Janet

Hi Aine

I was told by both my G.P and Neuro that taking codeine long term can cause headaches. I did stop taking the codeine altogether in March then in May when my headaches got worse the G.P prescribed me some more but told me only to use them if I felt I had too.

I took them for about a fortnight and found that my head pain gradualy got worse so stopped taking them again.

My Doctor has now prescribed a low dose of Amytriptilene its an anti-depressant that in low doses can help with the nerve damage and I find that unless I'm really tired I don't seem to get as many headaches. I just use the normal paracetomol when I do.

Janet x

Hi Petra and welcome

I had my SAH in November last year. I think that after having had the SAH it makes you a lot more cautious about having sex. My husband was and still is slightly scared of making love in case it causes another bleed even though it didn't happen during intercourse.

On a personal level I found that frustrating at times but I also realise that early on I just didn't have the energy anyway. Morris is really patient and lets me take the lead so I feel no pressure at all to perform. I don't think that I'll ever get back to pre SAH levels but its strenghthened our relationship in many other ways.

I think its just a case of being patient and your partner will let you know when he's ready.

Janet x

That is fantastic congratulations to Vicki and Sami

Janet x

Hi Laurie so glad that Mike is making steady improvements. It must be great knowing that you can visit when you want this week with his mum helping out at home.

Take it easy and chat soon

Janet xx

Hi Vivien

I agree with what Karen says I'm nearly a year on now and it definitely does get better with time. Its just remembering to pace myself more that can be a problem. Its so tempting to try to forget and overdo things but your body soon lets you know when you attempt too much.

Good luck with the MRA next week let us know how you get on.

Janet x

Hi Laurie thats brilliant news so pleased he got the place you must feel heaps better now.

Chat soon Janet xx

Hi Laurie

Glad to hear that Michaels' making good progress it must be one of the only things keeping you going at the moment. Enjoy the few days you're planning to be away you need a complete break to recharge your batteries.

Sending you lots of hugs and positive vibes take care of yourself.

Janet x

Hi Kath and Welcome

Moving house is always stressful at the best of times without the worry you have of waiting to hear from the hospital. Hope you get a date sorted out soon.

Looked forward to hearing more from you soon

Janet x

Hi Diane and welcome

We are all lucky ones on here because we've all survived and this site is a fantastic place to visit. Look forward to hearing more from you.

Janet x

Hi Mary and welcome

I agree with the others it lovely to hear that after such a bad time you're now feeling nearly back to normal.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

Janet x

Hi Callie and Welcome

I can't give any advice on herbals medicines as I don't use any tend to stick with the paracetomol. Have you looked at the Tips/Advice thread there may be some information there.

Lok forward to hearing more from you soon

Janet x

Hi Pam and a warm welcome

I did have a SAH but consider myself quite fortunate as I have no further abnormalities. It must be very stressful at times knowing that you have others that may need treatment.

You'll find this site and the members very helpful and supportive it has been a lifeline to me since I joined.

Hope to hear more from you soon.

Janet x

Thanks Louise is does make sense and its nice to know that eventually I might get to sleep on that side again. Its the side I prefer sleeping on or should I say used to be

Janet x

Karen I can't sleep on the right side at all since the op. If I do roll on to that side it wakes me up and my head hurts more the next day.

I don't get tinnitus but I often have popping sensations in both ears also find that if there is to much background noise I can't concentrate or hear as well.

Janet x

Hi Joan

I like ear muffs but can't stand the pressure against my left ear now the headset I have to wear at work is just about bearable. I used to own a pink fluffy set of ear muffs they were great but not the best fashion accessory but cosy.

Janet x

Hello Mollie and welcome

I agree with Blondie its a great site and has helped me enormously. Like you I left hospital with no real info and no backup.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

Janet x

Thanks Louise

Even though I thought it might improve with time its helpful to know that its probably permanent. Anyway gives me the perfect excuse to buy some nice new hats.

I used to love wearing flat caps and berets when I was a lot younger but somehow got out of the habit. My woolly hat I bought just after the op was the first I'd worn for years.

Karen like you I find the woolly hats too hot unless its really cold but I have treated myself to a couple of caps so hopefully they wont make me feel as hot as the woolly hats sometimes do.

Janet x

Hi Sarah

It must be hormone related as I get the same problem as you with the hair on the chin but I don't use any sort of contraceptive device.

I had a hysterectomy in 97 but because of my age then 34 they left the ovaries rather than induce an early menopause. Side effects are my hormones seem to make my body produce more hair and its much coarser than it used to be.

Janet x

Hi Sami

Likewise I bought a woolly cap last winter but this year have bought a couple of caps as well and since hairstyles don't go with headgear am having a no:-6 all over. Sheer bliss 2 seconds with the hairdryer

Janet x

Hi Everyone

I noticed last week when we had the dreaded Northerly wind that my head tends to start to tingle and if I'm out in it too long I have quite a bad headache.

Just wondered if its because my annie was clipped and its the op site or if anyone of you with coilings find that you suffer similar symptoms.

Look forward to your responses

Janet x

Hi Laurie you sound as though you a had a bad day. It must have been awful finding out they have given the bed to someone else.

Its a measure of your inner strength that you can still remain positive. Hope tomorrow goes well when you visit Michael at least he has you he can rely on.

Sending lots of big hugs hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for you.

Janet x

Hi Michael's Girl and welcome.

I agree with everything Karen and Blondie have already said. Michael is a very lucky man to have someone like you to care for him. I hope that your family and friends and Michael's mother can rally round to give you the support you need, so that you can spend the extra time needed to give Michael the care he needs.

Remember to take care of yourself as well love and best wishes to you both.

Janet x

Hi Scott talking about the dye stinging it also disturbs the vision when they first put it in.

I had to see the eye specialist before I could be discharged from Walton, bearing in mind that I had a third nerve palsy on my left eye that meant I couldn't lift the eyelid and if the lid was lifted the vision was blurred and double.

The specialist inserted the drops in both eyes then expected me to walk unaided out of the room to wait the necessary 10 minutes before assessing the damage. I had to remind him that he had removed my vision from my only working eye so I needed help to get back to the waiting room.

Janet x

Hi Linda

Hope the angio goes well on the 3rd. I was discharged by my Neuro after 3 months as he felt that the angio taken after the clipping showed there were no more abnormalities.

It was quite frightening at the time but the only thing I regret is not asking more questions about my SAH but at the time I thought I would be having another appointment.

If you are seeing the Neuro again for the results make sure you get answers to any other questions you may have while you have the chance.

Janet x

Hi John mine SAH was on the left comm artery my sight was badly affected at first but I now have better vision in my left eye than right. I have to wear glasses for reading and they are quite abit stronger than pre SAH.

Alcohol is also something that I can't tolerate very well post SAH. I find that any more than one drink leaves me feeling bad for days.

Janet x