Sometimes I get so confused. I start doing something, forget what it was I was trying to do. Get side tracked and have to start over again. Well today I found $80 in my coat pocket. I have not had the coat on for a few weeks because the weather has been great. I was baffled. If I was careless enough to stick $80 in my pocket and forget, (trust me, as bad as I need money, I think something like this would have stuck out in my mind) what else have I done? Scary. I checked my bills, all seem ok, other than dr's bill. Does anyone else deal with confusion, forgetfulness more than normal? I cant define normal for me anymore. I write notes to myself, sometimes I remember and sometimes I dont. Any suggestions or should I even be concerned with this? Other examples of confusion for me:
*Forgetting how to cook something
*Walking in circles looking for something and not remembering what I was looking for
*not taking med, because I cant remember if I took it already
*Trying to remember simple things: I sometimes forget grandchildren names or other people.
*Losing time
they dont happen everyday, but often enough to make me crazy.

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. It makes you wonder whether, as an intelligent person you will ever be as you once were.

I am not sure, how long it has been since your aneurysm rupture - you said last January, do you mean January 2011 or 2012? Either way, don't feel bad - the brain is very slow to heal, and two years seems to be the expected time until you reach 'full recovery' - having said that, many people seem to imrove long after two years.

So, to answer your question - although I didn't have a rupture, I did have a crantiotomy to clip my aneurysm, and I have MS which clouds the whole issue. I recall ordering my children (who were then 8 and 10 years old) to put their school bags in the fridge. I said some utterly ridiculous things, couldn't cope at all with light sound and movement (so shopping, movie theatres and carnivals were a nightmare).

As my recovery progressed, I remember having 'headache-less migraines and making absolutely no sense at all - to anyone.

Yes - depression became part of my life, but I knew for the sake of my husband and my kids that I needed to gain control and get past it - but it was HARD.

But, have faith - write lists - play word games - play memory games. It will hopefully happen though it may take some time. Keep a diary - you will be amazed at how powerful your brain and your recovery is. Just don't expect too much too fast.

Regards

Lyn

It's been a year since rupture. Funny, it seems just like yesterday to me. I remember better it seems after it happened, but with the passing days and months it seems to get just a little worse. I simplfy my life as much as possible. I do simple activities (spare of the moment) rather than planned ones other than dr's appt. My sister showed my how to put dr's appt in cell phone. So i put them in as soon as the nurse gives me my next appt. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. My child is grown and gone. She's has her own family, my family, well thats all that they are, and my husband is retired military, self disciplined and independent. So, didnt have a whole lot to focus or fight for other than me. I have depression issues, I will admit I need professional help and pride or either denile is prohibiting me from seeking that help. I feel like screaming most of the time, but loud noises startle me. I still get the horrible headaches and the migrain light show is ongoing which makes me panic sometimes. Anything associated with that day 1/18/2011 frightens the ba-he-ba-je-ba's out of me. So atleast 2 years huh? Then things will get better, Im half way there, that's encouraging. I can't wait to get my life back, but between me and you - to the best of my recollection, it sucked then also. I know, Im going to focus on the positive. I am praying for Serenity. Just hearing your story, encourages me. Thank you for sharing with me. How are you doing? I pray for your health and strength, that you continue to be a blessing to everyone that you encounter. Truly encouraging. Thank you again : )

Hello again

I am several years down the track since my clipping surgery - but the memories are so clear - and so is the knowledge that things get better with time.

My aneurysm was clipped in 2004, and my kids are now grown up, or almost grown up. I have a son at University and a daughter in High School. I am due for what is probably going to be my last check up with my Neurosurgeon sometime this year. My husband is an ex-policeman (in the job for 24 years). He has been my rock and my saviour.

I still have a huge dent in my hairline, and a scar that goes from the top of one ear right across to the top of the other. I had 55 staples and a few stitches, and I was on massive steroids that caused major mood swings, bleeding and serious acne to match my bizarre new hairdo - I looked (and felt) like a creature from the black lagoon. It is a constant reminder to me of all of the great things I have won, and could have lost.

I truly believe I am a better person for all of this - I am more patient, more forgiving, more caring, and recognise the 'really important' stuff in my life.

BUT I am the first one to admit that it was a looong process. At six months I felt heaps better..... at twelve months I felt better again....at two years life was pretty much back to normal.....but even 8 years later, I still have to plan and think carefully about sensory overload.

Having Mulltiple Sclerosis skews my whole picture big time (because I have that forever). But, we have to do the best we can, with best we are, using the best resources we have.

Just take things one day, one hour, one minute, one breath at a time. Be thankful for all that you have, and try and push yourself one tiny bit further every day.

You will be amazed at yourself and the power of your mind.

Please take care and keep me posted about your progress. You have been through a MASSIVE trauma, be kind to yourself, and if you need help there is no shame - it is a sign of strength that you recognise and addess it.

Hugs

Lyn

Believe me, I am trying with all my might. I pray for strength daily. I know, one day I will look back and will shout with joy that I made it. I will keep telling myself this, rather I believe it or not. Soon, very soon, things will get better.

Thank you so much for sharing. Although I dont have the support system that you have had, I feel blessed to have found this forum. Talking helps so much. Hearing that others have succeeded encourages me more than any one will ever know.

Some days are better than others, and some just suck real bad. My brain must be getting better because Im starting to dream again or atleast remember that I dreamed.

I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

its 4 mnths since my op i have good days nbad days i also write evrything down otherwise wld frget it on bad days i try n think ok but im alive i hope you get better soon theres hope out there and this site helps so much take care x

Hello there - Zoe, is it?

Congratulations on getting to the 4 month mark. It is a big deal, and you will notice lots of change, lots of challenges and lots of improvements over time.

Tell me a little bit about you - did you have a rupture? I am so glad that you have found the posts here helpful. There is not a lot of activity on this forum right now, I spend most of my time on the Multiple Sclerosis forum, but if you ever have any questions, or would just like to chat or have a sympathetic ear, Private Message me - and I will also pop in here to see if you have posted.

Kind regards, and looking forward to hearing from you

Lyn

It's been 8 yrs since my bleed...I was coiled and also have a Codman programable shunt because of hydro. Every morning I put my feet on the ground and yell....thank you!!!
But I forget everything....lists..things in grocery stores...what I went upstairs for...what I had for breakfast that morning. It disturbs me more than you can ever know....and yes...I am working on it. But my memory was ME....was part of what made me good at my job, and now it's gone. Shrugs....I am still here.