KelBel

Hi Karen

Sorry to hear about this set-back in your recovery.

I have not had any seizures since my SAH but I can only imagine it is a scary time for you, after months of trying to recover from the main event and operations, and now this.

I hope you manage to find the right medication soon enough and your recovery continues at a steady pace despite this set-back.

Take care

Kel x

Hi Zoe

Glad to hear everything is going so well. Hope the physio starts up again soon to help Rich regain some more independence.

Hope you are getting some time for yourself, so that you can rest up now and again.

Kel x

Oh, I used to get that quite frequently during the first few months but it lessened over time. It possibly lessened after I had had counselling and started to work through the anxiety I experienced for many months.

I also seem to produce more earwax every now and again too... only noticed it more recently though.

Kel

Hi Karen

I don't think I have posted on this thread before...

Headaches - I used to suffer a lot with tension headaches (with neck pain) whilst at secondary school, and double maths seemed to make it even worse!! (strange that!?)

Smoking - I started smoking at the age of 15, just one a week at first but soon progressed to 10 a day whilst I was at college… I ended up smoking about 30 a day before I gave up 4 years ago on the 8th January 2007.

Migraines - I suffered from migraines for about 7 years pre-SAH; The first one started after I was hit in the face by a plastic football that my niece has kicked towards me. It slapped my face and I had to go and sit down as the bright light outside was too intense for me, and then my left hand, lips and nose went tingly and slightly numb… I then had trouble speaking properly… I slept for an hour then woke up and wondered where I was for a few minutes…then felt kind-of hungover for a few days…

Thinking back now, I had a particularly horrendous ‘migraine’ in Sept 2007 (I think) as it was the day of my friends wedding and I started to get the migraine whilst at the church, then I went home and tried to lay down but could put my head on the pillow or touch my head because of the pain. (I am thinking now that this may have been a warning bleed??... as I then felt unwell for a few days afterwards…). I didn’t make it back to the wedding reception…

About 6 months prior to my SAH I had been on Blood Pressure medication, but my BP had been borderline-high for about 10 years I think… then it got higher and I was put on the meds.

Weight - I have always been overweight/obese since about the age of 7/8 and have dieted and lost loads of weight many times (5.5 stone was the most I lost…) and have put it all back on, plus a little extra each time.

Exercise - I wasn’t always into doing exercise, however I have been a member of my gym for about 10 years now and try to go at least a couple of times a week.

Stress - I am quite a worrier, and worry about things other people wouldn't even spend the time of day thinking about! And I am quite a perfectionist in everything I do, and things have to be right!

I had been feeling quite stressed for a few weeks prior to my SAH, and the weekend before I was in Germany and have never felt so tired…it was odd. And I was almost wheezing whilst trying to walk about 300 steps up to see Heidelberg castle… little did I know…

Kel x

Hi Karen

As Penny has said, you will need to ask your Neurosurgeon or consultant that question,as I have only pasted some info I found online about the procedure.

Give the hospital a call and ask if someone can call you back, as I am sure you will want answers sooner rather than later,

Rgds

Kelley

Hi Rog

Welcome to the site! You have found the best place for words of advice and support.

I had my SAH 11th Dec 2009, however I was misdiagnosed and only taken into hospital for scans 15th Dec and was then coiled 18th Dec.

I suffered severe vasospasm during my op; as the hospital had noted my SAH as 15th Dec so would not have realised my op was 7 days post-SAH, which is actually prime time for vasospasm to occur!!

I was on Nimodipine post-op to reduce any further vasospasm.

I had my op at midday on the 18th Dec and came round at what I believe was 5pm. I have since learnt that my op was from midday to 3pm, but it must have taken time for me to come round fully, as i saw a clock above me which read 5pm.

I spent the night of 18th Dec through to 1am on the 20th Dec in Intensive Care and was then transferred to the High Dependency Unit where I spent a further 5 days.

I was discharged at 5pm on 24th Dec 2009, and continued the Nimodipine every 4hrs for 21days, at which time I went back onto my usual BP medication.

It sounds like you did act very quickly with your wifes condition and thus she was operated very soon after her haemorrhage, which must surely contribute towards a very good recovery. Lucky for her you were there and acted so quickly.

It is so easy for us to try to push ourselves too much too soon, but if we do not try to push ourselves to some extent we do not know what we can or cannot achieve.

As Sarah said, do make lots of notes for when you go for your wifes follow-up consultation. I took loads of notes and questions with me and made lots of notes whilst there too, as my memory was (and still is, to some extent) not brilliant!

Good luck for continued recovery for your wife, and do take care of yourself too.

Take care

Kel x

hi Karen

I have in the last few months heard of 'wrapping', as a friend at works' father-in-law had this done to his aneurysm last year. I had only ever heard of coiling or clipping so was surprised when she mentioned this method too.

I do not know any more about the procedure or how it works, but have found the following doing an online seach;

When the aneurysm cannot be clipped because of the nature of the aneurysm or poor medical condition of the patient, the following alternatives may be considered:

•Wrapping: Although this should never be the goal of surgery, situations may arise in which little else is possible (eg, fusiform basilar trunk aneurysms). Plastic resins may be slightly better than muscle or gauze for this purpose. Wrapping can be performed with cotton or muslin, with muscle, or with plastic or other polymer. Some studies demonstrate benefit with plastic or other polymer, but others show no difference from natural course. In one study with long-term follow-up, the protection from rebleeding during the first month was unchanged, but, thereafter, the risk was slightly lower than for the natural history.

See: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/252142-overview

You may indeed find other information when searching, however some info online can be mindboggling as it is written in another language entirely, also known as 'medical jargon'

Rgds

Kelley

Well done Jen!!

You may not be able to work at the mo but you have a great fighting spirit and have won your battle with this and are doing well. Hopefully in time you will keep improving and be able to return to work in some capacity.

Take care

Kel x

Sandi

Like you say you are only 2 months 10 days post-SAH. It is usual for people to take at least 3 months off work, if not longer.

I had 3 months off then a phased return, but I know now that I was not well enough to go back, but I had family, friends and my GP's telling me that I should just get back to it and return to normal!...

If you can ease up a little, and you are getting support from work to do so, then take that support and rest a little more. Like Sarah said you will be better off long term for doing so.

Take care

Kel x

I went to see 'The Kings Speech' on Tuesday evening (and can thoroughly recommend it by the way) and other than closing my eyes before the film started, because of a lot of images flickering up for new films to be released, I found watching the actual film okay.

I did have my earplugs with me in case the sound was too loud, and about 3/4 of the way through I could feel my eyes wanting to close because I felt sleepy (not because it was boring me) but I kept them open and watched to the end.

Kel x

Hiya

I have been to the cinema in the past year, but struggle to recall what I have seen... but I had no adverse side-effect from it, except from feeling quite tired afterwards.

I wouldn't go to see a 3d film as I reckon it would be too much for me, but am due to go and see The Kings Speech tomorrow night, so will let you know how I get on (if I remember to that is!? )

Kel x

Hi Lynne

I hope you get some answers from your GP. Let us know.

It is difficult for us not to get over-sensitive about every twinge, it is a natural reaction. But you haven't had this eye thing before have you?

I get little twinges now and again and put it down to the SAH after-effects, where I should probably ask my GP or the hospital about it! I have been making some notes for my follow-up appointment at the operating hospital in Feb. if I don't write it down I won't remember anything when I get there!...

Ooh, the torch regularly shone in both eyes was especially enjoyable after having the SAH and after the op too... (I am also joking!)

Kel x

Hi

I had my SAH 11/12/2009 and my annie was coiled 18/12/2009. I was told in Feb 2010 that I was okay to go back to the gym but to take it easy (what exactly does that mean I wondered?...) ...but I didn't feel ready to do so at that point. I think I waited until June 2010 to start going back and eased myself back into it. I done 5 mins on the bike instead of my previous 12mins, and 10mins on cross-trainer instead of 22mins, and I lowered the resistance/level and didn't do any weights initially.

I am now back to my previous 'plan' and am doing okay. It makes me feel good when I have been to the gym, even if I am feeling really tired it helps lift me a little, and sleep better at night too

I did speak to a personal trainer when I went back to the gym, to get an idea of what I should do. They didn't know specifically for SAH recovery but were able to help give me an idea of what to do.

It's all about learning how far we can push ourselves, and learning the little signs our bodies give us when it's getting a little too much.

Take care

Kel x

Hi Win

Welcome to the site!

It is brilliant you are now able to join us here.

Good luck with your continued recovery - one step (or maybe four, or more) at a time

Look forward to hearing more from you.

Take care

Kel x

All I was told was to drink 3 litres of fluid a day and rest, and strictly no smoking!

I drink quite a lot of tea every day, and have switched to decaf t-bags to aid the fluid intake, and I have squash at work and a pint glass, which helps me drink more water. And I don't really drink alcohol now. I had 2 glasses of wine & soda and half a glass of bubbly new years eve, but have not wanted to drink much as I feel dehydrated when I don't drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks...

I am on the Slimming World plan to lose weight, and managed to get back to the gym about 6 months ago now, although I hadn't been since November I have now got back to the gym in the past few weeks

I do lift some weights... and wasn't told not to... but I do what I feel able to, and did advise the gym assistants what I'd had...

I think I still try to do a bit too much, but I do rest if I need to

x

Steph

Sorry I can't really help with this, and can only imagine that I too would be overwhelmed in your situation... but it does sound like you're gonna make medical history!

take care

Kel x

Hi Miss M-P

Glad you have found us, welcome to the site.

I am just over 1 year post-SAH; had my SAH 11th Dec 2009 and coiling op 18th Dec 2009. Went back to work on part-time phased return early March last year and found it incredibly tiring for most of last year! I was pretty soon doing full hours but taking a day or 2 holiday each week. I then reduced my hours by one hour per day during June last year, then back to full time.

I think every day for the first couple of months back at work I had to sleep for an hour or 2 when I got home, then get up make dinner, eat, watch a bit of tv, then back to bed again!

I didn't clean my flat as much as I used to and my washing & ironing was piling up a bit, but I done enough to get by... I found it hard going but am now finally getting back to some kind of pre-SAH 'normality'.

I switched to decaf t-bags after my SAH to help aid my fluid intake, as all caffeinated drinks count against it. I drink lots of low-cal squash and decaf tea all day long and haven't really drank much alcohol for the past year - am too scared of getting a hangover/headache!, and I can feel dehydrated even if I've drank loads of caffeine-free drinks!

I still get tired but nothing like it used to be.

Please ask any questions of us; there is always someone (or many of us) who will be able to answer and give you advice. (Private message if you don't feel up to posting your question publicly )

Take care

Kel x

Blimey she was lucky too! Hadn't seen that story before...

No wonder her op was touch and go, mine was 8 days post-SAH and caused severe vasospasm because of the time lapse... it's amazing that she was acting out being on her death-bed, and she was actually experiencing so much pain at the time too!?

Kel x

Hi Zoe

You are so amazing!

It is great that things are going really well and Richard is making such progress with his walking!

I hope his recovery continues for all of you to enjoy,

Take care

Kel x

Hi Pete!

Welcome to the site! Glad you have found us.

There is a wealth of knowledge and support available on here for you. Any questions just ask and someone (or even many) will surely have an answer or some advice/guidance for you.

Sorry to hear you were also given no after-care - it's seems the majority of us experience a lack of after-care, or even some advice upon discharge from hospital. I was only told to drink 3 litres of fluid and rest...

Hope to hear more from you soon - hang in there, it does get better...slowly but surely

Take care

Kel

Happy New Year Ash!

It must be great to read Jen's post about her mum, offering some much needed hope for you and the rest of your family for your mum.

I do hope your mum's recovery increases over the next few months.

Take care

Kel x

Hi Karen,

I have returned to work, although at times it can be very trying, as well as very tiring.

I had my SAH 11th Dec 2009 and had 1 aneurysm coiled 18th Dec 2009.

I returned to work Monday 8th March 2010 on a 2-week phased return (yep just 2 wks!) and I would only be paid for the hours I was physically able to work. (they even factored in/deducted breaks...which I thought was unfair to say the least...so I said I wouldn't need any, and took rest breaks as needed...).

I usually work Mon-Fri 8:45 - 5pm.

I did 9 - 1 the 1st week for 4 days and took the 5th day as a holiday.

9 - 3 the 2nd week with a day off as holiday.

Straight back to 8:45 - 5pm on the 3rd week with 2 days holiday!

Then I done a further 4 weeks or so with one day holiday each week but working full hours on the other 4 days.

I asked not to be answering phones for a few weeks and not dealing with any queries, as they can be quite involved and require a lot of data-checking. I did manage to sort out huge piles of filing and do light tasks for a few weeks.

Looking back, I think I went back to work far too quickly and was not given enough support (but everyone was going on at me to get back to work – for my own good of course -GP, family & some of my friends) or given enough time on a phased return.

I had major issues with one of my colleagues right up to his leaving day at the end of May! I hope I never see him again.

The issue was that I needed all blinds closed in the office due to my light sensitivity and too much light causing migraine. He needed the blinds open otherwise he could end up depressed without ‘natural’ light… my argument was that I could have a migraine immediately with the blinds open yet his depression could creep up on him over a period of days or even weeks, and he had the option of popping outside every now and again to get ‘natural’ light to alleviate his condition.

If he hadn’t left I think I would have had to resign or move to another position. Luckily he decided to move to America, however I have recently heard he is coming back to the UK! (grrrrr)

I did not feel that my manager was particularly helpful with the situation, and it resulted in us being drawn into a mediation meeting (me and the colleague) with 3 managers present, to discuss our issues. The problem I had with that was, not being able to immediately take in what was being said and thus not being able to defend myself properly. It left me completely stressed out, not that anyone seemed to understand at the time though, although my manager said I done well not to cry during the meeting. (I was prone to crying at the time, as some of us are, and she cannot cope with it!)

I did not get to see an Occupational Health advisor until 3 months after my return to work. My company signed up to an outside agency to provide this service for me, prompted by the fact that I asked my Dr to sign a fit-note asking for me to reduce my hours by 1 hour per day for the month of June, as I was suffering daily migraine aura with a burning sensation in the top right-hand-side of my head. This was/is one of the triggers to me that I am over-doing it.

My company needed to know if I was capable of doing my job, for which I was deemed extremely capable if certain conditions/allowances were taken into account; i.e. the blinds issue, and the need to attend medical appointments adhoc. The Dr noted a few times in his report that I had made a remarkable recovery considering what I had been through and they needed to be mindful of this. I think it did help my company to be slightly more understanding of my situation.

I am now coping well in my role, however at times it does get overwhelming.

I would hope that with the assistance of Occy Health before you return to work you will have a much smoother return than I did.

Ensure you mention any fatigue issues you have, light sensitivity and/or noise sensitivity. I can’t think of anything else at the moment, but the OH Dr or advisor will go through a number of things with you during an assessment of your needs.

Good luck

Kel x

Cheers Tina

I am hoping 2011 does get better... (following my post on todays green room thread!)

x

Thanks everyone!

The news couldn't have come at a better time! I felt able to have a couple of drinks NYE! Haven't really wanted to drink all year for fear of bad hangover head more than anything, but felt able to have a couple in celebration

Love to you all

Kel x

Deb

I found counselling a massive help. It is definitely worth a try.

I had some sessions through my work and then was also referred for some further sessions via my GP. The work one I felt was better as she was the one who told me I was suffering Post Traumatic Stress, and she helped me to understand why I was feeling the way I was feeling.

I think I was withdrawn at first, simply because I lacked the energy to have conversations! Things have got so much better, and I feel almost back to my pre-sah self now, but it felt like a long slow journey initially. Looking back I have recovered really well and surprisingly quickly really.

I hope you manage to get some sessions soon and that you find them a great help.

Take care

Kel x