Background: I had three aneurysms in my head. Two years ago, they went into fix the first one, but the coil escaped and I had a stroke. I was in the hospital rehab for 6 weeks. Five months later, they decided to do the second one. Again the coil came out and the doctor decided to wait and try again the next day. During the night, the aneurysm burst, and I went into cardiac arrest. They restarted my heart and I was back in rehab for a few weeks. About six weeks ago, they went in and fixed the third one, and it went smooth as silk, thank God.
Since then, I have suffered from disturbing - and at times scary- brain fog, especially when I’m tired. I also get mild headaches on the right side where they just coiled it. Is this normal?
Unfortunately I’m also battling bouts of severe depression. It’s rough. My doctor has set me up with some counseling that I will start soon. She suggested antidepressants, but I don’t wanna take any more pills, and I know those are not always the best choice anyway.
So my question is, has anybody else experienced things like this? Does it eventually go away?
I had brain fog and headaches when I was at the same place post coiling as you are, and yes, it did get better.
You’ve been through a lot in the last few years and depression is understandable. I hope you find some relief, and that some other members here can share more about their similar experiences.
Good morning Patty! Brain fog, big yes especially so close to having an angiogram whether or not a fix was done except the stent which shocked us all. Remember to keep hydrated and eat protein, your brain has been through a lot. Rest when needed. Be kind to yourself, you’ve been through an awful lot.
I also get the desire to not have to take one more pill. I only take the aspirin for the stent, but for other health issues it seems like a lot. However, sometimes we do need them. There’s no shame in needing to take an antidepressant if you need it and they don’t have to be a forever type of medicine. Off and on since I ruptured, BH has to take an antidepressant sometimes for 6 months to a year. It’s my fault, BH was diagnosed with PTSD because of my rupture and being told for those 21 days I may not make it to the next day. It’s not really my fault, I think the Neuropsychologist was teasing. But talk with the therapist about it.
Reach out to your team through your portal and let them know about the headache and exactly where it is. I’ve got one spot on the left side that mine would get really concerned about and other spots near it they didn’t seem to get excited about. I also wouldn’t be told why it hurt there so off to the Neurologist they’d send me. Over the years I’ve learned it’s mostly because I didn’t drink enough water.
Hey I totally understand where you are coming from. I had 2 aneurysms clipped 10 weeks ago and iv felt the lowest I have ever felt. I have been pushing everyone away as I just can’t hold a conversation without crying! The feeling of doom in the pit of my stomach is just not going away. Iv just started on sertraline to ease it. Stay strong
When something changes in our bodies I think we consciously and unconsciously go into analyzing mode, is this okay, am I in danger, should I seek help. All of this, I am certain, triggers stress responses both mentally and physically and really wears on a person. I am quite a few years past my first rupture and coiling and if I recall correctly the first few months had far more brain fog episodes than later but I also know that these brain fog episodes do not cause me as much stress responses as they did originally. I have learned what triggers to avoid and to take myself out of the situation fairly quickly when I recognize the start of brain fog setting in. Mentally and physically I am in a better place not dealing with fight or flight type responses as often. So have they lessened or become less severe or have I simply found a way around it all? Good question, not sure I really know the answer. I do know I am in a better place and live a fairly normal life, although a different version of life than before, far less socially active and way more into hobbies and nature. Give yourself some time to heal, longer than you think, and see what your new normal looks like and how you can live your best life right there.