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Thanks all for your comments and ideas, I'll give the pilates a go Karen - anything is worth a try! Caroline

I'm now 14 months post SAH and really fed up with the numbness/weakness in my legs and feet! I can cope with all the other things like deafness, memory etc but get so frustrated with my legs and feet! does anyone have any advice? alternative remedies? perhaps ideas? have got a follow up appt with consultant in Nov. Thanks Caroline

Hi Adam I had a senior job within local education authority and like you I was keen to get back and prove that I could do it, I went back on a phased return and the authority was very good and allowed me flexibilty but it soon became clear that I has lost my cognitive skills and couldnt think like I used to do, or move as quickly and do 10 things at once! It was very hard to come to terms with and I had hypnotherapy/life coaching to help me. I have since decided to apply for medical retirement (I'm 53) and to do some thing else - I have to I'm not ready for a zimmer frame yet! so I'm thinking of the next chapter in my life - not sure what it will hold but I do know I have the support of those who matter. good luck with what ever you decide to do, PM me if it helps and I'll be happy to share my experience. Take Care Caroline

Hi Adam I too was admitted to QMC Nottingham in June 2008 - but dont remember much for 6 weeks! I understand totally your wish to return to normality and work and was very keen to get back to my work with Coventry Education Authority, I tried but it soon became clear that my cognetive skills had been affected and I just couldnt think' like I used to anymore, so I have made the decision to take medical retirement and then do something else - not sure what yet but time will tell. In the early days like the feeling of a loss of independance and feeling incredably old was one that I had to come to term with, now I'm feeling much better and stronger, am back in the gym and regaining fitness, though my legs and feet remain numb but hopefully this will improve in time. I also couldnt drive for 6 months - but what a day when I got my license back! This site really has been a life line to me, the support and advice always there from people who know what it is like! Take Care Caroline

Hi I've had hypnotherapy/councilling/NLP and life coaching - it has really helped me come to terms with everything, go for it Caroline

Congratulations for finding this site! there are many people here who can answer your questions and make you feel better, it has been a life line to me - especially in the early days - I'm a year post SAH. I think we have all been throught the same emotions but it does get easier and you will improve day by day. Take care and hopefully we will chat sometime Caroline

Hi It was the right pica annuerysm I had treated and also had a shunt inserted to relieve the hydrocepahalus. I have been left with deafness/tinnitus in my right ear, numbness around my stomach, numbness in my toes and weak legs - I find this really frustrating and annoying. The fatigue also hits me now and then. I dont have any headaches. Am begining to come to terms with it all and moving on! Caroline

Hi All Its a year today since my SAH, has certainly been a different one! and dont remember half of it! my husband doesnt want to celebrate it as he says it was such a bad time for them all. All I hope is that the next year is easier and I'm sure it will be. Thanks for all the support from this website, it has really help me through. Take Care Caroline

Hi Karen Is it worth contacting the 'silverlining' website that was mentioned in the Mail on Sunday article, or maybe you already have? Caroline

Interesting article in the 'you' magazine of Mail on Sunday today, former bond girl who had an SAH in 2007, also makes reference to 'thesilverlining.org.uk' charity which helps those with brain injuries re-engage with life and their communites. Worth a read Caroline

Hi Rod I was very confused for a while, I thought I was in an indian resturant (didnt help that the nurse was asian) I also though my Mum was alive, and Mrs Thatcher was prime minister. What did help was that my daughters kept a diary which they eventually gave me to read, it detailed all the strange things I said and did! a really funny read. Give it time and the confusion will get less. Now I just put the confusion down to age! Regards Caroline

Welcome to this wonderful site, you will find that many people have answers to your questions, hope your sister recovers soon - be patient, time is a great healer Caroline

Hi Its is very early days for your wife but she will improve albeit not as quick as she would like I'm sure, I'm almost a year on and still have weak legs although better than before, my memory has improved. Everyone recovers differently all say is to take one day at a time and be patient. Regards Caroline

Hi I have been told that I got things confused aswell, thought my Mum was still alive, thought we were having an indian meal in the hospital as well! got dates mixed up - even though SAH was June 08 I said it was 1995 and Margaret Thatcher was prime minister. my duaghters kept a diary of the things I did and said, it certainly filled the gaps in when I was better again! it will take time but it will get better and then you can laugh about it! please PM me if you wish Regards Caroline

Hi Laura Ask yourself what you are going to achieve by declaring on your application form? you will not be shortlisted for your abilities as a teacher and that is what you want. Your health/sickness record will be looked into and that is when you can discuss it. Have PMd you. Caroline

Hi, I have a shunt too, the only discomfort I have is a numb feeling all around my stomach area, no pain though Caroline

Hi Just to say I have been seeing a NLP/Hypnotherapist who has helped me no end. He has worked with my subconscious brain to think and feel differently. It has worked I am now much more postive and feeling better. Caroline

Hi I have just flown to Canaries and back, I have a shunt as well. No effects what so ever. have a great time! Caroline

Did anyone suffer from numbness? I have numb toes and also numbness around stomach area - which I put down to the shunt, the doctor said they may have caught a nerve. The numbness is very frustrating and I wonder if it will ever go? my SAh was in June 2008 Caroline

Hi Perry How good it is to hear you are feeling well, I am 10 months now and know what you mean when you say an old woman looked at you from the mirror - I felt exactly the same! after being fit and healthy one minute! time does heal and I feel better now and will continue to improve, (though still look old!!! ) it is a long haul! Take care Caroline

Hi Phil I'm 9mths post SAH and like you thought I would be back at work in a few months! reconsidering my future at work, still weary, weak legs and lack of motivation but better than I was! Take care Caroline

Hi Mandy I had my SAH in June 2008, so about the same timescale as yourself, am recovering ok, main problem lack of energy. This is such a good site, someone here will answer any questions you have. Take care Caroline

Hi This is a great site, loads of advice and support, mine was June 2008, it does get better albeit slowly. You will feel better after your scan. Your feelings are what most of us have gone through and still experiencing. hope to chat sometime, take care Caroline

I know you cant give advice on here but does anyone have an update on Ginkgo as a herbal supplement Caroline

Congratualtions Shiree on your 1yr anniversary, so good to hear you are doing ok. I will PM you Caroline