Ian - Feeling Lucky

[IanR]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum, which was recommended by one of my clinical specialists as a great place to share and get information.

 

On 22nd February I took some paracetamol to deal with a sore head. Over the next few days I had sickness, stiff neck and a sore head. My sore head was no worse than a normal headache from dehydration and the sickness I just put down to something I had eaten.

 

on 26th Feb the head pain got worse during the day and double vision became a new problem. My symptoms were given to NHS 24 who stated that I would be called back within 3 hours. After 2.5 hrs my good lady called them back as my pain had got worse; advice at this point was to go to A&E. After a 3hr wait to be seen by a doctor at A&E I was sent for a scan which revealed a grade 1 SAH. From this point on the NHS were brilliant.

 

A coiling operation was performed successfully although the aneurysm was reported as not fully occluded.

As I sit here today and now out of hospital, I feel 100% and back to normal. I have no speech problems, no cognitive problems and no physical problems. I firmly believe that luck was on my side, that my determination to survive the illness and the love and care from my family has aided my recovery significantly.

 

I'm of course still conscious to take things easy, (small steps) and progress further on a day to day basis.

My only concern that is limiting me is the 'not fully occluded' description of my aneurysm. I just feel that there is a potential for another bleed. The clinicians have said "go and live a normal life" but fear still exists. Anyone else feel like this?

 

[Louise]

Hi IanR

 

warm welcome to the site glad you found us (or it was recommended 'brilliant')

 

answer to your question Everyone  feel like this.  One answer Yes and there are lots if not everyone that's had a SAH, its difficult when the doc says 'go live your life' its not them we've had that here too.

 

but as time passes the thought lessons did for me hope it does for you too..

 

take things easy - keep hydrated - listen when your body needs to rest don't fight it and rest...

 

take care

[IanR]

Thanks Louise, it's so easy to feel isolated when this has happened.  I take comfort that others feel the same regarding the possibilities of a re-bleed.

[subzero]

Hello Ian, and also a warm welcome to BTG. Great to hear that the site was recommended by one of your clinicians.

You will find a wealth of helpful information and support as you read the various thgreads that you feel may be appropriate to you.

 

So many agree with you that once diagnosed with a bleed, the standard of care is so professional.

 

You are almost four months post SAH. and say you feel 100%. You are very fortunate. Most survivors of SAH have issues such as headaches, fatigue, poor memory and as you say, the worries that another bleed may occur.

I am a Carer for my wife who had her SAH six years ago. Other members will offer you their experiences of how they felt about the anxieties of a bleed recurring.

 

Many have to stay off work for three to six months and even then have a phased return. Are you employed ad considering returning?

 

As Louise mentions,.... listen to your body and keep hydrated.

 

Please keep us updated with your progress.

 

 

Subs

 

 

 

 

[IanR]

Hi Subzero, thanks for your response. Yes I feel very fortunate. I am employed and planning to return to work in the next two weeks using a phased return over a four week period.

[subzero]

I wish you well Ian.  You will find much on this site about returning to work experiences. Your brain may tell you that it needs time to heal. It usually wins if you fight against it  Glad you have an understanding employer.

 

Subs

[Winb143]

Hi Ian,

 

You was lucky although it doesn't seem like it, but we deserve a bit of luck xx

 

Mine was SAH grade 4 followed by lots of problems.

 

Take it slow and do not rush, no stress is order of the day so if you feel a little stressed try singing happy songs as it helps me but each to there own. 

 

I was worried about having another bleed, but found this site and they were laughing and happy after what happened.  So there is a life after SAH.

 

Good luck and keep away from others problems, you don't need them xxxx

 

Win xx alias selfish lol

 

 

[IanR]

Thanks Winb143, your words are comforting and it is brilliant that we can all laugh together.

[ClareM]

Hi Ian, welcome to the club. Yes I think we all worry about another bleed, especially as in my case there was no reason. I always worry that it could happen again but have to take comfort in the words of the medics who say it is highly unlikely.

 

Sounds like you have made a really good recovery. Take it ieasy when you go back to work, it's too easy to think 'yes this is fine I can do this, no problem'. Then a few hours later the brain decides ' no I've had enough - stop.' When this happens take notice and stop or you will pay the price.

Fatigue is a strange old thing, 2 years on for me and I still suffer occasionally.

 

Good luck and keep us posted on your journey.

 

xx

[Skippy]

Hi Ian 

 

Welcome to BTG - amazing that we were recommended by a professional.  SAH is OK for them to fix but they know very little about recovery, that's why sites like this are invaluable for people like us.

 

I returned to work 3 weeks after my SAH but I'm lucky in the fact that at the time I was working with my husband in our own graphic design company and could take rests as and when I needed them.  Plenty of fluid, as little stress as possible and most definitely listen to your body.  If you can find "A letter from your brain" on here, it's actually very accurate and moving.

 

11 years on I'm working 37 hours a week in a busy school office and people are genuinely shocked when they learn I've had a brain hem as I have recovered so well - it did take time, a lot of patience and a mountain of stubborness, but I got there.

 

We all have a a laugh on here and a general daily chat in the Green Room, so please feel to join us xx

[Chris G]

Hi Ian and welcome!

 

It sounds as if your recovery is as good as it gets.  I just had a NASAH and it took me longer.  I still have the occasional issue to deal with, but not often and not to the extent of many on here.  Just know that as good as you feel, you may still have the occasional day where your body slows you down some.

 

Fear of another bleed is common.  I just try to believe that it is as remote of a chance as the doctors say it is.  But since the actual cause is hard to determine, you always wonder.

 

Good luck and welcome.

 

Chris

[IanR]

To all those who responded to my introduction, thank you for the warm welcome,

your stories and words of advice are gratefully received.

Equally I wish you all the best.

Thanks again.

[Lyn]

Great to hear you've had no after affects from your sah. This is a brilliant place for advice, support & just to vent if you need to!  I had an nasah last March & luckily am more or less back to 'normal'. I was off work for 6 months & still get easily tired & head achy. I do worry that it might happen again, but less & less as time goes on. More than ever I'm just so glad to be here & it sure makes you appreciate everything you have & those who are most important to you. Hope you're return to work goes okay & just take it easy ?