Questions for your Doctor
When an Aneurysm ruptures, decisions and questions regarding treatment are, very often, out of the hands of the victim. It is not uncommon for a Ruptured Aneurysm victim to be unconscious, unresponsive, or simply unable, at the time, to make rational decisions and ask the pertinent questions necessary. Very often, this duty falls to family, friends, or even complete strangers (Doctors and other medical personnel) who, hopefully, make these decisions with our best interest in mind. As it is becoming more common for Aneurysms to be discovered prior to rupturing many people are, unlike when performed on an emergency basis, finding themselves making the important decisions on an upcoming surgery.
Being diagnosed with an Aneurysm is a traumatic and frightening experience for most people. Certainly, you will have many questions to ask your doctor. Under the circumstances and as it is likely an unfamiliar subject, you might overlook many important questions. The following questions are based on the experiences of our members who are themselves Aneurysm survivors, and that they feel, in retrospect, are important. This is not an all-inclusive list. Certainly, there are other questions that relevant to your particular situation.
Questions before Surgery
What treatment or procedure do you recommend for my Aneurysm-open surgery, coiling, stents, or observe and do nothing at this time?
Have you preformed the proposed procedure before?
How many times?
What is your success rate?
Are you board certified/licensed? Where did you train?
What are the risks involved with this particular procedure?
What potential complications does this particular Aneurysm present if any?
Where are my Aneurysms located?
What shape are they and what is the neck size if a berry shape?
Where do you want to perform the procedure?
How well is that hospital equipped for that procedure?
How often is that procedure preformed in that hospital?
Questions after Surgery
Did the surgery or procedure go smoothly and as expected or where there problems?
Can I expect any deficits or complications?
When do you expect or how soon can I resume normal activities-driving, exercise, etc.?
When can I return to work?
How do you plan to manage any pain I may experience?
What medications will I be taking and for how long?
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Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.