Aneurysm repair side effects

[Shon48]

I had an unruptured, 28mm ,wide necked Annie coiled and stented in June 2018 . Since then I’ve had to learn to walk , bathe and dress myself which I have managed to do although I can only walk with a walker. My main problem is that my face is still numb , loss of vision , my eye doesn’t close properly and I am very dizzy. Two MRI scans show that the 17 coils and two stents are doing the job with no leakage. Does anybody else have this very debilitating problem. Two g.ps have said time is the answer. 😱. Surely there must be some improvement after 15 months .

[cat3]

There's no criteria Shon for rates of progress or the numbers/types of after-effect we'll be left with, owing of the uniqueness of each individual brain. I only had one coil fitted, but the bleed contaminated the brain tissue so damage was already done prior to the procedure.

I struggled for the first couple of years with the after-effects such as balance/memory/mobility issues, together with emotional disturbance and severe headaches. And I found it hard accepting the life-changing limitations until I finally managed the 'Holy Grail' of BI rehab......letting go of the past.

I see now that my equilibrium took years rather than months to reach but now, 7+ years on, I still see signs of cognitive progress if only in struggling less with word recall and continuing to beat my own record at online games !

I did panic slightly at the 18 month point because, like you, I'd expected more improvements by then, but after an MRI and reassurance from my lovely neuro-consultant I managed to settle in for the long haul.....

It really IS a time issue m'dear and can seem a painfully long wait. But I hope that by this time next year you'll be seeing progress in mobility and improvement in the nerve damage and eye issues. What, if any, treatment are you having for the dizziness ?

Cat x

[Shon48 in reply to cat3]

I’m not having any treatment cat. Going to see the Consultant next week so hopefully he can suggest something for the dizziness . Thank you for your words of wisdom again . I want everything yesterday . 🤗🤗🤗xx

[cat3 in reply to Shon48]

I know we should stick to targeted drugs for our specific conditions and to ensure compatibility with our other meds, but I used Prochlorperazine (Stemetil) for many years as a reliable anti-dizziness drug. It's commonly used and very effective, both for quick relief or long term use.

I was devastated when my GP withdrew them owing to incompatibility with essential heart meds, but for survival purposes I had to opt for the heart drug.

I've had others which don't help (such as Cinnarizine) so still have balance problems, although I admit to taking an odd Stemetil (still have half a strip just for rare moments of relief - never took them habitually so always had spares).

Just a thought for when you see your consultant, depending on whether they'd be compatible. I'd be interested to know how you get on Shon..... xx

[Shon48 in reply to cat3]

Thank you Cat . I can’t take Stemetil because of the anti depression drug , venlaflaxine I’m taking and I won’t come off that as it took too long a time to find one that suited me . I’ll certainly mention it to Consultant .

Shona xx🤗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[cat3 in reply to Shon48]

That's rough ! But how we all differ ; Venlafaxine was the first SSRI I tried and my system couldn't tolerate it. It took almost a year of trial & error with different ones 'til I started on Paroxetine...….which worked within 5 days !

So I get what a struggle it can be finding the ONE.

It's all about assimilation with our own brain chemistry which no one can predict or test for ..... Good luck anyway Shon & I really hope you get some tangible help. xx😏

[MaxMteliso]

To echo Cat3’s words there there is wide range of brain injuries hence diff recovery journey. I myself it’s the first time I have heard of cerebro vascular disease. After I sustained my brain injury, going to the toilet and washing myself independently is what I learnt to do first and other areas gradually improved. However will always be wheelchair dependent.

[Shon48 in reply to MaxMteliso]

I don’t think I would mind having to use my walker for life, it’s the dizziness I can’t cope with . Hopefully , I’ll get a few answers next week when I see the consultant . Thank you

Shona 🤗🤗🤗

[WinB in reply to Shon48]

I was told I'd never walk again after my SAH, by a man in the BI Team alias BIT. Well that was red rag to a bull and I told him I will walk !! Was so upset with the way he blurted "What makes you think you'll ever walk again!" I said to him "The same reason you think I wont, the human spirit". I get dizzy also if I jump up quick..I started with 2 steps and hubby got me a walker. Best thing he ever got me x. I got my dignity back and a chair for bathroom . I took 4 steps then 6. My legs were weak and with chairs strategically placed all round the house. I walked small steps then moved a chair now up to 700 to 1000 yards. Dizziness I also got and was told never jump up quick, swing legs to side sit there and then get up when you don't feel giddy. So I do that. Never give up we are on a long Journey and we will get there and if worried see Doc still need wheelchair when shopping but walked into cafe from car the other day..Keep strong and happy and sing happy songs as it kept me going through rough times xxxx Good luck Shon xxx

[Shon48 in reply to WinB]

Thank you so much for giving me a bit of encouragement. I’ve been in bed since Tuesday because of my numb face and dizziness. Absolutely fed up with this new me but I’ll plod on . Keep fighting on , you sound as if you aren’t going to give up and that’s wonderful 🤗🤗🤗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[WinB in reply to Shon48]

Remember the human spirit has a lot going for it and even 1 step is better than none ..I started off doing leg exercises like twirling ankles and then sitting there tapping my feet to music ..Hubby got me electric exercise pedal pusher. I used that daily and worked on legs as I hadn't moved for a year approx. You can do it Shon xxxx I know you can xxxx Take 1 step just for me please with people about you xxxx Good luck on first step or first stand xxxx I'll be waiting to hear from you xxxx

[Shon48 in reply to WinB]

I’ve been doing leg and arm exercises everyday since June 2018. It’s this dizziness that’s holding me back. I see the Consultant on Thursday so hopefully he can suggest something to help. The aneurysm is leaning against the optic nerve so I supppse until it shrinks a little I’ll just need to get on with it . I was walking with the walker and doing not too bad until this last week . You take care too and thank you for your support 🤗🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️Shona