My SAH happened on October 30th, 2013. I was at home and had just finished doing push-ups during my workout warm-up. After I finished, I stood up and experienced the most excruciating headache. My neck also immediately locked up. I had no idea what was going on but luckily, my husband was in the other room studying so I went and got him. At first, we thought I must have been dehydrated, pulled a muscle, or something along those lines. I finally told him to take me to the ER which was less than 15 minutes away. By the time we arrived, I was convulsing and was unable to talk, see, or walk. He carried me in to the ER. The ER doctor was unsure what was wrong with me. Did I mention I am 28 years old and have no family history of aneurysms. After a blood test and CT scan, the doctor assumed it was an aneurysm because of the bleeding in my brain. He could not see the aneurysm on the CT scan though.
I was taken by ambulance to a larger hospital that had a neurosurgical ICU. I had a drain inserted in my brain to help relieve pressure. I also had another CT scan. A team of neurologists went over the scan several times and couldn’t find where the bleed was located. After several hours, the radiologist went over the scan again and using a 3D computer, found the aneurysm. It was 1/8 inch and located in the lower left back of my brain. The neurologist did the coil on the 31st. I woke up on November 1st, not having a clue what was going on.
I spent 3 ½ weeks in the hospital in recovery. Among other drugs, I had to take meds for the vasospasms, which I had problems with taking because I couldn’t swallow. I had to have thickener in all of my liquids and eat soft foods or I would choke. My vision was still impaired with double vision and I had to do PT because I couldn’t move my neck. Three days prior to my discharge, I underwent surgery again to have a shunt put in my brain. Originally, they delayed putting the shunt in hoping my spinal fluid would start circulating again on its own but the pressure kept building up so they were forced to put in the shunt. I went for my follow up on December 4th and the doctor said he will probably add more coils in a couple of months. He talked to me about some of the things I should expect like headaches and fatigue. Thankfully, I have not had any serious problems since my discharge. I am still experiencing fatigue and double vision, which my doctor said should heal with time. I experienced headaches every day until about 3 days ago. They just went away. I still experience “pressure” headaches if I move around too quickly or bend over suddenly. The headaches make me paranoid. I was very fortunate not to have any memory loss or serious brain damage (that I know of). My next appointment is January 10th and I hope my doctor will see that I am doing a lot better and will release me back to work then. He did tell me to take it easy with exercising until I’m stronger. I told him I wouldn’t be doing any push-ups in the near future!!!
Wow Shauna !!
What a Merry Christmas present you are!! that is so awesome to hear that, although you've been thru hell and back, you sound as though you've had a fantastic recovery ! October 30th was only...55 days ago !?
You're double vision is (i hope) gradually subsiding? I had double vision after my annie grew so much one night it snapped my third optic nerve in two, I had a clipping within 2 days, but was left with intense double vision as well. Mine resolved itself in about 4 to 5 months and I hope yours does the same. Keep in mind you are early in the recovery game and 'you're right, push ups are out for a while, relax a bit and enjoy this holiday season ! Merry Christmas !
Janet