Any advice - negative sah

[Coralann]

I am now just over 5 months since my negative sah. Most of my original symptoms have returned to normal. However, I suffer bad head and neck aches, memory problems and dizzy feelings. I have good and bad days. The thing is I am a county player in the card game of bridge and this has never been affected which I can't understand as when holding a conversation I constantly forget what I am talking about. Any thoughts?

[cat3]

You describe classic brain injury symptoms Coralann. Having to let go of activities/abilities we've previously excelled in is all too common and everyone agrees is an upsetting process needing many months (or more) of adjustment.

For me it was short term memory and mobility which were (still are) the most frustrating ; I lived for learning and discussion, often playing devil's advocate to make subjects more interesting but, since the SAH, my word and information recall is now so poor I daren't attempt any intellectual involvement. And I loved walking, for miles, but nowadays I struggle getting to the shops half a mile away. Everyone has their own specific issues after brain injury.

Headaches need to be managed with meds and stress avoidance so far as possible ; holding onto former (now lost) capabilities rather than accepting a change of lifestyle can be a massive source of stress. Get yourself fully rested. Then tackle everything in bite-size doses ; it's ok to test your limitations but not to exceed them 'til you're well practiced at recognising them !

It's still early days for you m'dear but I hope, in time, you'll get the hang of listening to what your brain/body is telling you. Take care, Cat x

[Coralann in reply to cat3]

Thanks for advice Cat. You haven't told me how long ago you had your injury. I feel that I should be looking at returning to work then I have another bad day and cannot do anything xx

[cat3 in reply to Coralann]

I'd reached retirement age when my SAH happened so didn't have the added stress of employment. But I can honestly say that my concentration, or commitment to any type of project, were zero for the first 12 months. But even now, after 6.5 years, I need rest periods throughout the day and a rest day after a hospital appointment or social event.

But everyone's progress after a brain injury is unique, and age, fitness & general health are all factors in recovery levels....not to mention luck !

I see you're starting GBT, which should be a great asset to your progress. Walking, sleeping well, healthy diet and brain exercises (puzzles, crosswords etc.) are all good practices to maintain.

Best wishes, Cat x

[Kirk5w7]

Hi, as Cat intimates chronic illness is no respector of the person we once were, we have to learn to manage our symptoms and get the best we can within those limits our bodies set.

Brain injury is one of my he cruellest of illnesses, it changes our r lives in many ways. But with the correct management we can saslvage a great deal , learning to live with our new selves and nudging those boundaries.

It is early days time will help.

Take care.

Janet xx

[Coralann in reply to Kirk5w7]

Thanks Janet. I'm starting cbt and neuro psychology so maybe that will help me adjust betterxx

[ErinSAH]

Hi Coralann,

I had an SAH with no aneurysm in 2012, so 5 years ago. I was 29 and within working age. I tried to go back to work after 3 months which was much too soon, but I only knew by trial and error. Everything gets better over time but it does take time.

My advice would be to try things, see how you get on. And if you need to rest, make sure to take time out to do that.

Hope you feel better x