Personality change after SAH

[Lucilocket]

Hi been on here a while reading about others experiences. I had a SAH in April 2017 no warning had a seizure and son found me luckily. Sent to JR in Oxford where I was operated on the next day. I had coils inserted and all seems to be going well. Headaches reduced greatly and I am back at work full time. Still have the odd day when I have no energy but work are really good and I have an easy day. My reason for writing is although I have been very lucky to come through the other side with no major physical impairment mentally I am different. My family find I am now constantly complaining about things, moaning and have bad OCD which I have to have things done my way or no way, this has caused my relationship to fail and he has now left me. Has anybody else found that their personality had changed after having an SAH. Sorry for long post 😢

[DawnD123]

Hello Lucilocket, I just came across your message. I had my SAH 27 years ago and I have had a big personality change. Not in the same way as you, mine has changed for the better. When I had my surgery I was told that 85% of people didn't survive it and being female and in my age group only 1% survive to the same level as I have. ie I am still able to survive my days without any physical symptoms excluding my bad short term memory.

I consider my glass is always half full. I have a wonderful family who are very supportive.

I am the same as you with regards to energy. I don't sleep at all well so that doesn't help.

I wish you all the best for your future. Do have a good moan from time to time, it helps. if you can't do it here where can you where people understand what you are going through.

Be well

[HereHareHere]

In short; yes. I’ve become (apparently) irritable and frustrated. It’s linked to executive function and information processing which can be damaged after a SAH. I had a craniotomy and have found my personality has changed. I’ve become depressed and suffer from PSTD. My friends have stuck by me. But I’m withdrawn and can be difficult. I’ve just found this site and intend on making the most of it because I’ve felt so alone and that nobody understands. I suggest you do to. What you’re feeling, others like me, feel too.