Possible Cerebral Aneurysm??

unknown99, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2004

:uhoh21: (((((HUGS))))) Sage lola,

I do not have any words of advice except that your life is more important to you and your family than school is!!! You can always go back, if need be!!!!

You have my prayers!!!

Sarah

z's playa · Mar 20, 2004

Well, I did a search (on allnurses.com) to see if there was any wise advise, but didn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I just need some cyberhugs and support...
A few weeks ago I had a migraine. I had the whole aura bit (which is usual for me) and I knew it was coming on. The strange thing was that my right hand and right side of my face went numb for several minutes. Well, I went to my dr. for some relief...and they decided to do an MRI & MRA. That was done last Tues.
On Mon. I got a call from the dr. office (I really didn't know WHY they had sent me to radiology in the first place, it was explained as "It is possible for people with migraines that include neurological symptoms to have a stroke in the future...we just want something to base any abnormalities off of.") Anyway, the dr. office said that the radiologist wanted me back for a CT angiogram...the word aneurysm slipped out, but no explanation. They did want me to see the dr. ASAP after the test to go over results, so scheduled that for today.
So, I went on Wed. for my CT angiogram. Thurs. got a call from the radiologist's office...they wanted me back Fri. for another "test"...the gal didn't know what they wanted to do, she only had my jacket in front of her, and no info. So, of course, I went back. Radiologist dr. said he would call my PCP and tell her what he saw...that he had me come back because he wanted to make really sure and get some more angles.
So, FINALLY, this morning I go to my primary care dr. You can tell something isn't quite right when they walk in the room. She tells me "There is something there." It isn't a tumor, but now they have to do some other type of angiogram to make SURE that it is an aneurysm. It is at the carotid and circle of willis...at least that is what I have gleaned from this whole situation. She also said that she wants to get this going NOW, doesn't want to wait, and will move me to the University hospital (yuck) instead of one of the nice ones if she has to, just to get it done sooner.
So, I don't know what to think, what will happen, etc. etc. How is this going to affect my classes and schooling (we are in week 9 already), how long will recovery take, side effects, who will watch my kids & husband....everything.
If anyone knows, or works with pts. post-op who have had surgery for this, how long until I will be out, barring complications?
I know that it is better that they found this now instead of when it (possibly) bursts, and I can't think of a better time, since after May 31 we will no longer have insurance...I am just scared and I feel stupid and stressed...
Any words of wisdom?? And thank you for listening to me ramble on... :uhoh21:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{sagelola}}}}}}}}}}}}} cyber hugs galore for you!

Your experience proves to all that it is absolutly necessary to go in for a migraine if it changes at all and seems alarming. It is also important to go in if it doesn't go away since stroke is a posibility after 72 hours. Go onto About.com and go to the headache site forum and log on there. You will find huge support and many answers from people who have gone through the same as you. Good luck. Sorry I can't be more help.

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 21, 2004

Bless you, keep us posted on your condition. What a lot to consider and go through. Take it one day at a time. Does the hospital's Radiology/Imaging Dept have a Neuro-Interventional Radiologist? This may be something to ask about, as if there is indeed an aneurysm and it is in an accessable area, a Neuro-Interventional Radiologist may be able to embolize it without surgery. I will keep you and yours in my prayers. -- D

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2004

Sagelola

At least, you know you have a problem. It's something you do need to get fixed now, school has to be later. I've just sent you a pm.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

mimi

gwenith, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2004

What Dianah said but I have nursed post anuerysm patients and they have done well especially the grade 0 aneurysms (unruptured) I have started a thread with some links over in the Neuro ICU forum but I can't remember if I have included any on aneurysms. I have a young relation who was found to have a number of berry anuerysm in the basillar artery and ended with 12 stents!!!! He is doing well and apart from regular checkups is expected to live a normal life.

Buy that radiologist a lottery ticket and one for your PHP because they deserve kudos for picking this up too many are missed with tragic consequences.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Mar 21, 2004

Please, please take care of yourself and put all else on the back burner for the time being....

((((((HUGS)))))) and well wishes... please keep us posted. :kiss

lisaloulou · Mar 21, 2004

As others have said, forget everything but taking care of the problem. The surgeon should be able to give you an idea of recovery time and other details. You know how in CPR you cant go past "A" until that part is dealt with? This situation is "A" Thank goodness it was found unruptured. God be with you for a speedy and uneventful recovery! (sending warm wishes your way)

nursepenny · Mar 21, 2004

You are in my thoughts and prayers. My youngest sister had a cerebral aneurysm about 8 years ago. She had the surgery after being in NeuroICU X1 week. Her brain was in spasms and they couldn't do the surg any sooner. She is doing well now. No long term effects that we can see. She did experience some disorientation and disorganized thoughts prior to surgery. She was in hospital approx 3 weeks. Was not allowed to drive for 3-4 mos post-op.

I thank God every day there was a doc who took her headache serious and didn't blow it off as another drug seeker.

May God be with you and yours during this time.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 21, 2004

God bless and good luck....

athomas91 · Mar 21, 2004

good luck - and thank God you had the sense to notice something different and seek help

by the way...the circle of willis is the most common site for AVM's (arteriovenous malformations) - which is basically a network of arteries and veins that have knotted themselves all up in a bundle...it is generally the most common cause for bleeding in the brain of non-traumatic patients...and it is fixable when caught early!! again - good luck

sagelola · Mar 21, 2004

Thank you all SO INCREDIBLY MUCH!! I don't know what I would do without you. You are so very supportive.

I think I was able to handle this until the dr. said there WAS something there. Now it is difficult to concentrate. I will find out tomorrow when I go for the arteriogram angiogram. That one doesn't seem to fun, either.

Thank you for the encouragement, and the reminders.

Dianah I don't know if there is a neuro-radiologist. I have been going to a radiology center for the last 3 tests. Not sure about the next one, though.

I will keep you all posted. Thank you again.