It seems that this is not such an active forum. I see a lot of views but not so many responses. Is there anybody out there? I would love to hear from people who have unruptured aneurysms. Are you symptomatic or not. What have your symptoms been. Previous to a ruptured aneurysm what symptoms were you aware of? How concerned if at all should I be with a small unruptured aneursym that is being watched. I've read that aneurysms as small as 3 mm have been clipped. Any dialogue on this would be appreciated even if you think it won't help.


gotta go

crwstar

Hey crwstar -

Nope. Not a very active forum.

I recently had 3 aneurysms repaired (in March) - abdominal aortic artery, left and right common illiac arteries. We've been watching them for 4 years now, and just decided to bypass them.

I had an ascending aortic artery aneurysm rupture 4-1/2 years ago. That was exciting - it tore right at the heart. That was an emergency surgery.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Sounds like you've been thru a lot. Are you mending well from the surgeries?

Hopefully, things will pick up over time. I could consider it a good thing that there aren't that many people in here I'll just hope it means less people with aneurysms.

Happy day - My story is below in another thread.

Crwstar

Hi,
I have two aneursyms. I had an unruptured PCOM artery clipped in March 2007 and have a 11mm one on the carotid artery that is untreated. The last year has been quite a ride!!!! I had no symptoms.. They were found by accident on a MRI I got after getting atypical symptoms with Bell's Palsey. I would be in no hurry to get yours treated if they are small. Once they are larger I feel it is crazy not to get them clipped or coiled if they are where they would cause a stroke. Even though they might never rupture, a subarachnoid stroke has a high mortality rate. My untreated aneursym is behind my right eye and is positioned where it wouldn't bleed into my brain if it ruptured and cause a stroke. If it ruptures I could easily lose my sight in that eye, but getting it treated is a judgement call. It's in a bad place to treat and even though it is large it causing no problems at the moment. Talk to the best doctors you can find and ask lots of questions.

It does sound like you've been on a ride this past year - Thank goodness for accidental findings. Have you faired well with the surgery? what is Bell's Palsy if you don't mind me asking?

I agree with you about leaving the aneurysm. The doctor convinced me right away when he said the only way to fix it was to do a crainiotomy. It's behind my left eye on the ophthalmic artery. The risk of surgery at this point does not outway the risk of rupture. So we are watching it. My biggest concern is all the symptoms I have - Headache for 7 months, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion after minimal activity. Hopefully, I will have some answers next month at my doctors appt.

All the best

Hi there,

My only experience has been that of my late sister Laura's. She had an aneursym back in 1982. She had a very severe headache that got worse when she laid down. After a couple of days, they finally discovered a brain aneurysm that was behind her eyes. They did surgery, but back then it was much more risky and she didn't survive. I've had a lot of MRI's because of MS but they haven't found any in me yet, thank God. I take blood pressure pills because apparently high blood pressure played a part in Laura's illness.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister

Probably one of the hardest life experiences is to loose a sibling. I suppose the silver lining if there can be one is the blessing and compassion you bring to people who ask should siblings be tested. I've seen the question asked over and over again on boards. I'm glad you continue to be clear of them. Did you decide to get tested on your own or was it suggested by a doctor?

All the best-
Crwstar

Hi Crwstar,

I got tested because of my symptoms from the MS. I was having trouble walking, and my first MRI's were done in 2002. The only thing they've ever seen on my brain are some white spots due to the MS.

It was hard losing my sister, her absence affected all of us, but especially her children who were all young at the time.

What a cute site this is compared to BT. We the old members have just been emailing everyday or doing messenger. It's our own little site Chris C., Chris B., Suz, Lyn, Pam, Ruth, Julie,Tink, Lori, Glenn and it goes on!! Much better then Bt with all the fighting (who needs that?) you get some newbies that decide to act up trash talk those of us who have been on since day one administrators who we know for a fact were just out of there teens...not good. We have each other for support and can say what ever we want. I still go maybe once every other month and read some of the post....nothing has changed there that's why we don't bother. Same people on Bt talking the same BS about each other,our little group is full of support,laughs and we don't need it over at that site. What we miss is helping others and at times we get info. on someone who needs us and we answer. Nothing like been there did that...so I'm happy to see you here helping people go through this journey It's so good to see you...

ooxx
Mimi

Thanks for the information - I will check it out. I do keep getting that question. Is there a connection between the two? - You've given me another question to ask the doctor as well. Many thanks!!

If you think of anything else don't hesitate to mention it.

Crwstar