I am new to and so grateful for this community support. As a veteran and a retired counselor, I believe in group support. As my profile reflects, I had a coiling procedure on 03/24/26 for a 7mm (unruptured) PCA. I had no one explain what some of the surgery side effects might be and how I might deal with the after-effects. It seemed that everyone expected rapid recovery from the surgery and that I might experience fatigue for a while.
Feeling overwhelmed is a gross understatement. I knew there had to be some support resources available. I was struggling with cognitive clarity and was on an emotional rollercoaster. I knew there had to be others like me out there! So, I began my search and felt an immediate sense of relief with discovering BAF.
I am glad to report that this past week I began experiencing more of a so called “new normal.” I am walking everyday and trying to stay hydrated. My focus is better and the emotions have leveled a great deal. I also know that I have a long journey ahead. At least, I do not feel as if I am traveling alone now.
Welcome, Jan! We’re all glad you found us, too. I felt similar relief when I found this group in the first few scary days following diagnosis. I’ve found the members here to be so helpful, realistic and uplifting. I hope you continue to feel your way through what life looks like now after your coiling, and that the positives begin to outweigh the inconveniences.
Thank you for many things, starting a new topic, your kind words and especially for your service! I’m unsure how other countries treat their Veterans but ours can use some major improvements. Nothing new about that for all my life, coming from generations of military service. Happy to read your hydrating, don’t forget the electrolytes and protein.
My non medical background theory is we often get a bit of a change from blood flowing differently than what we are accustomed to, the anesthesia and of course the dye. Although I’ve been told that these things get out of our system rather quickly, it’s not been my experience which is why I think that my neurosurgeon always had me drinking the 3 bottles of 32 punch Gatorade along with twice that of water for several months after any angiogram.
Remember you are not alone, we are always here. Welcome to a rather large family!
The food pyramid has changed dramatically in the USA with the current administration so I’m not sure how much protein is recommended now by the RDN’s but I do well with at least 90 grams and better at 120 gms for what it’s worth. I highly suggest you ask someone who is a RDN, perhaps you can access one through the VA Medical Center or maybe you can use their tele health to get an educated answer.
Thank you for taking time to response to my post. I know this group will be extremely helpful. I know that the positives outweigh the negatives in life.
Thank you Moltroub. You provide great information and and insight. It is appreciated.
I am making efforts to increase my protein intake daily. I agree that, at least for me, it took a long time for the anesthesia to get out of my system. RDN is a good suggestion.
I just wanted to chime in along with friends and voice how grateful I am to have you here!
That is great to hear that you are feeling more like yourself again. And that you are walking again too - that does my heart good!!
Please do let us know what we can do to help you out. Since you mention focus, my personal go-to’s are to either do a Focus Meditation with one of my apps or I do a Focus session with Brain.fm. Brain.fm is a subscription service, but they do have free videos on YouTube, and I tried it out for months before paying for it. This is my one of my faves you can try out (30 minutes).
My first year and half postoperative was not good for me, I was never told I needed to take plavix and ASA 325mg for over a year, it was awful on my body and mind. I was very emotional, and felt like I had no control of my emotions, and terrible anxiety. After being taken off the plavix and aspirin, my tendon and joint pain is suddenly gone, I have emotional control, I feel better than ever. I have to wonder with the entire procedure with neurosurgeon placing a stent in brain caused me trauma? Not to mention anesthesia and dyes and contrast.
I can relate to lacking information. It is a learn as I go along in this journey. Thankfully, I am no longer on the Plavix and reduced to 81mg of aspirin 3xs a week. The anesthesia and dyes really did a number on my system for about a month.
That has improved greatly. Still struggling with some insomnia 2 to 3xs weekly. Hoping that will improve. Have decreased caffeine greatly.
Really trying to shift my focus from feeling less overwhelmed and to realizing that I am not overpowered!
caused me trauma? Not to mention anesthesia and dyes and contrast.