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Hi All Just wanted to say Hello! to all and to wish everyone all the best at what ever stage you are at, time is a great healer I am now nearly 6yrs down the line, and just when I thought things were going my way again I went and slipped in the ice and broke my leg! - but I told myself it could be worse! and it could! so I'm hopping around, my husband is doing the jobs and my dogs are wondering why I dont take them a walk! I wish all of you a happier 2013. Take care Caroline

Hi Everyone! Thought I would pop in and see how you all are! I'm feeling much better, it has been a long hard couple of years but at last I feel like I am 'getting there'. My energy levels are much better and at last I feel like I can move a bit quicker, this may be down to the acupuncture I continue to have - but who knows! I am considering doing an NLP/cognitive behaviour/hypnotherapy course as it has always interested me and maybe I will be able to help someone else. I've also taken up photography another interest I never had time to do before. I also continue to take my wonderful do Max gundog training - keeping us both fit, as the gym doesnt have the same appeal anymore! Anyway enough of me, to all those new to this site and in the early stages of recovery - it really does get better, it might not seem quick enough but be patient and you will come through it. There are less better days when the sun doesnt shine but hang on in there! Regards caroline

Thanks to all of you for your replys and thoughts! Vivien - my dog has kept me going, he has been a great help and friend! am so glad my family bought him for me, it has given me a new interest! Michelle - feel free to PM me with any questions about ill health retirement - it has been hard but am coming to terms with it now take care all Caroline

Thanks everyone, its good to know you! in answer to your question John - did I have to retire because of SAH - yes, I tried to go back to work but amongst other things couldnt think or plan like I used to, it was quite a high pressured job PM me if I can help in any way and I'll tell you more. Caroline

Hi Haydn I was very fit before my SAH in fact people say it was because I was so fit that it saved me! I used to go to the gym 2/3 times a week. swim, spin and cycle. i was also planning a fund raising trip for Scope treking across the Sahara - I'm 54 now. I tried to go back to the gym but I didnt really have the motivation or the strength! I lost a lot of weight and muscle in hospital. My life has changed now - I still cycle a bit and walk, hopefully I may do more in the future - I want to but know that it is still one day at a time, today is my 2nd anniversary and I feel better every day! Take care Caroline

Wow! what a difference 2 yrs makes! an awful lot has happened since I was taken ill with a SAH on June 5th 2008! since then I have retired - that was very hard coming to terms with. Our youngest daughter has married and is now expecting her first baby! so a grandma I will be! I have taken up new interests - like gundog training, gardening and photography. It has been a long hard road and I'm getting there, have good days and bad but more good! This site has been very helpful, especially in the early days - think it was the first thing I did everyday - log in to BTG! and I was most disappointed if nobody else had - thanks to everyone!

Thanks Jess - thats what I intend to do! It was as if by having the wrong car I was loosing my identity! who I was - does this make sense?, I know a car only gets you from A to B but I have always enjoyed driving and didnt want to loose this as well as everything else! Thanks Caroline:-D

Hi Luisa Yes I felt that I was far to young to retire at 53! but after trying to go back and then some more time on the sick realised that I just couldnt do it anymore! I too used to work long hours and run a house and multitask and now I wonder how I used to do it all! It is good to know that others have suffered in the same way but you're right it doesnt always make you feel better but their is always hope and being able to express feelings on here is such a big help. Good Luck Caroline

Thank you all for your advice and kind words. I know I have come a long way since my SAH. Have coped with having to retire after a long and successful career - that wasnt easy! As some have said I am moving into the acceptance stage, albeit very slowly! I have begun to accept that I cant do some things, but I can do others! At first I thought that in time I would be 100% mended, but realise now that is not the case and I look forward to being maybe 95%! This site has been very supportive to me and although I haven't posted lately I really do wish everyone all the very best in their continued recoveries love Caroline

I never looked at it as a lack of confidence, but understand how it could be, I dont like the person I am at the moment! and am still frustrated that I cant do what I used to do, I'm not as strong, quick and cant make those decisions! I'm sure I am a better person in other ways, am calmer and slower! hopefully in time I will grow to love this person too! It interesting Liz and Vivien about you outfits, when my daughter got married a year ago, I went to John Lewis and had a personal shopper! got my outfit and all the accessories within an hour and very stress free, I suppose it was someone else making the decisions! Karen I think you are right when you say you analyse things more - me too Thanks for all your help love Caroline

Thank you all for your wonderful replies! it has made me feel better already! I knew I could count on you all!

Hi all Haven't posted for a while but hope everyone is well, Its beens nearly 2yrs since my SAH and am still coming to terms with everything - retirement, weak legs and lack of energy - you know! My daughter married last year and she is expecting a baby in October! so a Grandma I will be! Anyway my reason for posting is I want to know if anyone has suffered from an inability to logically make the right decision!, I think it is right but then realise its not! its a so frustrating! I recently decided to buy a different car but made the wrong choice! now I dont like it! my husband is very good and understanding . Was very upset this morning, said I cant work, dont go to the gym and cant choose a car - was feeling very sorry for myself! does anyone else have these set backs? and what is the best way to deal with it? Take Care Caroline

Hi I'm not sure what line of work you are in? but if they are doing a phased return by the book it would pay you to get a copy of the policy and also involve your union if you are in one. i worked for a local council and they were very flexible with my phased return, over period of 6 weeks, the first week I did 3 days at 2hrs a day, the next week different days. if you want to know anything else please pm me Good luck Caroline

Hi All Does anyone have any experience in claiming benefits? as you may know I took ill health retirement from my job last October and have a total incapacity teachers pension, which states that I should not work again, and should inform TP if I do. However I did fill some forms in about claiming benefits and have been asked to go for a medical assessment next week. Although I have my pension I would like to work again in some way. I havent found anyone to talk to regarding my situation, and feel somewhat confused by it all. Am I entitled to anything?, should my stamp still be paid? I'm sure that somepone on here may be able to help or suggest where to find out? thanks again Caroline

Hi Noah I'm 17mths post SAH, the first 6 mths were a bit hazy, I went back to work then took early retirement with mixed emotions. someone said on here that the first year was recovery, the second adapting and the third back to normalish! and I think that is how it has been for me - am looking forward to being normalish!! again Caroline

Welcome, i too was coiled and have a shunt which i dont think about now, dont remember my 2 months in hospital, think it was harder for my family! mine SAH was 18mths ago, the first year was all a bit hazy, it has got better even though I did have to retire! I have more good days now. You take care and PM me if I can help in any way Caroline

Hi All Not been on for a while, hope you are all well! Just wondered if anyone else is bothered by this cold weather, my joints especially fingers seem to be affected, legs and feet still numb and tingly also made worse by the weather! never mind will have to have to put another pair of socks on and dance! Caroline

Hi Caz I've had acupuncture since my SAH, also had it in my head, didnt have any side effects - sorry Caroline

Hi I can relate to your story as my daughters really went through the mill when I was ill in 2008! they kept a diary for me which really helped, and filled in the gaps, cause I dont remember a thing about the 2 months I was in hospital! if you want to PM me I'll be happy to help/share experiences hope your Mum continues to improve, it does take time Take Care Caroline

I have to have a scan each year, but not an angiogram, also seeing the neurophyschologist next week. I am fortunate not to get headaches. i have had to take early retirement as I couldnt process the information and function to do the job I had, please PM me if I can help. There are lots of people on here who will offer advice, its a great site that has been tremendous help to me. Caroline

Hi Deb I have a permanent shunt which was fitted folllowing my SAH and subsequent coiling. I used to think about it a lot but now I dont. I still have a few problems but none that I have put down to the shunt. Happy to compare notes if you want to PM me Take Care Caroline

Feeling down in the dumps today! am still frustrated that I'm not recovering as quickly as I would like I'm 14 months post SAH. Still finding it hard to come to terms with not working! I finally retired from my post. I cant get used to not working! I cant multi-task anymore! I know I need to get a grip and get on with life but find it very frustrating because I used to do so much and be so fit! I do still go to the gym but progress is slow! Sorry for having a moan, will feel better now!! Caroline

Hi Caz Dont worry its ok to have MRI with coils. take care Caroline

Hi Have just read Yasmin Finns article in 'Top Sante'. Yasmin is also raising awareness of the Dept of Healths FAST campaigne. She also promotes BTG. Really good to come across this. Well done Yasmin! Caroline:-D

Hi Bessie Give it time and i'm sure all will be well. I had two drains and hydrocephelus, my husband didnt know if I would make it and I think always feared the worst, but someone said just give it time, it will seem like one step forward and two steps back but she will be ok. I dont remember anything for 2 months and did some really stange things but am hear to tell the tale! Take Care Caroline