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567234 tn?1306589740

New here

I found out just this week that I have a fairly large aneurysm on the left side of my head and surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.  I have had headaches and a history of migraines for years (believed to have started following a car accident 30 yrs ago.)  

My BP had always been great (110s/50s) but the trouble started last Saturday (5-21-2011) when I was at the local pharmacy while my husband was having a prescription filled.  I stuck my arm in one of those automatic BP checking machines and my BP was reading 138/86 which was very odd for me.  

I saw our regular doc on Tuesday (5-24-2011) just to see what my BP was reading and this time it was 160s/100s.  The doc started me on BP medication and I figured that was the end of it.  I'd take my BP meds from now until doomsday with no worries.  

On Wednesday evening (5-25) my BP shot up to 183/103 so it was off to the ER of the local hospital.  The ER doc ordered a CT scan to make sure I hadn't had a stroke (I'm guessing that's why) and he saw something odd on the scan.  

The ER doc sent a report to my regular physician and I saw the regular doc on Thursday morning (5-26) where he ordered me to have an MRI.  I received the call on Thursday evening that I had an aneursym and he gave me the information I needed to go see a neurosurgeon.  

My husband and I met with the surgeon on Friday (5-27) and that happened to be mine and my husband's 22nd wedding anniversary.  The surgeon told us that I had only two choices to deal with the problem ... leave it alone and do nothing OR have surgery to correct the problem.  

After hearing that, I informed the doctor that we only had ONE choice in the matter because doing nothing was  like playing Russian roulette with a fully-loaded gun.

Right now, I am scared out of my wits about having to face MAJOR surgery.  I have run the gamut of emotions - numerous times - over the past few days.

Thanks for listening.

Alicia S
5 Responses
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1501377 tn?1291508678
It must have been a shock for you, and these decisions are difficult t make - risks both ways. wish you the best - and a speedy recovery.
Helpful - 0
1501377 tn?1291508678
I have a brain aneurysm but also suffer hypertension and persistent migraines. My attention was caught by your reference to "shot packet" - Ive never heard of these, could you provide specific information so I can look into whether this would be useful for me. Like you (other post) I would also like to know by what size a brain aneurysm should ideally require surgery - mine is on the anterior communicating artery (circle of willis) and at last MRI over one year ago was 3mm. cheers Archer
Helpful - 0
1686743 tn?1306005451
I was posting my newest post and your post caught my attention. A friend of mine had the same thing. She carried these shot packet, which cost about $110 a piece. when she got her migraines, it was something I wouldn't ever wish on someone. She would hold off as far as she before using a shoot because of the expense. But once she shoot herself it would force her to pass out, then 15min later. she would be the bubbly  person she always.

You have my My prayers and hope you have a safe recovery..
BK
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Very concerned about you.  Can you us an update about how you are doing?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am sorry you and your husband are having to go through this.  It's amazing how fast life can change.  I went through a similar scenario with my husband in Sept but his was an abdominal aortic and iliac aneurysm.  I know it's not the same surgery but he came through it fine.  My thoughts are with you and your husband.
Helpful - 0
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