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Hi Jackie, welcome to BTG and I'm sorry you are feeling so low and unwell at the moment. I am really hoping you will start to see some improvements in the coming months and that the site will help with some answers and some reassurance. I had ICP monitoring post my SAH and via an EVD and it is horrid as despite wonderful teams you lose some CSF and that is a dreadful feeling. Also remember our body is used to absorbing the CSF and when it doesn't our electrolytes and minerals go haywire. For me the experience of low pressure and effects of that on a recovering brain leaves me feeling dreadful but it does pass, if it doesn't that is a sign to seek more help and don't ignore it with your shunt, I had to have numerous LPs to date ; following my discharge , then later on before having my VP shunt and since then a few times to check on few things and each time the effects of that have left me feeling low, and the stuffing completely knocked out of me. I can only tell you that learning to live with the clunky effects of a shunt takes a bit of getting used to and you are doing ever so well so be proud of yourself for all you have acheieved so far. When i came here after my shunt and SAH I was terrified, nothing felt right, I was worried and the Louise, Super Mario and Win all let me know that having a shunt just required finding a new state of balance and also some occasional singing. And in my case occassional swearing . I had a lot of one step forwards and two steps back but youre not alone and you will continue to move forward. Keep on keeping on and rest whenever you need to.

Bless you All Karen and Team, Whenever my chin starts to wobble and I feel sorry for myself I come on here and type away and tears of gloom turn to tears of laughter so... Thank You Karen and all her Family and Family of Mods. To be honest I had a joke to give Chris Tarrant I was gonna say "We don't wanna give you that" so in a way glad I wasn't picked as I would have shown you all up ha ha even had a song at the ready lol Love to All of you Win who nags hubby xx (Bless him)

Hi all, I honestly cannot believe that an entire year has gone by. It's the strangest feeling. It's difficult to remember a time before SAH I question sometimes just making sure, God did all of this just really happen in a year?! An obviously the answer is yes. Yes the absolutely mental year that you really couldn't write has just happened, and it's happened to you! I was thinking the other day how funny it is that your body just adapts to new situations, or rather how your mind and emotions adapt to the new way of living. At 17 I have simply adapted, I think that's a good way of putting it. It's a healthy way of looking at it too. To adapt is to make something suitable for a new use, well I'd say that sums up anyone recovering from SAH, you've modified yourself into something that's suits you that works with you. I really like me why would I let anything I enjoy or love become redundant, what's the point in that! I said this time last year that the world survival scared me, that it hit home sometimes. I don't see it like that anymore because there were no whatif's I survived, we all survived! The more I think about it and talk and discuss it with people, the more I realise just how utterly beautiful it is. With survival comes living. People ask you what your plans are for the future, where do you see yourself in the next few years and i can't help thinking to myself just soaking up everything that comes my way, every Single experience. This all sounds a bit dramatic when you look at it, but that's not want it to be. I know how easy it is to get annoyed with yourself because you can't remember that one thing, the headache that meant an extra hour in the dark, the appointment you could really do with out especially on your birthday! But I also think that anyone reading this, if anyone reads this or gets to the end of this very long speech, should really just remember how far they've come, whether SAH is something new in your life or something that's been a part of it for years, you survived, and I'd say that is something to extremely proud of, because I know I am.

Hi Sophie, my daughter had SAH aged 17 years, she has since completed her A levels and is in her second year of university and loving every minute of it! It hasn't been easy, she still suffers from chronic fatigue, but she has great friends who support her when she's away at university. She knows her own limitations and has developed strategies to cope with her fatigue. We both still attend a monthly support group at the hospital where she was treated which helps us and also gives the opportunity to support others who have recently suffered SAH. You sound as positive and determined as my daughter, SAH definitely gives you a different perspective on life, be happy and fulfil your dreams! Heather

I can't thank you all enough for your wonderful support, it has improved my recovery immensely. I have finally been able to lift myself out of the bleak area and start living a little again, I got the train yesterday which was the first time since I collapsed (I can't believe I found a train journey so exciting!) My GCSEs have also finished and I am no looking towards my prom which is again something that at one point was not going to happen. I have also started to write all my thoughts and feelings down, everything I can possibly think of and I am now trying to compress it into a speech, as I would like to provide knowledge on SAH but also the trauma of any major incident. I'm 16 and I have a lot more to do with my life, but I think I now understand a lot more about the world around me. People that can't cope with others pain or stress don't mean as much to me anymore for example. Therfore this long summer that I luckily have, I am going to try and become an inspirational speaker. I wanted to write this as if anyone feels the way I did a few weeks ago, it doesn't last forever, my frustration in a way has become my passion and I can't wait to share it with others. Thank you again for your support, each individual message helps me improve greatly and brings comfort to my family also, as this has effected them as well as me.

Don't be negative. Look on it as an opportunity to discover new things and new ways of doing things. You'll be surprised at what you can put your hand to when you try! Good luck, Macca

Thank you everyone. I'm taking it a day at a time and I'm grateful to have this group!

Hi Jac A very warm welcome to BTG....glad you found us. Thank you for sharing your story .....what an absolute nightmare time you have been going through bless you, let alone recovering from a major trauma to your brain, but everything else you have mentioned ! I am not surprised that you are feeling how you are. You have had to be so strong and fight so hard that now your body has told you to slow right down. Listen to your body and be kind to yourself Congratulations on being awarded full custody of your two youngest children. Wishing you all well. You have certainly come to the right place for lots of support and helpful information. Look forward to hearing more from you and feel free to join in the daily banter in the Green Room, we are a friendly bunch. Take care Tina xx

YES! The most important thing here is that we have each other! Let's BUILD on this! My entire outlook has changed! I cherish every soul! So happy to be here! For the first time post SAH, I went walking. It felt so good and energizing! Gonna continue and build on it.

Thanks Tina! So many answers here! So many humans like me! looking forward to hearing and more sharing!

I cried when I read Macca`s wonderful words about Win, they were perfect. Win, if there was a gold medal for fight and determination, you would win it. You have helped so many people with your positive outlook and your " we can beat this" attitude, I am so glad that we have you here at BTG. You are an inspiration to us all, Thanks Win for all that you are and all that you give to us, Love Michelle xx

Hi Pat I have a sister named Patricia alias Patsy xx I used to get itchy head after my shunt woke me up so I decided to bathe it in warm salt water as my Mum used to swear by it. It does go but if it worries you see Doc. Sounds like you have done so well, I was told I'd never walk again but 250 yards then back aches on a good day!! I have had Epilepsy since puberty but noticed they had got stronger after SAH so Specialist upped pills and been seizure free since new pills in Feb. Touch wood !! Horrible things xx We are in it for the long haul but you will get there and some days you might feel so tired and another day you can take on the world. Then pay for it the following Day xx Keep happy and stress free as we are survivors and welcome to BTG and others might tell you to drink water listen to them xx Do not listen to others problems just be happy and think about the times you have laughed so much, it really helps. Wishing you all the best and Welcome to BTG xxxx Now a smile please xx

It's been a very long time since I have written anything, so I figured it was time for an update. I passed my exams to begin with! I am now three months into my A levels and loving every second, surprising! Now that everything in my life is relatively normal again it's hard to believe that at one point this would have been the point when the doctors suggested I should have taken my GCSE's instead of taking them so soon after my operation. The summer was also full of festivals, another example of something that was suggested wasn't going to happen. SAH is still a huge part of my life, it has changed me forever even at the young age of 17 I believe I can say that I won't be the same again, but that's something that I've learnt to embrace - Unfortunately now I just have 101 appointment's to go to but that's just part of my life now, part of my story and part of me. This update seems a bit empty but I wanted to write it to show that, even though SAH changes you, in no way does it become you. I personally couldn't be a happier person and I think that SAH has made me realise, that actually yes life throws things at you you didn't know were possible, things that you couldn't foresee happening even if you tried and several all at once or even what seems like the impossible, but I love living, so throw away because it's good to be alive.

Hi Julie A very warm welcome to BTG. So glad you found us and the site has given you some comfort to know you are normal in how you are feeling and not alone. You will find lots of helpful information on the Forum also lots of friendly caring support. As the lovely Win has already said, please feel free to join in the daily banter in the Green Room, we are a friendly bunch and ask any questions on the main Forum. We cant give medical advice, but can share our experiences. Julie G-B said QUOTE "I'm confused, so so tired, cant find words, a shocking memory, really struggle with light and noise, shooting head pains, neck pain, sometimes my head is just too heavy for my neck, when I'm extra tired my left eye almost closes, just wish I could have just one day off from the head ache." I can totally relate to all that you have mentioned above. Things will improve, it just takes time and learning your limits and not pushing yourself too hard. Lots of rest and drink plenty of water. Wishing you well with your ongoing recovery and look forward to hearing more from you. Take care Tina xx

To keep `the `shower` theme Mrs Subs was so weak the nurses had said to her `Please don`t shower on your own` It wasn`t just once that they had to go in and rescue her from the floor ! She thought she was trying to help them save time. Daf, thanks for taking the time to share your story. Looking forward to hearing how you are dealing with the ups and downs this `fascinating` post NASAH thing throws at you. Most of us had never heard of it before and now it consumes our lives ! Subs

Lol Daff, I think we all have the toilet challenge story! I do vaguely remember mine, however I rememeber the solo shower challenge better. Lovely shower managed alone, back to the ward, stood by the window and sang; ' Oh what a wonderful morning' then prompty threw up and then slept for 4 hours. Well done Daf on a great story, think we can all find something in common in it. Clare xx

Second anniversary tomorrow - still some bad days but more good- Happy Christmas everyone x

Hi Jac You had your sah just before me, mine was 10 Feb 2105. It was a NASAH with hydrocephallus and an EVD so no driving for a while. Sounds like you had a nightmare getting the diagnosis, just goes to show how wrong medics can be sometimes. I too like a wine but can't drink much now without becoming a total amnesiac. My husband always has to remind me the next day that I've already told him stuff and I really can't remember conversations I have had too. I find if I drink lager it's not so bad. Sometimes it really is just best to give in and take time for yourself. Hope this week gives you time to recharge your batteries and rest. The fatigue is one of those things that unless you have suffered from a sah is difficult to comprehend. I say to my husband I am not physically tired but exhausted mentally which does actually spill over to the physical side too. Yesterday I ran 8 miles with a friend (we are in training for the Great South Run) it was a great run and I could have gone further and I was not too tired after. I spend 2 hours at work checking (I am a pharmacy tech) and it floors me. I have to take a break and be quiet for a while. It just shows that it's stuff that needs the brain that causes the fatigue. Sounds like you have had a very hard last 20 months. Hope things are settling on the personal side now and that stress levels are coming down. There is no doubt that coping with stress post sah can be very difficult, I try and avoid it now - anything for an easy life! Take the time for yourself this week and relax. Be good to hear more from you. Clare xx

Hi Georgia Gal, Just reading there about how you wonder if your dental implants could have anything to do with your situation. I am interested in that. I was a dental nurse and just take all dental issues as normal but I am going to ask my dentist and my neuro consultant about dental extraction. I had a rather difficult extraction from my lower right jaw February 2015, I had constant pain after and in the end got my dentist, (who had been my employer a few years ago), to make me something to go into the space as my jaw constantly ached. He made me a one tooth denture, which gives me relief when I wear it, but aches in the jaw when I don't. I unfortunately had my Perimesencephalic bleed on September 9th, 2015, prior to the denture being completed, the bleed was on the right side at the back of the head. On getting a dental check up this year I told my dentist that I still had jaw ache where the tooth was extracted and he said I could possibly have suffered nerve damage due to the awkward extraction. I can understand that, but have often thought nerve damaged was usually associated with numbness along the side of the face and it generally comes back to normal after a year. It made me think. I have to have repeated MRI scans due to an area which has shown up as "signalling" in the cerebellum, located around the area where I still get consistent head/neck pain since my haemorrhage. I am now wondering could this possibly all be linked? My dentist did offer an implant but I said I have had enough pain since the tooth started it problems until now that I don't want to put myself through anything more at the moment. It does make you think if anything can be connected. Have you found any good websites to look up information on these matters. I am so sorry to hear about your epilepsy and having to struggle with all of that. It makes life so very hard for you as I am sure you will be off driving again with it all happening. Take care and keep checking in, Regards, Irene

Hi Georgia gal a very warm welcome to BTG! Thank you for sharing your story. So sorry to read you have had a grand mal seizure after your SAH. Really hope that you will start to feel a little better and wish you well with your on going recovery. You have come to the right place for lots of helpful information and some great friendly support. Glad you found us and look forward to hearing more from you. Take care Tina xx

Win, you're lovely and I'm glad that when you have a wobble, that you feel that you can come here. xx

I am so glad you are doing so well Sophie. You have clearly embraced the experience and come out with a hugely positive outlook on life, not an easy thing to do.

Your words made me well up Sophie, it's a part of my SAH and me now !! Tears at the drop of a Hat !! We are survivors and you have done extremely well for a young girl to put it into words. I hope you have a good life and a happy one, now the world is waiting for Sophie's next instalment. On her survival adventure. Well done you for putting it so concisely as I cannot spell Succinctly lol xxxx Now remember a smile a day keeps the blues away xx All the Best, that old girl with the silly name ...Keep us updated wont you xxx Love Win xxxxxx

Great letter It really does make you think ! Jill

Sophie, how wonderful to hear from you and for posting such positive news of your progress. Your post will give so much support to others by showing that there is a good life after a SAH Best of luck for the future and that all your ambitions will be achieved.

Hello Jen, Welcome to BTG. Tiredness is one of the common side-effects that I see, rest and relax whilst you can. My hubby suffered a SAH one year back. Re: the noises in the ear, have you had a chance to speak with your GP yet, he will be able to refer you to the ENT specialist, that will be able to help. Re: relaxing, run a bath whenever possible - it helps to relax and generally let go too

Hi Julie As Tina says, a warm welcome to BTG sounds like you have been led a merry dance to get a diagnosis. Drink plenty of water and rest, they are the best things for you. That and get on to the hospital about that group meeting. It really helps to speak to others in the same boat - as we are on BTG. Makes you feel less isolated and helps to make sense of all the problems. Come back and let us know how you are getting on. Clare xx

Hi Julie, I had an SAH/Bleed and I do not remember what was going on. I had a shunt put in a year later and woke up from cuckoo land. You are not alone and this site is a God send as we have all been there without the wait you had. !! My short term memory is awful lol but I sing a lot and it cheers my Family up (Not !! ) ha I knew I was getting better as hubby and Daughter were so good to me, now they moan more ha ha I will wish you well and as I tell everyone, My Surgeon told me" No Stress" it is bad for us, that's where the singing comes in xx Hope you feel better but it is a long haul, take it easy and again No Stress xxxx Regards Winb143 xxxxx Sunglasses help I wear them even when it is rainy lol xx

Sophie, as I am new on this forum I am not sure if you are still logging in but if you are I want you to know that I think you are a wonderful, inspirational young woman and I can only add "SMILE a lot, every single day" xx

Sophie , We had a Mum come on here and her Daughter was going to go to University, she put it off for a year and went when she felt able and her Mum gave us an update. I cannot remember the girls name sorry but someone might remember it. Short Term Memory loss arghhhh. I am an old dear and can remember years ago but ask me what I said to hubby 5 minutes ago ??? lol You will get better but it is a long haul and you have youth on your side. All I had was excess fat that kept me going lol I was told by Surgeon No Stress and keep away from sob stories, you need happiness in your life xx I wish you well and all the best for the future because you do have one !! Now get yourself better and sing when down happy songs only and surround yourself with good memories. We are all here to prove there is a life after an SAH xx Good luck and when down come on here if needed, to give vent or whatever xx Love Win xxxx

I would just like to say thank you to everyone that has messaged me. I collapaed on Saturday night 22nd April I was out with friends, they very cleverly called an ambulance and my mum. Unfortunately when the ambulance men arrived they thought I was drunk or had taken something (which I wasn't) I have since found out that I had collapsed for about 15 minutes and had thrown up all over myself (not my style) I have no memory of this at all, I couldn't speak after I had collapsed also. The ambulance men then took me to Kingston hospital, I was actually discharged from Kingston hospital much to my parents horror as my mum had specifically asked that i have a brain scan as the GP thought i had, had migraine in the February that had lasted a week (we now know it definitely wasn't a migraine). The hospital claimed "it was just a blip" The following day my mum tooK me to a different AnE (I'm sure we will never return to Kingston Hospital again) and things moved on from there including a: Brain scan, Lumbar puncture and MRI Scan and last but not least being blue lighted Charing Cross hospital, where i had a CT scan at about 3 in the morning. On April 27th my aneurysm was successfully coiled. Because of my age my recovery has left doctors stunned. I am currently doing my GCSE's (something that doctors thought wouldn't happen this year) I have also had double vision since my collapse which has finally cleared which in some cases can take up to a year. Thank you for the support its incredibly reassuring to read and relate to your trauma.

Hi Jackie, In my case, when I was 'repaired,' my pituitary gland was damaged and it stopped producing growth hormone and I now have that by daily injection. If you are feeling depressed, I would ask that they check your hormone levels as you may be deficient in them. I know ladies of a certain age sometimes have that kind of deficiency naturally and it is rectified by HRT. I don't know what stage of life you are at but age doesn't matter if there is a deficiency. It needs to be identified and put right. Well, that's what I have now, HRT - the song', "Man I feel like a woman" by Shania Twain comes to mind. It is only a possibility, it's just when you said the surgeons couldn't find anything wrong, my own case came to mind, as I too felt depressed until I was diagnosed with this deficiency. I'm not saying that is what has happened in your case because I am not a doctor, but it is something you could ask about when you talk to the medical professionals. I wish you luck, Macca

Hi Jackie, I did answer your mail yesterday but it is missing so if you get 2 just ignore one. I did think my time was up and my Daughter told me about a site she found while I was in hospital, Yup this site !! My N Surgeon told me , do not stress as stress is bad for us. Hard not to stress so I sing a song or 3 to keep the blues away and just knowing we are not alone helps. It has put my mind at ease knowing that life goes on after SAH/Bleed. I came on here full of doom and gloom and left laughing, Also water helps so keep drinking it.. Then Daffs came on who also had a shunt and we could speak about our worries. You will get there just drink water, type a song and always have a smile at hand as it really helps (Well it does me, easily pleased lol) Take care and when you feel up to it come in Green room where we chat about everything and nothing. To just know we are not alone helps xxx Been there done it lol got the medal xxx making your medal now. xxx Take care Win xxxxxxxxxx

Great post Daf, you have done well indeed. Those early days are very hard for us and for family. The toilet challenges shall we call them can cause some amusement can't they? Remind me to tell the tale about the flying bedpan incident...or maybe not ?

Hi Joanna Welcome to BTG, still early days for you despite it being last July. Are you drinking plenty of water as it really does help. My son used to bring me a large mug of tea and a big glass of squash every morning for me to drink in bed. I remember lying in bed, head under covers just waiting till I felt ok enough to sit up and start the day. I doubt that hung over feeling is due to the paracetamol and ibuprofen, they don't have that effect, it's probably just the after effects of the sah, but if you are worried get it checked out. You have the added complication of a 3 year old so that must make things that much more difficult. The fatigue can go on for a long time, I still suffer now and am coming up for 2 years. Just take it easy as much as possible and try and accept that life may be just a little more different now. Not worse, just different and eventually you will accept the new normal. Good news about your memory as that is often a lasting side effect. I expect the short temper is due to fatigue, try stepping back a little and let others do things. I am sure many others here will have plenty of advice. Sounds like you are doing great, be good to hear more from you. Clare xx

Hi Jac and welcome! I hear so many stories of people having a SAH and being sent home with a migraine diagnosis. It would seem that they would err on the side of caution, but alas they do not. I don't know who made the decision to do the MRI on me when mine occurred, but I am thankful. It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life and stress can be unrelenting. I am thankful that you have some family who will support you and that you have joined our "family" on BTG. This site can make tough days much easier, just form the love and care that comes pouring our of the computer screen. I send you best wishes! Chris

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

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

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

Me also shame though as I haven't had a decent wine for ages lol xxxx Keep going and never give up xxxx Welcome To BTG Jac xxx Remember no problems/Stress while brain is mending itself. You think of a happy song and you start to sing it. No I wont sing just yet but remember only happy songs, also I read when you have a smile on face, sadness cannot come through xx Love Win

Thank you Winb143. It certainly makes me realise how lucky i was. I never needed OT or physio.. How amazing you are getting there, you must be so strong and brave I've had nothing but stress since my bleed and find it hard to avoid. How do you steer clear of it. Water is the answer to everything. I always feel better after a good drink. Best wishes. Jac. Xx

Welcome Jac and all what Tina has said Ditto, You think you are alone and you come on here and we are many who have gone through it. I know this sounds selfish but I thought to myself "Win all these people have been through it so you are not alone" which was my cue to get up and start walking as OT's said I wouldn't. Getting there apart from backache. You have been through a lot now remember to drink water, smile and no Stress Whatsoever !! (Neurosurgeon told me no stress) so I wish you a happy and healthy life and remember it is early days xx Be Well Winb143

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

Now we have each other on BTG watch your troubles diminish as a trouble shared is a trouble halved I have come on here all down and left laughing, of course the family think I have lost the plot lol but a good laugh can help us feel so much better. I had implant as the pills / Epanutin made my gums shrink, hence teeth have gaps and some just fell out, I paint a pretty pic of myself ha Hope to see you in Green room for every day chit chat soon xx Be Well All. Win xxxx

Hi Georgia Gal, I have had epilepsy since puberty, they got less and less but since my bleed the epilepsy has become stronger and they are horrid things to have. Lots have to give their license back but get it back after a period of time. I had my bleed in 2009. age 63/64. (young un lol) Get your medication right first and Good luck on your recovery xx Epilepsy is scary and I was okay up until Docs said I needed a higher dose and I told them no I haven't had a fit for 6 years, they insisted and I felt like a zombie so they took me off them without slowly lowering them and I had a fit !! My first after 6 years !! I was devastated. even though I had them since 14. Hope you get better and better with each day that passes and any worries or to just give vent, BTG is the place to be/come. My Surgeon told me never stress so to stop stressing I sing !! Drives family potty lol and that's when you know you are getting better as the "pampering you" stops ha. Good luck and keep a smile nearby it really helps xxxxx All the Best Winb143 xx

Hi Georgia gal You have come to the right place for sharing and answers. Sounds like you have had a hard time of it but are getting there. It takes time, a lot of time, much more than you expect. But you will feel better eventually, you are still early days and also adjusting to your new drug therapy which will take time. I'm now 19 months down the line and only just now feeling more positive about everything. I have learnt how to deal with the fatigue and darned memory problems but still feel I have a way to go till I perfect that! It's so easy to think 'yes I am fine, I can do that, no problem'. Then the realisation that maybe it's not that simple. But failure doesn't need to be just that, it can be a lesson on how to do it better next time. I hope you continue to feel good and that life returns to near normality. It will take time and you will learn a new normal but you will get there. Clare xx

Barrington, hi. In answer to your question, yes in most cases it does get easier, but it takes time. You have to adjust not only physically but mentally to what you can and cannot do. You need to do it in stages and don't be tempted to do too much too soon. If you are going to try something new, rehearse it privately first so you don't embarrass yourself in public. If it proves too much then change it until you become comfortable with it. If you lecture, are there different ways in which you can do it, ie if you normally stand, can you sit instead? Can you produce a video lecture students can watch (taking the physical burden off you) and then be on hand to answer questions. Think carefully about changing things, you will be surprised at what you can come up with! When you go back to work, discuss a phased return and don't go too fast too soon! Yes a lot of us have experienced dizziness. Rest when you need to, break things up into manageable chunks that you can handle. Use a walking stick if you need to, or anything else you may need. Go at your own pace, not your works pace. You are the important thing here, after all, if they won't agree to what you need to do then they may lose the expertise you provide altogether and what a waste that would be! Look at what you can do and move forwards -one step at a time! Good luck, and let us know how you get on! Macca

Thanks guys,its really good to be able to talk to people that understand and get advice from others further down the line than me

Hi Michelle, So many of us have been down this road, and you are right on all counts. We are lucky, short term memory is still a problem, we still have headaches, dizziness and balance problems, and luckily most of us seem to have brilliant partners who you rightly applaud and appreciate. They don't get enough credit in my book because their lives are affected by what happens to us also. But hey, we are still here and we are lucky - look forward not back, we are who we are and you can't turn back the clock, but you can control your future. Make it count. Good luck, and keep posting! Macca