husband just diagnosed with aneurysms

[joelle31f]

My husband was just diagnosed with two small aneurysms about 2 millimeters each adjacent to each other at the peripheral cerebral arteries.The nerological team at Yale thinks he suffered from a small tear in one because he had severe headaches for over a week, then developed other symptoms like nausea, weakness, tingling in his hands and lips and he felt like foods just didn't taste quite right. His headaches have decreased in severity but have not gone away completely, and he said he just doesn't feel like his normal self. We were told that surgery at this point is more risky than waiting and watching to see if anything changes, but we feel that the risks in that are just as great. He's only 31 and otherwise in great health, although he does smoke. If anyone has been through a similar situation or has any advice I'd appreciate all the help and Info I can get. Thanks so much!

[Tootsie]

Hi Joelle,
Have you posted your situation on the Aneurysm Forum, here at Braintalk? I think you will find the folks there have more experience with your specific situation. Scroll down using the small arrow at the Forum Jump box in the lower right corner until you find the alphabetical listing of specific diseases and conditions.

With all the anxiety, worry and concern over the diagnosis, it would be doubly difficult for your husband to stop smoking now. However, the risks of continuing to do so, only complicate his already serious situation. There are several support groups, and even medications that may be OK for him to use. His doctor no doubt has already counseled him on this.

I think that you need to consider the advice you are receiving from the medical community, and their stature in that community. "Wait and Watch" is never what anyone wants to hear. However, it is valid. Yale is not known as a less than prestigious institution. The human body has it's own way of healing and there is no indication that he will ever have more difficulties. Brain surgery is risky no matter what the diagnosis. Cheerio.