Slim

Bizzare, but then look at cigs only now the gov is starting to make changes. But I think you are right we all need to make our own choices, and my mum always says a little of what you fancy ..... and I think she's right. I did a detox before my wedding didn't lose much weight and still looked like ten tonne tessie, but I felt amazing, did feel like twiggy on the day and had soooooo much energy ah those were the days. Vino is my vice, still did it on the detox and still like a glass now its my bit of normality. Reread your post, sorry i got the wrong gist of it Think we all need a soap box now and again!! Has siobhan recovered from her weekend with the SAHers!! Aine xox

Hi Sami, I can't remember either but think it was one of the American SAHers as they are generally well ahead of us on these things. My Dad is a diabetic and it got a leaflet through with a damning report on the affects of aspartamine. Think it seems to be best to go as natural as possible, I remember after my first SAH I immediately went off all processed foods, bizzare must be the bodies natural defence mechanism. Must try the Gingko, I'd tried Gingsing b4 all this and it gave me severe heartburn, never thought of the Ginko. Thanks Aine

Hi Andy and Heather, Am really sorry about whats happened. I wouldn't be too hard on yourselves, I think you reacted naturally and you are indeed only human. You both are in a horrible situation, but are dealing with it the best you can. You have been amazing and brave sharing your stories with others. You've been doing loads to raise awareness and help others. Try not to let this rob you of all the good work you have been doing. I think its especially tough when things have going well. Look after yourselves. You take care, good luck over the next wee while. Aine

Hi Harvey Welcome to the site, don't worry it does take a while to get used to it. I used to be shattered initially when I was online. Now its a lot better. Take it easy and we looking forward to hearing from you. Aine xox

Thanks Molly Aine xox

Hi Jayne Mine happened whilst washing the dishes when I called the plumber, first the mini bleed then the big one (it happened at the local uni) and the very first one happened just after B&Q had been!! I was really anxious when we had to call the plumber a couple of months back. But everything passed off ok. I think its only natural to create bad associations but things will get better with time and I do think it is a good idea to give your room a makeover this could be physically or mentally trying to have a fresh start and create happy memories in your room. I still think it is very early for you it is natural to worried about this happening again but just take it easy and take each day as it comes. All the best. Aine xox

Hi Wendy Thanks for sharing with us, these things are traumatic try not to let it get you down. You have come through it, whilst things on this side are undoubtedly tough as they say things can only get better!!! Thanks again, keep up the good progress Big Hugs Aine xox

It is, I was never cold before now have big wooly socks and cardigan, nearly wishing for one of my mums hot flushes Yes she says I should mock wait till I have one. Aine xox

I really have to add the electric blanket. I thought they didn't make them anymore. But its like having a bath without getting wet, lovely. I also love my hot water bottle. But Blanket great for all over gentle warming, helps with the fatigue coldness and muscle soreness. Aine

Hi Jayne Welcome to the Site, Like the others I say take it easy, I found and still do find the computer very tiring, but it is also a life line, How hope you are getting on well with your pillow and accessories. Aine xox

Hi Wendy, Welcome to the site, looking forward to hearing from you and about your recovery. Aine xox

Hi Guys, I Generally know in the morning how I'm going to be. When I have proper, fatigue I feel as though my limbs are filled with lead or i'm strapped to the bed and it is really difficult to move. When I've proper fatigue and not just tired my nose hands and feet get really cold. I was always a very warm blooded person. My head also feels quite woolly. My fatigue has defintely improved or I'm learning to manage it better. Like Heathers if I was out a wave of fatigue would hit me and I would need to sit down there and then. Whilst fatgue still bad I'd say its at least 70% better than it was before. Ps I'll also add irrated and bitchy

Hi Julie Welcome to the site, I always wondered why a Sah wasn't a stroke, I did ask in hosital and they said no, sooo confusing, (glad when I saw Karen posting some info) I did lose time as well, about 1.5 weeks although have tiny flashbacks the rest gone completey. I have just had to get a new pincode sent out for my bankcard. Look forward to hearing from you. Aine xox

When I'm really tired I get weird sensations in my neck and coxis I do often think I'm still having mini bleeds, (no basis for that) just being anxious. The Docs are probably right but I think its always good to listen to your own body and get these things checked out for peace of mind. Good luck 2morrow Aine xox

Maybe, but you do gotta laugh, think my fav bit was looking up and seeing the splattered blood (or iodine but undoubtly it was mine). What a farce. But it has to be done. aine xox

Thanks Vic Now i'm having a more realistic idea. It does feel abit like they're playing operate by numbers!! it is a bit of a cliche but when you hear "Mmmmmm now what have we got here" it doesn't help!!! Aine xox

HI TRACY Same here. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences. Welcome to the Site. Aine xox

Hello Blondie Good to hear from you. I'm undoubtly less stressed but extremely quick tempered now. Think depends how much of squeeze our brains got. Glad they got you in quite quick thats good news. Isolation and lack of understanding in the real world is tough, but this virtual one bolsters me everyday. We are indeed a diverse bunch, but that makes for good craic. You take it easy and we looking forward to hearing more from you. Aine xox

Hi Sarah Good to hear from you. Yeah that it Lousy news about your Insurance. I think the other folks have the right idea. If you appeal. at least you will know and won't be wondering. I have just one Anni (Ruptured) but a lady from home has a few unruptured and they are just monitoring them as they feel they are too small (I think). And an operation would pose more risk. Good Luck with the plans. Aine xox

Hi Emelda Welcome to the site. We lookforward to hearing from you. Aine xox

Thanks Keith, Was thinking where to start. Have saved topics to my desktop and will get stuck in. Aine xox

Forgot this one. Its great.

As with anything I would always check with your own doc first. These are just a list of things that seem to have worked for me. My neck seems to be a weak point I have more pain and discomfort there than in my head. I have a wheatie bag, which I heat in the microwave and wrap around my neck it is heaven. I also have a cushion for my neck when travelling. Its like a travel pillow made of foam. I just got it on the net. Mines is called a cushtee, I've also seen snoozees, (spelling may be incorrect)! I take mine in the car on the aeroplane and to the cinema! Sleeping/insomnia is/was a huge problem for me. I liked the sleep debt technique. We definitely need to listen to our bodies and I do need a nap in the afternoon. For me is usually 1to2 hours. People used to say get up an hour earlier, but sometimes the fatigue just ties me to the bed but I could manage maybe 5 mins earlier and then build this up. Always set your alarm for the afternoon nap. I never did in the early stages. I have to say even yet I feel terrible when I wake from my nap but then after about 15-20mins I'm grand. Don't fight the cold that can come with fatigue. Wrap up warm and cosy into a nice hot water bottle. Sleeping tablets. At about 6months I begged my Doc to give me something to help me sleep I was prescribed Zimovane. I had 16 tablets that she said they were to do at least 6 months!!! Doc very reluctant to give them to me and I was devasted when I saw my supply going down. Iniatially I used them quite haphazard and then I used them for a solid week. This really helped and give me the boost and the recharge I needed to help break the cycle of bad sleep. Don't over Stimulate before bed time. Sounds bizzare but the best way I can put it. If I had visitors at 8pm or had an animated phone conversation or even watching an exciting episode of CSI this would have me awake for most of the night. Definitely wind down a good couple of hours before bed time. You may have to get the rest of the household to work with you. Learn to go with it. I'm still slightly caught up in the "I used to be able to do....." I'm now learning to go with it. I definitely know I can only do 1 big thing a day, this may be going down the town meeting friends for lunch or even the G.Ps appointment. Healthy eating and vitamins. Lots and Lots of water. I've started taken Pharmaton for energy its a vitamin supplement but can only be taken for a few months at a time (Check with your Doc) Cod Liver oil with Oil of Evening Primrose. I was never particularly PMT affected but now it severly affects my moods and fatigue. Also taking St John's Wort 1 a day to balance out moods. Routine, I find it helpful and I keep energy when I have a routine especially for eating and sleeping. I also try to have something handy and healthy in so that if I'm too tired for cooking its not a stress. DELEGATE You'll feel so much better. Mental stimulation - I've just bought kiddies Maths work books. I find the word searches quite easy, crosswords iffy. But Maths has always been a difficult subject and it really gives my brain a good work out. But I wouldn't do these in the evening. Although it may be different for you! Reading about and talking to other people about their experiences. I found this very helpful. Especially SAH, ME and Stroke. I wasn't alone. Most importantly don't over analyze yourself (I'm terrible for that) Just try and go with the flow and you'll see others that have had no "insult" etc will also mix up their words, forget things and generally do 'silly' things. Its a long road we're all on but it does get easier! Good Luck Aine xox

Hi Sue, I'm not surprised you forgot. Sometimes there can be so much happening. I was a generic Carers Support Worker. (Princess Royal Trust for Carers) Sort of Jack of all and Master of none so to speak. I was a Lone worker for our Area but the Aberdeen office has specialist workers. They have a specialist Mental Health Carers Support Worker. The Majority of my one to one work was with parents of children who have special needs. It was a fascinating job and I was very humbled by a lot of the people I met. Very Ironic that I am now on the other side of the system. I know a lot of the professionals hands are tied by red tape etc but it does make a difference when you know that they genuinely care and are listening. Sometimes a listening ear is all you need. Nite nite Aine xox

http://www.carers.org/data/files/final- ... r-2536.pdf Hi guys, trying to get my head round posting links. If this doesn't work go to http://www.carersweek.org or http://www.carers.org and type in carers week. I'm ashamed to say I forgot completely about Carers Week this used to be my busiest time of year. There is pdf which speaks abit about relationships. There is also a superdrug discount voucher which can be printed of and must be used before end of August. Oops just read what the Discount Voucher was. Not as exciting as I thought but necesary all the same. Last year it could have been used for anything in Superdrug!! Aine xox