Headaches 2 years after subarachnoid haemorrhage

[Rachel497]

Hi, this is my first posting. I suffered an SH two years ago spent 3 months in ICU then 6 months in rehab. Had two aneurysm’s coiled last year. Things have been going ok, but recently I have started getting moderate headaches, paracetamols do help. Does anyone have any advice please?

Thanks Rachel497

[cat3]

Have to go out now Rachel but I'll get back to you later this evening. I had a SAH in Dec 2011..... x

[cat3 in reply to cat3]

Hi Rachel and welcome. I'm afraid headaches are par for the course for most brain injuries and usually it's a case of management rather than cure.

Mine were at their worst in the early days (first couple of years) and, as I'm allergic to aspirin & ibuprofen, my only option was CoCodamol (Paracetamol alone doesn't touch them.) But I learned eventually that taking pain relief regularly actually caused the headaches and, after going 'Cold Turkey' for a couple of weeks, they started to reduce. As more time has passed they've become only an occasional problem.

Overuse pf painkillers is now widely accepted as a major cause of headaches by medical experts who recommend exercise (such as walking) to de-stress and, crucially, a steady intake of water throughout the day to keep the brain hydrated. Sufficient sleep is important, although too much is a common trigger.

The good news is that chocolate, sex, laughter and listening to music are all good for warding off, or even relieving, headaches.....(not necessarily all at once). 😌

What does your doctor say ?

Cat x

[Rachel497 in reply to cat3]

That is so good to hear. I moved to Lyme Regis where I now live Xmas 2015. I’m divorced with 4 children who are all now married. I have 3 grandchildren! The headaches were misdiagnosed by my doctor in Lyme as I was continually fobbed off with a migraine! There is currently a claim running against both doctor here in Lyme and Yeovil hospital where certain tests were not carried out!

I was told by the rehab place that I would never be able to live on my own! Some of the other patients there are still under 24/7 care!

I am such a strong character as I defied them all!! I had to learn to walk , talk and write again! Am sure you must have had similar experiences?

The DVLA have given me back my driving licence! No mention of a further test! I tried both an automatic and a manual

car but did feel safe! Do you drive?

I thank you for your kind response .

Best wishes

Rachel

[cat3 in reply to Rachel497]

Good for you Rachel for 'powering' through that intense period of doubt and shaking heads ; my son & daughter were overjoyed when I first walked as they too had been warned I'd be a very different person and might not be capable of this & that..

I think it's family (children in our case) who drive us towards our best possible potential. I'm also divorced with son, daughter and one grandson (& two step-grandchildren). I'm back to being the mum they know, albeit with the classic limitations in concentration, memory, patience...….etc.

I remember before I could walk not doubting for a moment my ability to overcome the challenge, so much so that I managed to lower the safety bed rail only to find my legs were useless & ending up sprawled disgracefully on the ward floor.

Yes I do drive and do feel safe and alert when driving. It requires such a different type of coordination to walking, so more liberating. But I do walk out every day (although it's tiring after a while as balance isn't great). I'd cycle more too if the roads weren't so congested ; my balance is fine just pushing pedals !

Good to meet you m'dear and hope you'll be a regular here.....

Best wishes, Cat x

[Rachel497 in reply to cat3]

It was fantastic to hear back from you. So glad you’re driving again! My only regret is having posted on such a public forum about my no win no fee claim. Think I shouldn’t have done that. (Bad taste) and I’m sure not really what this is meant to be used for! I will certainly be a regular here. I too remember pulling down the bed side , thinking I could walk.

I remember when I first walked at the rehab centre and friends that were visiting cried!

It’s good to know you’ve gone through similar experiences! I’m crying now just thinking how far I’ve come!

Best wishes Rachel

[cat3 in reply to Rachel497]

Oh bless you ! (crying's good though I've found, to release tension). Please feel free to talk about the claim issue ; claims and benefits are a big deal for many and it's a subject you'll often see here on the forum .

Oh you've reminded me ; the first day my son saw me walk off the ward (to the loo) he filmed me on his phone as I returned, saying he wanted to keep the 'special' moment forever !

Good to know you're finding the forum ok Rachel. I came here tentatively after my daughter joined to ask for advice and I come here most days now to keep up to date with folk. It's quiet at the moment......maybe due to Christmas.

Off out now ……...more Christmas shopping.😲 See you soon. Cat x

[Rachel497 in reply to cat3]

Yes finding it so good! For the first year ever in my life I feel I’ve got Christmas totally in hand! In fact have done everything! Happy Shopping!

[Rachel497 in reply to cat3]

Thanks that will be great to hear from you when you get back x