Super Mario

I have always been clumsy but much worse since my SAH. My coordination is "off". I often miss my mug when putting boiling water into it. I have learnt the hard way to keep my other hand away from the mug. I really think you should see your GP as it is too easy to blame everything on the SAH, there could be an underlying problem because it has appeared so many years later.

I think he then has to apply for ESA after SSP runs out. Your best bet would be to ring the DWP helpline or your local Job Centre plus for advice. If you do it now before they shut it will put your mind at rest for over the weekend.

I always swear by Contact 400. They alleviate all the symptoms. You must check with the pharmacist first though.

Please be aware that for DLA you have to have had the condition for 3 months before you can claim that.

Hi Nightingale. You may be able to get some income support to help out. Contact the helpline for DWP and they should be able to tell you what you are able to claim. Alternatively try the Citizens Advice Bureau and they should be able to help you with entitlements. If you want I can direct you to a forum that will also give you general benefits advice. Just pm me.

It may as well be double dutch to me but at least you seem to be making some inroads into the causes of your problems. Often neurological problems can take years to diagnose and I certainly hope this is not the case for you.

Thanks for the links Janet. They make interesting reading. I had loads of the tests listed, to no avail, and was eventually referred to physio who other than giving me a walking frame did not really help. My neurosurgeon, in the end, blamed my problems on my heart meds, but I know that is not right because I had been taking them for a few years prior to my SAH and never had any problems at all. I think that was just a "get out". I also felt that the powers that be thought I was making my problems with balance and dizziness up. I wish. I would really like to be "normal" and be able to do all the things I used to before the SAH. The brain is so complex that no one knows it all, even the experts, and as research continues even more will be learnt. There is hope yet.

Hi Leo I also hate the noise at the gym. I blank out and use earplugs. I am benefitting though. Lost inches not weight, my lung capacity has increased and as I also have quite severe coronary heart disease I am hoping it is increasing my heart fitness. I have to use my GTN spray before I do anything though. Balance problems I also have and it does make the gym interesting, in I go with my walking frame, park it at the side of the equipment I am using and clamber on using my arms and anything I can grab onto to keep me upright. I now do 15 mins on the recline bike, 20 mins on the treadmill, 15 mins on the hand cycle, go round all 6 exercises on what they call the easy line circuit and two lots of 10 at 10 kilo on the abdominal crunch. It has taken me 6 months to increase to this and it takes me about 1 1/2 hours to do my program and in the next few weeks hoping to add another exercise in. Difficult but I manage. "Where there is a will there is a way"

Hi Vicki The poor vision due to the blood in your mum's eye is called Terson's Syndrome if it is the same as mine was. I was operated on and the blood washed out and this gave me my sight back. I hope it is the same for your mum.

I have a shunt fitted but now, 5 years down the line, it is no longer checked. I have been totally discharged with the instructions that if I get any of the symptoms of shunt failure to go to my local A + E. A fat lot of use that will be methinks.

It is not from the NHS, it comes from their insurance. This does not mean that I condone it. We live in a "compo happy" society now.

These links may help. http://www.brighamandwomens.org/cvcenter/Patient/BubbleStudy.aspx http://www.npheartcenter.com/tests/echo.htm http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-bubble-echocardiogram.htm http://www.danburyhospital.org/workfiles/patientinformation/PatientEdTearoffs/Diagnostic/EchocardiogramwithSaline.pdf Hope this helps.

I also have to wear a hat but not because my head gets cold but because my shunt gets so cold it seems to burn through my head. Hot and sunny weather also has the same effect.

I am 5+ years post SAH and still have severe balance problems and extreme dizziness. Like others I look as if I am drunk all the time. I actually use a 3 wheeled walking frame if I go out. It is my little bit of independance. Before physio got me that I would go out with a stick and invariably end up falling over several time on one journey, sometimes into the road. It is a good Job I bounce well.

I never had any problems carrying holidays over when I have had long term sickness. After my SAH I was unable to work again due to disability and my employers gave me my pay in lieu of the holidays I did not take during that year.

That is good news. At least everything is above board now. I would still put it in writing to the insurance company and keep a copy. Just to err on the side of caution as they are notorious for trying to wriggle out of claims. I had to recind my licence as soon as I reported it and I can't have it back because of my continuing dizziness. Never mind, common sense says I wouldn't be safe to drive as I am. I don't think I will ever get it back 5 years down the line as there has been no improvement.

Just say you didn't know that SAH was reportable until someone told you in passing. I suspect that although he will be able to insure the vehicle he will not be named as a driver. Ring DVLA first and see what they say about length of time to refrain from driving, then contact the insurance company.

Hi You do need to notify DVLA, the condition is listed and your doctor is wrong. There is quite a hefty fine involved for failing to do so. See link for Cerebral Haemorrhage down the page http://www1.rsaconnect.rsagroup.co.uk/UKPExtranet/UWGuide.nsf/0b6c6e47241d046080256c160034856a/2fc74c75cd35c5b280256c1c005d3fb8?OpenDocument If you don't your insurance will be invalid. Not good news I know but better to be on the safe side.

Elaine has your area got a coalition for inclusive living or something in that vein, usually under your county council? These organisations often have mentors. I mentor for our local one and would be willing to give you my phone number but as I am away until the 21st I think it wouldn't help as your mum needs support now. Alternatively you could try your GP for some councilling. If after that date you would still like my number just pm me.

I go to the gym and manage fairly well. The trainer's concern was that due to balance problems I wouldn't be able to access the equipment safely. I cope by assessing how I am going to get on it safely and have now got it down to a "t". I haven't lost any weight though over 20 sessions but my body is fitter in spite of having heart problems as well. My trainer says that it is better to have an overweight fitter body than to be slim and unfit. You can only try it, but don't expect miracles. Any benefit will become apparent over time.

Michelle, this could be some information about what you are experiencing. http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40026034/

One expert says possibly, another says not as does my neuro. I honestly don't think they really know.

There is actually very little medical research done. We are being swept under the carpet so to speak. Consultants just seem not to believe that it can leave you with disabilities and are always quick to blame something else especially if you have other medical conditions. I was told it was my medication causing the problems and to get them looked at by cardio, funny that I have been taking the same for years prior to my SAH and had no problems. As for BP mine is genetically low, the only thing I can think of that will have raised it above my norm was that I was assaulted at work and hit on the head with a flying object. I was so angry my BP must have gone sky high and of course if I had a genetic aneurism that may have caused it to pop. Not saying that it wouldn't have burst anyway in time. I do believe that the incident led to it bursting.

Just out of curiosity I googled the above in UK only and was amazed just how little there is. There are lots of pages relating to SAH but little research into causes and outcomes. Worldwide the results are not much better. It is almost as if it happens and then forgotten about.

Funny you should say that. Before my SAH I couldn't drink red wine or sherry, just one sip gave me the most blinding headache. Now I can drink red wine, as much as I want and sherry although I don't particularly like sherry and never get a headache from it. Something has certainly changed for me.