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My Story - Non aneurysm SAH

Katy

By Katy

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I'm new this site, I’m Katy, 45 years old.  I had NASAH in May of this year 2016.  I was out for a run (I’ve been running for years so it was nothing unusual). I was feeling great no warning signs before but about 5 minutes into my run I got the massive neck/head pain.  I stopped thinking it was a muscle out of wack and tried to stretch and continue but I was like no way.

 

I was very nauseous and sensitive to light.  I walked home and thank God my husband was home and knew something was wrong.  I insisted it was a virus or a migraine (but I’ve never had a migraine but these were all the symptoms I’ve heard people describe) something but he took me to the hospital.

 

When the Dr.’s said I had bleeding on my brain I was in shock, I really thought they were going to say it was a migraine and send me home.  They found no aneurysm, mild hydrocephalus but I didn’t need brain surgery.  Everyone was telling me how lucky I was and I really know that I was.  I went home after 10 days in the hospital.

 

I was feeling really great  and thankful for having only minor problems (ringing in my ears, some vision problems, tired).  I had another CTA 6 weeks after the first and it was negative.  I was feeling really great the first 2 months and realized how lucky I was to have gotten to the hospital so quickly. 

 

 After searching for a neurologist that would see a stroke patient I finally got to see him about 2 ½ months after the bleed.  He said I could start running again but ordered a spinal MRI.  That came back OK and blood work.  My blood work shows maybe Lupus was the cause but I’m waiting to see Rheumatologist in a couple more weeks.

 

I also have some damage to my eye, but go back to the Ophthalmologist in a couple.    I’ve been walking since I got home but started jogging again but I’m really weak and can only run a little then walk.  I’ve always been someone that would push myself but I don’t want to overdo it now. 

 

The last couple of months I just don’t feel myself I get neck and headaches (nothing like the first one), ringing in my ears (which seems to be really bad lately) some tingling in my face and just exhausted, I just started having this metallic taste in my mouth the last few days and foggy feeling and unable to think of what I want to say.

 

I know other people say it’s just getting old but it’s different as most of you know.  I’ve never been a hypochondriac but I don’t want to ignore anything if it’s small signs of a rebleed?  I just want to know if it’s normal.  My husband says its post traumatic stress but I really feel these things.  It’s so hard to explain to people.

 

I’m happy I found this site.  It’s nice to support people that have had something similar happen to them.   

 

Thank you!

 

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ClareM

Hi Katy

 

Welcome to BTG. Your story sounds so similar to mine, it actually sent shivers up my spine! I Like you I was running when I had my NASAH in Feb 2015. I had hydrocephalus and had to have an EVD but no other surgery or long term problems. I started running again about 3 months after my bleed. I joined a Couch to 5k group so my re-introduction was slow and controlled, It's a 9 week programme and I did my 5k in July 2015 about 6 months after the SAH.

 

I have continued running - with a group now, my husband is not keen on me running solo - and now do about 6 miles twice a week with a few shorter runs thrown in if I have the time. It's the one thing I can do without the dreaded fatigue setting in. I don't need to use my brain to run, just my feet and consequently I can have a really busy, brain draining day at work and then run for 6 miles and actually feel refreshed. Bizarre but true!

 

The feelings you have had over the last couple of months sound very similar to mine and a lot of other people who have suffered a sah. Head and neck problems are common but have a chat with your gp if they persist. I only saw my gp yesterday about pain in my neck and am having an x-ray to rule out anything sinister. It's more likely to be muscular so I am having physio referral too.

Foggy feelings and not sure of the words, I know that too.

 

Sometimes it takes me ages to remember what I wanted to say. I hate it when people say 'It's our age, I do that all the time'. For the record. It's not my age it's because I had a SAH and I am working on strategies to help me. But what I need now is not people telling me they do the same thing but people helping me with reminding me what I have forgotten lol! ( And for the record the younger people at work are a lot better at doing that than the older ones!),

 

And yes I think we all suffer from a bit of post traumatic stress but that doesn't mitigate the feelings of worry. Re-bleeds are extemely rare but they have been known to happen. Drink plenty of water, take return to work slowly and always take a phone when running!

 

Good luck, be glad to hear more from you.

Clare xx

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Katy

Clare,

 

Thank you for your message.   It definitely helps hearing others with similar stories.  I will let you know if I have any updates and I'm really happy you are able to run and are doing well.   

 

Katy 

 

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subzero

Hello Katy and welcome to BTG

 

So glad you found the site at a time when you feel you need support and understanding from people who have `been there`.

 

You will get much help as you read the threads that are similar to your experience so far, and you will find BTG friends who are always keen to offer support based on their own journeys post SAH.

 

I do hope your husband is coping well, as the trauma of seeing your initial struggles can be very tough to grasp and live with. Also the worries about the future for your recovery, when SAH is something that probably neither of you had known much about prior, can be emotionally draining.

 

Please keep in touch and I wish you both strength for the days ahead in your recovery.

 

It is early in your journey..., be patient and don`t ask too much of your body. Time will help and heal.

 

 

 

Subs

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Winb143

Hi Katy,

 

I had an SAH and remember nothing for a year,  people say I spoke to them but I still don't remember.  Good in one way !!

 

I was going to mention Clare but I see she has responded to your post.

 

Keep well and do not overdo it xx it can be a long haul but you get used to ringing etc. or see Doc about it.

 

Good luck on your recovery and keep smiling xx

 

Love

Winb143

 

 

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Tina

Hi Katy :)

 

A very warm welcome to BTG, glad you found us.

You will find lots of helpful information and friendly support.

 

Sorry to hear you have not felt yourself the last couple of months after doing so well.

Good to read you have been to be checked out and hope you get some answers soon.

Try and take things slowly, you are still very early in recovery.

 

I also had bad head and neck pain for quite a few months after my bleed, I was told by my Neuro Consultant it was the blood dispersing and that it can take some time.

 

Wishing you well with your recovery, look forward to hearing more from you.

Take care

Love Tina xx 

 

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