Hello, my story starts on August 2024, I was at work doing my thing when something told me to go to the bathroom so I did. When I did I felt something pop in my Brain. I knew something was wrong i told my supervisor to get a hold of the paramedics that something had popped in my brain. After that I passed out and don’t remember anything. From what people have told me it looked like I was having a stroke. I woke up when the paramedics showed up. They took me to the hospital and the hospital took me down to get a ct. When I got back from there I needed to go to the restroom again. The nurse went to go get some supplies and when they got back they were in the state of confusion and shock. They told me that I had a brain bleed and that I shouldn’t be talking to them right now. I told them I didn’t know what to say. They took me back down for another ct. Came back and then I passed out. The doctor came in later and told me that I had a brain aneurysm and I had to go for surgery and the icu. I went to surgery and the surgeon told me what he was going to do. Which come to find out later he put a stent in and a coil. He was also nice because he had asked me for my husband’s number to let him know what was going on. My husband was at home taking care of our special needs son. I was put in a medical coma for about 4 days. After the fourth day I was up and walking but with a very bad migraine. I was in the hospital for 21 days. I had no deficits meaning slurred speech ect. When I got out of the hospital I started having dizzy spells and also alot of emotions. Everything seemed to trigger me for my emotions to start. With time the dizzy spells seem to go away. My emotions are still there but not as bad. Im seeing a therapist for that. Hes helping me to look at things different then what im use to. Im having alot of why me? And what am I here on this earth for? In November 2025 I had to go back in and the surgeon put another stent in. That was an in out surgery. I was back to work right away. But know im having weakness on my left side. They said i was having that in the hospital too but in the last week or so im feeling it more. Within the last couple days I have fallen twice. The doctor doesn’t think it has to do with my brain aneurysm because I have arthritis in my left knee too.
I was reading some of the post on here about how our brains have changed and how they need to get use to the new paths they have been put on. That has helped me in they way of my thinking.
Welcome again Marlena! Thank you for telling us more about your journey, every story helps another with theirs. A lot of our members ask those same questions “Im having alot of why me? And what am I here on this earth for?” It’s a bouncing back and forth with our emotions as if they’re playing ping pong in our brains. I didn’t do the why me, so much since I didn’t have any affect for a few years after I ruptured. BH says it returned slowly, but to me it felt like it was very quick. I go with what BH observed. I also had a career where I had to learn to accept death as part of life and not question why some survive while others don’t or I couldn’t have stayed in my chosen career.
I did have the other question concerning my purpose since my post rupture issues stopped me from working. Like many others, my self definition was what I did and not who I am, if that makes any sense. I eventually settled with it was simply to be kind and to try to help others as much as I can. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not but it doesn’t stop me from trying. Interestingly, I find a lot of people have had someone close to them or someone they know have also experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm. When we discuss it, there is a plethora of emotions that can come up. From anger to tears of loss that some didn’t realize they were holding onto if the person succumbed to their rupture. Eventually I will figure out my true purpose but I’m slow at figuring things out now. I figure it will be an Ah hah moment.
Your story is amazing! The fact that someone is able to return to work always amazes me! I get really excited to read those stories! Good for you! Mr. William, my neurosurgeon’s PA told me either in NSICU or shortly after my discharge that patients who are able to survive a rupture he felt had an amazing amount of willpower. The medical team can only do so much and then it falls to the patient. My neurosurgeon has a strong religious belief and says we are all miracles.
I’m also happy to read that it sounds like you and your husband have a team approach at raising a special needs child! Shared parenting is always the best approach, well done to you both!
First I want to say thank you for your kind words. I do believe in God and that he saved me for a reason. Sometimes i think hes not ready for me because of my stubbornness. I know that when its my time to go he will take me. And im ready because I don’t have no say. I also think I was saved so I could be here to give people knowledge and hope. The thing that’s getting me is the aftermath of this whole thing. What I mean is the weakness on my left side. Now im falling out of nowhere. The doctors are saying that’s not because of my aneurysm its because I have arthritis in my left knee and it will give out but I think it’s partly because of the left side being weak.
As far as going back to work it was hard for me to. But I needed the money and the insurance. Right now im glad I found this support group. It has helped me with the words of encouragement and I also know that im not in this alone because other people are out there going through the same thing THANK YOU so much.
Several years after I ruptured I developed an autoimmune disorder. Obviously it had nothing to do with my aneurysm but probably everything to do with genetics so I thank my Dad as he had SLE. I’ve know I’ve had arthritis since I was 18 due to a bad vehicular accident. I’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in different places in the last couple years which has more to do with the accident and aging I suspect as I’ve used my body well and according to my great nephew, I’m in my twilight years.
I get a lot of good advice from the Physical Therapists I see and their PTA’s and it’s helped tremendously especially if I can continue to do the stretching exercises long after I’ve finished up with the number of sessions my insurance allows. Maybe that’s something that will benefit you, if you’re able to get to go to PT. They can definitely help you strengthen your core and left side. You do have to be fully committed to doing the exercises at home every day, they might be able to suggest others that can help at work. If you have access to a swimming pool, maybe that’s something will help. The pool where I used to go to PT had to close their pool down and I couldn’t get into the class prior to it closing, the new place doesn’t have a pool, so it’s a bike and other stretching exercises.
I have an aneurysm that didn’t pop…but coiled and a stent. 6 months later I had to have another Stent put in. Since then I’ve been diagnosed with Orthostatic Tremors, PBA, Cognitive dysfunction, anxiety. That second stent they added to your brain changed the blood flow again, and it could be touching something in your brain that is causing you to feel the way you do and falling. Don’t let your doctors tell you it’s not the stent, you were doing pretty good before it, you went back to work even. The emotional stuff could be PBA, if you’re crying even when there is no reason for it. I’d ask your neurologist about that. The falling I would also look into, you could have had a mini stroke from the second stent being added. You are your OWN advocate for your health, if you’re not getting answers and your gut is telling you something is up, it probably is. I found all my own doctors, because the ones I was going to just brushed me aside, except my surgeon, he was wonderful, but unfortunately he left the practice. Do your research, AI is great and you can dig deep into it. Find a neurologist that listens to you, and find a doctor that will explain to you what’s happening with the changes you are experiencing. Hell call your surgeon and tell them you need to speak to him and you need to do it now. Don’t sugar coat your issues, they are effecting your life! Make them listen, tell them you want to know what’s going on. Anything that gets changed in your brain can cause so many things in your body. I hope you get the help you’re wanting!
My story is almost identical to yours so I won’t repeat it. A few years after my rupture I became unstable and fell. My left leg would just give out on me and it made me very concerned. There was no pain associated with these events. Long story short - it turned out I had a cyst in my spinal column that was crushing the sciatic nerve to my left leg. It had nothing to do with my brain. I had surgery to remove the cyst and some arthritic tissue and it never happened again.
With all things medical anything could be causing your symptoms, but a careful evaluation my a neurologist may be in order. A nerve conduction test maybe helpful also. Best of luck to you
You guys have perfect timing - did you know that, brilliant folks that you are!
@mdrobles1973, my brief background is that I ruptured like you, and also had some side issues. Throughout this journey, I was encouraged to take up mindfulness/meditation which has been wonderful for me, but I appreciate it is not for everyone.
I have several meditation apps, but my favorite is Humin f/k/a Healthy Minds. It is a free app, and it is run by academia so a) they aren’t going crazy trying to sell your data as I understand, no ads, minimal spam; b) it is science-based and is an East meets West kind of program; and c) it is award-winning/well-regarded.
Anyway to the point, one of the pillars of the program iof a healthy mind is having a purpose, which is the segment I am currently on. However, they argue that we have it wrong, and there is not one overarching grand purpose to your life - you can have several purposes(see towards the end).
So being here with us may be one of your purposes … and we are grateful you are!
I want to say thank you for all the support that everyone has given me. The resources have helped alot. Im starting to read a book someone had suggested. Now I know im not alone in this journey post reputure. That makes me feel great, seen,heard and understood. So again thank you so very much
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