How serious

[spideyman]

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

[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 in reply to Gaia_rising]

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

[Gaia_rising in reply to spideyman]

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 in reply to Gaia_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 in reply to spideyman]

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

[spideyman in reply to Gaia_rising]

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

[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 in reply to MXman]

Thanks Nick. Have a good Sunday too

[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.