I work for a radiology company based in Alpharetta, GA. The American College of Radiology is now requiring all Imaging equipment (MR, CT, X-Ray, ultrasound) be certified by a physicist. In order to do this, you have to have test patients. I volunteered for an MRI Brain because I've had migraines since I was 12 years old, and am now 31. My parents took me to every doctor you can imagine growing up, but none every requested I have an MRI.
On June 26th at 5pm, the owner and Radiologist of our company called me and said he had bad news. He saw a large aneurysm in my right internal carotid artery. I was absolutely devastated. I always thought there was something wrong with my head, but not that. I kept hoping someone would eventually tell me I was being paranoid. On June 27th, my Boss, a Neurologist took me to our center by Northside hospital for an MRA of my head and neck to confirm the exact location and size of the aneurysm. The tests did confirm and I immediately contact Dr. Daniel Barrow, Chief of Emory Hospital's NeuroSurgery department. And since I'm in the business, he came very highly recommended.
I had a few more tests done, including a CTA and Angiogram. In August, I met with Dr. Barrow for the final time to discuss the results of my angiogram. He said I had 3 choices.
(1.) Do nothing and live with it until it ruptures.
(2.) Have the coiling procedure done via angiogram and repeat the angiogram every year.
(3.) Have brain surgery and clip the aneurysm.
I opted to do the brain surgery. We scheduled it two weeks out for Tuesday September 11th. I picked the date. I was never really that nervous about having the brain surgery. I truly felt that God would not have let us find the aneurysm if it wasn't meant for me to get it fixed.
I am happy to report today, 6 months after the brain surgery that I am doing remarkably well. I lived with my parents for about two weeks and then moved back home to live alone. I still get tired after a long day, especially if I push myself. I get the occasional headache, but not the severe migraines I had before the surgery.
I really just want to share my story for people with unruptured brain aneurysms to let them know that finding out is a miracle! And if anyone were to ask me would I recommend brain surgery over the coiling? ABSOLUTELY!! Surgery and clipping are final. I do not have to do anything for 10 years. That is peace of mind!!
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If you could give 3 helpful health tips. for women who have been diagnosed and see awaiting brain surgery.
What would they be?
This is always the most helpful information for
What worked for you? What resources did you find that were helpful to you?
Thanks for this information. Women will be grateful.
Don't forget to share your story with your family and friends.
April 21, 2008 - 5:31amThis Comment
I would definitely recommend seeing several surgeons and seeking out all options. I had 2 very scary choices. And it was a very difficult decision. I also did a lot of research online to learn as much as I could about aneurysms. And smokers should quit immediately. In my research, I found that smoking can possibly cause an aneurysm to rupture!
April 21, 2008 - 6:07pmThis Comment
Thank you for sharing your story.
Did it take you 6 months to feel better or did that take a while?
- Todd
April 20, 2008 - 10:45pmThis Comment
Todd-
April 21, 2008 - 6:05pmI am still recovering, even 7 months later. I still get tired after a long day of too many activities. And my right eye gets a little lazy when its time for bed since the surgery. My Neurosurgeon said I should be back 100% at around 12 months.
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Sounds like there was a reason you ended up in radiology as a career. How incredible!
The first time I heard the word aneurysm was when I was in the fourth grade and my grandfather Clyde, who I absolutely adored, suddenly died from one. Now, so many years later, I'm amazed that you can detect an aneurysm before it actually ruptures. You're right -- it truly is a miracle.
It sounds like maybe there's a connection between an aneurysm and migraines.(?) What do you think? I'm just wondering if anyone who suffers from migraines should have an MRI.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us!!
Kristin Park
April 20, 2008 - 9:41pmhttp://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com
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Hi Kristin! Thank you for reading my story. I am incredibly lucky and wanted to share my story to let people know there are ways to fix an un-ruptured aneurysm. When I was first diagnosed, there was not alot of information unless the aneurysm was ruptured.
My neurosurgeon told me that my migraines were not caused by the aneurysm. I disagree with him, especially since I have not had a migraine since my surgery! My personal opinion is, if you know someone that has migraines, they should ask their Doctor for an MRI. I'd rather know and get it fixed, then wait for it to rupture.
Thanks for reading my story :)
April 21, 2008 - 6:03pmThis Comment
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so happy that you are well and can share this amazing story with other women.
It had to be so scary for you to hear that you had a brain aneurysm. I have a good friend who had what they call a bleed, in her brain. She had to have brain surgery too.
She is one of the bravest women I know and is very happy, like you, to share her story. It was a long recovery for her. She actually had to learn to do everything over again. Even basic things like learning how to wash her hair.
Anytime you hear brain and surgery...it just takes your breath away.
You are one strong woman! We're happy to have you on our site. You will help so many women by just sharing the fact that you got sick and then got well. You got through your brain surgery and your happy and healthy. That's a powerful story.
Thank you again for sharing and I'm so glad you are well.
Love the photo of you with your cat:)
Best in health,
Michelle
April 20, 2008 - 8:44pmThis Comment
Thank you! I'm very blessed and am happy to share my story with everyone.
April 21, 2008 - 6:08pmI'm glad your friend is doing better. Everyday is progress!
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