u/StillUnit5976

Just wanted to provide a quick update and some reassurance. Had my clipping surgery yesterday afternoon (it’s now next morning). I have pain in my temple, ear and jaw on that side but other than that I am sentient and thinking relatively normally, just dizzy from the drugs. My op was delayed for 5-6 hours but that was probably the worst bit. Honestly, this is way more manageable than I thought it’d be so please try not to panic if you’re starting out on your journey.

For background: 34F, fit, 7mm ICA aneurysm, non uniform.

EDIT: Sorry I should have said, yes I have pain but it is easily manageable with meds. Nothing worse than a migraine so please don’t worry x

I’d like to again thank everyone who contributed on my previous post; it really meant the world to me to hear from people who sadly understand my position. I’m single and live away from my family so having people to share the space with me really removed a lot of the isolation - I really, deeply appreciate it.

I have opted to have a craniotomy and I guess I’m distracting myself by prepping. Does anyone have any advice on what to pack in my hospital bag? Any bits which you found significantly improved your comfort?
I have been told power banks, long charging leads, earplugs/eye masks, lip balm, button front PJs and wipes are essential. I also read to bring your own pillow? Any recommendations?

I’m also planning to stay with my family for a week or two after, but I have no idea how active/inactive I’ll be. Did you just live in PJs or could I even pack light walking clothes?

Finally, I’m a fit 34yo woman. Up until I found out I was training 5 times a week and my diet is optimal. I have absolutely no idea what to expect recovery wise assuming this little treasure doesn’t blow before my surgery (7mm non-uniform)… would you mind sharing your experiences of recovery? Mine hasn’t yet ruptured so hopefully it should be slightly more straightforward (love to you absolute warriors who went through SAH).

Thanks again xx

UK based 34F and I’ve just been diagnosed with a 7-8mm left ICA brain aneurysm. I’d had symptoms, namely differing pressures in my eyes, worsening vision in the left, pain in the left and focal migraines. Frustratingly I had been checked for glaucoma and not one person asked about my family history relating to aneurysms (my dad has one) to account for the different pressures once glaucoma was ruled out; I’m talking 3 or 4 different teams. I had an MRI which picked the aneurysm up because of increased light sensitivity, said to be linked to migraines but the neurology team forgot to refer me for the MRI so this went missed for a year. Not got much faith in doctors after this and a few other missed diagnoses over the years which I’ve only got because I’ve done the research and pushed.

I have an appointment with the neurosurgeon in just under a month’s time but asked to be out on the cancellation list to try and bring forward, as this is obviously making me anxious.

I guess I just wanted some comfort. I’m AuDHD and have no idea if it’s normal to feel stressed and upset about or if I’m being over sensitive due to health anxiety from watching my mum nearly die a few years ago (not aneurysm related).

Does anyone have any experience with treatment, or just getting through the uncertainty? I would ask for commenters with larger aneurysms like mine, given the difference in experience and obvious increased feeling of urgency. If you had treatment, how did it go, were there any side effects or lasting health complications?

If you could offer any words of wisdom or comfort based on your own experiences I would really appreciate it. They’ve told me risk of rupture is about 0.9% over 5 years but that I’m being treated as a high priority which seems contradictory.