Celia

I hadn't had a period for over 2 years (supposedly the marker for menopause) before my SAH, but I've had two since! First one was after my clipping (3 months post SAH) and the second one about 3 months after that. That Mother Nature's got a weird sense of humour. More weirdness? I get all the PMT symptoms when my partner's about to have her period. Go figure!

Aw, I knew I could rely on BTG folk to set my mind at ease! Well, if you're experiencing the same pain on coughing, Janet, and have had no ill effects, I think I might just start trusting that everything's as it should be, and I'm not going to (literally) cough my head off. Thanks for the reassurance, and I will mention it to my GP....when I can get an appointment. I had to smile when I read your reply, Rod. Can I really stuff my face with Green and Black (my favourite's Mayan Gold) for medicinal purposes? I'm really happy to give that one a go....and if anyone asks...I'll just say "Rod said I could"! Thank you both

Hi folks, On the subject of coughing..... I have a pretty nasty bug at the moment - wicked sore throat, heavy chest etc, and have been coughing hard and often. When I cough hard I experience a couple of seconds of pain in my head, spreading from the back (where one anni was clipped) forward to my temples. It's a little scary, as is's similar to the pain I felt with the SAH, but it does always fade within seconds. confused1: Does anyone else experience pain on coughing or sneezing?:

Great news, Caz. You're right; it's a long recovery road, but it's encouraging to hear about good news such as yours. All the best, C

Hi Mike, Welcome to this merry band of fellow SAH-ers! You've come to the right place to air your queries or just have a good old moan. It's good to hear that your recovery is going so well. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. All the best, C

Wishing you a Very Happy 1st Ani Ani, Neil!

Hi Karen, In response to your enquiry: What age were you when you had the SAH? I was 46 Minor smoker and drinker, with elevated blood pressure, controlled with drugs. Do you know what artery was affected? Left A1/A" junctional anuerysm. Left PICA aneurysm Some of the log in names are non-gender specific, so if it applies to you, are you male or female? still female! Were you coiled or clipped or non-aneurysm or other? Left A1/A" junctional anuerysm - coiled. Left PICA - craniotomy , and clipped.

Hi Kelley, I too have read your "essay"! Apologies for not posting sooner, I seem to be having a very sleepy time right now. I saw my son off to school this morning, went back to bed, and have just woken up. Weird. My first reaction is one of relief. Thank goodness that you persevered with presenting yourself to the medical people. I really can't understand how they all managed to mis-diagnose you for so long. Surely, surely the words "sudden onset headache" start alarm bells ringing? Anyway, now that you have come through the worst your task is to be good to yourself as your brain takes its time recovering. As others have said, lots of fluids, and as much sleep as you need. I too found it quite theraputic (and emotional) writing my story down, and have been able to take a lot of strength and comfort from visiting BTG...so don't be a stranger! I wish you all the best in your recovery, C

Hi Kelley, and welcome. Well done for finding your way here - you're in the right place! You're in the very early stages of recovery so please remember to get plenty of rest, drink copious amounts of fluids, and above all, listen to your body and rest, rest, rest! This is the best place to get info and advice, so ask away. There's always someone here who's "been there and done that", or witnessed it at close hand. You're not alone. All the best, C

I agree with Leonie - in the scheme of post-operative issues, I can certainly live with these. Nurianna - I understand that the new range of anti-depressants are non addictive. I would really recommend that you have a chat with your GP - voice all of your concerns and ask lots of questions. When I approached my GP for them I felt a bit like I was being weak and "giving in". I'm glad that I did. For me it's the difference between being anxious and tearful all day, and being able to just get on with things. Wishing you well, C

Hi Nurianna, and fellow craniotomy folk! I had my left side PICA clipped at the end of November, and am now back in the land of the living....sort of. I know that it's really early days for me, but I can certainly relate to the post surgery symptoms you're experienceing: - A permanent feeling of having my head badly screwed on - yep, me too! - A stiffness in my neck which gives a rubbery-resistant sensation when I rotate it. I feel like I've got half a tennis ball glued to the back of my head - Insensitivity in most of the back of my skull. and a random sharp tingling in places. The other irritation I experience is an odd sort of "pulled muscle" stiff/tender-ness in my left shoulder. What on earth is THAT about?:confused: Anyway, I don't think that the Neuro guys have much to say about these things; I'm due to see mine at the end of the month so I'll let you know what he has to say (but don't hold your breath....). Re. depression - are you taking any anti-depressants? I got very low and anxious about 2 months after the original SAH, and my GP (who is a marvel!) prescribed an antidepressant which I think is keeping me on a more even keel. I do feel low and/or anxious at times, but it seems far more manageable now. Worth a chat with your GP, I think. I hope that things work out for you. All the best, C

Hi Anne, I had my untreated anni clipped at the end of November, and was back home after 6 days. As with the original burst anni I had a problem with nausea post op, so was feeling pretty miserable for about 3 weeks after. I'm pleased to report that that seems to have now passed and, other than fatigue, I'm feeling fine now. I contacted my insurers and the DVLA after the first op. DVLA said as long as my GP cleared me to drive I could do so, and my insurers were fine about it as long as the DVLA were happy. About a month after the first op my GP was happy for me to drive and, to be honest, I really would not have been up to it before then. My Consultant had received the DVLA's request for information by the time I went in for the second op (they take their time!) and said he would wait for 2 weeks after my clipping and then return the form, clearing me to drive. So, everybody's happy, and I now feel ready to drive again. Good luck with the op Anne, I wish you a short recovery and a happy and healthy New Year. C

Hi Rod, Sorry to hear that you have lost your mother - forgive me if I've missed that news in earlier postings. Of course you are coping with Merill's frustrating giggling in the appropriate way - by coming here and letting off (a little gentle) steam. Try not to beat yourself up too much, I'm sure you're coping and caring for Merill very well. At the end of the day remember to forgive yourself for any times that you feel you could have done better, and look forward to the coming of another day with the one you love. Sending you a virtual hug, and buying you a virtual pint and a game of virtual pool! All the best, mate. C

Today I got up at 8 am to see my son off to school, and was back in bed by 9am. I then slept through to 3-45pm (waking briefly for 5 mins at a time) until he got home at 3-45pm. I've had some really weird/scary dreams lately - most unpleasant. and like others have mentioned, I often experience that horrible jolting sensation just as I'm nodding off.

Good afternoon Perry and Mel and, of course, All, Hope you're having a good day today. I really can't thank you enough for all your positive encouragement. I'm in a pretty gloomy recovery place right now - a continual "three steps forward, two steps back". I have some good days, when I go around the house smiling to myself because my head's stopped hurting, and then there's the miserable pounding head days, when I can't lift my head up without wanting to vomit. This afternoon I'm enjoying a peaceful window of low level headache! It's better than being (as my son would say) "throwy uppy" so I'm basking in a "good day". All the best to you all, you're really keeping me going with your positivity. C

Hi Everyone, I'd like to thank you thank you all again for your tremendous support. Your kind words of encouragement really do help me to "get on with it". I may be uncomfortable right now, but I'm also aware of how very lucky I've been, and continue to be. My very best wishes to all you wonderful survivors and carers.

Morning Folks, I'm back in the land of the living, having had my 2nd ani clipped on 23rd November. The surgeons were pleased with the procedure, and let me go home after 6 days. The recovery's been a little....shall we say "challenging" so far... Mainly it's been the nausea and the ever familiar fatigue. For days and days I was unable to lift my head up without the urge to violently vomit, let alone actually eat anything. All that changed a couple of days ago when the ever present searing headache dropped a couple of notches and I re-discovered food! My stitches are pinchingly tight, parts of my scalp feel numb, and I'm asleep for probably 16-18 hours each day, but I finally feel like I'm on the recovery track. I'm ecstatic...and grateful....and off to bed now! Love to all, C

Hi Helen, Ditto to all that has been said. I had my SAH the day after yours, and I'm definately experiencing similar emotions to yours. I think that Janet has hit the nail on the head; this is what I've been going through lately. All I can add is a reminder to be good to yourself - your loved ones will understand. All the best, C

Hi Lyn and Gray, Welcome to BTG. You must feel free to come in and chat/moan/celebrate away here - it's what we do! I think we can all relate to Gray's "brain fritzes". When it happens to me I know that I will manage to find the right track eventually, given enough time but, - Gordon Bennet! - how annoying is that? Yesterday I endured the indignity of the woman in the chemists gawping at me like I was the village idiot on drugs as I tried to mentally re-shuffle my plans in order to pay for and collect my prescription. Then I thought to myself "I'd rather be here as a partner, a mum, and your village idiot, than not be here at all", and that made me smile. Of course I'm not back at work yet so my frustration at not being able to function in the way that I used to is somewhat masked at the moment, but I can certainly emphasise with his and your frustration. Wishing you both all the best, C

Hi Sami and Laanka, Hmmmm.....more food for thought. Sami - I'm going to try to speak with the coiling guys (radiologists?) because coiling does seem preferable if the ani's accesible. I think the neurosurgeon guy said it might be a bit tricky to get to for them, but worth a second opinion. Laanka - I was given the choice, though I have only spoken to the neurosurgeon, and of course he's inclined towards his own specialism. All the best, Confused of North London! :confused:

Hi folks, Thanks for your input. As far as I can make out, coiling's good but they have no idea about its longevity. Clipping's less pleasant (not that coiling's a bundle of laughs either) but they figure the clips will last 40/50 years or more. Hi Myra. Yes, I'm off back to the Royal Free and Mr Sheiff, the Consultant. He seemed very competent when I met him in hospital, so I'm encouraged by the fact that I'll be under his care, and I think he'll actually do the procedure himself. Michelle, seems like you've had a nightmare time with your anis. Here's wishing you all the best for the future. C

John, From the sublime to the cor blimey! These things are sent to try us. Keep your chin up, mate.

Morning all, Thank you so much for your input. I had wanted to know about the "things the surgeons don't tell you" so you've really given me food for thought. I'm not looking forward to the post op side effects, but I agree with you, a small(ish) price to pay for my life. Clipping it is then.

Hi Folks, hope you've all had a good day today. To clip or to coil? That is the question. :confused: I'm having my unruptured ani clipped in a month or so, (oh joy!) and I need your input. Clipping is the surgeons' preferred option as the clips are supposed to last...well...forever really. Coiling is less invasive, but apparently the coils may have a shelf life. I'd be grateful for any info you'd like to share, in particular, I'd like to hear about any negatives associated with clipping. Forearmed is forewarned.

Hi John, Welcome to this merry band of survivors' website! There's not much I can add to what's already been said; I can only echo the sympathies expressed regarding your bereavement. Everyone will tell you that your recovery will take TIME...and you probably won't appreciate just how much time, and try to rush things. Don't! Please be good to yourself. Try not to push your body (and mind) too much. If you feel good tackle a short task. If you don't feel so well take some "me" time. I agree with the person who suggested showing your housemate some info about SAHs. People around you really need to know the extent of the trauma you have suffered/are recovering from. It would be nice if they could support you by taking on the housework, but if that's not to be you really shouldn't over tax yourself with it. I used to be so fastideous pre SAH, but you should see my messy house today! Actually...I'd prefer it if you didn't! One of the hardest things for me to adjust to post SAH has been the limitations of my recovering body. I'm encouraged by the folks here who are all managing to lead pretty good lives. I have another unruptured aneurysm which is going to be clipped next month, but that's the future. Today I'm going to do 3 small household tasks and enjoy the weak sunshine....while it lasts. All the best, mate. C