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