Possible Cerebral Aneurysm??

[sagelola]

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:

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Take care of yourself.

[nurseunderwater]

just think about YOU right now! sending you {{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}} and hope for some support IRL with your home and kiddos. get well and ask for help! rest up mama, school is there always.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

our allnurses community will be sending positive thoughts and our nurse power vibes to get you through the days ahead.

here are some links about cerebral aneurysm that offer infomation and surgical treatment options. sounds like a university hospital setting will offer you the best chance of interventional radiology treatment like endovascular coiling.

nih brain aneurysm

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/ceraneur_doc.htm

brain aneurysm foundation

http://www.bafound.org/info/index.php

treatment options for cerebral aneurysms: medical therapy, surgical clipping and endovascular coiling

(american association of neurological surgeons)

aneurysm in the brain

http://health.allrefer.com/health/aneurysm-in-the-brain-info.html

[mazz]

hang in there- I'm sending positive thoughts your way- California, right?

Anyway- I have taken care of post-aneurysm surgery pts, and also ones that have had neuro-radiological interventions. For the most part, everyone I remember did well. I worked at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood CO- which may be a resource to find out more about neuro-radiological procedures. This was a few years ago, so most of the details have fuzzed out in my brain about the procedures and what specifically was done. I remember the name of the surgeon- Dr. Yakes.

Just remember to breathe. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take notes, or take time out. Good Luck.....

[suzanne4, RN]

Over 20% of the population actually has at least one Berry aneurysm. The area where yours is located is one of the easier to get to.

Good luck to you with your procedures. Our thoughts are with you. :balloons:

[sagelola]

Thank you again, for your support and good thoughts. NRSKaren I looked at those links, thank you.

I am assuming that I will find out tomorrow when I will go in for the arteriogram angiogram...and I will need to talk to my instructors as well.

I'll keep you posted....

[sagelola]

Just an update for those of you interested!! :)

I go in tomorrow at 0830 for the arteriogram angiogram. :uhoh21: I am still waiting to hear back as to when my PCP wants to see me after that to go over the test results. I am not expecting it to be good news, but I still hope it will be.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Just an update for those of you interested!! :)

I go in tomorrow at 0830 for the arteriogram angiogram. :uhoh21: I am still waiting to hear back as to when my PCP wants to see me after that to go over the test results. I am not expecting it to be good news, but I still hope it will be.

Wish you all the best Sagelola ! (((HUGS))) Try to relax and remain positive.

Keep us posted.. we're here for you. :kiss

[nurseunderwater]

oops - double posted

[nurseunderwater]

sending courage and lots of support....i'll be thinking of you and your family often over the coming days...{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{major hug}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[nurseunderwater]

PS:

I am a MacAlpine: part of the Fraser clan- you have our creed as your sig....i know it's trite but i thought a little levity under the circumstances was OK. OK?

[nekhismom]

Oh, sagelola ((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))

Don't have any good advice to add, but DO take care of yourself, ok??? Keeping you in my prayers.