Hi everyone…wanted some insights as to when the best time to return to work. March 24 I had ruptured aneurysm surgery and also two strokes. Surprisingly, I am fairing well with walking, talking, and tasking at home. Most of my doctors are incredibly surprised and say I am healing amazing through it all. At another point this year or early next, I need another surgery on an unruptured aneurysm they want to clip as I am doing well and young. This Friday I go and hope to drive again. Is there time after driving they wait for more responsibility to give you?
Wanting to make sure I am ok but ready when suggested I do back. Thanks for all your insights and wanted some thoughts before I see my neurologist this Friday!
Hi Heather,
My Hospital Neurologist explained to me the guidelines of returning to work is based on 1 week of hosptilizaiton equates 1 month of leave of absence. So, in my case, it was 4 weeks of hospitalization equaling 4 months of leave. My Neurologist and Neuro-Surgeon explained that it is just guideline. If onset issue arise, they would support extending the leave of absence. I also had a ruptured aneurysm by the brain stem. However, I went back to work too early and realized that on-set disability (vision, balance, hearing, vertigo) which impacted my ability to work so I had to go back on short term disability. Try test runs before you go back to work like nagivagting in a difficult environment like a crowded restaurant. If you have onset disability as result of aneurym rupture and SAH, it is good to understand your limitation before returning back to work. Where did you have your rupture? For driving, understand your limitations before proceeding. Understand that you had a major event in your life, major brain surgery and your brain is healing so give yourself adequate time. Hope the best.
Thank you so much for this, I agree I needed more time to heal…I agree I needed at least til end of May (2 months off, was in hospital about 2 weeks), if I can handle driving and crowded places. I went out to dinner twice and it was ok both times. Biggest issue was the place that was loud but I made it through. My rupture was on front left side…my other one they are clipping when they decide is a good time in PICA right side- most likely near yours- as I haven’t seen much on back side ones yet. I had too were put in as IVH (prior to surgery) & MCA stroke (during surgery), are those different than SAH? I see SAH a lot but nothing in my charts, is that the same as ruptured aneurysm?
Heather,
My rupture occurred at the right vertebral harboring the PICA. (VA-PICA). I have a lot to share regarding PICA. It is the artery system that supplies blood to the lateral medulla (lower cranial nerves) and lower cerebellum. However, in my case, I did not suffer disabilities in this territory. It is was a little higher (AICA) territory where I suffered a small stroke as consequence of the bleed. SAH stands for subarchnoid hemmoraghe as result of rupture. The bleed fills the subarchnoid space. Here is a good explanation.
http://www.taafonline.org/conditions/aneurysm/about#ba_r_damage
You may want to get a copy of your Neuro-Surgeon’s notes to your Neurologist. It was very helpful as I had consultations with numerous specialists. In the Neuro-Surgeon notes, it should detail the exact location of the aneurysm, thickness of the bleed (SAH), incidence of vasospasm, and evidence of stroke (infarct). You mentioned that you did suffer from a stroke in the MCA territory. As I understand, this artery supplies blood to the areas of speech. Prior to returning to work, I would take challenge tests in high stimulating environments like a casino or Dave and Busters to test your endurance and ability to handle complex environments. Many survivors in my monthly support group who had ruptures in mid and front brain complain about mental overload in these types of environments. Lastly, regarding PICA aneurysm, it is a rare case accounting for only 1-2% of all aneurysm. You may want to check the experience of your Neuro-Surgeon with PICA aneurysm. Often, it is a tricky procedure where a stroke during surgery is devastating as the PICA territory (lower cranial nerves) includes involuntary systems. Hope the best. You had major brain surgery so take it slow. Best of luck. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Hi Heather - I’m new here - but it amazes me how informed ya’ll are about your conditions. Had sudden bilateral aneurysm January 4 - one ruptured - both coiled - 2 weeks in hospital - went back to work 2/21 - worked up to 1/2 days at office 1/2 days at home. Just had stent placed approximately 8 days ago. Most of my doctors have been pleasantly surprised too. The only thing I have found is that I get really tired - still. Just try not to overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at first. Good luck!
I wanted to chime in with the idea of not rushing back to work. Your LIFE is more important than your WORK – and this includes your quality of life.
I didn’t have an annie but I’ve had chronic migraines for 30 years that have resulted in excruciating damage to my trigeminal nerve (the big nerve in your head that controls basically a your whole face). I made the decision to leave my career and get a j-o-b. I work for a pay check now, not a career, and although it was exceedingly difficult, lowering my stress did make all the difference in my quality of life.
azurelle