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.

Wiz-
Sorry to hear about Laura. I have a lot of autoimmune disease in my family and have Grave's disease myself. Hope you are hanging in there and have found support. ((hugs)).

Crwstar-
Sounds like our untreated aneursyms are near the same spot. Mine is in the sinus cavity, 11mm, right near where the opthalmic artery branches off the carotid artery.
Bell's Palsey will cause your face to suddenly droop on one side. People are often scared they had a stroke. Normally it clears completely up in 4-6 weeks. I still could raise my eyebrow on the affected side. That is unusual, so they ordered the MRA. Have they discussed coiling with you?

Wiz, You are right, loosing a family member touches many. Thank you for sharing your experience. I pray continued comfort and ease surrounds you and your family. Since my diagnosis, I have been a bit more isolated than I'd like. I have a wonderful community and am so use to going to church every Sunday and haven't been in a while. My symptoms for some reason have me unable to get out as much so thank you for sharing briefly your story.



Sarahin, They have not discussed coiling with me, my neurosurgeon said the only option was clipping.....hmmmm is coiling an option with an aneurysm in this area? I was surprised that he said it so empatically. My MRA report said exactly what yours did but didn't say it was in the sinus cavity.

I have had very slight drooping on the right side of my face but nothing to indicate Bell Palsey...hmm makes me think - the body is an amazing complex thing. Thank you also for responding....I was becoming discouraged with no responses....

All the best to you both.