Hi. I too had surgery had surgery for an inner ear infection that became horribly infected and I became violently ill on March 9, 2010, I saw my doctor on March 10 and on March 11 he fit me in his surgery schedule because I was experiencing nausea for the first time in my life that was so bad I couldn't even hold down water. I had the surgery then I became violently ill that night and my 17-year-old son was so concerned that he called 911 in the morning and went to the hospital with me where they gave me anti-nausea drugs and he took the day off from school to spend the day taking care of me. Then I came back for a follow-up appointment with my doctor on March 19. He was so concerned about my physical symptoms and my state of mind that he wanted me to stay in hospital, but I was worried about what it would cost, so I convinced him that I try being at home, being taken care of by my daughter, which turned out not to be a very good idea because she was having some very serious problems of her own, recovering from a gunshot wound to the face by an unstable (and now in jail) boyfriend. I wound up having a very bad reaction to the anesthetic (I always do) and the anti-nausea medicine and I suffered many falls, the last one being so bad that I had a slight concussion when I was sleep walking (more like sleep running...something I never do under normal circumstances) and I plowed head-first into the bathroom door with my son doing his best to catch me and he tried to pull me back from hitting my head, but I still got hurt. I tried to take care of it myself, but I had to go back into the emergency room and they kept me in the hospital for a couple of days for observation. Since that time I have tried desperately to get caught up with all of my mother's taxes, bills and appointments while trying my best to help my children and I am so despondent about the reception I've been getting from the people around me that I don't know where to turn. I didn't have a brain aneurysm that I know of, though my father, whom I take after, died from one when he was only 74. I am 53. The cat-scan they did looked "fine" they said, but the vertigo has been pretty bad at times, though I am finally getting some physical therapy for that. My main problem is that of trying to get back into my normal routine and I haven't had much sympathy at all from my family, they seem more concerned about all that I haven't been getting done for them. I was told to get rest and to get help to get back on my feet again, but I've been easily upset and depressed and I am astounded at how cold some people have been towards me since this happened. I had to use a cane for awhile and I've been having trouble talking, writing and typing as well, though thank God I still have all my number, math and music abilities (strong points of mine) in tact. I am depressed and frustrated and I feel like there is something possibly more wrong with me and like I'm not progressing as I should. All the bruises on the outside are diminishing, but I still seem to be a mess on the inside. What should I do? My family is getting more and more and frustrated with me. A psychiatrist I saw a couple of times said she couldn't help me and I'm not even sure why. I just know that I am not myself and I'm scared that I might not ever return to my former self, though some tell me that I am showing some signs of improvement. I don't smoke or drink and walking my dog was always my calming behavior and I'm having a lot of trouble with that. What can I do to make things better? What is the matter with me? Why do I have such an awful time with anesthetic? How do I find out if I am developing a brain aneurysm like my father did? Thanks for your helpful information, I hope you are doing better. --Candace Mc

Hi Candace

It seems like you have had - and are still having a really rough time of things at the moment.

If you are still frightened, and have a family history of aneurysm, you should ask your doctor if you can have an MRA (which is painless and looks at the blood vessels in you brain) and also an MRI (which will identify any soft tissue damage).

This should give you a definitive result regarding anuerysms and also check for anything else that may be going on in your brain.

I hope you find the answers you need.

Cheers

Lyn

I can relate to what you are going threw. I had a ruptured annie last January. I am not only suffering from depression (I believe) but other physical stuff. No diagnosis as to what the other stuff is and it bumbs me out even more. I get headaches, stars, ringing in ears, wierd outta-body stuff. Numbness, tingling and the list continues. I was advised to see pysc and have yet to follow up. Its alot to rap your head around. I am constantly reminded how lucky I am to be here. I should have died according to those around me (sometimes I think their right). I struggle everyday with normal activity, not because of physical imparement, but mental (I think). I've been on lyrica and metoprolol. I stopped taking them when they could not give me a diagnosis as to why I should take them. None of the above compares to being alone tho. The worst for me is being alone. Everyone tiptoes around me, avoid me like I have a plague. That hurst the most and Im sure it contributes to my emotional well being. If you have a support network, stick with it, seek medical help when needed. I sit everyday trying to remember that awful feeling just before my head popped. Living in fear that its waiting to get me again. The neurosurgeon assured me that it would not happen again, but the physical things Im expererience says other. I encourage you to get all the help you can. If you are taking meds, take them, talk to your dr's about adjusting them if needed and continue to talk to those who are supportive of you. Do what you deem best for yourself and Im sure in time it will get better. I still believe that even I will get better, just as soon as I find a good neurologist and perhaps pyschologist/pychiatrist which ever comes first. My prayers to you and anyone else that stands in need of prayer, even myself. God bless, please keep us posted as to how and when your issues are resolved. HUGS!!!

Hello and I sure am glad you found NT. You are not alone. There are quite a few people on the site that have your medical problems. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I know some of the fear about it that you live with. I am sorry people have not responded to your need in your life. You find out who your friends are when you get sick. Keep posting here. SDFenser, has annies too. He can be a good source of information and support to. Don't hesitate to keep in contact with him. He is a fencing champion, and also stuggles with what happened to his brain. I will also chat with you any time. I have spinal problems in my life, and walking issues as well. Keep in touch. I care. ginnie

Thank you Ginnie, that meant alot to me. I get stubborn sometimes or upset because I feel like no is listening either because of no response or slow response. I will continue to visit NT. I need all the support I can get. Im no longer ashamed to admit that. Perhaps, I will have the strength to seek professional help beyond the uppidy neorulogist in time. Im afraid they might want to commit/admit me. Finally got that off my chest, Whewww.... Exhailing.....It feels good to breath, it feels sooooooo good to breath! Love and hugs to everyone!!! WOW! HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGS TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

Candice...Hello, and I understand completely what you are going through. I, too, had a very large aneurysm found due to vertigo. My dizzy spell happened while I was driving, which scared the he!! out of me. After a cat scan, I was off to the neurologist. One cerebral angiogram confirmed it, large unruputured aneurysm behind my right eye. Two stents put in, second one because the first stent moved, and on Dec 4th, after a 6.5 hour surgery, 18 coils were placed.
Now, I'm told I'm good. I have headaches everyday, I am anxious, depressed,
yes, I do feel all alone in this. I fear driving because thats where it all started.
My family Dr has put me on Zoloft, also Lorezapam for what he says is Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder. I lost my job because of all the time I missed during surgeries. Right now I want my life back, but I dont know how to get it, I cant imagine going back to work right now. So, I, too, spend alot of time alone, have my crying spells...ugh!!
I'm grateful that my surgery was a success, I know that it's a miracle, and I am thankful for that. Sometimes, though, I find myself wishing that they had never found the aneurysm. I know I'm going to get through this though, and so will you...will do it together. It's wonderful they have this support group, so we do know we're not alone in our journey here. If you need someone, to talk with, to vent to...I am here, know that your not alone. I'll pray for you, myself, and everyone else out there that is going through this. My name is Laurie....

HI Candice
Yes I think that this is very common. I had a ruptured brain annie and it has been almost 10 months and just now am coming out of the depression. I do take Zoloft which has helped tremendously and I do take trazadone to help me sleep. Good luck and I am happy you are here!
Stacey

Candice- I to continue to experience the things you mentioned, I had a ruptured aneurysm repaired in Dec. 2008. The doctors found 2 others and I have since had them all repaired by clips or coils. Have had at least 3 strokes and feel much like you do. I "look" fine so many people do not understand . I have joined a brain injury support group, and it seems to help at times. It still sucks, but at least I know I am not alone, and neither are you

Welcome to Neuro talk. I am sorry you have been through so much. I want you to know you are not alone in this depression. This can and does happen with many different medical and surgical problems. I don't know exactly what happens, I only know it happens to many of us. I have had cervial problems and multipal surgeries, and battle depression as you do. I also have council and medication. I come back here and I do receive alot of help and support. What you are doing, by going for help, is the best possible thing you can do. Not all medication works for everyone. sometimes it takes a change or two, to get a medicine that works. You doctor will work with you to make sure you take something that will help. If the first one doesn't, allow him to try a different one. Don't be afraid of the medications. Even if you had an unpleasant side effect, you won't have take that particuar one. Do give it a try. I have gotten much better since I started with sertraline, this was the second one I tried. I do wish you all the best. Ginnie

Hi Candace, it was very interesting to hear your story and concerns. Last year I had an incident that caused a blackout followed by severe headache, vomiting, and vertigo. I went to an Urgent Care facility that said I had the worst ear infection he'd ever seen and medicated me for that. I then went to an ENT specialist who said the same but when the vertigo persisted he put me thru several hearing and balance tests that said I had lost 36% of my left vestibular function which could cause the vertigo. At this time the diagnosed me with Hydrops which is similar to Menieres and said I'd just have to live with it.

I finally consulted a neurologist I knew and told him what was happening and that I wasn't getting better I was getting worse. He said it sounded like I had an aneurysm and finally did a CAT which showed it. It was four months after the initial incident when they did a craniotomy on the left frontal communicating artery. I have thought myself crazy for things I have dealt with since then. Physically I have been cleared but ever since the surgery I have had major issues with insomnia and severe depression. I have a history of depression but after the surgery it seems to have worsened or gotten deeper.

It's been 1 year now since the initial occur acne and I'm still not working. It's frustrating that everyone thinks I look ok and why am I not back yet and it's hard to tell them that yes, I look good now but I've been in bed two weeks crying, lethargic, fatigued, and in complete despair. It comes and goes. And is more frequent than I had dealt with before and longer lasting. It seems you and I aren't alone but hearing your story at least helped me know its not all in my head!! (No pun intended)!!