An aneurysm

[Shon48]

Have recently been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm by ct scan. I've been told I need an MRI scan and wondered how long I have to wait for that. Seems I have to go to another hospital for this. Really worried, should I be?

[sca2013]

I'm saying no, because worrying will do absolutely nothing to solve the problem or fix the brain aneurysm. Worrying just creates unnecessary stress. Yes, it is very troubling to find that out and not know what needs to be done about it or when. Take control over what you have control over. Can you talk to the doctor or nurse about your situation and ask them further questions about it. Make a list of your questions, before you talk with them. Also take someone with you to take notes and ask any other questions you might not thought of. Seems like they will be able to tell you what the plan is and what they hope to learn from the MRI. Best wishes on getting prompt answers and treatment you may need.

[Shon48 in reply to sca2013]

Thank you, I'll do that whether I can stop worrying is another matter. I keep telling myself that I may have had it for years and it's only

because I've had pain

above my eye and a stiff neck with double vision

. My G.P decided to send me for a ct scan which showed a large aneurysm at the back of my head. Hasn't ruptured obviously but will it and perhaps when? Once I get more information it might put me at ease. Thank you

[sca2013 in reply to Shon48]

Yes, that can definitely be a big worry. And I'm sure once you get some answers that will help too. My wife has a brain tumor and we were worried sick for a year and a half before we finally were told to see a neurologist and she let us know, in my wife's case that the kind she has are the kind that people usually die with not because of and that if she had no further symptoms there was no need to worry anymore about it. Luckily she hasn't and we haven't worried about it anymore. Having to wait 18 months to find that out was ridiculous. I guess the neurosurgeon was hopeful we'd just do the surgery so he could make his yacht payment.

[Shon48 in reply to sca2013]

That is shocking having to wait all that time. The hospital I was in doesn't have the software to do the proper MRI scan so have to wait for an appointment at another hospital. I feel I bed blocked for three days when my husband could have taken me to this other hospital for the scan. One minute the other hospital said it was a large aneurysm, then they phoned to say send her home as it wont burst for a couple of weeks. I know it might never burst but sheesh its caused a heck of a lot of anxiety. I pray your wife and yourself can enjoy life but that really is shocking .

[sca2013 in reply to Shon48]

Thank you for your compassion. Yes, too many times their people skills are actually frightening, no tact or caring comes across. Just hope they are never in the same situation. Just as a side note - you might find this movie very interesting "The Doctor" 1991. William Hurt plays the role of a doctor who is diagnosed with cancer and goes through the experiences that people do who have cancer and gets his eyes opened big time.

[tillymint16 in reply to Shon48]

Hi Shon48

Welcome to this valuable site. I agree it’s a terrible shock followed by daily/nightly worry and to a degree feelings of isolation. It’s taken me years to decide on treatment on my Annie which has no symptoms and was a ‘lucky’ find through MRI and is in the same area as yours by the sound of it, the posterior communicating area. Surgery now as it’s getting to a risky size 6mm.. due 30 April which is filling me with dread. I can’t get my head around going into hospital with no problems or symptoms and coming out with possible issues!!!!!

The thing is to find a good surgeon who you feel confident and comfortable with. The one thing that is for sure is that it’s better to get it sorted out before a rupture. It’s a different scenario completely of better medical outcome and long term and rate of recovery. Your surgeon should explain the ‘risk ratio’ of intervention or just monitoring. My risk is 2-3% is there being a problem of surgery against 97% of all being well. If I live until I’m 80 the risk of a rupture is 18%.

Just one more thing to consider is that have you any other relatives who have had a brain haemorrhage. If it was a close relative your risk of rupture goes up.. also smoking and high blood pressure is a real no no as it weakens your vascular system and ups your risk of rupture.

Hope this helps and though tempting try not to go onto Dr Google and keep to this site👍🏻

Best of luck and you are not alone

Andrea

[Shon48 in reply to tillymint16]

Thank you for your story. I don't know of anyone in my family having had one unless having a grandmother die of a brain tumour makes a difference. Maybe once I've had the MRI scan and seen a neurologist I might be happier. I wish you all the best for your operation and you get shot of Annie. Funnily enough I've called mine Anya. All the best.

[Andersl]

Being newly diagnosed with an aneurysm usually results in 'freaking out' . I remember I kept thinking 'what if it ruptures now' ... 'now' being various activities from walking down the street to shopping, driving, looking after grandkids.

The next stage is usually 'how can I get rid of it?' I was googling treatments and risks every day!

Then you see the neuro consultant. That's when you can ask questions and get answers.

Everyones aneurysm needs assessing for size, place and other risk factors.

No 9need can stop you from worrying but id say focus on getting that appointment, listing your questions and deciding who to take with you so that if you forget anything on the list, they're their to jump in.

Ie take control of what you can control.

I hope that helps.

X

[Shon48 in reply to Andersl]

Thank you. Of course I won't stop worrying and of course I've googled it until my head is spinning lol. I'm going to my G.P today so hopefully she can hurry up the MRI scan.

[Woo777]

My consultant said half the country has them and it’s only because we know that makes us worry , I had one coiled and have one untouched the other side because it’s a little one . I’ll be honest it does sometimes worry esp when I get a headache or stiff neck but I think stress is the real culprit. Push for some answers , good luck xx

[Shon48 in reply to Woo777]

Yes, I read that too so I'm assuming ive had this for a while but now I know I have it , I want something done toot sweet. Lol. Just the MRI scan will do for now, fingers crossed.

[Andersl in reply to Shon48]

The us brain aneurysm foundation website gives some good information. If you're going to Google (as we all do) go for reliable sources from experts

[Shon48 in reply to Andersl]

I have been to see the G.p today who was very helpful. I now have a named Neurosurgeon and will have an MRA scan in the next week or two at the hospital I should have been in. The Aneurysm is i

[Shon48 in reply to Shon48]

The aneurysm is 1.8 in size at the back of the brain and seemingly needs seeing to. Fingers crossed in the next week or so I'll know even more. Going to see the Stones in June and I've waited 50 years so this isn't going to stop me lol

[Andersl]

That's great news .. You're going to see a neurosurgeon and the stones ! Go girl.x

[Shon48 in reply to Andersl]

Soo excited, buying the tickets was such a stressful time BUT I'm going and Anya the Aneurysm can come with me 😂😂