Tough decision

[Shalala72]

Hi everyone! My name is Sharon, I am 46 and had subarachnoid hemorhage 4 months due to a ruptured aneurysm. They coiled two of them but I have one left that is only suitable to clipping.

The neurosurgeon said it is half of 1% a year that it would rupture and 3 to 5% of something going wrong in operation.

The other aneurysm that ruptured was only 3mm ( they not sure which one) and this remaining one is also only 3mm so he said he can't guarantee that in the coming years it won't rupture. And no point in monitoring it because of this.

So the decision is mine to make on whether I can live with it or get it clipped , the neurosurgeon said he is willing to do the clipping soon if I come to the decision to go ahead with operation.

Has anyone here had to make a similar decision? Or had clipping of an unruptured aneurysm? I am so afraid.

Thanks for reading my post.

Sharon x

[Kirk5w7]

Difficult indeed.

My sister lived with an aneurysm that was discovered at around 10 mm but at that point they couldnt operate because it was at the junction of two vessels.

It was finally operated on at 11mm because bew proceedures had been developed, that was 10 years after the initial discovery.

She was and still is fine, three years on, no longer fear of instant death.

Only you can make the decision. Do you have any problems since the SAH, if this one were to rupture what might be the implications for you?

Janet

[Shalala72 in reply to Kirk5w7]

Thank you for your reply Janet. He just said that if it did rupture in the future that my speech , language would not be effected. I know the aneurysm is on a branch of a main artery

[RecoveringH]

I would wait until the dust settles after this Aquarius full moon on Thursday 15th August 2019 to make a decision on things like that, maybe from around August 29th onwards start thinking about it again. Until then put it out of your mind. Pleased for you that they got 2 out of 3. I hope you are able to work through your fears either by writing a letter to yourself, poetry or art. You are stronger than you think. Best wishes. : )

[cat3]

Hi Sharon. There are risks in any surgery but, if it were me, I'd have to go ahead and have the aneurism dealt with once and for all. I'm naturally pessimistic, but started seeing things differently after a doctor advised me to focus on the massively high percentage of success rather than the tiny element of risk.

I had a SAH coiled 7 years ago and when my surgeon showed me the 'Before & After' scans I was awestruck by the skill and ingeniousness of the procedure. But it was his enthusiasm which impressed me most, especially when he said he never tires of 'Mending people' and that every patient is special.

I'm sorry you're so stressed and fearful Sharon, and I hope that talking to others can bring some balance to help with your decision. Please stay and keep us updated m'love. Cat x

[Shalala72 in reply to cat3]

Hi cat thanks for your reply it means a lot . my family and friends don't know what it's like to have a sah etc and have to try to re build your life after. Everyone thinks I am ok because I look ok

[cat3 in reply to Shalala72]

Hi again Sharon. Is your mind any more settled yet with your choices...…………... and leaning one way or the other ? I hope so ; taking a definite stance is the hardest part.

Keep us informed won't you. And concerning the lack of understanding from friends/family/work colleagues ; do you have copies of Headway leaflets detailing the seriousness of a SAH and the lasting after-effects ? It might be useful to phone the helpline and request the relevant printouts...….. and make them available to friends/family/colleagues.

The helpline no. is 0808 800 2244 (office hours - free calls) and staff are helpful and friendly.

Please keep us informed on any developments won't you, but we're always here anyway if you need to talk. 😐 Cat x

[1949liz]

Hi Shalala, it’s understandable to feel fear, but Cat it right and she is so wise and understanding, so if I was you I would get it done and dusted and more on with your life. Take care Love Liz x🌹

[cat3]

Whatever you decide m'love we're always here to talk/listen..... x

[WinB]

I had my SAH ruptured Anni coiled. One day I had a real bad seizure ..like something I have never had before. I saw Epilepsy Dr. and he advised me to have a scan which showed up 2 small bleeds I had. He said they healed themselves and I was so scared as it said Chronic bleeds ..eventually after thinking I was at the end. I looked up Chronic and it wasn't the worst so I got my smile back. We cannot make a decision for you but when I had shunt put in my hubby was scared for me and he was going to cancel it. My Surgeon said if it was his wife he'd have it done ..so ask him/your surgeon if it was a family member what would he do XX Good Luck xxxx

[Shalala72 in reply to WinB]

Hi winB, thanks for your reply and story. I asked him what he would do and he said he didn't know what he would do so I suppose he just can't tell me for some reason. That I had to make my own decision that's best for me

[WinB in reply to Shalala72]

Do what you feel happiest with xxxx Good luck xxx

[Williewind]

I had a aneurysm clipped in 1969 aged 12 and led a full life. I am now 62 years of age.

[bonfire in reply to Williewind]

Did you have a crainiotomy Willie?

[Williewind in reply to bonfire]

Yes I did

[Shalala72 in reply to Williewind]

Thanks williewind , that's uplifting for me to hear that 😊

[Milley2]

Hi

I’m quite new on here but I have 1 in ruptured 6mm aneurism ,I found out 2 weeks ago

I’ve been today and they going to observe it like watch and wait hAving a further scan more in depth in couple weeks depending on shape .

T x

[ErinSAH]

Hi Sharon,

What a tough decision and one only you can make.

I had an SAH 7 years ago now, but no aneurysm was found so I may not know everything you are, and have gone through. But I will say that having gone through one SAH was enough, I think I would try do anything I could to prevent another. The part of myself lost would be deterrent enough to do what I could to prevent another, especially as you are still young.

But it is a huge decision and whatever you decide will be the right thing for you. And if you decide not to, you can change your mind down the line if you wish.

Best of luck xxx

[Shalala72 in reply to ErinSAH]

Hi Erin,

Thank you so much for your message . I have decided to go ahead with operation. I am very scared but it's something I have to do to try and get some part of my life back. I feel a weight on my shoulders and living in fear every time I feel anything in my head.

I can't live the rest of my life like this as it is hard enough, as you well know , to try and recover from the sah. I am trying not to get angry but my life is a mess , I just don't know what the future holds . But I know we all are the lucky ones that are still here to tell the tale .

Sharon x x