Ongoing issues following my negative sah

[Coralann]

Most of my initial ailments have returned to normal. However, I am still suffering with daily head and neck aches as well as dizzy/balance problems when I walk too far. I feel exhausted after a dizzy episode and I have issues with bright lights also. My thought process is really slow. I am 9 months post sah and still off work. I am on half pay now and been claiming esa. I have recently been advised that my esa assessment proved unviable to continue. I don't know what else to do, I want to return to work but still feel so unwell. Any advice will be much appreciated

[eileenleach]

Appeal if it means u can’t get esa

[eileenleach]

Don’t know what unviable means but don’t go to work if ur not fully feeling fit to do so x

[eileenleach]

I had two clipped 5 years ago n suffer with chronic fatigue, I also found it dealing with what happened to me n why I was so lucky to basically av a seizure that I feel was a warning, mine didn’t rupture luckily but they was 18mm n 10 mm n I’m very lucky they didn’t n they was clipped n I survived x

[Coralann in reply to eileenleach]

Thank you for your responses. Means a lot. I am going to fight this as they do not understand what people go through following brain injuries

[eileenleach in reply to Coralann]

Quite right they don’t n good luck x

[Shon48]

That’s me too . Thankfully I’m retired so work isn’t a problem . Head sometimes feels about three stones in weight and neck gets so sore at trying to hold it on . Dizzy spells and balance issues every time I move . It was a 28 mm unruptured aneurysm which has 17 coils in place but because it is wide necked I have two stents placed acting as a bridge . I certainly wouldn’t be even contemplating going back to work . Can your neurologist help with a letter explaining your issues . I hope you get better in time , I was told about two years but I’ll never be the same . Every person going through this seems to be different . 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤗

[Coralann in reply to Shon48]

Hi shon48. I had a negative sah. However never found cause. Head feels like cotton wall every time I do little things. My gp is fantastic and understands and agreed to write a report on my behalf. The NHS system stinks and treats me like another mh patient. I have worked all of my life and would love to continue working but know I cannot at this present time. I just wish someone would listen and not just tick assessment boxes. Glad you are retired as understand you would not cope with additional pressure put upon you

[cat3]

I'm also retired Coralann but know that I could no way have coped with even part-time employment since a SAH in 2011. Brain illnesses are typical 'Invisible iIlnesses and government assessors are shamefully uneducated in the issues. Most applicants seem to be denied benefit until they appeal, but a high percentage of appeals succeed.

If you have a good GP get him/her to keep up the pressure with, if possible, additional back-up from your neuro-doctor. There's been recent media criticism of the number of rejected claims, proving how ineffective the assessment system is considering the number of successful appeals.

Good luck m'dear ! Cat x

[eileenleach]

I’m going thru all this with my son aswell after a car crag 10 years ago n they told him he fit for work x

[bimbler]

Hi Coralann, I went back to work after two months, the light thing had gone, if you do go back, visit the HR, explain your thought processes are slower, I've had to explain this to people several times, I'm more easily distracted, so I need a quiet room, I recall the light sensitivity, I'm but sure what work you do, so you may say this isn't practical, I ended up off sick again, due to neural sensitivity, but I'm back again, support post sah, seems non existent and I'm proactive. Could you get advice to challenge ESA? Have you been referred to a neural psychologist, my gp recommend this. X

[HavingAlook1]

I was lucky and had my occupational therapist who wrote me letters to there nasty appointments every year for ESA.

I also don’t like Tesco’s lights lol

Does my head in and makes me feel strange.

Using certain words like anexiety seems to get you points for esa mate.

It’s a shame as it has to be worded correctly to get anywhere these days.

[moo196]

Try contacting remploy - gov agency who help disabled or newly disabled people get or stay in work.

They helped me a lot when I needed them after my cvst (rare form of stroke) in 2014.

I had to go back to work after 2 months as I stopped getting paid. They helped me arrange a phased slow return and went in to my employer to discuss my medical condition and the need for reasonable adjustments.

Good luck!

[WinB]

Some of these people need to have an SAH and come out the other side in 1 piece. We leave hospital and they say "We wont need to see you again if you feel unwell go to Docs and he will refer you" But that isn't the case!! I saw epilepsy doc and he told me he'd give me an MRI..Hang on in there and write what you have written to us and can doc help you.?

Good luck and do not take no for an answer

[Coralann]

Thank you all so much for your kind words. My GP is disgusted with the system and is writing a letter to DWP. I have contacted Age UK to see if they can help with an appeal. I am hoping my employers may look at medical retirement as there is no way I can do the job I have worked so hard in the last 18 years. I will update