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Jennybutter's avatar
Jennybutter
Member
10 years ago

Another Curve Ball

Hi Everyone,

Recently I posted my issue with a brain aneurysm, well now it's all happening. I had pushed it to the back of my mind while having treatment for BC , now that I am nearly done I have to address this issue. I went to see the Neuro on Tuesday and I am a high risk as I had a bleed when I was 21, apparently when you have had a bIeed you are more likely to have another aneurysm. Just my luck.

So here we go, scheduled for an MRI and angiogram in May and back to Neuro on 7/6. He said that from my brain scan I am a 7 and 10 is critical.  Due to my history they will get the results of both procedures to see if there are any more we have  to deal with.  He explained to me depending on results we may do a coil, but he is thinking surgery.  This one is near my temple ( a berry) I remember what I went through when I was young and it was a terrible time in my life, I was in a coma for 2 weeks and nearly died and had to do rehab. Going through BC was very difficult but with it you know your treatment and know whats ahead for the most part, but the brain is so different and for me a bit more scary. 

I really have to thank my oncologist because I had a couple of falls in cycle 2 of chemo and because of my history she ordered a braIn scan as a base line. I guess if she didn't do that I might be in trouble down the track. I know that treatments where the brain is concerned has come a long way since my last problem but I still feel worried.

You never know what is around the corner do you.

Cheers Jen ?? ?? ?? xx 

 

5 Replies

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jenny,  

    as horrible as it all sounds, it's better to deal with this now rather than if you have a bleed, as you already know. I wish you all the best for it all.  Karen xox

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Well hopefully Jen, modern medicine and procedure for brain surgery is a whole lot better than it once was. Hugz XXXX

  • jd48's avatar
    jd48
    Member
    10 years ago

    Jen I do feel for you but please do not be scared as it is good they found it.

    Just because it is there it does not automatically means it needs to be treated. Chance is it only needs monitoring. And if they do need to do a coil at least you know it is done and no fear that it will burst unexpectedly.

    I have 2 brain aneurysams. They have been found by accident some 17 years ago. I also had scans at the time but sizewise they were nit deemed high risk so all I do is monitor them. I have scans every 2 years and if they get to the size where thhey need coils we will do it.

    I had angiograms done back then (now just MRIs) and angiogram is painless. They just have you lie on the table and you feel nothing of the wire they insert. You will get a little bit of weird taste in your mouth when they release the dye but that is as bad as it gets.

    Trully there is nothing to fear when it comes to the procedure. And even if they were to clip it it would be done at the same time. It does not feel particularly invasive and time goes quickly.

    I would strongly suggest you investigate why you get them. I have a condition called HHT which causes them as this condition affects the blood vessels and alsobcauses various internal and skin bleeds. Aneurysm does not come about on its own so if yiu push a bit further to get to the bottom of why you git the 2 it will help you manage your health and avoid risks of bleeds both as far as medicine consumption goes and as far as medical procedures go.

    I remeber being scared when I was initially diagnosed but now I see it for what it is - an absolute blessing as since know I have them we can manage them and it had given me the strength and power to demand some medical procedures be done in a way that reduced the risk of them rupturing.

    Had I not known over the years I may have consumed blood thinners and had them rupture or would have submitted to medical procedures that would cause them to rupture.

    This way - I have control and peace of mind.  I know initially there is nervousness and some fretting over a "ticking time bomb" but it really is not that bad - I promisse. Mine have been diagnosed 17 years ago and no issues.

    I wish you all the best for the procedure and will benthinking off you. I do hope you get to sleep more oeacefully knowing that medicine has advanced in leaps and bounds and knowing the littlenguy is there means now you need not fear an unexpected bleed as this gives you back the control over your health - and no bad surprises...

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jen,

    Good luck with your June appointment with the neurosurgeon.  Just remember that there have been huge changes in brain surgery even in the last few years - you will still worry, but hopefully he can put your mind at rest - big hug - let us know your progress. xx  Michelle

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Wow, that sure is a curve ball. 

    And yet more waiting. Hope it all goes uneventfully for you. 

    Take care, Lyn