How serious: How serious was it to have 3 brain stem... - Headway

Headway

10,846 members13,066 posts

How serious

spideyman profile image
9 Replies

How serious was it to have 3 brain stem haemorrhages and 1 stroke and still be here?

Some say its very serious but I'm not really physically affected apart from I get tired easier

Written by
spideyman profile image
spideyman
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
Gaia_rising profile image
Gaia_rising

I'm similar, Spideyman, possibly not quite as severe, but one ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery aneurysm, one coiled Superior Cerebellar Artery aneurysm, and one dodgy/inoperable Early Choroidal Artery aneurysm. I'm just over a year post-haemorrhage, and just over a week since the coiling of the second aneurysm. I infuriate people with my can-do, I've destroyed relationships because I won't have people fetching and carrying for me, and I terrify most of my work colleagues, they've given up on the "should she be doing that?", because they know I'll bloody well do 'whatever', whether they think I should be or not.

I don't post on here so much now, because I tend to feel like I'm crowing, all look-at-me, and I do have some pretty bizarre coping mechanisms. I'm not unaffected by the haemorrhage, I'm hyper-sensitive to smells, and sounds, and certain types of light. My peripheral vision comes and goes as it pleases, I've lost over 2st, most of which was my muscle-mass, so I tire more easily. My sleep-cycle is warped, I'm up at 4 most mornings- these are all things I can work around, though. The irritability is the hardest thing, I was tetchy before, but now, pretty much everything annoys me, I really struggle to be around people.

Anyhow, we've both survived pretty significant medical issues, and we're both 'getting on with it', I don't think it's wise to try to 'compare' brain injury aftermaths, because people are so different. Well done on coming through.

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply toGaia_rising

Thanks for the reply. I just wondered if what I had was serious

Gaia_rising profile image
Gaia_rising in reply tospideyman

It sounds very serious, but everyone heals differently, so some of us adapt to 'version 2' more easily than others. My brain injury, and three rounds of surgery have been a voyage of discovery. I know I drive people mad with my insistence on testing my boundaries, but if I don't push when I hit a wall, I'd be stuck in this armchair, watching telly all day. (Can't remember the last time I turned the TV on, about to go out and mow the back lawn,  12 days after brain surgery, I'm impossible.)

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply toGaia_rising

Ive trekked 55 miles on the Gt Wall of China. Took part in a World record abseil and crewed a schooner to Holland and back

Gaia_rising profile image
Gaia_rising in reply tospideyman

I like your style. I can't compete with that, but I'm not competitive by nature, so congratulations on your achievements. 

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply toGaia_rising

Thanks. The China trek was for Headway, the abseil was for British Red Cross and the schooner was just for a laugh

MXman profile image
MXman

Hi Spiderman,

Isn't it amazing what we can survive and how different it can effect each individual. I didn't suffer from what you had but had 3 brain bleeds (Small) after a moto cross accident and its taken me a while to recover but we are getting there. Have a fantastic Sunday matey. Nick

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply toMXman

Thanks Nick. Have a good Sunday too

RogerCMerriman profile image
RogerCMerriman

I remember the GP reminding me in the very early days that even minor brain injuries, like mine two smallish bleeds is still a serious head injury and not to be taken lightly.

physically I'm where I was.

My wee grey cells do tire much quicker, and my Balance system is fubared or at least the vistubualr but it was very good before so as long as there is light my brain can do its magic.

I have a temper now, and isn't it just! Which has been a shock to both my wife and myself!

But yes I'm clearly high functinging, and on the whole I enjoy life, do I miss the man I was. But that happens and best not to navel gaze! As above life is good. 

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Serious brain injury

My partner had a motorbike accident and has a serious head injury 2weeks ago. He had cpr at the...
sue-66 profile image

About my “not very serious” injury: concussion

The very worst thing is the fear. It nudges me awake in the night, insists that now my headache is...
BarbadosKay profile image

Time taken to recover from serious head injury

Just a question out of interest whats the average time to recover from serious head injury and...
keeley24 profile image

How long will this last?

Hi everyone. I had a serious car accident 10 weeks ago. One of my injuries was two serious...
Lynnepitt profile image

Concussion or more serious head injury? Please help!

Hi, this is a continuation and update since my last post about what I feel was an undiagnosed head...
Lemon_Pie profile image

Moderation team

headwayuk profile image
headwayukPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.