Wish I'd Kept My Mouth Shut

[sherrardk]

Got himself to finally visit the doctor to find out the thoughts of the neurosurgery team (following his surgery for a ruptured brain aneurysm). The report says he will need retreatment (ie brain surgery) but that this is a 'difficult prospect' and risks include 'stroke as well as vessel rupture'. I feel physically sick and really wish I hadn't 'nagged' him to go now.

[Gavmacp]

I think they present you with the worst case scenario.
This can be really frightening. I had an operation on my back the anaesthetist informed me of possible outcomes just before the surgery. These included incontinence, paralysis etc. It was a lovely time to mention this!!

[EcclesCake]

Oh balls! Really feel for you but ultimately it is better to have a treatment plan and know what the risks are rather than wander around in ignorant bliss.

The risks are probably slim but the medics are obliged to share them with you/ him, so that you can make the choice of whether to proceed or not.

Keep you chin up.

[sherrardk]

Himself was enjoying ignorant bliss, I was worrying anyway. Have already been through this once (and knowing the risks), it's like living with a ticking time bomb. I'll go and give myself a talking to and stop wallowing in a minute.

[EcclesCake]

As the one who has to pick up the pieces no wonder you are worried.

Fingers and toes are crossed for you all.

[Sir Alec]

If the report says that he needs more treatment and it's from the neurosurgery team, then you've done the right thing in finding out early. Left too late could make the prognosis even worse.
A friend of mine wouldn't visit the doctor with his frequent headaches. He had a brain haemorrhage and died at the age of 32. That was in 1986 and I still miss him.
Don't feel bad, the doctor is telling you the risks to prepare you (and cover themselves), in case anything DID go wrong, but neurosurgeons, with todays technology can work miracles.
Keep your chin up!

[ladyalex]

What everyone else had said, really.

Try to keep positive, Sherrardk . Hard, I know.

You are in the hands of the professionals now....and they will do their utmost for himself, I am sure.

[jno]

I suppose the question is whether the risks of surgery are worse than the risks of not having surgery.

Either way, they're not your fault.

[tonyav]

sherr, you did the right thing in getting him to the doc imo. Was it the old aneurysm leaking ?.

[Cloverjo]

The docs must feel that the risks of leaving it alone are worse than the risks from surgery. I know it's a horrible decision to make, but you mustn't feel bad about having it investigated in the first place.

[sherrardk]

I'm just off to bed, but it is leaking where the original aneurysm was. The letter just sounds so 'bleak' somehow. It's not something I didn't already know though. Night all, thanks for your thoughts.

[DaisyNonna]

Typical of some treatment.
A report (written?) and no opportunity to actually talk about it with the medical staff.
Covering themselves by citing the worst case scenario.
No wonder you feel sick.
Best wishes to you both.

[tonyav]

G'night and the best of luck,sherr. But as Daisy say's they always give the worst case scenario.