Karen

Hi Andy, Yes....I think that everybody has their own theories on this one. My migraines became worse after having children.....I started to experience the "aura" for the first time. Interesting hearing about Heather's. Prior to having kids, I would just have the thumping head and vomiting. I still think that there's a connection to aneurysms.....even if it's a loose one .... surely, the more an artery contracts and expands, the more wear and tear it's going to have than normal and it will eventually lose it's elasticity. Anyway, I'm still running with this theory! Love K x

Hiya, I've never had to see the GP about migraines in the past.....but my current GP has now put this on my notes......I haven't had any migraines since taking Propranolol, which is a beta blocker, but it's also used for migraine sufferers. I'm on the beta blocker for heart palpitations as it slows down the heart rate, but he suggested that I should now stay on it indefinetly. It was interesting to here the latest theory, that people who suffer migraines are often found to have a small hole/tear near the heart....this affects blood flow and can be the cause of migraines. I saw a tv programme, where a severe migraine sufferer had this tear, she had it repaired and bingo, her migraines stopped over the course of the next few months....but it's a very interesting theory. I also don't have high blood pressure, but I'm happy to take the beta blocker if it stops the migraines. I know that the "classic" type that I get with aura..zig zag lines across the eyes, are particularly bad for you. My theory is that my heart palpatations/flutterings could be linked to the migraines, that eventually lead on to the SAH. If your experiencing migraines where your arteries are dilating and expanding over a long period of time, then like an elastic band, it's going to develop a weak spot and perish. Still, it's only a theory, but interesting to here about you low blood pressure. Love K x

Hi Louise, Glad to hear that you're feeling in better spirits today! I had a bad night....woke up with one hell of a start....didn't know where I was, if I'd been sleeping etc.....I was very shaky and had to walk around the house for a bit as I felt disorientated. I haven't got a clue why....must be the brain activity. Was meant to be seeing a friend this morning, but had to cancel her, as I feel too tired. My eyes are still sore from the physio yesterday, so will have to put some drops in today before I do any more excercises with them. Generally, feel as though I've been run over by a steam roller! Nice to hear that you've had some good news about your cousin...something to look forward to. At least your decorator has now started, just think about this time next week, it should all be sorted! Yes, the site was a bit of a problem at the weekend, but lessons have been learned from it! It was my son Chris that sorted out the problems.....good job that he's a bit of a whizz doing this sort of thing. Couldn't run this without his input. Anyway, must go and do some work! Love K xx

Hi Ember, You sound happy, glad that the weekend was a success! At least you know what caused the vomiting...would imagine that it left you feeling pretty weak. Good luck with the Neurosurgeon.....hope that it's good news about the driving! Love K x

I would be interested to know if anybody else has had a third nerve palsy due to their SAH. My eye was totally shut after the SAH and even though it's opened up, my vision on the right side is still slightly slower. I'm now 15 months post SAH and I've found that it has affected me probably worse than the actual SAH. Now undergoing physio for my brain to adapt to being outside of its comfort zone.......I still have some double vision and pain when I look up, especially to the left. It's affected many aspects of my life and still makes me feel dizzy and unbalanced. I have found it pretty debilitating, but I'm sure that I can't be the only one out there to have had this. Look forward to hearing from you. Karen x

Hi Jen and Ember, Any luck Jen, with getting your hours reduced at work? Ember - how did your weekend go and was it therapeutic? Look forward to hearing how you're getting on. Love Karen x

I would really be interested to hear from any members that have suffered migraine headaches before their SAH? I still often wonder whether this is linked to suffering a SAH later on in life. K x

Well Louise, It's a priviledge to talk to somebody that's nearly made it to their 7 year Anni.......you've had a very tough time and a real struggle to contend with....I'm sure that people looking at your story will find it an inspiration. Lots of Love K xxx

That would be great Sami....will look forward to seeing them.....will do the same down here......it's a bit of fun.....last year had to use the fire guard to protect our xmas tree, as Bailey enjoys eating the decs off it ..... normally the nice ones and not the old tatty ones! (no, we're not talking choccy decs here.... but material ones!) Lots of love K xx

Hi Sami, I might look into charity funding.....may be lottery funding? I haven't got a clue what it involves or how much work it would take or if it's even worth it.... When I get 5 mins, I will have a look around......if you find any info before me, let me know!! Thanks for your help! Love K x

Hi Sami, I can understand their reasons.....however, if this site were charity funded...what logical difference would it make to this site.....apart from making it acceptable to the NHS in order to link? I can't think of any. Does it matter who funds it.....I know that I started this site with the best of intentions and there's no hidden agenda. Just makes me a little sad. Love K xx

Hi, Just to give you an update on the removal of our link from the Salford/Southampton NHS web site. I've been informed that they have removed our link due to new Trust policies, as behindthegray.net is classified as a "personal" site. I have now asked the question as to whether being charity funded would make the difference? There is definetly a lack of online support specific to SAH and as this site is showing there's a definite need for it. People would like as much access as possible to information.

Hi Sami, The GP said we shouldn't take any medication that thins the blood after having a SAH. Didn't get long to speak to him as he was running behind schedule! Hope all is well with you, Love K x

Re: Ginkgo - My GP said definetly do not take. Love K x

Hi Jeanette, You're doing wonderfully well on the site.....lots of really good advice and I can certainly see myself in a lot of your posts....keep up the good work...How are you getting on with the computer? It seems like you're an old hand at this now!! Love K x

Hiya, Well, it's good that your Mum was in good health before the bleed....I don't think that the medics like performing brain surgery unless it's absolutely necessary.....I suppose like any operation, there's always a risk, so their explanation to you is probably quite justified in the circumstances. I was pretty impatient with my recovery.....thought that I would be back to normal after 3 months.....unfortunately, it didn't happen...I wasn't being realistic......it's taken me to the 12 month point to actually feel that I'm beginning to recover.......mentally it can be very hard to accept and that why good support from everybody is paramount....just somebody to be able to nip down to the shops for a pint of milk, do some ironing etc. so that things don't get on top of you and hinder your recovery or make you anxious. Being able to talk to others that have also suffered a SAH is also important......your Mum will be able to see that she's not alone and if she fancies a good moan, then there's lots of us that will listen! There's a few people on the site that are pretty new to using a computer...but it's a really good tool and such a great way of communicating if you're stuck in the house. She's probably better than me at texting!! I had the seizures as soon as I had the bleed.....I was also incontinent....which wasn't nice to find out!!.....I had 3 in the ambulance and one more after my coiling....apparently due to low sodium levels....touch wood, nothing since! It can be all very slow going.....that's not abnormal.......I'm sure that you will receive replies from the other guys using this board that will agree...just keep her spirits up and tell her how well she's doing. It must be very hard on the whole family.....so take care of yourself as well, Love K x

Hiya, Firstly, welcome to the site! So sorry to hear about your Mum. How old is your Mum? it's easier to reply to you if we know a little more detail. I'm 44, 15 months on from my bleed......but just about to have some physio for balance problems that affect my walking. I feel as though I shuffle, rather than walk.....a bit like a toddler! It can be a little hit and miss with the diagnosis.....I've also had an eyesight problem, so I thought that it was this that was affecting my walking, but it's apparently the damage caused to the brain by the bleed. When the fatigue kicks in, my walking is also a lot worse. Resting up is very important...but it takes time to understand how you're body is reacting. I was temporarily paralysed on my left hand side and therefore, my left leg is weaker and it's definetly magnified when I'm tired. I only experienced incontinence when I was having seizures, due to the abnormal brain activity ...... but I know that it's a problem for a fair few SAH sufferers. Did your Mum experience seizures? Your Mum is still quite early on with her recovery and hopefully with the right support you will continue to see her improve. Recovery period seems to be very much an individual thing and there doesn't seem to be a "set" time ..... we are all very different and a lot of us still have remaining issues, whether it's physical or mental issues. If your Mum still has physical issues, such as the shunt to be resolved etc...may be that's delaying her recovery and causing her the physical problems. If you are worried are you able to contact her Consultant and ask him the questions that are on your mind? It does take time to get over a SAH and the recovery can be so slow that you barely notice the changes. The younger you are, it does seem that you have a faster recovery....but nothing is impossible.....it's just a little bit slower. Keep supporting your Mum and encouraging her and if in doubt ask the Consultant. Hope that you will let us know how she's getting on. Good luck to you all and best wishes to your Mum, Love Karen x

Hi Guys, Annie, I quite fancy an American Xmas ...... we see such lovely xmas scenes on the tv from films etc .... deep snow, lovely white painted boarded houses with holly wreaths on the door etc......looks great, very romantic!! Anyway, Sami......I'm away to polish my "halo" whilst stirring my left over casserole......told you that crock pot feeds the five thousand.....think that's why my daughter has decided to have dinner elsewhere!! Thanks for the invite Louise - take it easy and good luck with the Decorator next week....it will be worth it in the end! Lots of love and hugs, Kx

Hi, It would be great for those of you with digital cameras etc. to send in some photos to go into the album .... they can be of anything ..... nice snowy scenes ....probably more for you folks living in the colder parts of your country! ..... decorations..... your tree......dog in Santa Claus outfit....now there's a thought!! (Our dog would probably devour anything that he was dressed in.... but might give it a try!!.....don't think that the cat would appreciate it though! ) I would love to see our International friends sending something in.....it always sounds a lot more exotic in far away lands! Would also love to see a few photos of the guys that we speak to......I can remember faces, far easier than names and it's great to know who we're all speaking to. Love Karen x

Hi Sami, Thank you for the very kinds words .... to be honest with you, I don't really see the site as being mine .... I see it as belonging to everyone that's here, using it and contributing their thoughts.... I'm just looking after it for the time being...the Guardian.....does that sound a bit weird?? There's nothing deep and meaningful in my thoughts....but remember, that you guys help me an awful lot and I certainly receive a good dose of therapy! Anyway, "St. Karen" is about to try and fit her head through the door (along with halo!!.....actually, quite fancy a halo!!" It would be great to all meet up one day....who know's......it's only us that can make it a possibility......mind you Sami, your xmas and new year sounds great, perhaps we could all pile round to yours!! (Only joking!!) Love K xx

Bless you Louise, that's very kind....but you've helped me just as much, so thank you! Love K x

Aaah! I love reading about all of this romance .... it's great!! Louise and Sami - you express yourself beautifully.... Love you all, K x

Hi Jen, I too, was like you before the SAH.....always on the go...had everything organised, ultra efficient at home/work....didn't sit down much and probably juggled too many balls! I wonder how many others on this board were exactly the same pre SAH? Unfortunately, I cannot do the juggling act now....my short term memory isn't particularly good since the bleed and I can now only concentrate on one task at a time, as my brain doesn't seem to want to keep hold of the uneccesary stuff! The SAH has certainly made me slow down, which in a way is probably a good thing. Very difficult for you with such young children and wow! working 8 hours a day ..... I hope that you can get your hours reduced, as it must be a punishing schedule at the best of times. Your job sounds very interesting though.... do you enjoy it? I miss not working now.....not the stress mind you or the job itself, just the interaction with other people and having a more active mind.......oh and of course the money!! Anyway, hope that you're putting your feet up......if that's at all possible with little ones!.......off to bed for me now....need as much beauty sleep as I can possibly get!! Catch you later, Love Karen x

Hi Jen, You seem to be doing really well.......Try not to be "Superwoman" though, especially working and having children.....hope that your family are helping you out. Annie - you must be really happy to have so many new members that have joined the site from the US? I know that you often felt a bit of a loner with most of us from the UK....but it's great to have quite a few international members! Really great to hear your story Jen.....you're not alone....we often have a whinge, so feel free.......You're so young to have this happen to you....can't imagine how I would have coped with young children. At least mine are teenagers and can fend for themselves and for that I'm grateful. Anyway, please make sure that you are resting up when you can ..... lovely to hear from you and take it easy! Lots of Love Karen x PS: forgot to say that I had a third nerve palsy to my right eye and it's still slightly lower than my left eye.....still suffer double vision looking to the left and upwards.....especially when I'm tired.....also a few problems when I'm driving and too much eye movement etc....makes me feel v.tired and I will normally get a bit of pain in the eye....but it's now manageable and I can live with it! xx

Hi Andy, Great news! Many thanks for letting us know. Love K x