nd or 3rd person I have read about that has a disected artery in their neck. I like you can't count how many angiograms I have had. At my last angiogram the nueroradiologist called me back to look at the films. He only does that when there is a concern. He showed me where there was a disected artery in my neck and asked me had I had any injuries because he didn't remember seeing it ever before. He said that if I haven't had the tingling or numbness or any other trouble it looked old enough not to worry about. It is hard to tell if there is numbness or tingling in my arm because I had shoulder surgery 2 years ago and the orthopeadic surgeon accidentally cut a nerve in my shoulder that controlled the function of the deltoid muscle. My arm moves if my elbow is in close to my waist but I can't lift it over my head and I have some tingling and it is numb around the deltoid muscle area. I wondered it maybe something happened then but now that I keep seeing this problem in people I am reading about I wonder if it happened during an arteriogram. I always have headaches but they are particularly bad after this test! Let me know if you or anyone knows about this problem. Thanks to everyone who has already sent me messages. I do appreciate everyone's answers.

[lal2llb]

You are a courageous woman. Sending you big hugs to both you and your son.

Laurie

[Whippet]

You have been through a lot, thank you for sharing your story. It shows persaverance (sp) and courage. Hope to see you on here more.

I like your screen name ;-) Maybe we'll have a few more "ippets" on here.

Whippet

[Hypatia]

Nippet - you've been through more than any one person should ever have to go through, that's for sure. I'm so glad that 'at least' you've escaped neurological deficits. Keep strong, one more time, and please let us know how you do with your up coming procedure.

My best to you and your son.

Hypatia

[Beachgirl]

I am at a loss for words. Your courage is amazing. You have a wonderful attitude, and will get through this next hurdle too.

I will keep you in my prayers for your surgery.

Hugs,

Nat xx