Two months ago today I had emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and have been recuperating at home ever since. Until now I've been emotionally and mentally unable to find out more information about aneurysms because at the time of surgery they discovered an additional one and I'm faced with making a decision on how to treat it.
I'm terrified and, like so many of the narratives I've just read, so tired and depressed. Reading many of your stories has helped me so very much. Although I have wonderful support from my family and friends, so often they are trying to stop my flow of tears, and that only seems to make me feel more afraid and sad. I'm comforted to learn that these feelings are normal parts of the healing process, and it gives me hope to read the wonderful success stories of all the survivors.
On Tuesday of this week I'll be going to a specialist to learn more about the coil treatment. I'm interested to hear any of your stories about this. Also, is there anyone out there who has has 2 clips, one on each side of the brain? The first clip was put on the "subarachnoid hemorrhage, the right posterior communicating artery aneurysm," (I'm quoting the medical report because I haven't even had the courage up until now to try to truly understand exactly what was done to me).
I'll be grateful to anyone with information or thoughts to share. Thanks so much.
Update: 30 Oct 2002
For the past 2 months I have been writing to some of you and hearing from many of you concerning my decision for my second aneurysm (My first, a rupture in June was an emergency and was clipped.) I've made the decision to go for the coiling, with the support and encouragement of so many of you. I'll be having it done next week- November 5th.
This week will be busy with many preparations and (well, yes, most likely) a bit of terror. So I wanted to take the time today to thank all of you for the love, concern, and information you've shared with me. You've helped me more than you can imagine. (One of my local New Jersey friends recently remarked that an "online supprt group" seems so impersonal. I told her that I have so often felt arms reaching out from the computer- arms attached to people in Scotland and Australia and Texas- to hug me and wipe away my tears.) You've made me laugh with funny "short-term memory loss" stories that only WE can relate to and you've given me hope when I felt like there was none.
So, dear new-found family, I thank you from my heart. I pray for All of you each night. I'll be back in touch after Nov. 5th.
Update: 14 Nov 2002
I went in for coiling on Nov. 5th and was home by Nov.7th. So many of you had written to tell me that compared to the clipping (which I had for a rupture back in June) the coiling was a walk in the park. Yep!! I'm thrilled to be home, back driving my kids to school, and just so relieved to have much of this behind me. I'm off Dilantin (and, along with them, got rid of depression and fatigue). Anyone feeling those things should check with their doctors about their anti seizure meds.
You've all been wonderful friends, reaching out from your different corners of the world. God bless you all, my new found friends!
Update: 12 Mar 2003
I recently did something that helped me a great deal, so I want to share it.
I suffered a rupture in June of last year, had an emergency clipping, then had a coiling for another aneurysm in November. So many of you were incredibly supportive and helpful. I went back to work in January and I've been quite busy with work and my children's activities. At times I experienced rather scary confusions and discontinuity in my thinking. Well, a few weeks ago my children and I went back to the SICU where I was for the craniotomy. We brought all sorts of baked goods, letters, and gifts for the nurses. While I was in the hospital, my devoted brother was recording all sorts of information about the nurses (their children's names, what they liked to do- whatever they revealed in their conversations). So - before I went I read up on their lives, and I was able to mention something personal to each of them. I let them know that they were all angels, and that I truly believe that my children have a mom because of their beautiful dedication.
Well, they cried and thanked us for coming. One nurse said, "We never get to see anyone well. It really helps to see you walking and talking. Gives me more energy to help my patients." I realized how helpful it is for them to see their wonderful handiwork (survivors!). And an incredible benefit of going that day is that I have truly felt mentally clearer and emotionally stronger than I have since this all happened, almost 9 months ago.
So, Family, if you have some free time, please reach out to those wonderful, dedicated nurses. The closure truly helps the healing. And it will help them and future patients. Thanks for listening.