Karen

Hi Sami, Yep....it was a huge sticky danish..... so think that it will also cover me for lunch as well! Dee's a great mate, she's very supportive and very kind...always offering to help out, even though one of her children is mentally handicapped and has physical disabilities. She works in the evenings, has her Mum in law living with her as well, she's like "Wonder Woman" and still manages to look absolutely great, as well as keep a smile on her face. She never moans about her lot.......rarely seems to sleep, partly due to her son's needs, as he is severely epileptic and can fit during the night. How she manages to keep a sense of humour I really don't know, but I feel really priviledged to have her as a friend. (She also buys great cakes!!) Just waiting for my shopping to be delivered and then I will probably get my sewing machine out and make a few more Christmas bits. I still like to feel that I can achieve something during my day, it keeps my brain going! It's so cold down here ......I've just put the heating on, as I'm freezing.......Eric has landed in Gibraltar and won't be back until Thursday, so I will have a quiet house for a few days. Think he's off to Poland next week. Anyway, will catch you later.....hope that you've finished the accounts! Take care, Love K x

Hi Sami, Yes........I had a really good nights sleep.........got off okay and didn't wake until the kids were up........just knowing that I've got a half decent sleep is therapy in itself......just hope that I get at least another couple of good nights. I took an ibuprofen tab before I went to sleep......just in case and read some of my book. I'm reading Catherine Alliott - Rosie Meadows regrets. I like books wrtten by Jill Mansell, Chris Manby, Marian Keyes.....to name but a few! But I will keep my eye out for some of the Authors that you've mentioned......I've read some Jenny Colgan and she's very good. I've heard of Freya North.....but don't think that I've ever read any of hers.....but I will have a look on Amazon.com Having a mate over for a coffee this morning, so it will be nice to have a gossip. She always brings over very nice pastries...so I know what I'm having for brekkie! Glad that you're feeling so positive......it's good to get a few decent days under your belt and it all helps with your mood. Good luck with the accounts.......not my favourite job I'm afraid.....I've never been brilliant with maths, but always ended up doing a job where figures were involved. You're right about telling people your feelings......I think that I'm a bit more of a "huggy" person now....like you say, you might not get another chance. Anyway, must go and put the kettle on in anticipation of the huge size pastry coming through my door any minute!! Will speak to you later, Love K x

Hi Sami, I will have to pick up some Lavender drops....I use an Avon Lavender Sleeptherapy spray.....which is actually quite nice, but not as strong as the essential oils. If I don't drop off properly tonight, I think that I shall go mad! Anyway, I've just started a new book.....nothing heavy....just some good old chick lit....so I shall keep it beside me tonight....along with the paracetamol. Re: Snoring, I used to use the foam earplugs before I had the SAH.....but it seems to make the ringing in my ear worse and I find it quite uncomfortable. Most nights I end up on the settee (Which is actually quite comfy.....it's a big 4 seater.....I sleep better on that then I do in the bed) Eric did buy some aromatherapy "anti snoring" jars.....(Yeah, ha ha!)...no, they don't work, but I would imagine that the company that make them are coining in the money and laughing all the way to the bank........ I bet that you can guess where I would have loved to stuff those jars in the middle of the night!! I miss not having the cuddles with Lauren now she's got older...It's lovely having a hug.....but it doesn't happen quite so often now.....I just make the most of it when it does. Kids are a great tonic. (Well, most of the time!! ) Thank you for your very kind words..... not sure whether I am inspiring or amazing though!....but I've had the priviledge to meet some very lovely people since my SAH and it's helped me considerably with my own recovery.... I suppose that it still touches me, that in adversity, the human soul can still give so much. Anyway, must go................just about to watch Wife Swap on TV! Hope your evening is a good one, take care, Love Karen x

Hi Sami, I did post a reply to your last message.............but must have only previewed it and didn't hit submit!! I was obviously tired and it's been completely lost!! Oh well! I did have my rest, but couldn't get off to sleep......feeling overtired, so will be getting an early night. Anyway, will try again tomorrow....take care, Love K x

Hi Sami, Haven't visited "land of Nod" yet!!....but I would imagine that I will have to later on. Had a lovely bath.....couldn't face standing up in the shower! so feeling better. Just popped out to the supermarket for a few bits......and had my shower as I got out of the car...........the weather down here is awful......it's stormy and really heavy rain. It's the worse weather that I've driven in for years. The tabs that the Doc gave me for my dizziness, don't appear to work. I will give them another go when I next go out.....but a bit dissappointed that they don't seem to have any effect. I know that my dizziness is always made worse by lack of sleep, so I will have to try them once I've caught up and feeling brighter. I'm glad that they will be testing my thyroid ...... as it does make me wonder whether it's a bit under active...........my hair is also getting a lot thinner and quite a bit is still falling out..........I know that they say you can lose a bit at the coiling site.....but I wouldn't have thought that it would continue to come out. Perhaps I could sell my body to medical science? Why do all Husbands seem to have a snoring problem? When I was younger, I could never understand older couples having separate bedrooms......boy, I can now! It's a regular topic of conversation between me and my friends and all of their partners are just the same. Eric just doesn't snore........he also puffs or blows air like he's blowing up a balloon.........drives me nuts! Glad that you are sleeping better for swapping sides.....it's weird isn't, that it can make such a difference as to how you sleep. Anyway, must go and do some housework............On Mondays. my house always looks as though it's been ransacked after the weekend......glad to get everybody back to school and work. Eric is off to Gibraltar tomorrow for a few days........he's troubleshooting some problem on a marine engine....so it will just be me and the kids. Will speak to you later, Love K x

Hi Sami, Really glad that your weekend was a good one and long may it continue! My weekend was a good one, fairly quiet, but nice. I'm still lazing in bed ........ going through another spell of not being able to get off to sleep ...... it's like torture, last night it took me until at least 3 am....as by 2.30am I stopped looking at the clock, as I might have thrown something at it! Jumpy restless legs all night, topped up with a bit of cramp in my toes.... lovely!! I often wonder whether I've got too much brain activity going on, when I get like this, as even when I do get off to sleep, I keep waking up with a start. Anyway, going to go and have a shower ..... Speak to you later, if I'm not in the land of nod...... Love K x

Hi Keith, Thanks for telling us about your SAH and hope that you've been able to rest and catch up with your sleep. Resting up is definetly a key to recovery. I've had a few bad nights and today I'm paying for it......my dizziness is twice as bad as normal and I can't really settle to do anything. It's horrible having another scare though, especially so soon after coming home......I had one on Aug 25th, this year and had to go into hospital for a couple of days. I was eventually given a MRI, but they didn't find anything. It took me a couple of weeks to get over that one.....but the fatigue kicked back in with a vengeance. Did you suffer from a history of headaches or migraine before you had the SAH? Do you manage to do much during the day? Sami on the site also had her SAH about the same time as you and she's doing pretty well. I know that my energy levels were very slow in returning and even now at 14 months post SAH, I don't consider that they've returned to anywhere near normal. Everybody is very different at the rate that they recover and I suppose it depends also on how much damage the bleed has caused the brain. Anyway, must haul my bum off the sofa and go and do some work! Rest up and take it easy! Karen

Hiya, I forgot to ask....how did you find this site? As I've only been running the site for just under a couple of months, it's quite interesting to know how people have found us. Cheers, Karen x

Hi Keith, Welcome to behindthegray! Glad to hear that you're making a good recovery. Did you have any coiling or clipping? Your sleep pattern is the same as mine was..............also I had the odd couple of nights where I just couldn't go off to sleep and I would still be awake at 4.00am.............used to drive me insane! So I can see why you're on the computer so early!! I still go through periods now where my sleep isn't very good. I suppose you just get used to it, but I don't work now, so if things get that bad, then I can take forty winks during the day. I also find that propping myself up a bit more in bed, seems to reduce the pressure/headaches in my head.......I can't seem to lie my head flat anymore, as it's too uncomfortable. I also use one of those V shaped pillows.....it seems to help. Do you have family around to support you? Yes, daytime TV can be pretty boring, but I'm quite partial now to listening to Phil and Fern on This Morning!! If you get 5 mins, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and your SAH experience?.....yes, I am nosey! Hope that your day is a good one...... Take care, Karen x

Hi Sami, Yes, you're right with your feelings about the anti-deps and side effects....I had so many side effects from the anti seizure drugs, which I'm led to believe have fairly similar effects on the brain....that I will try to avoid them.......but I will never say, never...... after waying up the pro's and con's...at the minute it's not the right time. I'm not joking.........but I wish that I had also bought a punch bag.. the amount of times in the past where I could have given something a good kicking in pure frustration are numerous.......personally, I think that if you have somewhere to put one....do it!!! I wish that I had I think that it would be pure therapy in itself, you need to be able to release your emotions. Yep, I still like my glass or two of wine...........it's the only thing that makes me relaxed.........I shouldn't, I know..........but what's worse for you, the wine or the "prescribed drugs"................none of it does you any good, we all know that. I still want to be able to live a life that I can enjoy......I would rather have quality than quantity, that's for sure. Hope that tonight goes well....is it a chick flick? Lauren has some friends over tonight...........in the summerhouse.....so just hope that they keep the noise down and don't give the neighbours any problems! Still, rather have them here, than wandering the streets.......it's only 7.20and it's nearly pitch black!! Not looking forward to the long dark nights! Anyway, must go and hope that your weekend is much better than the last couple...keep your chin up, you're doing really well! PS: Get Paul to go down to Argos and pick up that punch bag!!!! Love K x

Hi Sami, No, I've never taken anti-deps. My seizures were caused I'm presuming, because of the damage that was happening to my brain, during the bleed. I suppose that once you've had seizures, you're more prone to getting them again and developing epilepsy. Which is my biggest dread. I was also incontinent when I had them and I was mortified to find that out......To lose total control of your body is awful.......I really feel for anybody that has to live with epilepsy and they have my greatest admiration. If I felt that bad that I needed to take anti-deps....then there's no doubt that I probably would.......but I would have to feel that life wasn't worth living and I haven't reached that stage, thank goodness. There's just too much at stake. Yep, I always suffered from headaches and classic migraine pre SAH..since my teenage years. Before this SAH, I had a headache for at least 6 days...........if my memory serves me well! My warning bleed was completely different.......funny feeling in head and then bang! Anyway, must go and do some dinner.......but feeling so much better for seeing the Doc......hope that all is well with you..... Love K x

Hi Annie, I think that a lot of the good Docs over here, prefer you to take the counselling/physio route whenever possible. In my case, because I had seizures during my SAH, there's sort of a 2 year waiting period......where you could develop epilepsy. If I go down the road of taking anti-deps, there's a higher risk......because one of the side effects is seizures. So it's quite a risk for me to take them and I will battle on, as I don't really want to take something that cures one thing, but gives me something else to tackle. However, the Doc did say that if I felt so depressed that I needed chemical intervention, then they would obviously put that need first. The main reason I feel depressed, is because of the physical symptoms that I'm still plagued with.....so they're hoping to be able to tackle the problem with physio etc. I know that it's going to be a long haul and probably a very uncomfortable one. I don't know too much at all about anti-deps......but I think the Doc wasn't so much concerned that I had a SAH, but more about the side effects of possibly having a seizure, which would mean that I would lose my driving licence if I did. Just not willing to lose anymore of the little independence that I have. Love K x

Hi, Back home again......The Doc's given me a prescription for some tabs to help the dizziness in the short term....but I'm only meant to take them when it's really rough and I can't cope....as he said that the brain won't start to re-learn.....but it's good to have something just in case......especially when I'm out! I'm having to have some more blood tests for cholesterol, anaemia and thyroid. He said that he could see I was fairly low this time, but isn't too happy about giving me anti deps at the minute, due to the seizure aspect. He sent me away with a Depression/Anxiety ticksheet and just told me to select an honest answer and send it back to him. In one sense I'm fairly happy not to have anti-deps, as the thought of having seizures again and not being able to drive, would probably lower my mood even more. I'm really glad to know that my ear problem, dizziness..walking..eyesight etc. has now been linked together and finally acknowledged...............rather than it being put down to anxiety.......as I've sometimes thought that I'm going nuts! So, it's been a good day and I finally feel as though I'm getting somewhere, which is a relief in itself and has improved my mood considerably! Anyway, will come back later, but need to do some work... Love to all K x

Hiya, Just got back from the Docs. Well, he's a lovely man and always listens and takes in what I say.......which is always a good start! He says that the tinnitus in my left ear and the pressure feeling is the brain damage caused by the SAH....which is affecting my balance and causing a multitude of other problems. At least I know that it's all connected.........it's great isn't it........talk about damaged goods......one dodgy ear and one dodgy eye!! (he he!!) He's told me to chase up the Brain Injury Centre at Poole Hospital for my follow up physio...........I've been waiting about a month and a half for the appointment, but nothing's come through. They are meant to be re-training my brain to cope with the balance problem and then hopefully I will start to see some improvement. Anyway, I will add to this later......but my Husband wants to go out now!! K x

Hi Andy, I really hope that you start to feel better in the next couple of days....have you had your blood pressure checked out?.....re: headaches etc. Anyway. as you can probably see by my posts.............I'm feeling really bored............but oh so tired!!.......back to see the Doc in the morning...could really do with a pick me up.....think that my brain cells need something to do. Any suggestions? Fed up with cleaning etc.....which probably shows that I'm feeling better! But can't even find the inspiration to pick up my hobbies etc.......which I have loads. Is this depression? I'm not quite sure what the term means.....but all the stuff that I used to do, sometimes seems of little insignificance. I need some inspiration I suppose........I feel that the half intelligent side of me, seems to have faded away.......Oh dear! this is sounding a bit sad...but I'm not.....just need something to motivate me.....sometimes, I get so annoyed with myself!!!! Anyway, just hope that the Doc can wave his magic wand!! Take care all....hope that tomorrow is a good day for us all!! Love K x

Hiya, Drinking water certainly seems to help the headaches.....but yes, you do seem to spend much of the day in the loo......I'm still drinking the Isotonic sports drinks...they do seem to help with the energy...it says on the bottle that they provide more effective re-hydration than water......it's probably just a marketing ploy though!! At least water is cheaper!! Still haven't got around to hoovering....I've been putting it off and been doing the internet banking for the next month.....my daughter will be home from school in a minute, so I'm going to have to get a wriggle on! Anyway, going now to have some fun hoovering up all the Daddy long legs that seem to have taken residence in our house.............is there a plague of them this year, there's stacks of them......normally the dog is quite partial to eating the odd spider....so was hoping that he might of helped me out......but no, they obviously don't taste good! See you later, K x

Hi Sami, It's good not to wake up with a headache..........fingers crossed that you will have a head free day. Just hope that you don't get one reading all thise leaflets! Thanks for the ironing tip! You are so right! Only just finished.....but still haven't got through it all.....but had enough of it.........it's such a boring job! Anyway, going to get some lunch......this afternoon is going to be even more exciting.............hoovering! (Whooohoo!!)....can't wait.....what's happened to my life!!!! K x

Good morning to you too! I don't blame you for not wanting another angio.....I was really worried when I had to have mine.....but luckily they agreed to give me a light sedative! The angio was fine....but didn't enjoy the "burning" sensation behind my eye! If I had to have another one, I would definetly ask for a sedative again......I'm such a baby!! Yep, still feeling tired today....I had quite a good nights sleep as well.....still, sometimes it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference. I sort of know how the day's going to pan out as soon as I open my eyes. Anyway, one more day until I see the Doc...just hope that I get some joy from him! Andy P messaged me last night.....he's been having some physio to help relieve the headaches.....so think that he's feeling a bit stiff and achey. If you're reading this Andy, hope that you're having a better day. Your bath sounded lovely and a really good idea to use the Lavendar oil before sleeping............I love scented candles and I often use the Yankee potpourri wax tarts that you can melt in an oil burner...............some of the smells are delicious........they even do a chocolate one that smells just like the real thing! Just about to catch up with my ironing mountain........how can kids use so many clothes? My washing basket is always full..........I catch up then, wham.....it's full up and the lid won't even close. I'm not sure how I used to manage working, have a social life and do the housework! Anyway, must motivate myself! Hope that your day is a good one! Probably speak to you later..... Love Karen x

Hi David, Just a quick note to let you know that Andy P has replied to your comment on the Alison Wertheimer Article under "Read Articles". Just in case you don't happen to look there. K x

Hi Sami, That's really good news and pretty quick! I'm still waiting for an appointment to come through for Neuro Rehab for some physio etc............I saw the Neuro Consultant on Aug 7th...but nothing as of yet. I have a feeling that they've completely forgotten about me! Anyway, back to the Doc on Friday and I shall have a word with him. Are you having an Angio to check your coils?......I had my angio check up at 12 months post SAH and I'm not due for a MRA until the beginning of 2007. I think that they usually carry out the MRA at 18 months post SAH. I expect that every hospital is slightly different, but I got to the Southampton Neuro Centre. Anyway, hope all is well with you. I'm a little tired today and everything has been a bit of an effort....hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Take care, Love Karen x

Hi Annie, So Glad that you are still able to enjoy your holiday...Isn't technology wonderful that you can communcate on your holidays! Talking of new technology have you bought that digital camera yet??? ......would love to have seen some photos of where you've visited...as it sounds fantastic! I'm so envious.... My head is definetly more sensitive to pressure changes now......even travelling by car, up and down the hilly roads of Dorset, I keep having to pop my ears every few seconds or my head feels like a pressure cooker. I hate to think what I would be like on a plane now.....I always suffered with my ears before the SAH, but it's a lot worse since.....any travelling that I do in the future will have to be by boat or train! Anyway, glad that you are resting up and have found something to take away the pain. Happy holiday and lots of love to you too! Take good care of yourself, Love Karen x

Hi Annie, I've posted a reply to your other message.................it's really good to hear from you! Love Karen x

Hi Annie, It's lovely to hear from you......your holiday sounds great! Just hope that you are feeling a little better. It sounds as though you could be experiencing some Altitude Sickness? I just hope that if you continue to suffer with the bad heads that you will get yourself checked out? Love Karen x Here's an extract that I've just copied and pasted from another website, but not sure whether it's going to be of any help:- Altitude sickness is becoming a common problem as an increasing number of people are travelling further and going on activity holidays. Lack of oxygen The body's muscles and organs need an adequate supply of oxygen to function properly. As altitude increases, so the oxygen concentration in the air decreases. Altitude sickness occurs when the air we breathe in doesn't contain enough oxygen, which leaves the body short of its requirements. It's well known that mountaineers may be affected by altitude sickness, but anyone at high altitudes can experience the symptoms. For example, people who fly to high-altitude destinations and go on walking and trekking trips. Symptoms Mild: tiredness, nausea, unsteadiness or headaches. Severe: fits, cough with frothy sputum, difficulty in walking, confusion or coma. Recognising the signs How severely someone is affected by altitude sickness depends on how high they go and how quickly they ascend. It's unusual for altitude sickness to occur below 2,400m (8,000ft). When altitude sickness occurs because the body is not getting enough oxygen, tiredness, headache, nausea and unsteadiness may follow. For most people these symptoms start after about six hours of being at high altitude. As long as the person remains at the same altitude, the symptoms will usually disappear within one or two days. Severe cases Vomiting, chest pains and shortness of breath are signs that someone is affected more severely. These symptoms may take a day or two to appear. Coughing up frothy sputum is a sign that fluid is collecting in the lungs, while clumsiness and difficulty walking can occur if the brain swells. If severe cases of altitude sickness aren't treated, fits, confusion and a coma may follow. Overcoming the problem It's important to be sensible and not to ignore altitude sickness. If symptoms are mild then rest, fluids, a light diet and painkillers will enable the body to acclimatise. No further ascent should be attempted until all the symptoms have disappeared. Descending to a lower altitude is often necessary when symptoms are more severe. If this fails to resolve symptoms then hospital treatment is needed, where any swelling of the brain will be treated with oxygen, rest and drugs. Most people who are treated correctly for altitude sickness make a full recovery - usually within a few days. But, when it's the condition is more severe, treatment over a longer period may be necessary. Avoiding problems Problems with altitude sickness can usually be avoided if care is taken to prepare properly. Climbers, in particular, are all too aware of the importance of: good physical fitness staged ascents that allow time to acclimatise drinking plenty of liquid being aware of the possibility and the symptoms of altitude sickness not ignoring symptoms of altitude sickness if they occur. Anyone travelling to higher altitudes than they're used to should remember this advice. This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in December 2005.

Hi David, It's really good to hear from you. I'm Karen and you've probably seen a lot of my ramblings on the site already and my story is in the articles section. I'm amazed at the amount of stories that I've read where the SAH has taken place whilst on holiday....how did you get on being in Italy when it happened? My own recovery is very slow, thought that I would have been back to normal ages ago....and yes, it is so very frustrating when you just want to get on with your life. Like yourself, loss of confidence is still quite an issue with me....I sometimes wonder where the old Karen is hiding. Well, I think that you are amazing to have run the Marathon this year.......I can still barely walk a mile without my head spinning.....so you've done wonders in achieving that and raising all that money for charity! Sorry to hear about your job.....what line of work were you in? I was self employed before the SAH, but haven't been able to return to it. My days are the same as yours...............one day up, the next day down...it does seem never ending and it is mentally exhausting. It's really hard on the family too, I have stopped making plans now......as when I do make them, I usually have to cancel, so everything is done pretty much last minute now. Anyway, have to go as my daughter wants the computer! Hope that you will keep posting.......it's lovely to have a chat! Take care, Karen

Hi Sami, No problems about doing the chat tonight. You should only do it, if you feel up to it., honestly it's not a problem.....I couldn't have done it at your stage, so no worries, but if you ever want to talk etc you know where I am. I will private message you later, about the rest of your post, as don't really want to do it on the discussion. I will try to p/message you at the same time as going on to chat..........so apologies in advance for my grammar mistakes! ( I work off of a notebook laptop....and the screen is tiny, so not much cop with my dodgy eyesight!) Anyway, I shall be going into the Chat Room at 7.30......as feels it's my duty with running this site etc.............I'm probably going to be a right "Billy no mates!" (he he!....... but never mind...........I shall stick on Eastenders at the same time for company!! (Just hope that it's not too depressing or the wine will come out!!) You take good care of yourself and hope that your evening is a good one. Your Husband is lovely..........Indian Head massage.........I wish!! Love K x