Question:
Is it possible to catch a aneurysm/blood clot before it results in death,

Is there signs your body would give so you could correct it before it is too late?    — Shannon W. (posted on August 13, 2002)

August 13, 2002
Yes I believe it is. There are screens you can have put in prior to surgery but my doctor used blood thinners during recovery and he has everyone up and walking the day of surgery. He makes you walk very often. I think this really helps.
   — MARSHA D.

August 13, 2002
Yes it is very possible - not all blood clots or anurysm results in death. As a matter of fact unless a blood clot travels to your lungs or brain, the treatment is simple. Rest, blood thinners and monitoring till they reabsorb. Even when it moves to your lungs this can be treated and you do have signs like shortness of breath.
   — Pam W.

August 13, 2002
Aneurysms and blood clots are totally different. What you are probably asking about is a blood clot because of the slight risk during your care. An aneurysm is a bulging weak spot of a blood vessle that ruptures. My daughter had a bleed at the age of 4 and miraculously escaped death. If you are interested in aneurysms, I can give you more info if you email me. If it is just the blood clot that you are concerned about, the doctors do take many preventative measures to ensure that that does not happen. I had several injections of heparin, stockings, then the inflatable apparatus on the legs, which all prevent clots. Then they get you up and walking ASAP.
   — Cheri M.

August 14, 2002
A blood clot that has formed in the lower leg (DVT) often produces pain, redness, and an inflamed swelling. Most of these can be observed and treated promptly. An aneurism, on the other hand, is a balloon-like swelling in an artery. They may occur in the brain or the heart. I know people who have died with absolutely no warning. It is strange because many of us are walking around with one, and it will NEVER rupture. My neighbor had one in her brain last year, and she was having severe headaches and fainting spells. This led to the CT scan that revealed the problem. Surgery fixed hers , and she is completely recovered now. By listening to our body, we can detect a lot of things that may be wrong. Anytime we have a pain that won't go away, it needs to be reported to our doctors. Sometimes we have to be persistent with them, because essentially we are in charge of our own health. Good Luck.
   — Tina B.