On October 30, my husband had a brain aneurysm rupture and suffered massive hemmorage. On that night, I along with my stepson, had to perform CPR to revive him. He did survive and the next day went into surgery. The coiling procedure did not work, so he had to go through a second surgery and the aneurysm was successfully clamped. During the surgery an artery was damaged and he had a stroke affecting his right side. He spent 13 days in the ICU battling pneumonia as well. He is now on the Rehab floor but it is going to be a long recovery. He still to this day, does not remember who I or his children are. I am so thankful that he is alive and doing well, but I find it very hard to be with him, because he seems very unconfortable when I and his kids are there talking with him. Any suggestions??
Jenny- I hardly ever come on here, but after reading your story, I wanted to reply because it is so familiar to me. My husband had a rupture in Jan '09. He, too spent about 2 weeks in ICU and had a coiling and a clipping, though his clipping was 6 months after the coiling. He had pneumonia related to aspirating in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. He did not initially remember me. He knew our kids names, but not much else. Over time, his long term memory returned. His short term is still pretty bad. It seems that you live in my neck of the woods, and like us- it looks like your husband was pretty young to have an aneurysm. We attend a monthly support group in Denver- I know it's a bit of a drive, but it's SO well worth the support we get! I'd be happy to talk with you more about what has worked for me and hasn't over the years- although every case seems to be sooo different. It's a lot of wait and see, but I promise you, it DOES get easier, and he WILL make progress! If you don't mind me asking, where is he hospitalized? My husband spent 2 1/2 months or so in the rehab, but he went from being completely paralyzed on one size to WALKING out of the hospital. Don't give up hope, keep visiting/supporting/encouraging him, and know that it just takes a LOOOONG time for the brain to heal. I can't remember if you can see my e-mail through my profile here or not, but please feel free to send me a message- I had some great support during those first few months and I don't think I could have made it through that difficult time without it!
I have been dealing with memory issues with my husband who has had a brain aneurysm/AVM rupture on Oct 4th 2010. his is mostly short term memory~ which can be be very stressful on our family~ I have learned through my psychologist NEED to do something just for myself at least every week. Lean on your family and friends for support and respite. Due to my husband memory he cannot be trusted to be left alone whiel I am work so I have have to arrange for "daycare" for him and our 4 1/2 daughter. My prayers go out to you and your family as I know how difficult this is~ I even had to file for gaurdianship/conservatorship for my husband~
Remember take care of yourself~
((HUGS))
Andrea Zellner