Am I over thinking?

[JHN62]

It has been many years since my SAH ruptured suddenly & I had emergency coiling, followed by a stent fitted a year later. Although it was traumatic at the time, for both myself & my family, I have been extremely lucky as I survived the 50/50 prognosis & had no physical limitations. It did take a couple of years or so before I 'recovered' but have since been able to resume my 'normal' life. However, over the past 6-9 months various symptoms have me wondering if I have another aneurysm....increased headaches, double vision (particularly noticeable watching TV or driving), mood swings, anxiety & depression, increased memory loss, struggling to find the correct words (even writing this has been a struggle!), extreme fatigue - I could sleep for 24hrs given the opportunity?!

So where I am going with this, apologies for the rambling, is this just old age creeping in or should I consult with my GP, as I am silently concerned that there is something sinister happening inside my brain again? I don't want to be labelled dramatic or....what's the word for someone who imagines they have something wrong with them constantly??

I had no idea or warning the last time, but in hindsight maybe some mental clues were there, along with severe headaches. I am still working, had spinal surgery last year and am struggling with the loss of my mum on Boxing Day, but I have been deteriorating (in my opinion) before that. So, maybe it is simply the ageing process exacerbated by some stress?? But, can I be sure....I know there is no liklihood of being given an MRI to reassure me so, I can't see the point of raising my worries with the doctor. To be truthful, some days I would be ok with a sudden departure from this life, I sure would not have known or felt anything when it burst before. I am trying to continue 'business as usual' as I have a husband who just isn't on my wave-length & amazing grown up kids that I can't burden with my mental health care.

It seems which ever choices I make there are potentially negative outcomes? Blimey, I sound so miserable & a prize moaning Minnie.....I just can't make a decision & decide what's best for myself, sorry!! Is there anyone else out there please, that has felt the same & has some constructive advice - other than "get a grip woman"?

[Alibongo60]

Hi Jhn62, I was very similar to you and went to my gp, she sent me for a scan and found my aneurysm had grown, I was due to have further coiling inserted, the same week my aneurysm ruptured in 2017. I have had further problems with growth and pressure on the brain stem, and then a miracle of blood clot occluding aneurysm and it shrinking in the last year, mine is very unpredictable and they don’t think they can do anything more so fingers crossed it continues to behave. You need to speak to your doctor with your history a scan should be ordered, you have symptoms of things going on so you could also ring your secretary of your consultant for advice or we have a SAH nurse at Salford Hospital, who is very knowledgable and will act as intermediary with docs, please do something, and keep in touch I find the headway site more up to date than this one for support, take care love Alice xx

[DawnD123]

Hello, I also had a subarachnoid haemorrhage 28 years ago and now have new symptoms. I had a scan a about 18 months ago to monitor a new aneurysm which has grown where i had the last surgery. I was supposed to be monitored and having scans every year but due to covid I am now every two years. My next one is due in September. It is a worry not knowing what will be next. I had a stroke nearly 7 years ago and then breast cancer surgery so it seems to be continuous. I try to stay positive and keep the view of ‘my glass is half full’ but, like most people I suspect, some days it is hard to be that positive person but I know that I should try.

As Alibongo says, keep pushing for scans. It might not give you the result you want but it might help you consider the future in a better way

Wishing you a very positive and happy future

Dawn

[SAH-survivor]

Hi, I had a SAH in August 2018, and have had ongoing issues since. However, I have international medical insurance due to my husbands job so have been fortunate to have annual checks. This year, they have found intracranial pressure which has caused the additional headaches and issues. Regardless of how you are feeling, you should push to get a scan so you can stop worrying. I am sure it will be all fine but worth checking.

[JULIETstevens in reply to SAH-survivor]

you must still be under a consultant? talk to them about it... xxx

[JHN62]

Thank you all for sharing your stories and for your advice. I am so sorry to hear that you all have this 'beast' rear its head again for you! However, I am also encouraged that support was given when you approached your doctors and that you are receiving ongoing medical supervision.I now know I must find the courage to approach my GP and not be fobbed off....I will try! It has become clear to me that I am acting against my own best interests and sabotaging the quality sleep I perhaps need and am struggling with my morning routines as a result. Unsure if this is deliberate or a conscious decision, but I will work on correcting that too.

I wish you all continued health and happiness, despite the constant worry and shadow that is a constant partner. The fact you have taken the time & interest to reply on here, proves you are genuine, caring individuals - and I thank you for it! All the best xx

[Alibongo60]

Hi JHN62, with your previous medical history it should alert your gp to arrange a scan, if nothing is found then it’s reassurance, if your doctor is reluctant to do this contact your consultants secretary, they can liase and bring scan forward, it’s far easier to treat without rupturing, so saves time and money in the long run, keep us informed, lots of luck and love Alice xx

[JHN62 in reply to Alibongo60]

Hi Alice, thank you for the voice of reason & I know deep down you are right!You say contact my Consultants secretary, but my 'brain burp' was in 2008 - not sure he would still be working! However, the Department is still operational I'm sure so, I could find someone?

The fact I have woken (again) this morning with a headache may prompt me to call my GP. Although, these could be caused by my gradual medication withdrawal, I realise I should get checked or at least mention my symptoms. The chance of a scan being offered, or even suggested, I believe are slim? Maybe today is the day I do something.....!!

[Alibongo60]

Hi JHN62, I thought I was in the clear having had stents and coils fitted the first time, and was quite shocked to hear my aneurysm had grown. I think the scan should be offered just to reassure you, and rule anything out. I had to have further coils fitted and was ok for a further few years and again symptoms started I went for scan and again proved my aneurysm was so big it was pressing on brain stem, so you see they can be very unpredictable even after surgery, not trying to scare you, but better to get treatment while you can take care love Alice xx

[JHN62 in reply to Alibongo60]

Thanks Alice ☺️ May I ask what the timescales were between your original treatment and then subsequent? Did they do further coiling?It just seems that after 14 years 'they' are unlikely to take my concerns seriously?

You are right, of course, and I should/will make contact with my GP.....I am just scared of being labelled a hypochondriac, especially after having spinal surgery just last year?! 🙈 Cry wolf & all that?!

[Alibongo60]

Yes got to think now my aneurysm discovered 2011 and had stents and coiling, in 2012, it is on basilar artery, which is underneath at the back and quite difficult to get to. It behaved for few years, returned to work and life was normal, but headaches were becoming worse and doc said due to history I should have a scan, it had grown, they arranged for me to go back in hospital and have further coiling, booked in for 20th January 2017, on the 15th January whilst walking the dog it ruptured, I was red coded to our nuero specialists in Salford, where they were able to stem the bleeding. I’ve had further problems with growth since, my Annie is very unpredictable, they don’t think they can treat any further, but miraculously the last couple of scans have shown a clot in front of Annie and she had shrunk, so for now I will take that and keep my fingers and toes crossed love Alice xx

[JULIETstevens]

hypocondriac is the word you're looking for- but i think we all on here should have been a bit more like you, then we all would've gone to the drs earlier and potentially avoided so much trauma. No shame in worrying about your health- someone's got to once you're grown up! Stay strong and keep improving- let's hear about the positives in your recovery please. xxx