This week, I met with the neurosurgeon that my Migraine Specialist referred me to. I was so excited to meet with him and hopeful that he had answers for me.  My husband accompanied me to the appointment for support. This is so helpful. He helps me listen and afterwards helps me remember what was truly said.

Basically, the neurosurgeon said that he didn't think the aneurysm that was seen on my recent MRI/MRA/MRV is the cause of my Migraines.  This was a MAJOR disappointment for me.  I really wanted him to say, "Yes, this is a problem. This problem is causing your Migraines and we can fix it!"  Don't we all want answers like that?  We want a fixable solution to this war that plays out in our heads every day!  I'm tired of the daily pain, and I want a plan with a solution!  I wanted to shake him and say, "Well, then what is the cause of the pain?" Obviously, I've had to adjust my attitude about what I heard this doctor say to me. When we left the appointment, I was actually angry. I don't get angry often, but I'm tired of this and yes, I am angry. My Migraine saga has been a daily issue for me since August 2007, and I'm ready to feel better. It didn't really help matters that I allowed myself to get very hopeful that this doctor may have a solution for me.

After he told us that he didn't think the aneurysm is the cause of my Migraines, he went on to discuss our next step. He said that many people live an active lifestyle with aneurysms, but at this point with me, that probably is not an option. A Migraine specialist isn't going to want to treat me until we know if this aneurysm is a problem or not. I understand that, and at this point, I need to know if this aneurysm is a problem or not. So, with going home and forgetting about it not being an option, the only option left is to have an additional test to find out more. The test that he recommends is a cerebral angiogram. My husband and I had already decided that we are ready for the angiogram so we were able to tell him that the angiogram is what we want to do.

I will be having an angiogram this Tuesday. The good news is that the test results should be quick. He told us that we should know something within a day or two. He told us to call his office the following day. He should have the results and let us know later that day, if not, the following day. If the test shows nothing to be concerned, about he will call us and say everything is fine, and we won't even have to go back to see him. However, if the test shows something, we will meet with him to discuss the next step.

The possible outcomes from the angiogram are:

• Nothing will be found.
• Something will be found.

If something is found, the next step is to go back to meet with the neurosurgeon. The decision then will be:

• Is this something that can go untreated
• If it needs to be treated, what are the options for treatment

Ok, here's the hard part for me. Remember I said that my husband went with me to the appointment. He just so lovingly pointed out to me that even if there is something found, it still may not be the cause of my Migraines. Yikes! hat would be frustrating. But that's what we are faced with.