Hi all. I wanted to thank everyone for their input on my last post. Following my angiogram on 5/10, I have a very different outlook on treatment. My interventional radiologist showed me the saccular aneurysm in my right internal carotid. I have asymmetrical carotids. The right is smaller and the aneurysm is flow-related due to my AVM. I’ve decided to go ahead with embolization of the aneurysm. That will only be a temporary solution unless we address the blood flow to my AVM, which has convinced me to go ahead with the LINAC surgery which I had been very hesitant about. I’d just end up with another aneurysm eventually if my AVM goes untreated and a carotid aneurysm rupture would most likely kill me. The LINAC surgery still only has a 65% chance of success, but at least the blood flow will be decreased to some extent over the next few years. My embolization is scheduled for June 24th and I’m still waiting for my LINAC treatment to be authorized by my insurance (so far 3 weeks and I’ve been making daily calls trying to get it resolved). Also, my interventional radiologist, Dr. Reza Jahan at UCLA, has been incredible. He has a very kind demeanor and has been frank and educational in all of our meetings.
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It is always hard to determine course of action when there are different options, particularly when there is rarely a 100% known outcome of these. Sounds like you are at peace with your chosen route and to me what you say makes abundant sense! We hear so frequently how great our Dr. have been, my two neurosurgeons were off the charts good. Down to earth, up front and frank which I sure appreciated, it make decisions a lot easier. We’ll be with you on the 24th in spirit! Take Care, John.
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