11 months post surgery and still recovering

I am new to the group. It has been 11 months since my aneurysm ruptured. Physically I am very well - no deficits at all.

Emotionally I am still struggling. I cry frequently. I expected to be in better shape by now. Hoping some others are a little further out than 11 months and can give me some info on the continued recovery process.

With it being 11 months, should I expect to live with this from now on or will it continue to get better?

I never imagined I would consider myself depressed but I am starting to feel those symptoms are showing.

I want to keep a positive outlook and to believe that things will continue to heal but I am becoming discouraged.

I am sorry to hear this! Hang on there- I am like you hoping it gets better. My aneurysm ruptured on January 10 so only 75 days in. I joined this site to gain encouragement from others like us. I hope you never give up on the fight. It looks like we have the same injury. SAH? I have a shunt also-do you?

RitaRoo

I do not have a shunt. 75 days is still very early. I hope you are able to recover fully.

I have always been in very good physical and mental condition. After my aneurysm ruptured I was released from ICU after 12 days and only spent two nights in a normal room.

I returned to work less than 6 weeks after the rupture. For those reasons, and because the doctor was astonished at how quickly I recovered, I expected to be back to 100% fairly quickly.

However looking back I realized that returning to work so soon was a mistake. Although I was fairly well recovered physically, I still had a lot of psychological trauma.

My BP remained high until just recently and I struggled with heart palpitations, probably due to anxiety.

I am very fortunate to be alive and not dealing with significant deficits. So all in all I am very happy for that - but the tough days are a challenge to get through.

How are you doing since your surgery?

I feel as if I so be recovering quicker than this. I believe the psychological aspect is very alive. I have fears that I didn't have before. I joined this group for stories of recovery and support as I find some days are difficult to get through. Are you able to return to driving?

Number Nine said:

I do not have a shunt. 75 days is still very early. I hope you are able to recover fully.

I have always been in very good physical and mental condition. After my aneurysm ruptured I was released from ICU after 12 days and only spent two nights in a normal room.

I returned to work less than 6 weeks after the rupture. For those reasons, and because the doctor was astonished at how quickly I recovered, I expected to be back to 100% fairly quickly.

However looking back I realized that returning to work so soon was a mistake. Although I was fairly well recovered physically, I still had a lot of psychological trauma.

My BP remained high until just recently and I struggled with heart palpitations, probably due to anxiety.

I am very fortunate to be alive and not dealing with significant deficits. So all in all I am very happy for that - but the tough days are a challenge to get through.

How are you doing since your surgery?

I am almost 3 years post rupture with multiple surgeries; craniotomies, clips, coils and a shunt. At about the 1 year mark really started to struggle with everything. I was referred to a counselor who worked with people who have had major health issues. It helped me so much, funny how someone who doesn't know you can give so much insight into life. Hang in there it will get better, it might be a little different just give yourself time.

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# 9 ...first, you are blessed if you were able to return to work...

Now...what have any of your docs / neuro-docs addressed with you on testing / therapies to assist your healing?

I have not seen my doc since September last year. Since cognitively and physically I have been doing well, I felt the emotional challenges would continue to improve. The last 3 months seem to have been getting worse though so it has me somewhat concerned.

I have my 12 month angiogram coming up in May and had planned to discuss the recovery process with him then.

My doctor is awesome and I was very happy to have had him - obviously with a rupture we don't get to pick but I got a good one. His nurse is terrible - can't get her to answer any phone calls.

#9...I have posted several diff subjects: the Limbic system, Medial temporal lobe, and the one today on Cognitive Impairment..to Dement-like conditions...the importance of this is for different symptoms...not to frighten...but to help look for neuro=psych testing and therapies.

The important part (and always remember, I have NO expertise)... is our limbic system is essentially the same as the medial temporal...

Our emotions are in that area of our brain...and, many more things...we have had a number of members over many years address from anger to tears to no tears...and whatever...

I have been most surprised/disappointed, over my time, that these top-notch specialists do not address "recovery"...regardless of the procedure ...open surgery or the marketed minimally invasive procedures...

Overall, you have been so blessed...I do not know your work functions; your ability to return and remain at your work...many of us have attempted that, and could not... Then, you are stepping forward looking for the other...your emotions/whatever else...You are doing magnificent steps for you and your family...

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It seems that our neuro folks really can’t predict the emotional impact as we’re all different, and have different lives and stressors in them. I depend upon faith very much, and hope that will help you through this journey too. I’m almost 16 months out from a crainiotomy for two uninterrupted annies and still have some anxieties as I still have two more they are watching. Try to find small things each day to make you smile, and try not to worry so much as annies already have stolen some time and joy from us. Focus on family, friends and things that make you happy and speak to your neuro folks for some medication to temporarily assist you to relax. You were very lucky to come through this journey so well, prayers and hugs coming your way. …

I truly a, fortunate to be in as good of shape as I am - and without trust and faith in God I am not sure I would have been able to get through the past 11 months as I have.

Has anyone tried or heard of any supplements to help the brain heal? I believe our bodies are amazing and can do amazing things but after traumatic injuries may need a little boost.

I have read that phosphatidylserine is very good for brain functioning and healing as well as N-Acetyl-carnitine which has been shown to help stroke victims heal faster. Just wonder if anyone has tried to supplement to help with the healing process.

Hey there! I was taking Keppra after my surgery for the seizures I had due to my rupture. I added a turmeric supplement & a magnesium supplement & that really helped improve my mood. I also added Arctic cod liver oil pills to my daily supplements to help strengthen my veins. I just finished the keppra last week so I’ve been feeling even better! I am continuing on with the supplements now too even though I’m off the keppra.

I am ten months post surgery. I find i am sad and anxious without any substantial triggers. Intellectually, I know there isn’t anything that I should be upset about. Emotionally, I am not able to control it. I do apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but again emotions do not match the thought. I am of the mind frame this will take time and I must be patient with myself. Also, reach out to your supports.