Originally Posted by chiarichic

Why yes, yes I do!!

Though our "brain" health issues are different, I know exactly what you are talking about. I have Chiari 1 malformation and in 2004, had craniotomy, duraplasty and laminectomy of c1 to take the pressure off my brainstem and spinal cord. Ever since, I have had worsening symptoms of severe hormonal imbalance: hypothyroid, adrenal insufficiency, premature menopause symptoms. And as you can probably suspect, a good healthy dose of depression, anxiety, and chronic debilitating fatigue. I finally found a nurse practioner who is beginning to help me treat my hormone imbalances. And interestingly, it appears to be a pituitary issue likely related either to the Chiari or to the trauma associated with the surgery.

And I do just stay in bed and cry on those days.... but I only allow myself 30 minutes of pity party and then I get up and do something, then I usually wind up back in bed but at least I got up.. I found that on those days when I feel so low, I haven't been listening to my body and am very run down. I push my body way toooo hard and then pay for it later.

My family tries to be supportive, but more than once, my husband has remarked about how much better I look, when I feel like I am about to crumble in a heap on the floor. They try, but until a person experiences what its like to have "brain surgery" and the recovery, they can not begin to understand what it is like.

I am sorry you are struggling, but just remember there are others out here who do get it, and stay strong because it will get better.