Hi Adam
I had the same type of bleed as you. I second what everyone says, the doctors often give that time frame and it isn't very helpful as it can set you up to fail somewhat when you don't feel recovered. My surgeon didn't actually give a time frame. He was great at explaining that the damage is from the blood being in the brain and that how it bled doesn't affect the damage it has done and that recovery is often long as it needs to heal.
An aneurysm does change the treatment of course. For those of us who did not have a treatment I often wonder would the anxiety be less if you know what caused the bleed. Then you have to worry about the treatment and problems with that so just different worries i guess.
I really feel for you have to go through all this with no family around it must have added to the trauma.
In terms of my recovery, for sure the first year was the worst, generally the first 6 months even more so. There are times when it felt like I was doing better and then I was going backwards. Generally they were temporary setbacks. For me I am a different person than before but I am doing well and some of the different is bad but some is good.
I have limitations due to fatigue mostly, thought it is a lot less than in the first year. I recall anxiety being unbearable in the first few months but over time it does fade. For me it hasn't gone but i live my life (when Covid lets me) and try not to miss out on things because of it. I have husband, kids, dogs, cat and a job and the SAH hasn't stopped me enjoing them🙂
My best advice is what I read from so many people, be kind to yourself, if your tired rest. Don't be afraid to make the changes you need to to help your recovery. Everyone said its early days and it really is for you.
I hope any of that is helpful. If you have any questions just ask.
Take care
Charlotte