sharon, it's been 10 months since my rupture and sah and I've been struggling with depression too. I couldn't tell you exactly how I changed personality wise but I just know I'm different now, I can feel it and sense it. Ive accepted it but sometimes I just wish I could remember how I used to be but it's like I got disconnected from that person and came out different.
Sharon,
I can relate to much of what you wrote. My personality was altered and my short term memory was altered, as well as my long term memory. I remember in the rehab that I would say things to nurses that were upsetting and my daughter had to apologize for me and tell them that was not me talking. Thankfully that did clear up, as I am not a person who insults others. I know I prayed a lot in those days and still do. I also can relate to you becoming a "scaredy rabbit". That is your self-confidence being shaken so badly, you can hardly think to attempt to do something. However, you can do things, probably more than you think possible. I would start many days challenging my body and brain to complete one more task than the day before.I could not and do not think that I was given a chance at life to sit in a corner chair mumbling or looking out a window and that my new life was to be completely so disabled I could do nothing. I am not saying it is easy, as it is not. However, things are doable in a different way. Calm down and focus on what you want to accomplish that day and then tackle achieving it.
Today is an example of that for me. One of my side effects is dysgurgia, which is a distorted taste.I have a continual bitter taste; however, I also love to cook. I have a few new recipes I want to try, knowing I will not be able to taste them. However, it it not for me that I am cooking, but for the enjoyment it gives me to share with my friends. So, I mentally think of how it might taste and go ahead and cook. To me,that is a better way to look directly in the face of the problem and give it the middle finger!
Take care.
Hi Kit I was given a risk of 5% chance of rupture as the years went on and a 95% success rate of survival from the operation. I didn't have a choice in the operation due to size, and shape of my annie. I, like you, wonder if I should be fixing something that isn't broken as I don't have any major side affects from my annie other than dizziness that I am told is not related. I beg to differ.
I am scared to death too but know I will be fine and have faith. You will be too, you are young and strong and you have to think positive, no negative thoughts, feelings are permitted to enter my mind and when they do I push them away.
At the moment sleep is becoming a problem so I have to combat that as I want to be in top shape going in...
Be positive and have faith in your higher power.
Brenda :)
I am 62 and had two aneurysms x one was a MCA Annie open crainiotomy clipped. Was given three to five percent chance of stroke but a lot depends upon where they enter. Mine.were 5mm each. The left sidecontrols hhigher learning, memory skills and movements. Be sure to ask a lot of questions. Left side entry would almost certainly require rehab, I had a eight hours surgery on last Monday and discharged on Friday evening to home, norehab. Be sure expexpect to be extremely tired and take the time to recover x don’t ok very do and rest whenever you can. Am currently no bending over and lifting nothing over five pounds. Accept all the help offered to you to allow appropriate healing
.feeling better every day and blessed.
Please forgive typos, sight a little off due to swelling but meds are working on that too 
Hi Holly,
I apologize for taking so long to reply, I don't check the site often. I really do admire you for tackling a problem everyday. I feel so confused and depressed so often, I withdraw and don't tackle my probems. But your can do attitude is great. It makes me want to stop being scared. Thank you for responding.
Holly Springer said:
Sharon,
I can relate to much of what you wrote. My personality was altered and my short term memory was altered, as well as my long term memory. I remember in the rehab that I would say things to nurses that were upsetting and my daughter had to apologize for me and tell them that was not me talking. Thankfully that did clear up, as I am not a person who insults others. I know I prayed a lot in those days and still do. I also can relate to you becoming a "scaredy rabbit". That is your self-confidence being shaken so badly, you can hardly think to attempt to do something. However, you can do things, probably more than you think possible. I would start many days challenging my body and brain to complete one more task than the day before.I could not and do not think that I was given a chance at life to sit in a corner chair mumbling or looking out a window and that my new life was to be completely so disabled I could do nothing. I am not saying it is easy, as it is not. However, things are doable in a different way. Calm down and focus on what you want to accomplish that day and then tackle achieving it.
Today is an example of that for me. One of my side effects is dysgurgia, which is a distorted taste.I have a continual bitter taste; however, I also love to cook. I have a few new recipes I want to try, knowing I will not be able to taste them. However, it it not for me that I am cooking, but for the enjoyment it gives me to share with my friends. So, I mentally think of how it might taste and go ahead and cook. To me,that is a better way to look directly in the face of the problem and give it the middle finger!
Take care.
Good Morning-
I had a mid central artery repair 2 years ago- My Boston surgeon said he was very comfortable once he felt significant risk was below 10 percent for a difficult outcome using variables such as my age, health, location of annie...I remember him saying that stroke/death was around 3 percent based on his criteria. Your head spins. I put that statistic up against the numbers we know on surviving a rupture. (knowing they don't always know who ruptures and who doesn't. ie there are 90 year old that live with giant annies)
I remember asking the clinical nurses- how many 50 somethings in good health watch and wait with repairable aneurysms in your practice? They all said- none. The waiting room had a lot of people of my demographic going forward.
I had an easy recovery and forever grateful I had the chance to address the issue preventatively.
I wish you all the best. If I can help you at all message me.
Nancy