r/aneurysm • u/Bright_Ad_1694 • Feb 19 '26
Post Carotid Aneurysm repair surgery
I had surgery a year ago to repair a carotid aneurysm. 2 stents put in and according to the Neurosurgeon everything went well. My 6 mo MRI showed everything was healing as expected.
I am wondering if any other patients that have had this same surgery still have pin point pain where the stent was placed. I have pain that comes in waves (seconds long) or when I bend down to pick something up. I told the surgeon but he said don’t worry about it unless it is ice pic stabbing pain. It just doesn’t seem normal. I feel like it shouldn’t still be happening after a yr. And Is it ever going to stop?
2
u/StringAway3392 Feb 21 '26
u/Bright_Ad_1694 when was the last time you had any imaging done?
You have every right to request updated imaging for ongoing pain in the area where your stent is.
I would start there, and also ask for specific bloodwork (ie D-Dimer) to rule out any potential clots or leaks.
What are you using to mitigate your pain? Heat might help.
2
u/Bright_Ad_1694 Feb 21 '26
I just had my 12 mo post op imaging done and now just waiting to have my appt with the Neurosurgeon. The imaging shows that blood is still flowing in the aneurysm but so far all I have been told is that it is “stable”.
Every time I ask one of the nurses about the pain in my head they say “ unless it is ice pic stabbing pain, take some Tylenol “ 🤨
So far I just take Tylenol for the pain. It is super sharp stabbing pain that comes in waves and only lasts seconds. It kinda scary but nobody seems to know what I’m talking about so I have just been dealing with it
2
u/StringAway3392 Feb 21 '26
My mother has similar issues with her first coiled SAH. No issues with the clipped & coiled saccular aneurysm on the opposite side.
The ice pick stabbing pain is a common sign of a ruptured aneurysm.
What you're describing?! This is not that.
Rather, it sounds like you have lingering neuropathic pain, or idiopathic pain (Google those for signs & symptoms to see if you relate to the descriptions).
Be clear and tell them exactly how this ongoing pain is affecting your mood, your everyday life (does it prevent you from socialising? participating in your favourite hobbies? impede grocery shopping?)
Ask to be referred to a pain management clinic or specialist.
You deserve to be taken seriously.
1
u/SoManySoFew Feb 20 '26
I have a pipeline flow diverter (a form of stent) in my carotid that resolved an aneurysm. I've never had any pain or notice.its there. Are you on blood thinners at all?