Diagnosed with aneurysm how long to see the specialist?

[Karenbenji]

I've just been told I have an aneurysm by an MRI for herniated discs in my neck. My mother died of a brain haemorrhage and my auntie survived a brain haemorrhage. How long does it usually take to to see the specialist and any advice welcome as I am very scared

[Andersl]

It varies. I waited 2 months. I don't have a family history of aneurysm.

[Hidden]

Hello, must be a shock and very worrying time for you. I’m sure you would be called in if they are really worried about you I waited 9 weeks and was told I was routine. It may be different for you as you have family history of Annie’s.Take a friend or family member as when you get there everything may become a blur. Write down all your questions. Everything all depends on location,size, shape and family history .

I hope you hear from them soon keep your blood pressure good and don’t smoke if you are a smoker.

Take care and easy said than done but try not to worry Xx

[Deeday67]

Hi Karenbenji, just done you a very long reply, then realised I was not logged in so lost the lot but will try again.

I understand you must be so worried and upset at finding out you have an aneurysm, especially with the family history. I found out about mine in late January and saw the consultant at Salford on 7th April (they were running some additional weekend clinics due to a backlog). I had my angiogramme last week, which I think was brought forward due to also having a family history (Gran, Mum and Cousin all died when theirs ruptured, and Aunt survived after having her ruptured aneurysm clipped). Im now just waiting for a follow up appointment to decide on treatment as my Consultant recomended I have this clipped, coiled or possibly a stent due to the family history. Mine was also found 'accidently' during an MRI for a benign tumour I have growning in my eye socket, and was getting ready for surgery when it was discovered, so surgery now on hold as Eye hospital wont risk the operation!

It may sound a daft thing to say, but please do try and not worry (I know that is easier said than done) but remember, you may have had this for a long, long time and it hasnt ruptured, so please try not to panic and give yourself time to come to terms with this. Its a massive thing to find out, and it does change you, but dont let it rule you. Be sensible with your health, if you do smoke, please stop (one of the riskiest things to do with an aneurysm), try and eat as healthy as possible and generally take some time for yourself. I also found talking helped, talking to my hubby and family (even though I probably drove them mad and I probably still am driving them mad, I just had to talk about it)

If you do feel things are taking too long, get in touch with the PALS service at the hospital you have been referred to and see if they can help, as the Team may not be aware of your family history (mine wasnt till I had my apointment). You can also google the average waiting time for the hospital you have been referred to (mine said 19 weeks from referral to treatment, so its not a quick process).

Sending lots of positive thoughts and please do let us know how you go on xxxx

[Karenbenji]

The hospital have had another look at the scan and the anuarysm is at the base of my skull and at the top of my spinal cord at the front. They have said it is very rare to be where it is. I have an angiogram due in 3 weeks so they can decide how to proceed. I'm trying hard not to worry but it's not easy. My work are giving me a hard time as I went for the MRI scan due to three herniated discs in my neck due to work so I'm trying to deal with focussing on one thing at a time and that at the moment is the angiogram. Thanks for all your responses it really helps knowing I'm not alone.