Hi there Tecumseh, I too work in the medical profession and did a similar denial thing in October last year.
When the headache (and chest and leg muscle spasms) started I was walking across the road to my parents and rang my GP under my mums advice, I managed to persuade him it was probably a virus because I had a fever (since learned this is a side effect of acute SAH); the day after my headache started I was cooking curries (very slowly but determinedly) and only went to the doctor on day 3 because my husband and son forced me too because every time I stood up I cried out and nearly collapsed at one point; 8 hours later I was in neuro ICU in the specialist centre an hour away, I was there for a week and I too was diagnosed with a NASAH perimesencephalic haemorrhage.
Looking back I knew something was terribly wrong but as I had never had a headache before I just assumed that was normal for a headache and I think I was not thinking straight! The consultant said my only risk factors were being female and stress.. I have definitely chilled out and as you say have made myself slow down.
My family felt very guilty they had not taken me to the doctor earlier but I was being very stubborn and was playing it down not to upset them.
I have definitely looked at life differently and appreciated so much more and try to worry less. As one of my friend's told me "don't walk out to meet danger"... I try not to.
Thank you for sharing your story.
