Guest terry22 Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Hello everyone: My name is Terry I had an SAH and 2 coil embolisms on May 26, 2008. It was Memorial Day weekend. I loved to entertain and had friends over for dinner in my beautiful yard. A good time was had by all. At 7:00 a.m. I put on my bathing suite and floated on my raft in our pool. After a 30 minute rest I began to straighten up the yard. I suddenly began to have lower back pain and a stiff neck. Then the thunderclap headache, violent vomiting, diarrhea and cold sweats, I was screaming out for my husband for help me; I knew something was terribly wrong. My 24 year old daughter and my husband stood at the end of my bed as I began to seize. I told them that they should call 911; I kept saying that my brain exploded. The emergency services and local police were in my bedroom taking my vitals and asking me questions. They asked if I had been drinking the night before, I said yes, we had had a holiday party. Which lead them to the conclusion that I drank too much and must be hung over and dehydrated. My daughter argued with them. “I know my Mother better then anyone and this is not the result of drinking.” I had another seizure. I was taken by ambulance to a local Hospital and given a CAT scan; they saw the bleed but were unable to treat me. I was then airlifted to Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and had surgery the next morning. Vasospasms and other complications followed. I was in the neuroscience intensive care unit for 28 days. This event has completely changed my life. It has been six months, I feel worse now that I did when I first came home. The headaches, fatigue and depression are getting worse by the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasbo Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Hi Terry Welcome to this wonderful site, glad you found us. Behind The Gray is populated by the most kind, generous, loving people you could ever hope to meet all of whom have experience of SAH so we can all share what we're going through/have gone through which helps much more than anyone can imagine. What you're feeling right now, ie seemingly worse than the early days, is absolutely normal and I think most of us have experienced exactly the same. It's a real rollercoaster ride but you'll find you're not alone. Looking forward to seeing you here again. Sarah xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Hi Terry Welcome to BTG sounds like you've had a really tough time of it. You're still early on in your recovery so be kind to yourself and listen to your body nobody knows how long it takes for the brain to recover and as Sarah has already said it is a rollercoaster ride. Hang on in there it does get better and we're all here to offer support and friendship. Take care hope to hear more from you soon. Janet x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myratas Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Hi Terry A warm welcome to Behind The Gray. I had SAH back in March 2008. We all went through more or less the same but with time it does get better, off course there are days where we all have our bad days and good and this site is where we can all share our experiences. I look forward hearing from you more. Myra xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Hi Terry and welcome, It was good to chat to you earlier and I'm so pleased that you've managed to put your story on here. Keep talking and we will do our best to support you ..... xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charty Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry Hang on in there it does get better! I am 6 months post SAH and just returning to work part time. Everyday is a step the right way. you will have good days, look after yourself Caroline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry A very warm welcome to BTG....you will find lots of support and advise here....this web site has been a God send to me! You have been through a tough time.....but things will get better....still very early days for you. Hang in there....take care Love Tina xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bogbrush Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry Welcome to behindthegray. Everyone here is so supportive. Regards Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry and welcome to BTG- you are amongst friends here. Look forwad to hearing more from you xx Luv Lynn xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry Warm welcome to the site, you have had a rotten time of it, and it does get better.... take care Louise.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippy Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry Welcome to the site and to the family. Six months in I felt exactly the same as you - endless days of bottomless pits and total depression. It could be that at the moment you're suffering from Post Traumatic Stress - I was and seeing a therapist helped a great deal. Rest assured that these feelings are perfectly normal and it will get better. This site has been a hige factor in my recovery and I pray that you get the same help and advice here that I have. Take care hun Sami xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelle C Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hello Terry, Welcome to the family, as the others have said its very early days and a hell of a rollercoaster ride, we all know what you are going through, keep posting we are all here to help, support and give love and advice. I still very much have good days andreally bad days and its a year now and we are all different, time is a healer. Hope to see you on chat soon. Sending love and hugs, Michelle C xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest terry22 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 12-3-08 Thank you all for the warm welcome. I am getting some help but it is very sporadic. The neurosurgeons in Philly were wonderful and I am forever grateful that they saved my life. I was in very competent hands. It’s the post SAH follow-up that disturbs me. I was told to find a neurologist in my area; it took two months to get an appt. He was very aloof and did not give me any information about my condition, just started to write referrals to other doctors. Here in the States everyone is a specialist. In my confused state it was difficult to coordinate all of the appointments and tests. 8 weeks after my release my mother became ill and was hospitalized for 30 days, she then passed away. It was unexpected and the family was devastated. Since that time I have been taking care of my house and my Dad's. They were together for 49 years; he's having great difficulty functioning without her. I was alone yesterday for the first time since the SAH six months ago. I was looking forward to cleaning the house and putting up some Christmas Decorations. I opened the boxes and just broke down, then came the splitting headache and fatigue, depression. I went to bed at noon and stayed there until this morning. Again thank you all for your support. TERRY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry A huge welcome to you.So glad you have found this wonderful support network. You have had a really tough time and like others say may be suffering post traumatic stress disorders, the death of a parent is another major event for you to cope with too. Don't be hard on yourself, we all understand exactly where you are coming from. Yesterdays events, trying to do something and not coping then getting really upset, fatigued and frustrated seem par for the course, along with the dreaded headache of course, mustn't forget that!.When I read that sentence of yours about opening the Christmas decorations it made me smile as it is exactly the same thing that happens to many of us.I know it is nothing to smile about but you know what I mean, lots of us have exactly the same difficulties and sometimes it is good to know that we are not alone in our experiences. Getting decent follow up advice and treatment seems to be a huge problem for most SAH'ers all around the world! Seems the medics know what to do initially then discard us when we are partially fixed. This site seems to be the best place to find out about recovery, people have "been there, done that and got the T shirt" so to speak.I have found it a huge source of information ,inspiration, support and advice and I am sure you will too.There is always someone around who can empathise, sympathise or even just read what you have to say and respond to let you know they are there for you. Look forward to hearing more from you Terry. Regards Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ElaineW Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry - I am a carer - my mum had hers in May 2008 also so can comprehend very well with how you are feeling. I am afraid it does seem a case of good and bad days. Mum had hers coiled too and just lately has been very emotional, feeling useless and saying "put her in a home". She lives alone so some days are a real struggle for her. I am sure things will get better for both of you though if it's anything like my mum I can imagine how you are feeling but it is early days so hang in there. Although this year has been very difficult I am almost looking forward to putting the tree up because my mum is here to share it with me but I guess I see things from a different perspective. I hope you feel better soon. Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUTTI Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 HELLO TERRY AND WELCOME TO BTG. YOU ARE AMONGST FRIENDS AND HOPE YOU FIND THE HELP HERE THAT I HAVE FOUND. XX EVELYN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prudence Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 hi Terry my name is prue I had my sah 25 9 2008 and can relate to all you say,(me to was a lot better coping ,then than I AM NOW,) and I am only 9 weeks into all of It,to day I to tried to help with decorations,could just not get Interested,(normally I would love it )I think I would dare to think,(what I would have been like If I had not had the help of this site.everybody has been wonderfull,) and all the support you could possibly,(wish for) others have Improved ,so IM sure we will.(given time ) lots love prue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donna79 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hello terry welcome to the family x x You have come so far and posting your story is a fantastic start x x I had my bleed in April this year and like you I get very tired and head pains but with the depression I asked for help I felt like I was not coping at all and didnt enjoy anything I did. Now I still feel tired ALOT and get the nausea ALOT, I still get fed up and have a good cry and I get angry at the world x You WILL find alot of friends that understand and I believe friends for life x x Anytime I can help feel free to ask x x Love Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tennissmithy Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Terry Sorry I'm a bit late in welcoming you to this brilliant support network. Hopefully you will get lots of advice and support too. It is really lovely to 'talk' to poeple who understand us. Stick with us, you are early on in your recovery- it unfortunately is a rollercoaster ride with lots of turns! Stay positive Love and hugs Laura xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Beth1957 Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Good grief Terry, you've been through the mill, haven't you? Welcome to BTG; they're a lovely, friendly, helpful bunch here & you'll get a lot of support from people who actually understand what you've been through xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delbert Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hello Terry, May I welcome you to the group, sounds like a rough time you had,glad to have you with us,check out the Green Room in The Book Club,you may like to hear my podcast Best Wishes Derek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jess Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Hi Terry welcome to BTG hope you find it useful. Jess.xxx PS looking forward to getting to know you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shiree Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Hi Terry You have had a rough time.... All you can do is to take one day at a time, slowly it will get better. Everyone's recovery is different, but the main thing is that we know just what your going through. I am 9 months on, and still I am angry that this happened to me, I still have moments that I just break down and cry with the unfairness of it all. This site has kept me sane though - the best bunch of people you could have found Sending you a big hug Shiree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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