the quine

Hi, just to update my GP has made a referral to a neurologist - now just wait & see how long until I get an appointment! Moving house next week & kinda just want a hole to hide in right now!! Thanks

Thank you Super Mario

Hi, following this post with interest - can I please ask, did you need to get a referral from your GP for neuro testing or for support from Headway? Is this the only route?

Eureka!! I have returned to this site hoping to find information/confirmation/reassurance that I am not over-reacting or looking for problems that aren't there - as this is what I know those around me think! I have spent time reading through posts and advice and find this one. MO5....I am truly sorry to hear of your situation & YOU should be proud of all you have been & continue to deal with, humbling indeed!! Furthermore, your original post mentioned so many things that I have been 'struggling' with over the last few years and recognise,. But have been told by my GP that I am depressed, suffering from stress blah, blah, blah but ignoring or not listening to what I feel are my real issues....memory, language hesitation (verbal & written) confrontation fear, social engagement incompetence, utter fatigue and above all else "I am devoid of all fluffiness. I feel nothing, long conversations bore me, little to no empathy" So, I am probably not simply an "attention seeker" (how I've been made to feel!?!) It has been so long since my SAH (2008) & stent (2010) that I no longer believed that this & my mental state could be linked. I have found work more than challenging, my ability to cope deteriorating until I finally left in October 2015, the financial pressures and feelings of failure have plagued me since. My 3 children are now all grown up, happy, secure & working abroad, so I don't have that responsibility but the belief I am not the person I used to be has finally hit home - but how do I explain this without sounding like a 'whining child looking for excuses?' In conclusion, I would like to thank you for posting so honestly and wish you well for the 28th, hoping you get the answers, support and help you deserve and are entitled to! Your post & this thread has convinced me to tackle my GP again and ask him to take me seriously, so it has helped at least one person. In fact, I may just copy & take this with me........thank you!!

Hi All Thank you sooooo much for your replies!! I have appreciated all of them, thank you. Still need to get into perpective just how much of my confidence issues are due to my current lifestyle changes or a result of my SAH.......either way I have to 'get a grip'!!! Steph ~ you say you have had coils fitted, then a stent but STILL need coils? I understand that the stent would overide the aneurism and 'cure' the problem, I too would need to take aspirin thereafter. With regards work I have now 'signed on' JSA to try to alleviate the financial pain a little but am applying for less demanding roles and also part time - just hope I can find something and realistic manage the drop in money? It is a challenging time to be out of work let alone with a medical history of a SAH but I have to say the JCP adviser was more understanding than I expected. My application to DVLA has been returned & hopefully I will be able to drive again by the end of the week (which will also make working easier as I live in a village with limited bus service). I have decided to follow advice & pursue some counselling, accepting that I do need help & am nor coping as I want to - always been told I am too independent lol!! Again thanks to all for some very supportive, and sensible, help.

Thankyou Jen and particularly Georgina for your replies! I also feel that there is no real choice as I can not bear the 'damacles sword' syndrome waiting for the possibility of a further rupture but the Consultants were very matter of fact & I did not really gather my wits to ask questions! Do you cope with work ok? I know we are all different but I have severe confidence issues and have found it difficult to continue in my previous job, no longer believing in my own leadership and questioning my ability continually? This may be a result of the SAH but could also just be the recovery but two years on & it is becoming increasingly overwhelming, in fact it may have contributed to my relationship breaking down (26 years of marriage going down the pan!) So the positive of having a stent inserted is balanced by the worry of further mental or even physical disturbance? I appreciate no-one can guarantee no ill effects but I need to know all scenarios - or is this just me over reacting and being pessimistic? I was made redundant in March & following a 'blackout & siezure' in Feb (unexplained) I have had to surrender my driving licence but my consultant is very confident this was unrelated to my SAH so I am able to apply to DVLA to drive again. However all this makes job applications & interviews (when I can get them!) very tricky - all adding to my despondency and frustration! I am rambling as I feel I have no-one to talk properly to - the family just want to move on & think I am 'over' it so I feel guilty mentioning it also it upsets my parents. My GP offerred counselling but it never materialised. Sorry I will stop now......thanks if anyone is reading/listening xx

Jen I found this article really enlightening and recognised so many of the issues - so much so I emailed it to my family as it expresses how I feel better than I can (if that makes sense?). So thanks for sharing it xx

Hi, it is now just over two years since I had my SAH, in May 2008, recovery has been a rollercoaster but with the info from this site I have generally been reassured. I have just returned today from seeing the Consultant (annual Outpatient visit) & he has informed me that although my coiling has not deteriorated significantly since last years visit there has been some settling leaving a 'neck' on the offending aneurism so they feel it best to consider having a 'stent' fitted to bypass the aneurism, thus eliminating the potential risk (albeit small) of it rupturing again. This it seems is mainly due to my age (48) and that the alternative is continued annual monitoring which could be for 40+ years which obviously is not sensible & leaves me living with the threat! The stent apparently would mean further follow ups for 2 years & as long as no problems that would be the end of it.........? Seems like a good choice to me but is there anyone who has experienced this and can advise of the risks, reasons, recovery etc? I am not really worried but it has caught me by surprise, apologies if it seems rambling grateful for any return posts

Again - many thanks for replies and kind wishes! I joined this site back in June & it helped then, not just me but my family too, as everyone is so helpful with useful, informative & relevant thoughts, ideas & experiences. It seems nothing has changed - always someone there to offer a friendly 'virtual' hand. I have spoken to my Consultants secretary, in QE Birmingham, and she confirmed & then sent a letter to say I would be seen in two years at the Clinic. It seems this may not unusual, I just need to accept all is well and be positive (& keep my fingers crossed?). I am looking forward to 'celebrating' my 1st anniversary with my family, particularly my parents who were with me when my head 'popped' & went through hell, and my kids who have been and continue to be incredible also John my hubby without whom I would not have coped!! Happy to be here to love them XXXXXXX

Hi Guys, Thank you for the replies - so quick too!! I apologise to Keith & others for asking the question that seems to have been asked many times before - will see if I can navigate my way around the site to read them. I know I am extremely lucky - not only did I survive (with 11 coils in my head!), I do not appear to have any long lasting consequences either!! That should be enough & in many ways it is but I would like to know that if 'it' causes problems I have a good chance of it being spotted & I can continue to survive! Perhaps I should just shrug my shoulders, put it behind me and get on with my life - if only it were that easy Thanks & sorry again. Jane

First may I apologise if this question has already been answered elsewhere - I have had a look but there is sooooo much info I am not sure where to find relevant subjects already discussed!! :? I had my SAH in May 2008 and apart from some minor self confidence & emotional issues feel I have made a pretty good recovery. I am currently seeing a physio for neck & shoulder pain (experience pins & needles in the hands at night) this is due to muscular postural problems brought about from being an enforced 'couch potato' for 3-4 months, now I am exercising again there are signs of improvement! My query however is with hospital follow up treatments? I was admitted to hospital (which is a story in itself) for a 6mth angiogram & MRI scan, however due to emergency admissions, lack of beds & time constraints only the MRI was done. I was sent home & told the angiogram may not be neccessary but that it depended on the wishes of my Consultant. Not knowing the results of my scan I waited....and waited....and waited some more! After nearly 3 months and many phone calls I was eventually informed that the angiogram would not be needed & my scan results were "satisfactory". I therefore would be contacted by the Neuro Clinic in TWO YEARS for a further check up??? I do not want to make a fuss or insist this is wrong but I was under the impression that SAH survivors were seen annually? Is there not a risk or possibility of coils compacting or a further bleed that needs to be monitored? I am happy to get on with my life, and am trying to do so, but I want to be confident that any problems will be detected BEFORE it's too late. So please can you tell me what others have experienced, what is the average/normal/expected intervals between tests & clinics? My GP is good but seems to know little about this condition & always refers me back to the hospital with queries. Am I being paranoid - probably? Do I need reassuring? I do need to know whether I should be asking for an appointment sooner than 2 years!! Cheers Jane

Cal If it is causing you distress or worry then please seek help - counselling groups or as couples is surely available if you were to ask? Do not let this be a problem, it is not unusual, so be brave and talk to your doctor or look for other professional advice. Take care Jane xxxx

Shiree I understand I had a mild seizure at the time of the SAH - was out cold so don't recall! However have not had another since altho I must admit I was nervous that I might. I too was told on discharge from hospital to avoid too much tv especially any flashing images, I have only recently began watching more telly (have not missed much?!) Thank goodness for audio books!!! Again there are no guarantees but it is unlikely to present a problem now - coiling 10 weeks today (yeah!!!!) How is the farm? Have you been back in the truck again? Take care Jane xxx

Cal SAH affects people differently and in my case my libido has increased! There is no 'normal' just what 'may' happen. This may in part be due to the fact that I realise now just how much I truly love my hubby who has supported and been there for me throughout and partly because the SAH is in an area of the brain that controls sexual drive? This does not mean my self confidence has soared too however, and again I look to my partner to ensure I 'feel' secure. There is a blog elsewhere on this site that dealt with similar issues previously......? Jane

Dear Yasmin Truly inspirational and moving! Every story is different but it always amazes me how much in common all SAH survivors have - really fantastic people! Thanks indeed. Jane

Laura Sure hope the tablets work for you - does make me laugh how meds contradict the point of taking them tho! Codeine taken for headaches is known to cause addictive headaches and constipation so you then need to take a laxative tablet with the side effect of headaches? Makes you wonder sometimes eh? All the best tho as worry and discomfort is no joke.......... Hugs Jane xx

Karen Thanks for your response and info. Maybe I will mention the ear and eye problems but so far all he has suggested is that I make a list to ask my neuro specialist at outpatient apptmnt! He admits to knowing very little about SAH and has made no attempt to supply me with any - I have booked my next visit with another Dr in the practice, maybe he will show some interest? As I have said before if this site and you fab people did not exist I would be floundering in the dark!!! Hope everyone else has been helped and supported the same way xxxxxx Jane

Shiree/Anne I too had a major bleed & subsequent vasospasm - what is interesting is as the weeks have gone the hearing in my right ear has deteriorated! I thought this may have been down to wax ( sorry!) but now I will definitely add it to my list for the hospital visit in August. Good days, Bad days - that's the road for the moment, not quite a roller coaster but as frustrating as the damn GPS system when it takes you somewhere you don't want to go!!! Just think calm thoughts, inhale deeply, exhale, yawn - ok doesn't work for everyone :? Take care jane

Hi Keith Like your thinking - how long did you 'milk' the boss? My GP did not even take my blood pressure on my last visit, I do not think I have problems with that altho' they were obviously trying to reduce it whilst I was in hospital but then it plummetted and they were concerned (apparently as they never discussed it with me!) and monitored it until it stabilised?! Are regular blood pressure checks part of your guys routines now? Do you insist on them or are they offerred? Jane

Hi I was, and am, 46 when my SAH entered my life and that of my family in May '08 - the tuesday after the Bank Holiday actually! I am a tutor and was always 'on the go' as so many of you - altho' other research seems to suggest that stress is not a contributing factor to SAH?! Quite a varied age range here........! All the best to everyone xxxx Jane

Hi Lesley How did the appointment at the hospital go? Did they give a reasonable reason for your eye problem? All the best Jane

Hi John, Like you I have concerns over the length of time it takes to recieive information regarding your condition! I left hospital on the 17th May, a week after my SAH coiling, and I have just got a letter for an apptment on 27th August - no details within the letter of scans, tests or who I will see. I understand that the medical profession are extremely busy (saving ours and others lives!) but we still need to know what is happening particularly if we are not to worry - as this is surely detrimental to recovery?? My GP has not any more info than I have - we both had the same discharge papers - so unless there is a problem he cannot help. I contacted the consultant surgeon's secretary by telephone after 6 weeks (that is what my letter told me the outpatient apptment would be) as I had heard nothing, she said that these letters were simply guides and templates it was more likely to be at least 12 weeks!!! She did say she would locate my records and contact me, which she duly did. We have to assume that all is well until someone sees us and tells us otherwise? It does restrict how much I am prepared to do as I do not want to take anything for granted anymore and am not prepared to risk everything simply to be more independent and try to live pre-SAH. I am not angry so much as scared, I am aware there can be no guarantees in life but surely reassurance is healthier for all concerned? I would definitely advise that you write (or e-mail), we have, in order to find out exactly what to expect (in my case - when is my scan, angiogram or eyer tests to be done?) All the best and let us know how you get on Cheers Jane xxx