Timescales

[rjg60]

Having only had a headache to then suffering a sudden collapse due to what was subsequently found to be an SAH has been quite a shock and left me different in certain ways.

The collapse led to A&E and initial brief diagnosis dictated my move to the specialist hospital where I remained for approximately 3 months. It was found I needed A bypass building around a dissecting PICA aneurism but problems in my stomach prevented this going ahead until I had undergone a stoma operation. Once strength had allowed the Bypass to go ahead on top of the stoma operation I needed a bit of re-cooping time but a blood clot and 2 subsequent stomach bleeds delayed improvement as quick as I wanted.

I'm home now but, to be honest, I am struggling to accept the speed of my recovery and the fatigue and mood swings which I appear to be suffering. I am pretty sure I maybe expecting too much too soon but I need someone to advise me please.

It's just coming up 2 months since the major Bypass surgery and this is my 3rd week at home and I am struggling accepting my condition. I have had a hospital follow up visit and they are very happy themselves and although they did make me feel better I just wanted to hear from anyone who has suffered similar to myself.

I left hospital with no specific complaints, just head/neck ache, from the Bypass operation and a bucket load of tablets for various things but I am struggling with accepting that the things I am experiencing are normal - I just want others advice on the following symptoms that I am now having to live with.

1. I am perpetually tired and although I sleep well I am sure I could sleep for days.

2. I get physically upset at the slightest little thing and can cry for England

3. I want to be recovered now and I need somebody to advise me how long is likely to be acceptable

4. Short term memory poor

Talking to friends and family does help but I am sure that the experience of others who have endured similar will more.

[Kirk5w7]

I wish I could give you a timescale, but it doesn't work like that, it depends how much trauma your brain has suffered, I am 2 years on now and the fatigue still limits me, I can sleep for England and still nap ah hour later. I did not suffer from the same trauma as you but the after effects are much the same no matter what caused it.

Headways Helpline will be a good place for you to get advice, you can ask them anything and they will give you support and advice.

Patience is one trait to cultivate and keep stress to a minimum

Xxxx janet

[cat3]

I'm just adding support to Janet's comments as she is right to point out that there is no official timescale for recovery where the brain is concerned.

I had a SAH two years ago and I still can, and do, sleep too much. And emotionally I was a wreck for months afterwards. I've spent my life mostly dry-eyed but after the bleed I would cry over more or less anything & I couldn't even laugh without tears streaming down.

But yes, do contact the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244, they can offer extra reassurance and advice and a friendly voice.

Regards, Cat x

[rjg60 in reply to cat3]

Thanks to you both...this is Ron's wife. I've spoken to Cat before but not Janet. We had such a fantastic Friday and Saturday that the last couple of days have come as quite a shock to both of us. All Ron wants to do is sleep and he's already getting himself upset that I have to leave him to go to work tomorrow. I have had the last 4 days off so been with him. I am trying to arrange for family and friends to pop in over the next 4 days while I am at work to give him something to get up for and break the days up for him. He is doing fantastically well as the bypass op is a massive one. It was supposed to cause him to have a stroke too but it didn't, so he is already way in front of what we expected by now.

Thanks for your replies.

Jayne x

[Hidden]

Hi Ron

1. For the first two years after my brain haemorrhage I would sleep 12

hours a day, and that was after sitting in bed all day

2. As soon as anyone spoke to me, whether they were family/friends/professionals, well anybody I would cry.

3.It's still early days and putting a timescale on recovery is almost impossible. Each and every brain injury is different.

4. Memory loss...again this symptom various so much in each individual after brain injury...there are no definitive answers.....wish there where

I agree with other posts call Headway and they can ask the relevant questions specific to your injury and give the best professional advice and help. I wish you luck with your ongoing recovery. You and Jayne take care

[cat3]

Ron & Jayne, you've both had the most rotten time with so many complications; it isn't surprising that Ron isn't coping very well at the moment.

But Ron..........it's only 3 or 4 months since your SAH and 2 months since major surgery. This is no time at all in terms of recovery for not only the SAH but the bypass op., not to mention the other complications. You need months of rest and calm and general building up after all you've been through. You WILL be exhausted most of the time and if you seem over-emotional then that too is absolutely normal at this stage of recovery. Please help yourself to heal by resting your mind as well as your body by accepting this long period of convalescence as something vital and productive.

Try to concentrate on light activities like crosswords, eating regularly, general pottering or things which would fit in the 'hobby' category and you will hasten your recovery.

It's frustrating I know, being out of action, but very,very necessary.

Love to you both and all best wishes. Cat xx

[clivekeen]

i had mine 4.5 years ago and still like it and ws left with other brain damage stil have good and bad days as day goes on the worse i get