My Brain Aneurysm Surgery | The Test that Saved My Life!

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Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

11 ай бұрын

Most of us don't think much about brain aneurysms, but 2-5% of us have an asymptotic brain aneurysm, which is a weakening of the wall of a critical blood vessel, often not detected until it ruptures. Ruptured aneurysms are a relatively common cause of stroke or even sudden death, but can be quite easily treated in a non-invasive way if caught prior to rupture. Today I'm sharing my personal health story following an incidental finding of a significant brain aneurysm, which was treated last week by Dr. Omar Tanweer at Baylor College of Medicine. Just a few days after the surgery I am back at work and feeling 100% fine! Educating ourselves and our families about aneurysms is critical and can prevent permanent brain injury and death. This video not only follows my story, but also includes an interview with Dr. Tanweer talking about aneurysm symptoms, risk factors and treatment options, which is something all of us need to know!
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Пікірлер: 83
@pkstiever
@pkstiever 11 ай бұрын
Luck had nothing to do with it. What a wonderful divine intervention at so many levels! Thank you for sharing this. I taught cardiac rehab for many years. One of our patients told us about how she lived over an hour from any hospitals, but went gambling out of town and started having excruciating chest pain and they called 911 immediately, taking her to the best hospital in the country. She was having a dissecting abdominal aneurysm and they operated within a few minutes. The entire thing was also an amazing divine intervention. You both are meant to be here for a big reason!
@barbaravyse660
@barbaravyse660 10 ай бұрын
I’m glad you caught yours before it ruptured. I had a ruptured brain aneurysm four years ago. I had a terrible cold and when I blew my nose, I felt a bolt of electricity hit the top of my head and travel down my spine. It took my breath away for a minute but I did not have a headache. My neck was extremely stiff and painful. I called 911 and luckily the staff at South Miami and Baptist Hospitals in Miami diagnosed and treated me quickly. I recovered quickly with no lasting neurological deficits.
@breewithlove
@breewithlove 11 ай бұрын
This is incredibly amazing. So glad you caught this Dr. Susan and had this intervention!! This hits close to my heart as I lost my dear amazing sister in law in 2001 from this type of brain bleed aneurysm. She received the WHOL while on plane traveling home from Europe and my brother, her husband rushed her to an ER in Chicago. Ultimately they released her as they only did a CAT scan and didn’t catch it. She then ultimately made it home to Kansas City only to go to a half a dozen more hospitals and lost her life within seven days, it’s a beyond tragic story for our family. She died the day after her 32nd bday. I know medical advancements continue to be made year after year and I appreciate this opportunity to have education around this. I’ve recently delved into all things HRT and have binged on many of your videos. Thank you for sharing your education with us and may you continue have blessings and long life ahead of optimal health. ❤ Take care! -Lordy 🫣 such an oxymoron to see a McDonald’s in the basement of a hospital 😮😅 Glad you enjoyed a lil ice cream 😋
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
Wow! What a horrible story and yes all too common! Yes on the McDonald's... but that "white stuff" is pretty good !! ❤
@catherineloar2167
@catherineloar2167 11 ай бұрын
How great that you found it early and that technology has evolved to the extent that it could be remedied so easily!
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
I know, right?
@cherylfluege3345
@cherylfluege3345 11 ай бұрын
So glad you’re fine again! It’s quite miraculous. And I don’t mean that lightly. Good health to you Dr. Susan. 🙋🏼‍♀️🇨🇭🙏🏼
@Candleflower42
@Candleflower42 11 ай бұрын
Wow so glad this was caught Dr. Susan. My mom had a brain aneurysm found at 70, doc said she could have an operation or 5 years. She said she’d take the 5 years, didn’t continue the scans. Died at 92 - they said aneurysm had gotten hard, like stone, just heard him say family history a reason to get checked……The celebrity Maria M (not sure last name) is currently trying to get insurance to cover screening MRI’s after she got one when several docs couldn’t find reason for her pain and stage 1 pancreatic cancer was found.
@amymac41890
@amymac41890 10 ай бұрын
Maria menounos is her name. She, too, is extremely lucky!
@joannebryant6217
@joannebryant6217 11 ай бұрын
Outstanding info shared here…I’m so happy for you that you had screening and detected this before it became a bigger problem. I’m a retired RN and I felt like a sponge soaking up info about this fabulous intervention. This was unimaginable a few years ago. I so admire physicians who are willing to dedicate so many years of their lives to the specialty of neurosurgery. They are a specialty one hopes to never see, but when they are needed, there is such comfort in having someone of this knowledge and skill level attending to the patient’s needs. I’ve had two family members that needed this type care and I will be forever grateful to their neurosurgeons. Thank you for sharing and, again, so happy for you.
@debraaugustine5505
@debraaugustine5505 11 ай бұрын
Divine intervention! Give all the glory to God! So thankful you are on the other side of this live and well!
@Hollowmoon007
@Hollowmoon007 6 ай бұрын
I have a friend whose spouse very suddenly (no time to act) died right before her birthday from an aneurysm. Tragic. It’s wonderful you were able to intervene and take action. Thank you for sharing your story! Dr Susan, if you are ever willing, I’d love to see some videos about our most common feared medical procedures either debunked or how to advocate for ourselves. Hope you are still well.
@sayuriisme9728
@sayuriisme9728 11 ай бұрын
You are no less than AMAZING for your candid sharing of so much valuable information! Thank you ever so much and I’m so thankful you’re OK😊!
@r-anne7375
@r-anne7375 11 ай бұрын
So Happy that your surgery went well and you are back to work. So amazing ! Dr. Omar Tanweer is also amazing with his expertise in this area .
@jennifersmith9892
@jennifersmith9892 11 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing and I’m so happy you caught it early and got it treated! ❤ I learned a lot from this video.
@8181Shannon
@8181Shannon 11 ай бұрын
Wow! Thanks for sharing this! You have definitely showed that it is very important to take care of the extras. I never understood why insurance wouldn’t cover such an important scan for prevention! Glad you caught it before it could have been worse!
@janemasini2810
@janemasini2810 11 ай бұрын
Thank God they found it early, wishing you a speedy recovery ❤❤
@sharondube9207
@sharondube9207 11 ай бұрын
So happy that you were able to find this and can have it taken care of so quickly. Best of luck. Wishing you a full & speedy recovery.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Sharon, how's your day going with you?
@lindawilson85
@lindawilson85 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so very much for this very important information! And pray for your continued good health.
@reginapolo3357
@reginapolo3357 11 ай бұрын
I wish you the best with this experience. Will keep my fingers crossed. Looking forward to the follow up.
@Joolz520
@Joolz520 11 ай бұрын
This was so informative. Thank you for sharing your medical journey with us.
@nedrawilliams6657
@nedrawilliams6657 11 ай бұрын
Back home looking fabulous!!💜
@brandyurban9415
@brandyurban9415 11 ай бұрын
Wow!!! You are such a strong, intelligent, successful, and kind hearted soul!! Thanks for sharing your experience! I am so happy to hear you are ok. Wishing you all the best ❤
@csstudio3648
@csstudio3648 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story! I'm so glad that you are okay and able to resume your normal life. This information is very much appreciated.❤
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi CSStudio, how's your day going with you?
@adriananeagu284
@adriananeagu284 11 ай бұрын
I had a ruptured brain aneurysm in April 2023, while traveling from Seattle to Florida. Our flight had to land in Tampa because there were floods at the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami airports. Rented a car with a fellow passenger, as we were both trying to get to Juno Beach, FL. Leaving the Tampa airport we took a wrong turn, towards Tampa bay. Turned around eventually which is when I started having the worse headache of my life. I told my fellow passenger that I didn’t feel well and need to go to a hospital. Took the first exit, parked the car and he called 911. EMT arrived within 3 minutes. I was 5 minutes away from Tampa General Hospital which immediately started providing me with the medical care I needed, installing a drain to relieve the pressure in my brain, followed by the same procedure dr. H-S describes in this video. Yesterday i went for a follow up visit and had a diagnostic cerebral angiogram which showed that the aneurysm wasn’t completely “coiled” off, and will have another repair procedure as the one described in this video. As another person who commented, i feel there was divine intervention that saved my life through a long list of coincidences and alignment of events to end with a happy outcome - I am alive and functioning, albeit have some memory and concentration challenges. Thank you dr. H-S for shedding a light on this potential killer. I celebrated my 60yo birthday in the ICU of Tampa General Hospital - celebrating that I am still alive.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Adriana, how's your day going with you?
@sweetcakes1509
@sweetcakes1509 9 ай бұрын
So glad you're better and received treatment early. Praise God. Thank you for sharing.😊🙏🏻🥰
@rebeccazahn5299
@rebeccazahn5299 22 күн бұрын
So glad you are okay. Thank you for this valuable information.
@lilav.5945
@lilav.5945 11 ай бұрын
Thank God it was caught early, thank you for sharing, it’s very valuable info.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Lila, how's your day going with you?
@countrygirl900
@countrygirl900 11 ай бұрын
You are very blessed to have it detected. I sadly had a aneurysm that made me fall backwards and made my brain swell. I had to relearn how to walk and learn my family names 😢 I spent 3 weeks in the hospital.
@nancyv4431
@nancyv4431 11 ай бұрын
Great video! Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on your successful procedure. 🎉
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Nancy, how's your day going with you?
@yolandaphibbs1201
@yolandaphibbs1201 11 ай бұрын
Wow thats an incredible story, im so pleased you shared that with us and you are well. Both my parents had aneurysms, my mother survived hers but it killed my father. I didnt really think about my risk until seeing this video so I will be talking with my Doctor about it next time I see him. All the best to you.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Yolanda, how's your day going with you?
@stepheniemiller15
@stepheniemiller15 9 ай бұрын
I can't believe this!!! Ive always turned to your vlog for advice on many things. You have lead me through menopause, HRT, etc... and then last December they found my aneurysm and I told my husband that it was now hard to get the advice that i needed when it came to hormones etc... with an aneurysm. I again turned to your channel to see if you had any advice and there you were on the same page with me. I am sorry to hear about your aneurysm but so happy you were able to find it before something happened. I very much look forward to learning what you have to say on the subject of HRT and aneurysm. I am getting so many differing opinions on whether i should or should not be taking them now. Sending you many good health vibes and continued recovery.
@cynthiaporcaro9937
@cynthiaporcaro9937 11 ай бұрын
So scary!! I do get some pretty bad headaches 😩 I hope all goes well for you🙏 I love your amazing informative videos!!
@perlavamos
@perlavamos 10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, Dr. Susan!! I have subscribed to your KZfaq. This video caught my attention because 2 years ago I had a brain abscess due to streptococcus (anginosus/milleri), while on vacation in Boston. The symptoms came strong 1-3 days before I fainted. Severe chills, severe headache, losing control of my body, weakness, and very nauseous. Had two brain surgeries at Mass General Hospital). Spent a month in the hospital and one month in rehab. This email really has made me even more aware of how to take care and oversee my body. Thank you. I saw you in one of Dominique S.'s KZfaq video. So happy to be following you too!! Thank you greatly for your advise and the love you have for the female squad!!! 😘😘❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Perla, how's your day going with you?
@catfeltin8440
@catfeltin8440 11 ай бұрын
I am calling tomorrow. Just recently I have had bad headaches during sex and then again when I was having an argument with my husband. Thank you!
@renamouzon4878
@renamouzon4878 2 ай бұрын
This is a really Great video thanks
@joannepigliavento7930
@joannepigliavento7930 11 ай бұрын
So glad all went well and you are healthy!! Am I the only one wondering if HRT could have played a part? It would have been a good question for the surgeon.
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
HRT is protective for the brain so absolutely not related to aneurysms! Taking oral estrogen is related to blood clotting, but that's a different type of stroke and I don't take it orally.
@CoolG-ma
@CoolG-ma 11 ай бұрын
❤so glad for you and your proactive nature❤️
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
Me too!!
@lesliejones873
@lesliejones873 11 ай бұрын
So glad your doing well... ❤🎉
@carolford4465
@carolford4465 11 ай бұрын
I too had a aneurysm found by accident. The surgeon wanted to put coils in it and I declined. Four years later it ruptured while I was reading a book. Nothing stressful. I was lifeflighted to hospital that could handle it. They were able to treat it without cutting in the brain although they had to drill a hole in my scull to drain the fluid. Two months later, I am fine. I was in hospital for a month. They put coils in the aneurysm and I’m having it checked every six months because it can bleed again.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Carol, how's your day going with you?
@jenscloset
@jenscloset 11 ай бұрын
I'm sure it's way too expensive for me (and most people)! lucky you!!
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
Yes, unfortunately insurance doesn't cover screening tests like this which is in my opinion infuriating!
@rdiemidio65
@rdiemidio65 11 ай бұрын
God bless these doctors.I'm so glad you are ok. Good for you for getting the MRI. Ins would save themselves money in the long run if they would cover these preventative screenings.
@drsusan
@drsusan 11 ай бұрын
Totally agree !
@Jennifer-jf7nx
@Jennifer-jf7nx 11 ай бұрын
Wow glad your ok.. that happened to my grandma first the Aneurysm then she had a stroke and was never the same.
@SandyBatten1962
@SandyBatten1962 11 ай бұрын
If I had melanoma metastasis in my brain I would also go to the beach. 3 years ago my husband of 34 years had a seizure, I had him privately MRI the next day, within seconds of being scanned the cerebral Mets lit up the screen. 9 weeks later I held him in his hospice bed as he passed from an uncal brain herniation. We should have spent more time at the 🏖️ and with each other. So pleased your procedures are efficacious and thank you for the information on what we can do for ourselves if we get a thunderclap headache
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Sandy, how's your day going with you?
@user-gd9tx7nq9e
@user-gd9tx7nq9e 10 ай бұрын
❤we all need you ❤️
@susandhargrove9184
@susandhargrove9184 3 ай бұрын
Thank you so sharing your journey and recommendations. I had no idea that I had 3, resulting in ER trip to local TX health hospital. Within 30 min a careflight to Tx Fort Worth for repair of one that had broken, 2023. My only symptoms were, waking up at 2, throwing up, yes worst headache behind left eye, major dizziness! I too was blessed with an amazing neurosurgeon and medical care team! Followed by excellent local physical therapy. Follow up angiogram shows rupture has healed, no longer a concern. Other 2 have grown, still below 4 mm. For now I will have MRA in 1 year. Meantime if needed I will be able to get sooner appointments. Read about what causes aneurysm besides, smoking and drinking, which I don’t. High blood pressure and sleep apnea are possible causes. Still researching. Hope your dx and treatment, went well!
@donnarayburn3053
@donnarayburn3053 10 ай бұрын
I'm so glad that your aneurysm was discovered & repaired early. I've experienced a change in my headaches and my PCP has ordered a CT of my head and neck. Everything I am reading states an MRI vs. a CT. What is your medical opinion.
@ldk09
@ldk09 10 ай бұрын
Agree 100x on the preventative screenings. I found out I had a congenital heart defect at age 49 through a Heart Check screening I paid for out of pocket. I had no symptoms. Fixed through the groin as well. I'll never understand why screenings are not covered by insurance, but if I were to have developed congestive heart failure from the defect, they would happily get me on some medications after the fact.
@micheles.2151
@micheles.2151 11 ай бұрын
My brother had a berry aneurysm deep in his frontal lobe that started leaking. He blacked out and came to on the bathroom floor. He was able to get up and walk. His wife took him to the E.R. where he was admitted immediately. They had to stabilize him before he could go into surgery. This was 35 yrs. ago when he was only 38. He is still alive, but he has never been the same mentally. This is an aneurysm that he was born with, and it apparently runs in the family, as several other family members have died from those that ruptured. If my brother's aneurysm had ruptured he would have died. He had complained of headaches for many years and was always brushed off by doctors. They told him it was just sinus headaches. Thank goodness treatment options have come so far. Btw- He had 5 little buds on the one artery that have clamps on them.
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Michele, how's your day going with you?
@user-gd9tx7nq9e
@user-gd9tx7nq9e 10 ай бұрын
❤️awesome ❤️
@Dani-1766
@Dani-1766 6 ай бұрын
I am glad you are doing well. Do you think the aneurysm was caused by HRT?
@1tyvonne
@1tyvonne 10 ай бұрын
I’m glad you procedure went well! But I’m curious how could you eat before surgery? I thought nothing by mouth before surgery..? 😮
@alysonjamesmurphy2744
@alysonjamesmurphy2744 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for this, one question “what size was it”? I had the horrendous headache scan showed 4 blood clots and 2 aneurysms 11mm & 3mm. I’m on blood thinners and due to kidney cancer there are complications. All depends on a scan scheduled 20th Feb ‘23 if cancer treatment working and stable or shrinking I can stop to have coil/stent. A month to wait is agonising as you can imagine. Hence what size please xx
@stephaniejunca2875
@stephaniejunca2875 10 ай бұрын
What are ur thoughts on LifeLine screening?
@kanna8662
@kanna8662 10 ай бұрын
How much does an MRI cost?
@chickocheek9499
@chickocheek9499 5 ай бұрын
10 months ago i have a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from raptured anuerysm no symstoms prior it happened...what i feels is a sudden worst headache and my vision changed to dark i can't see my sorroundings after i collapse i dont know what happened, base of my watch i am unconscious for 5 minutes and when i regained consciousness i was takingcare of the paramedic and rushed to the nearest hospital for first aid and was transferred to nuero science hospital the CT scan and MRI shows i have a brain Hemorrhage so i was admitted to the ICU right away and i undergo an operation they put a coiling for my 6.8 anuerysm and stent for one vessel that has a blood clot , technically, i don't have my visions for over a month and i stayed in the ICU for 20 days .
@maryannehilbeck243
@maryannehilbeck243 8 күн бұрын
Thank you. I have 4 small aneurysm. Doing watch and wait at the moment. How did do research on your doctor and any 2nd opinions?
@suewagner4555
@suewagner4555 5 күн бұрын
Could I ask the size of your anuerisum? I am 66 and mine is 2mm.New to me and am hoping to just watch
@jazzyt22
@jazzyt22 29 күн бұрын
Can you give a ballpark cost for the type of MRI you had please?
@terryhenson3350
@terryhenson3350 16 күн бұрын
He looks about as young as the one who will do mine.
@UrsCurt12
@UrsCurt12 11 ай бұрын
My husband has a brain aneurysm which is nearly 7mm in diameter, hes scheduled to get a 2nd opinion but not until October. Is this too far away? He was 1st diagnosed in 2020 but due to covid wasn't looked at until now. And yes, we do have private health insurance but we're in Ireland and things move slowly. Wonder would Mr. Tanweer move here?😅
@paulohlsson27
@paulohlsson27 10 ай бұрын
Hi Ursula, how's your day going with you?
@wincharles1195
@wincharles1195 10 ай бұрын
I unfortunately lost my mommy to this
@bgrobbins
@bgrobbins 9 ай бұрын
are you familiar with Ray Peat's work? if you are truly a seeker of knowledge you might want to spend a bit of time looking into it
@ericachitwood2465
@ericachitwood2465 10 ай бұрын
Do you believe HRT played any role in this?
@Dora91203
@Dora91203 8 ай бұрын
She answered this question above . Someone asked her about this .
@terryhenson3350
@terryhenson3350 21 күн бұрын
Stop bagging about having the means, etc
@dancar2537
@dancar2537 6 ай бұрын
it s amazing what engineering can do. treatments for the rich and greedy that have no real value. take an engineer that worked on devices like these: he gains less that any of your doctors. the tech remains no one recognizes his value doctors get all the greetings
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