Aug. 2011 was when my aneurysm burst. I spent about 24 days in the ICU and was flighted to Portland in Sept. for a second surgery to clip the remaining ones. They had to do another surgery in early Dec. to clip one they couldn't reach on the other side. It's now over a year since my last surgery.
I've been going to some local support groups and am very thankful I have fewer problems than some other brain injury people. I'm having a hard time though, figuring out what I should be doing with my life. I really don't feel like I have any direction or motivation right now and feel terribly guilty about it, especially given how well I'm doing compared to some. I was laid off my job in April. I do have some problems but feel like everyone expects me to be doing more than I am.
I survived breast cancer (2005) but watched my mother in law die of ovarian cancer and a good friend die of breast cancer that went undiagnosed too long.
I am really having a hard time understanding why I am still here and what I should be doing with myself. I've been really tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the seasonal stuff and feel guilty for complaining about anything.
Hi Laura. I too am new to the site. I have a few things I’d like to share with you. Can’t do it right now but did want to reply to you. You have been blessed to be still here. No need to feel guilty. Sounds like maybe you are just trying to accept your new norm? Not sure but pls lets talk again
Laura...don't be hard on YOU...you have survived more things then most see in one lifetime...perhaps you are thinking to hard...and need to let things happen naturally...Does that make sense? Sometimes God has a plan and we need to just listen...the Holiday season is a good time...Gotcha in my Thoughts that you will work through and find your path...~ Colleen
Hey Laura. Of course you’re overwhelmed! You’ve been thru so much!! I too feel like what happened to me has changed my life and I’m still trying to figure out what this all means. Forget what anyone else expects from you, you need to focus on yourself. Did we nearly die for a specific purpose? We’ll never know. Do what you feel and know there are so many other people out there going thru the same thing you are! Be safe. Relaxxxxxxxxxx
Laura feeling overwhelmed is part of our new normal. Your story sounds exactly like mine. I so want to talk to you will write soon pls pls keep in touch with me
hi Laura! i wish i had the right words to help. Its so hard,all i know is we must try try try and when we're exhausted try some more it seems. i also wonder why am i here on earth?? i thought id be back to work 3 yrs ago. Thank God i can shower and walk a little. Initially i was in denial and then shock, now im kinda in a bewildered state of confusion with a touch of self pity & sadness- its very hard to describe-there are no words to describe this but im glad youre here with us- it helps to at least try to describe and share and to know we are not alone. Happy New Year to all!
I know it can be overwhelming!! I was feeling like that, although it was my bf who was the direct victim! There should be no rush! Your body is the best symptom machine and it lets you know exactly what to do. If you don't feel like doing anything it is OK, take it easy.
I think you could start by asking yourself what do you LIKE to do? I for example find it therapeutic to get involved with crafting. Do you like knitting, painting or working with clay? You could work your way like that and re-direct your focus on creating something. After you finish them you could try to sell them online. You can contact me for more ideas if you are interested :) If you don't like this type of activity, look deep inside your heart and think of something that really makes you happy!
It is very good that you joined this site. I am new too, but it is good to find other people who have been through similar problems like you! The number one key to success is to know that you are not alone, and I am sure we will make many nice friends here. Every one is stressed and even some people get depressed during holidays so take it in account that you are a normal person just like the rest of the world, with ups and downs during different periods of time. If you are concerned that this unhappiness is going on for too long don't hesitate to see a specialist! You will be surprised how much it could help! You can find answers to why you are feeling a certain way and also different ways to overcome the feelings that are upsetting you :)
Hello! Overwhelmed is an understatement. All that you knew has changed, and now we are all trying to figure out our new normal and path. I tell myself to enjoy the slow ride, smell the roses, and take in life at a slower pace. Guess what? When you do that, you get to see things you have never seen before. Take in all of Gods beautiful creations. I’ve seen humming birds outside my window, clouds that look so beautiful. There is so much to see and enjoy. It’s okay to move at a different pace. You’ll get there. It took me a while. I wanted the old me for a long time until I realized that this me, is still me, and she’s just as awesome. Blessings and healing on your journey.
You’ve found a post that’s a bit over ten years old! Your words of wisdom is spot on in my book. If no one responds by tomorrow, I still need to close this thread.
Not a problem! If you look at the date of the last response before yours, you’ll see “Jan ‘13”. That means it was last responded to in January 2013. The original poster shows “Dec ‘12” which means the topic was started in December 2012. Your response and mine show days and hours. Thanks for catching it!