Super Mario

Get that appeal in quickly and try to get a Welfare Rights Adviser to help you.

It is all wrong, I heard recently that someone with terminal cancer was deemed fit to work, disgusting!!!

The decision maker who looks at these forms has no medical knowledge at all and follows criteria set down by the DWP. In my opinion the DM should have some medical knowledge and the criteria to meet certainly needs looking at to take into account the severity of the condition.

Hi Gary ,an Angio or Cerebral Angiography.is where they go in through the groin with a catheter and a dye is released so they can get images of the brain

I know it can be confusing even more so if someone has not had one and doesn't know about them

Hope this helps

take care x

What is used to track the progress of the dye in a cerebral angiogram (the catheter going in through the femoral or carotid artery) is called an Image Intensifier, a type of xray that means the surgeon can see the progress on a monitor and take appropriate stills.

My Daughter had this coil in place for about 9 years, no periods, she said it was wonderfull.

The only problem was, as it was left much longer than it should have been she had to have a GA to have it removed, well and truly embedded.

Hi Carolyn

Gosh what a tough time you are having at the moment. My neuroradiologist told me that I would be less able to cope with stress because of the SAH and he's right! Sending you hugs and as Kel said, I'm sure there's something better round th corner for you.

Take care.

I can confirm that as I am under a tremendous amount at the moment. At one time I could have coped but now I just keep crying and thinking I can't cope with this. Yet I have to support my daughter and grandson until their life is sorted. (abusive partner)

Hi Janevo, welcome to the site.

After my SAH most things tasted foul. I couldn't drink tea, for instance, had to drink coffee or those flavoured waters. In the food line the only things that didn't taste awful were smoked fish like haddock and salads. I lived on these for a few months but gradually my normal taste came back. Sorry I can't give you a more specific time scale because I remember so little of those times.

Please be aware that everyone's recovery is a very individual thing.

Without going into detail because of certain constraints that in effect is what happened to me.

Luckily I am still here.

Many congratulations Lynz on passing your maths exam.

Saffy, write to PALS at the hospital, they will have more joy than you in complainig . They are very good.

In fact you can telephone them to save you the hassle of writing.

Hi Laura, all I can say is think about your quality of life coping with the problems. I found it wasn't much fun so when I was offered a hysterectomy at age 38, over 20 years ago, I jumped at it. I have never looked back, the only thing was, I piled weight on, 1/4 stone a week for several weeks, going from 7 stone to 10 stone. I also went back to work after 6 weeks instead of the recommended 3 months as it was then.

Surgery is not as serious in this modern day.

I think coming to terms with losing your "womanly bits" can be quite difficult for some, but in my case it was such a relief I didn't care.

I tried all those recommended by the stroke association and by british heart foundation and had no joy. Many wouldn't cover me at all and those that would wanted silly money for a week in Greece, more than double what the holiday would cost. Possibly because I have heart problems as well even though they have been stable for 7 years, I also have hydrocephalus with a shunt and very high cholesterol controlled by drugs that are also stable and have been for years.

I recommend to anyone wanting to book a holiday check that they can get insurance first before booking and parting with the deposit. There can be nothing worse than paying the deposit and then finding that the insurance is too expensive to even contemplate.

Thanks for that Poppy.

I have tried for a quote and they have declined all of my pre existing conditions. Any company is worth a try. At the moment I am with Fortis, who underwrite, amongst others, the Post Office Insurance.

Saffy your daughter is possibly right but go to see your GP first and get his advice. He may give you something milder to get you through this stressful time.

It is unerving to be cancelled but you will get there in the end.

Well done with the smoking, I wish I had your willpower.

Hi Lynz, I find it difficult to process information, following instructions for equipment is a nightmare as is filling in forms. I also have balance problems and look as if I am drunk, so much so, I have to use a wheeled walking frame. I don't slur my words but often can't find the words, I also start to talk and the rest of the sentence goes out of my head. What must seem annoying to others is the fact that I will repeat thing over and over again, forgetting that I have already said it.

As for meeting people and travelling, that does not bother me, in fact I think I have gained confidence.

Great news Zoe, I hope that your mind is now at rest.

Zoe, I hope you will get some answers tomorrow.

I was told that I was very confused and saying bizarre things that was most unlike me for several weeks and I have no memory at all for a couple of months and then only vague memories for some months after that. It is part and parcel of a SAH.

Try not to get too upset even though I know it will be hard.

Best wishes to you all.

Kempse, I was in the same ward as you and my grandson visited me because he was asking to, he was 6 at the time. His mum did ask though and they said yes. Apparently they covered all the equipment and tubes as far as possible so as not to frighten him.

Hi Melbury

I can only tell you of my experience. I also go very dizzy when my head is in certain positions, for example, if I bend down, look up or look left to right. I have found that if I close my eyes or focus on one particular point when making these movements helps. It has improved slightly over time, but after 6 years I doubt that I will get any better for me, but who knows.

Your husband will learn coping strategies that suit him and you never know the situation may change in the future.

Sorry I can't be any more help.

For what it is worth my opinion is that you have made the right decision. It would be like living with a time bomb in your head causing you constant worry. There is a lot to be said for ignorance is bliss. Many of us didn't know about our aneurisms until they ruptured causing a life threatening event. In my case it left me disabled and you wouldn't want that, that is not to say the same would happen to you if it was left untreated.

Reading the above it seems very harsh so sorry but it is only what I think.

Hi John, I totally lost 8 weeks and then have only a few memories of the ensuing months. I also presented with bizarre behaviour and comments. Like you I have been told by my relatives, so it is just hearsay really.

I also have a shunt and that area is no longer tender but I still have a habit of of poking my finger into the hole where the emergency drain was inserted (I had dropped into a coma and had to be put in in a matter of minutes)

I went through a period of thinking "why me" but as time has passed I have come to accept it happened, you can't turn the clock back. Even though it left me disabled I now live life to the full the best I can and enjoy it.

Hope everything goes OK for you with the scan.

Thinking about white boards, I put my shopping list on one, when I run out of things I note it down straight away and before I go shopping take a photo of it on my phone. Instant list without having to copy it down.

Welcome to BTG Laura

I think that you have to listen to the doctors.

Sleeping is a big help in the healing process.

It is very early days for your mum but it is impossible for any of us to predict the future for her.

Read around this forum and you will find lots of information that may be relevant.

I often repeat things over and over again to myself, I find the repetition helps. I also use a notebook, put everything on the calendar and post-it notes all over the place, especially on the fridge so the memos are staring me in the face. I also put them in relevant places like on my walking frame if I need to take something out with me.

Welcome

I had so much blurring in one eye I was almost blind. It was caused by debris left after the blood that had forced its way down my optic nerve had cleared. I had an operation to clear it away and my sight is now alright.

I am not saying that this is the case with you but the possibility needs investigating.

Yes certainly ask all the others for reports and forward them. Keep copies and send them by recorded mail. The more evidence the better, you cannot have too much.

Her consultant may not know the full picture and certainly not of day to day life. Besides which, consultants often do not reply to the DWP. It may be an idea to contact his secretary to find his views on doing reports. Even if you get a positive answer still submit any extra evidence you are able.