Aneurysms ?

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joyful164
joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
edited 13. Mar 2010, 19:45 in Living with Arthritis archive
I finally received a phone call today from my consultant who organised my CT Scan.
Initially he said that my scan had come back ok nothing there but,
"There is an aneurym which is pressing on the front of my skull".
Remember when I asked the question about do we get arthritis in the head. My consultant said no, we didn't.
I get sudden headaches, sometimes a very stiff neck. Other pains have felt like shingles, with a shadowy feeling over my left eye. Been going on for quite awhile now
Nothing to worry about, I thought. He asked me how I was feeling with it, told him the above. Again, he says there is nothing to worry about. So I ask him where do I go from here. All he said was "The present medication I am taking will help me."
I have heard of the word Aneurym, and think of it as a kind of timebomb.

If anyone has got any answers that will stop me from worrying, I would welcome them. Because at the moment I feel like bursting into tears.
Joy
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Comments

  • snowball
    snowball Member Posts: 3,465
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy sorrry you are feeling so upset i don't know anything about aneurym. Hopefully someone on here will be able to give you some advice, all i can do is send you this ((((((hug)))))) and hope you get some answers soon.
    love Julie xx
    ((((hugs)))) n xxxxx to ya all
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    hi Joy, you poor love, I'm not surprised you feel like cying. Why don't you make an urgent appointment with your GP and ask them to explain properly what is going on and for a referral to another consultant if necessary? You need a full explanation in order to understand what is going on, what are the risks and how the medication is helping, otherwise you are going to worry, maybe needlessly.
    Sally x
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 8. Mar 2010, 17:04
    Joy,
    I agree with the others that you should get more info from either the consultant or your GP (who hopefully will have a report back from hospital) to stop you worrying too much.

    If your consultant has looked at your scan, is satisfied with what he saw, and doesn't think you need further investigations then that is good.?

    But, don't sit there worrying.....phone or go see your doc to get some answers. Also ask if they are going to call you back at some time to review it, so's you can feel a bit more reassured about the whole thing. Let us know how you get on. Irisx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy
    Sorry I can't help with any information, I just want to send my support and some hugs((((((()))))) do see your gp and ask what ever you need to know, it might put your mind at ease.
    Barbara xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    sally36 wrote:
    hi Joy, you poor love, I'm not surprised you feel like cying. Why don't you make an urgent appointment with your GP and ask them to explain properly what is going on and for a referral to another consultant if necessary? You need a full explanation in order to understand what is going on, what are the risks and how the medication is helping, otherwise you are going to worry, maybe needlessly.
    Sally x

    Seeing GP tomorrow afternoon about another matter but hope gp has time to discuss this with me. Normally they only have 10 mins to spend with you.

    Joy
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks.
    If I take a deep breath and think seriously, I do realise that if there had been any real problem, I would have been told that I wouldbe referred or something.

    I think it is the thought 'here we go again, something else to add to my health problems'

    thanks for the help though friends.

    Joy
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Joy I'm sorry that you have this to worry about. You must discuss it tomorrow with your GP, otherwise you'll just worry and that won't help. These doctors, they tell you something and then don't bother to explain it properly its so silly.

    I don't have any real knowledge to give you, anyway you need to get information from the right people - doctors and nurses. Try not to worry too much, (silly, I know).

    Let us know how you get on. Lots of love, Sue xxx
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    joyful164 wrote:
    sally36 wrote:
    hi Joy, you poor love, I'm not surprised you feel like cying. Why don't you make an urgent appointment with your GP and ask them to explain properly what is going on and for a referral to another consultant if necessary? You need a full explanation in order to understand what is going on, what are the risks and how the medication is helping, otherwise you are going to worry, maybe needlessly.
    Sally x

    Seeing GP tomorrow afternoon about another matter but hope gp has time to discuss this with me. Normally they only have 10 mins to spend with you.

    Joy

    I'm sure they will discuss it with you, especially when you tell them how upset it has made you. My gp spent 40 mins with me one day when I had a lot going on. Let us know how you get on tomorrow.
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    i know i would have been scared stiff. go to see your gp and find out more the more information you have the better you will feel good luck
    val
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    woodbon wrote:
    Hello Joy I'm sorry that you have this to worry about. You must discuss it tomorrow with your GP, otherwise you'll just worry and that won't help. These doctors, they tell you something and then don't bother to explain it properly its so silly.

    I don't have any real knowledge to give you, anyway you need to get information from the right people - doctors and nurses. Try not to worry too much, (silly, I know).

    Let us know how you get on. Lots of love, Sue xxx

    I think we are both in the same situation. Like you, I try to look it up and perhaps that is the wrong thing to do. You get all the worst scenarios then and makes you feel even more depressed about it.

    Love from
    Joy
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Joy, so sorry and concerned that you have this problem. Do hope the GP makes time to discuss it with you tomorrow, he certainly should as it is making you so distressed.

    Do let us know how you get on and what the answers are.

    Love
    Annie
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Great, thanks guys. will report back tomorrow.
    over and out
    love from
    joy and thanks for your messages.
  • chris7
    chris7 Bots Posts: 2,696
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy

    Sorry I'm a bit late with this but just sending a hug ((( ))) and wishing you well for tomorrow. I hope you do get the time you need with your doc.
    Let us know how it goes.
    take care
    Chris xx
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy,

    Except to agree with the others about getting your gp to explain it and trying not to worry I can't really help. I wish I could and am leaving you a ((( ))) and a ton of hope that you can get some answers soon. Cris x
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Joy

    I agree with the others. Make your GP to explain it to you.

    In the meantime sending some ((()))) for you

    We will be waiting for you to tell us what he said

    love Trish xx
  • angel1
    angel1 Bots Posts: 1,464
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Just seen this Joy, and so sorry that you have yet another health worry.


    Please let us know what your doctor says, and try not to worry too much........I know, I know, it`s like saying try not to breathe too much! Much love.......Ange.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,424
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy

    Thinking of you and hoping you receive some reassurance this afternoon.

    Very best of luck

    Waiting to hear how you got on

    Love

    Toni x
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I have just come back fromthe GP and have to report that I have done a very stupid thing.
    Justs shows that I am not seeing things properly at the moment.
    My appt is next week on the 16th when I thought I had made it the 9th. A wait of a week now.
    It's all this booking on line. It should be so simple and easy.
    Having psyched myself all up I now have to concede that I must not worry about it. My GP has probably not heard from my Consultant yet anyway. My consultant did say that the medication I am taking (Tramadols SR and Pregabelin) will help the symptoms.

    I have looked on line and there is nothing else, not with any other dr that I like so I shall have to be patient.
    I just feel so stupid.
    Thanks for all your support. as usual

    Joy
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy

    I have been offline due to problems with AOL my internet provider.

    Yes I can help you, I was diagnosed with multiple brain aneurysms in 2004, ( 4 years before my RA diagnosi). The aneuryms were found by accident following an MRI scan ordered by a Consultant
    Ear Nose and Throat Specialist to check on problems with ear pain, facial nerve pain and a headache.

    I too had difficulty getting the report to the GP, I ended up insisting the ENT Specialists secretary fax it to the GP and the GP telephoned me the same day.

    You need to get either the GP or the Rheumatologist to refer you to a neuroradiologist for his/her opinion on the aneurysm. Just as we see a Rheumatologist for RA diagnosis and Management we need to see someone specialised in the field of aneurysms to make the decision on the management of it.

    In my case I needed treatment on three aneurysms, this was a minimally invasive procedure (coiling) done through angiogram procedure, it was completely successfull, it was carried out in 2005 and I am fine now (apart from RA) the other four aneurysms are very small and they are being managed by keeping my blood pressure well controlled and occassional repeat scans to check things.


    I know it is frightening being told you have an aneurysm, but you really need it checked out by the professionals. I am here to help you, so ask away if you have any questions. I would also recommend the brain and spine foundation, (not sure if I can put web addressed on this forum but can email it to you if you want)
    they have a telephone helpline staffed by neuroscience nurses or you can email them and get a direct reply from a neuroscience nurse, they helped me a lot.

    I am sending you a big hug


    lizzie
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi everyone and especially lizzie, who has given me quite an insight into Aneurisyms.

    Well, I saw my Rheumy nurse today, had the appt for quite awhile and I thought I would mention my consultant's phone call to me and how worried I was.
    Let's say I feel a bit silly albeit relieved. It's so easy to misunderstand someone over the phone, but basically it is not an aneurisym, but two layers of membrane which have thickened across my forehead. There is a weakness, for whatever reason, and this is what is causing the irritation. It's very uncomfortable actually. There is nothing to worry about, he said. For the pain I just keep on with my Pregabelin and painkillers.

    I have been told that I do not rest enough, and that I should take more painkillers for my flare ups, which I try to cope with just in order to try and get on with things.

    You normally count your pain from 1 to 10. If the pain is say at 2 out of 10 you take your paracetamols or co-codomol. If you don't do this, then wait, until say, your pain is 6 out of 10 that is when it can be too late and you get a flare up. She showed me all my blood test results and you could see when I had had some bad flare ups, but at no time had I given in to them and rested, which is what you should do.

    She then said that I would not get any better than I am now, in other words this is as good as it gets. So then. I go and tell her I am on a months driving holiday around Norway in the summer.

    I don't learn do I?

    I shall still go and see my gp to discuss all this and my nurse told me that perhaps I should try some anti depressant which I am not happy about because they don't seem to suit me. She said there were some better ones now so we shall see.

    Joy
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy,

    that's such good news! am really glad you haven't got anything more nasty (although not good having any continuous pain in your head)

    sounds as though you were also getting some good advice about slowing down and taking better care of yourself. :!: :roll:

    hope you will be heeding the advice and also taking the meds when you should. :!:

    with less worry you'll sleep better tonight. :wink: Irisx
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    huge sighs of relief all round! Am pleased for you.
    I was interested to read your nurse's plan for painkillers. I never take them for pain unless 6/7 out of 10. Guess I should learn from that!
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,424
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy


    I am so pleased to hear the news!!! Wahay!!! Joy is ok :)

    It IS easy to misunderstand though....I remember having blood test for glandular fever when I was young (!) and the receptionist said it's positive...and there's nothing we can do for you...(meaning no meds to take) and I thought it was teminal - sure felt terminal :wink:

    Good news!
    Love

    Toni xx
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Joy,

    I really glad it was a misunderstanding and hope now you are feeling a lot more settled? It must have been such a worry to you and I do hope that you will start to feel a lot better now you have had some better new. Cris x
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Joy, I'm so glad for you that it's all been sorted - however it arose, you were worried silly and that isn't good for anyone.

    I also think you have been given very good advice regarding resting and when to take the painkillers; so many of us struggle along and think we are 'coping' when all we are doing is making things worse for ourselves in the long run.

    It may have been easier for me as I was forced by circumstances to do just that six months ago.......and I am grateful now that it happened like that as in spite of the major problems I have had during the winter months I seem to be bouncing back quite rapidly now.

    .........and I'll probably be sorry I said that!

    Annie

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