akoster
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!!
