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Hi all, I'm Laura, after a stroke at age 40 in August 2021 left me with partial sight loss I'm reapplying for my licence under exceptional case criteria.    I still have quite a lot of blind spots on my left side but concentrated mainly in top left quadrant.    I have adapted to my condition and can do everything used to do unaided except drive. I live completely independently. Can ride a bike in traffic, play tennis, video games etc.   I have been issued a PDAL and have a date booked for my test at the end of the month.   I am just wandering if I pass the assessment is there a possibility that the medical team that reviews my application will decide that I am still not allowed my licence back?    I have done a fair bit of driving since getting my PDAL and feel that I am still a competent and safe driver. Just worried that on paper looking at my visual field test I may still be deemed unsafe.    Trying to stay positive and optimistic that I will get my independence back whilst also preparing for the devastating news that my application is turned down. Would really appreciate some feedback from anyone who has been in my position. Thanks in advance, Laura   

Welcome to BTG. In recovery terms you are quite early on, I know it is 6 months since your SAH but in some cases recovery can take much longer than that.  It is possible that you are doing too much too soon, try to slow down and see what happens then. If that does not help, I would visit your doctor and ask for help. Some survivors suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome although I am not saying that is what is happening to you, only your doctor can diagnose that, if they think that is the case then you could be referred for counselling. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT MEDICALLY QUALIFIED SO CAN'T GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE.   It is a misapprehension by many that you look okay, so you are okay, many of us have found that. 

Hello, I am new to this group. I had a benign SAH 5-4-24. I recently feel that my headaches, strange feelings in my head, pain down my neck, depression and irritability are getting worse. I have stopped talking about it with friends and family. They think I am back to normal and I look like I am but inside I am far from normal. How long will this last and will it continue to get worse before it gets better?

Hello Jay and Kathy!   I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the whole mental health challenges we face after such a traumatic health crisis.  I’m coming up 8 years ( Oct 26) and I still find myself anxious at times.  I, too was a teacher, an early childhood educator.  I returned to work gradually after 6 mos recovery at home ( after being in the hospital 1 mo). My bleed wasn’t caused by an aneurism ( not sure why it happened). I don’t dwell on it anymore, but the anxiety rears its ugly head around this time.  One thing I always believed is that this event should have mental health follow up.  I was lucky, I came out of it pretty much unscathed, but I do find myself “searching” for words - especially when I’m tired.  I also tire more easily and get more easily overwhelmed with crowds and loud noises.   This site and its members was a life saver in my early days of recovery.  I don’t visit as often, but I always seem to return on or near my anniversary date.  Thank you for this “safe” place.  Communicating with people who have experienced what we have, is such a gift.  We understand each other, we get it.     Wishing you all a successful recovery- all at your own pace.   Warmly, Pat  

Hi there   Welcome to the site and so glad that you found us..   it is very much a revolving door but it does get better... On the advice thing thats great because when it happens its a scarry place to find yourself in and if you know others have been there - well it helps A LOT.  When this happened to me there was 'nothing' Internet was in the very early days...   take care, slow and easy...