[gemer]

Hi Everyone. It is interesting to read of others experiences and see the support that is offered. I have an aneurysm in the base of my brain that will be clipped in four weeks. When I asked the neurosurgeon if there was anything I could do to prepare myself before surgery he said, "not really". What is the opinion of others who have had this surgery? Myfeeling is that if I can improve my physical and mental states that has to help. I'm working on those things but find the anxiety about post op life can get in the way

[Lynn]

Hello

This is an incredibly stressful time for you. It's the 'not knowing' that makes it so hard. I had an aneurysm clipped, but it was seven years ago now, and in a different place to yours (peri-callosal artery - in the top/centre of my brain).

I had to wait a few months for my surgery, and I remember the stress and the maybes/what ifs very clearly. It sounds horribly morbid, but one of the things I did was to make sure that my will was up to date and appointed my husband as power-of-attorney for me. I found that this was somehow reassuring - although most likely unnecessary.

I also spent the time tidying my house, cooking and freezing meals (glad I did that - I didn't feel much like cooking in the weeks after surgery).

Most important advice I can give you though, is to do something especially for yourself EVERY DAY - get a massage, go somewhere beautiful and have a picnic with someone special. Eat healthy food - and remember, these guys/girls are incredibly good at what they do, and helping you to a positive outcome is their main goal.

Good luck, thinking of you - I packed crosswords and stuff like that - and found them really useful for helping with my memory and word-finding.

Keep us posted

Lyn

[gemer]

Thanks for responding Lyn and for the advice. It all makes sense

[Lynn]

Whereabouts in Aus are you? I am in Central Western NSW, and had my surgery done by Dr Mark Dexter at Westmead Private.

[gemer]

I'm in Sydney and having surgery at North Shore Private. Dr Rodney Allan is my surgeon

[reese75]

I am also having a PCOM anuerysm clipped on Monday, July 23rd I am very nervous and.do not know what to expect right out of surgery or the months to come. Not to mention that two days later July 25th I am having a second surgery on my spinal chotd! Any information or what to expect out of surgery would be appreciated. How much hair will I loose? How much pain are you in right out of surgery? And how big is the incision? How long is the recovery? Any info will help!