It’s a year now since I had by aneurism coiled. I was left with hydrocephalus and a VP shunt. I’m interested to hear from people who have had similar. There has been a slight, but not significant change to my concentration, stress, memory loss. Any advice and ideas for helping improve or cope better with these changes would be welcomed.
Cerebral aneurism coiled and VP Shunt: It’s a year... - Headway
Cerebral aneurism coiled and VP Shunt
Hi Malc63. I have a cerebellar AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) that caused hydrocephalus when I was younger. I've had a VP Shunt since age 14 and this has needed revising 4 times now. I am stuck with it for life. As I get older I notice slight issues with my concentration, short term memory and balance (owing to the site of my AVM). If you think I can be of assistance or offer any advice please do let me know. You are not alone with this (as I once thought I was).
Lulu x
Hi Malc and welcome. I had a SAH almost 7 years ago and, though (thankfully) I escaped the complication of hydrocephalus, I assure you the after-effects you describe are truly par for the course after any type of brain injury. Most of us struggle with the memory issues and the loss of concentration & word recall, but it's a case of managing these issues rather than fighting them...……..and that takes time.
I think it was around the three year point when I started accepting my new way of life and, once that came about, I relaxed and started to laugh at my shortcomings rather than cursing them......….well mostly anyway ! You can either download information on your condition from the Headway site or phone the helpline on 0808 800 2244 (office hours - free calls) to arrange for printouts to be sent to you.
Best wishes in going forward ; it's a fair trek but try being kind to yourself whilst reaching the 'acceptance' point. Cat x
Hi Malc
It is 4 month since my coiling (no shunt) but I had a subarachnoid hemmorage. Even in 4 months, I know there is improvement...just very very slow. My concentration causes headaches but I sm learning to mansge it rather than fight it. It has helped me to go back to work on a bety phased return so I am re-training my brain to cope. I am only my third week in but it is getting easier. Try and be involved in work or hobbies and build it up. X
Hi, Thank you for the advice. I was back at work after 3 months, and also did a month phased return. I have had to be better organised as my concentration is not what it was, but all is doable, just a bit slower than before.