Struggling

[Bowler2012]

Hi,does anyone still have issue from having an SAH.It is 8 years now since I had my coiling done,and medically retired at the age of 60

I struggle daily with emotions such as being tearful regularly,can't stand noisy environments,need support when meeting new people,cannot process and retain written information,which I get support with,also get confused if there are too many things going at at the same time

[cat3]

Hi Bowler and welcome.

I'm afraid the poor word processing, and recall, can be long standing issues after brain injury. I used to be an avid reader but, since a SAH 11 years ago, I've neither the concentration nor the memory for long passages of text. Like you, I forget the contents of even small amounts and find myself constantly back tracking.

Heightened emotions is also a common after-effect but, oddly, I often have dampened responses to stuff which would've once floored me.

And the excess-stimulus you mention is frequently mentioned by many folk here on the forum, especially crowds, supermarket tannoys, and bright lighting. I need to mute and look away from tv ads immediately as I can't cope with the loud & in your face images

Have you considered antidepressant to regulate your mood ? They've been invaluable in helping me cope with the various issues resulting from the haemorrhage.

Is your GP clued up on neuro issues ?

Cat x

[Bowler2012 in reply to cat3]

Hi Cat3.Yeah I am on Mirtazipine, amatryptaline,membeverine, aspirin and imodium all on repeat prescription, currently seeing a south lanarkshire brain injury support team,and they are suggesting I attend cognitive impairment counselling to see if it can help.

And thanks for the response

[cat3 in reply to Bowler2012]

Take all the support you're offered Bowler. I haven't heard of Cognitive impairment counselling but it sounds promising. I hope it helps you devise coping strategies which gradually improve your quality of life.

At the very least you're in the system amongst experienced professionals ; something many of us only dream of, with present 1-2 year waiting lists (18 months for me at present).

Please grab this opportunity m'love ; I'm interested to hear how the process works and how you're getting on along the way....

My best wishes, Cat x

[Bowler2012 in reply to cat3]

I will def let you know whenever I start it,if at all.I've now had my final mri scan,my neurosurgeon has told me that after 8 years my condition now is what it is.

I have a recurrence of a small bleed but it is stable for now and too risky to go back in.

So,it is what it is,physically I'm getting there although drag my right leg when tired,mentally is another thing altogether, tearful,hate noise and quite like my own company if I'm honest.

You take care and thanks for your replies

[Seamus1967 in reply to Bowler2012]

I've never heard of the cognitive impairment counselling either Bowler. Thanks for mentioning it.

[Teazymaid]

Hi bowler yes I do feel very similar to you when I’m in a lot of people and noise level is high plus emotional very different ( some for the better it think 🤔) but when pushed to far I still can’t handle it and totally loss it … like screaming and throwing things 😢😢😢 … it mh as happened recently with my son and my husband … they both were not innocent ans arguing with me .. then snap I’m screaming … it’s a point I never want to get to 😢 I have also realised that this seems to happen also when I’m not well . I have a stinking cold and pain in my hip/legs ( also accident issues ) … sorry I went on a bit but your message reminded me how difficult life can be with a new brain .. sue x

[Alibongo60]

Hi Bowler, yes like you I have a basilar tip aneurysm, that has had several surgeries with coils and stents, it did rupture in 2017, but fortunately thr prognosis wasn’t as grim as they had predicted. I have been left with short ter memory, like you I struggle with word search, the brain substitutes words, like I have penguins in my garden, not bad for Manchester, I’m not happy in busy spaces, and avoid them, I did return to work but found it overwhelming and eventually laid off until I retired last year. I feel I have improved a little balance can be wobbly, and things like tiredness and being overwhelmed can make symptoms worse, hope this helps take care love Alice xx