Medical Dilemma

**wanderinggrandma** · 03-24-2008, 01:12 PM

Almost 8 weeks ago, by total fluke, I was diagnosed with an old trauma caused dissection and accompanying psuedo aneurysm of my right internal carotid artery. I am a-symptomatic—no signs or symptoms from this. I have had all the diagnostic tests, MRI, MRA, Cerebral Angiogram, and the results all concur with the diagnosis. Now for the dilemma part—my first gut reaction was “FIX IT---NOW!!!” I have an HMO—Kaiser if you are familiar with it, they will refer me out of the system to have the repair, except this is considered “rare and complicated.” They have not yet found anyone who has repaired this type of aneurysm in a nonsymptomatic situation let alone in an emergency. Most recommend a wait and watch approach, but admit they have never treated this.

I have a DD who is a neuro-trauma nurse. She works with brain-injured patients in a Critical Care Unit. She discussed this with a respected Doctor she works with and he is reviewing my records and images and will share his advice. His initial impression with out seeing the images is wait and watch also. My Kaiser vascular doctors are also sending out my records and images seeking input.

Has anyone dealt with a cerebral aneurysm ??? The waiting is starting to wear me out, physically and emotionally. If the best option is to wait and watch, I will of course wait and watch. I really need answers where there don’t seem to be any. I guess I would like reassurances of someone who has experienced something like this.

Sorry this is so long, guess I need to whine a little and share my worry.

**Darlene** · 03-24-2008, 01:16 PM

Don't have any answers but wanted to send you a hug. It's no fun feeling like things are out of your hands. Wishing you my best. Take good care.

**shoiji** · 03-24-2008, 01:29 PM

I don't have any answer either. Just wanted to let you know will be sending good thoughts your way. It is good to hear you will be getting a second opinion. Hang in there and keep us posted.

**BetterLateThanNever** · 03-24-2008, 02:50 PM

sorry can't offer any help other than prayer. Will pray that you will find the right doctor to help.

**mombottoo** · 03-24-2008, 05:04 PM

((((hugs)))) I wish I had an answer for you. If I were you I think I'd go ahead & wait & see what your dd's colleague says. Have you checked with the Mayo Clinic or a similar type hospital? Sometimes at teaching hospitals they tend to do more experimental type stuff.

**wanderinggrandma** · 03-24-2008, 05:50 PM

Thanks ladies. I'm not sure where exactly Kaiser has sent my records. I do know they have presented my case to Oregon Health Science Univ (med school/trauma hospital) locally. DD's colleague is Texas. I hope to get more info out of Kaiser this week. I am not very good at this waiting, more of ok lets get it done type.