Super Mario

I get no medication for it, was told brain damage is brain damage and if there has been no improvement over the last 8 years then that is it. I am not permitted to drive because of the severe dizziness so i did lose a lot of my independance. I manage it now the best I can and whatever way I can by trying not to do things that make it even worse. In spite of these symptoms I try to live my life to the full to the best of my ability and as many of you know I am working down my want to see list so I travel abroad many times.

Welcome to BTG and well done to you for getting out and making a new life for yourself. Regarding your sight ask to be referred to an eye specialist if you have not already seen one. I was left blind in one eye but a brilliant surgeon gave me my sight back. It could be possible that something could be done for you.

Hi Donna, I experience just about the same as you and the neuros have not found a reason for it in spite of having lots of tests. I was told it was brain stem damage in the end but I think that was just to put a name to the symptoms. I use a walking frame and do nothing that will aggravate things if I can help it. In a word I have learnt to manage it to a certain extent but occaisionally have a go at something that I know will make it worse and then suffer feeling really ill for a few days.

Hi Nick Kel has answered your question about insurance. Sadly I have quite severe heart problems as well so I have to pay well over the odds for Europe only. I recently had to upgrade it to worldwide zone 8 as I was visiting Jordan for a couple of days and to my amazement it was not that much more.

Hi again Nick, I have remembered the neuro`s name at RHH, it was Mr Patel. I would presume you were under him if he is still there. Inpatient care was brilliant according to my family but aftercare and information given was almost nonexistant as many others have found all over the place. As for flying, I go away at least four to five times a year. Insurance is the difficult one though.

Welcome Nick sorry I have not done it earlier but I am abroad and using my Kindle.I was also taken to Chesterfield just over eight years ago as it is my nearest and then transferred to RHH. I cant remember anything for about three months it is what my family have told me.There are several folk on here who were treated at RHH. I presume under the same consultant but I cant remember his name at the moment. you will find lots of answers and support on here.

http://www.behindthegray.net/vbulletin/content.php?151-A-Letter-From-Your-Brain

Hi Cath, welcome to BHG, I suffer from vertigo with nausea and poor balance and I had my SAH 8 years ago. I have to use a walking frame all of the time. That is not to say that yours won't improve. We are all different in terms of recovery. You are still in the early stages of recovery, listen to your body and know when to call it a day. Drinking plenty of water helps with any headaches. Your article will be in for moderation and should appear fairly soon, it is a bank holiday so it may take a little longer than usual.

:lol::lol:

Read this about aftercare of stroke and SAH survivors, how very true, took a survey to highlight it. Not as though any notice will be taken of it. http://latestnews.virginmedia.com/news/uk/2012/05/01/survey_reveals_stroke_care_failings

Hi Donna, I feel dizzy and nauseous all of the time and have done since my SAH 8 years ago. At least I very rarely get neck pains. My balance is very poor. I know it doesn't help but now I just accept it, ignore it the best I can and get on with life.

That is true and it is very cheap, under £2. I have requested a sample and will read later in the week

Rod, when I first joined BTG you gave me the answers as to why I was like I am and helped me to understand what it was all about. You gave me tips on how to cope with the persistant dizziness, something that the doctors and physio failed to do. I am forever grateful to you for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and of course Merrill at this trying time.

Superb news Alison.

I have just downloaded an extract from What I Learned When I Almost Died to my Kindle. I will have a read later and decide whether to buy it. It is much cheaper for the Kindle than the hardback version.

I had Tersons Syndrome, which is blood in the eye like yours. I underwent surgery to correct it and they tore my retina in the process. As you I had an air bubble inserted and had to posture for 2 weeks, I agree, what a nightmare, but luckily it worked and my sight is back to how it was.

Before my SAH I could not even take a sip of red wine without getting a blinding headache. Now I can drink it by the bottle and have no ill effects whatsoever. Good or bad I don't know.

SAH is a notifiable condition to DVLA. Also your insurance company needs to know as it may invalidate that.

Mine was 4th February 2004, but I am sure it was because some idiot child threw a ball of ice at me indoors and it hit me on the head where my anni was. Who knows, it may never have burst or it may have done in the future.

Keys are the bain of my life. If I don't put them in the door or where they live for my other keys immediately I can't remember where I have put them. Neither can I remember what I have done so I can't retrace my steps. I spent hours looking for them until I got one of those sensor fobs where I clap my hands or make a loud noise and the fob bleeps back at me. When I put my scooter on charge I have to pull the lead over the seat so I can see it which means I don't try to set off pullling the lead and charger with me. Believe you me I have done that because I have forgotten I have put it on charge. If I go out on the bus I have to write the times for each journey down and put it in my purse or else I would never get home. The most frightening thing is when I am shopping. I put things on my walking frame and then forget I have got them so often go to the door without paying. I have now got into the habit of looking at my frame before leaving the shop if I don't have to go through the tills to get out. One of these days I expect a hand on my shoulder and being asked to go to the manager's office. How embarrassing would that be. I have actually been through the tills at the supermarket several times and forgotten to put all I have collected in my scooter basket, because I can't remember what I have picked up, on the conveyer, paid the bill and gone elsewhere then discovered these extra things. I have gone back, all apologies and paid much to the assistants amazement. One of these days I will be caught leaving the shop with unpaid items. Shoplifter in the making. Joking apart it is rather frightening.

If I go out and have to take medication with me I put a post it note on the box to take with me and write on that.

I am the same with my tablets, I put them in a certain order and when I have taken the morning ones put them into my evening pile to take in the evening. If they haven't been moved I know I have forgotten the lot. On saying that I have double dosed in the past because I had forgotten to move them about and so thought I hadn't taken them. Result, I take them again and only realise when I begin to feel ill as some of mine are powerful drugs. I had forgotten about cooking until Sandi mentioned it. I use timers when cooking but if I don't act as soon as they go off or something distracts me I forget they have gone off. Result, burnt offerings. I must admit hubby is very good at eating charred remains or what can be salvaged, he never complains. Must be getting a taste for them.

I find that if I stick to my routine I am OK for taking my daily meds, anything extra I have to write down when I have taken them. On saying that, if anything deviates me from routine I forget them. Not good. The pill organiser is a good idea but unfortunately I can't use one as some of mine have to be kept with a drying agent or else they dissolve into a watery mess. Post it notes, notebooks, diary and calender are now a way of life. The problems arise when I forget to write things down. I have to do it immediately or else it gets forgotten. I usually forget what I have planned to do next so it doesn't get done. I leave reminders out, like if I have planned to do the ironing later I put the pile on the worktop so I can't miss it. To think that before my SAH I used to carry everything in my head, home and work and be able to recollect it immediately. So frustrating now.

What wonderful positive news Alison.

Hi Debbie, my SAH also left me with Tersons Syndrome in my left eye. It was so bad I was almost blind in that eye. I also had a successful op.