Hi Everyone,

I had a large (un-ruptured) fusiform aneurysm of the basilar artery treated on Sept 22nd with four stents and one coil. The procedure went well and within eight days the aneurysm was virtually fully ‘closed.’
Shortly after the operation, I developed sensory loss on the left side (arm/leg) and speech problems also; an MRI showed no bleed and following treatment with Noradrenalin to elevate BP, my speech returned to normal and the sensory problems were alleviated.

However, five weeks or so on, I still have some sensory loss on the left side and areas of tightness (both sides) in my abdomen and ribs that I can only describe as like wearing a jacket several sizes too small; especially evident when breathing deeply when it feels like I have a steel band around my chest.

Too be honest, I am feeling very down and wondering when, if ever, I will feel normal again. Although it takes a lot of effort, I try and exercise regularly (swimming, gym), but this provides only slight respite.
My GP tells me it’s all down to the procedure (esp. The location) and eventually the brain will recover/rewire or whatever, but it would be great to hear from someone who has been through something similar – please!

Having read some of the posts both here and on other sites, my problem seems almost trivial, but of course to me it is dominating my life; I am a 52 year old male.
Thank you
Tony

Hi Tony

Sorry that you are feeling so bad. I am just passig through this forum, on the way to the MS one, and I read your post and wanted to reply.

I had an unruptured aneurysm clipped in early 2004.

You are still very early in your recovery, the brain is very slow to heal and it will take up to two years for everything to fully recover. The first six months are the worst, and then there is an exponential improvement over the next eighteen months. This is, of course a generalisation and everyone has a different journey, different symptoms and different feelings.

I have multiple sclerosis as well, so I know that I had to deal with a whole packet of tightness, weakness, and sensory disturbance, so I do sort of understand where you are coming from.

I get a sense of grief in your post. It is common for aneurysm survivors to feel a sense of 'loss of self' in those dark first months. Let yourself go to that dark place sometimes, but don't linger there.

Be kind to yourself, don't push yourself too hard mentally or physically. You will pay for it big time in terms of fatigue.

Remember that a lot of us have gone on to develop depression during their recover - after all you have been through an enormous trauma - physically, psychologically and emotionally. Rest, eat healthily, listen to your body, and give yourself a break.

Please take care and remember to ask for help if you need it.

Regards

Lyn

Hi Lyn,

I am so grateful for your advice and kind words. It has surprised me how much it helps just to hear from someone who really understands from personal experience.

Yes, you spotted the emotional aspect in my post – my GP suggested it’s similar to PTSD and that as you suggested talking about or revisiting the experience can really help – maybe I will try a councillor – family/friends not really objective in these situations.
But once again thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me and very best wishes with your own health issues.
Regards,
Tony

Hi Tony

As far as family and friends go, as much as they love and care about you, they can't possibly understand what you have been through unless they have faced the same demons you have.

Are you having trouble with sleep? That seems to be a common thread with us, and I suspect has a lot to do with having someone 'mucking around' with the things that make us 'us'.

Around the three month mark, seems to be the time when depression and hair loss kick in. So be aware that these things may happen to you. Causes?? For the depression - a chemical imbalance maybe (combined with the loss of self I already covered). Don't be too proud to accept a 'hand up' if you are offered one in terms of counselling or medication. Hair loss - who knows, could be because your body and brain has been under so much stress or could be because of the radiation from the endless run of CAT scans, but so many of us have it. You better believe I was a stunning little unit with a partially bald head, scar, steroid acne and so on.

BUT...I got through it, and back to being myself. I got the little monster before it got me, and I have so much to be grateful for.

I will keep an eye on this forum, so please let me know how you are getting on, and if you have any questions I will do my best to help. You have joined the ranks of an elite club of aneurysm survivors.

Cheers

Lyn