Had my DSA w/ venous manometry yesterday!

About me: Recently diagnosed this year, accidental finding while undergoing an MRI for a pituitary adenoma where they discovered the empty sella so it lead me down the road. I always had chronic headaches or fleeting ice pick pains, ringing ears, etc but I truly thought it was normal or blamed it on congestion pressure. So to find out there is this an actual reason I was dealing with this throughout my life was mind blowing.

I'm a 37 (F).. LP opening pressure in Feb was 28. No papilledema. MRA/MRV showed only one formed venous sinus, the other had severe stenosis so that lead me to the DSA yesterday to see if I would be a candidate for stenting.

I was super nervous going for my DSA. I knew I would be awake with very light sedation but the whole process of it made me queasy, but I knew it had to be done. I just wanted to talk about my experience in case anyone is like me!

I will say, it was not nearly as scary as I thought! It was a long day between prep, procedure and recovery but honestly, I thought the LP was more painful!

I was very lightly sedated, I was fully awake and aware, able to respond and I do remember everything but it was like I didn't care what was happening to me lol. There was minimal pain. My doc was great and would let me know when to expect to feel something and I did at times for about 3 seconds. It doesn't feel great but it does not last and nothing worse than what a bad headache would feel like.

My DSA was bilateral, they went through my femoral artery on one side and a vein on the other. I have a closure device in my artery that will stay and dissolve in 30 days. I'm a bit sore today and will take it slow.

This is just an overview and happy to answer any additional questions I just didn't want to make this post crazy long.

All in all, anyone that is planning on undergoing this test, DON'T BE ALARMED. It isn't nearly as scary or painful as you would think and worth it to get all the answers you may need to move forward in your treatment.

Shout out to Dr. Al-Mufti at Westchester Medical Center in NY. He is beyond amazing, reassuring and so validating.