IanM

Hi All, Thanks for your messages, much appreciated. But, heard from the hospital a couple of hours ago, they've had several emergencies in today. Waiting now, for the secretary to contact me with a new date - will let you know, when I find out. Bye for now, Ian

Hi All, I heard yesterday, I've got a date to clip my aneurysm - go in on Tuesday 20th (if a bed's available), and have the operation on Wednesday. The news is still sinking in ! When I last met the neurosurgeon, he told me he may have to go in both sides of my head, as the aneurysm is about 2inches behind my eyes, in the middle of the brain. Also, I have 3 arteries in that area, and most people have 4. Would appreciated any advice, support you can offer? many thanks......Ian

Hi Donna, Have you tried Good to Go Insurance ? thanks.......Ian

Hi everyone, thanks again for your messages. Michelle, I think you're right about the cyst - I was told they'd only need to deal with mine if & when it grows... Gill, Jess, I would welcome a chat sometime, if that's ok ? Only a couple of weeks now, to my appointment, have started to write a list of questions. Bye for now, Ian

Hi All, Thank you for the warm welcome & messages of support. Lynne, I live near Pontypridd, and had my ops in the Heath Hospital as well. Will list more questions to ask, when I next see the neurosurgeon (with my wife, Sam, this time). When I had the appointment in March, I wasn't expecting the discussion I had, so it was a lot to take in - given that only a couple of months before, I was just going to be monitored... He explained the all the risks of the op, as my aneurysm is above the hypothalmus gland. All being well, I'd be in hospital about 5 days, and off work about 3 months (similar to the decompression surgery I had - luckily, I recovered well from that). Thanks again. Ian

Hi Everyone, My name is Ian, I'm 49, and live in South Wales. Although I haven't had a SAH, I currently have an untreated aneurysm. I collapsed in April 2008, and was referred by my GP to a neurologist, after I explained I'd always get a severe pain at the back of my head when I laughed or coughed a lot (I grew up with this). After MRI & CAT scans, I had my results in March '09. He told me they'd found three things: a brain condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation, a 7mm aneurysm (anterior communicating artery), and 2.5cm arachnoid cyst (right temporal lobe). They weren't that concerned about the cyst - but referred me on to a neuro-radiologist, for the aneurysm, and a neurosurgeon for the chiari. A few months later, I had my appt for the aneursym. He explained the risks etc, and said I could be monitored or I could have it coiled - but wait for the outcome for my other appointment before making a decision. When I saw the neurosurgeon, he told me I needed surgery - or face the risk of being paralysed if I collapsed again (decision made, for that one!). I elected to have the aneursym coiled, before the bigger operation on the back of my skull. But, when I was in recovery after the coiling, I was told my aneurysm was the wrong shape to hold the coils - they couldn't tell beforehand. Two months or so later, I had decompression surgery for the chiari in December '09. Had another CAT scan in June last year, and was told in November that the aneurysm was still the same size, and I would be scanned every two years. This March, I saw a different neurosurgeon - who said he'd taken over the care of my aneurysm, and went on to explain how it could be clipped....(suggesting, in a way, that this is what he needs to do). I knew that this is the only way it can be dealt with. Since then, after talking it through with my wife, family, friends & colleagues, I've decided to go ahead with it, when I see him again next month. I think my age, and general good health is in my favour, if I have this done now, rather than wait a few years. Have been reading posts one here for some time, and would really appreciate any advice etc you can offer ? Thanks for reading.... Ian