I was diagnosed with a right pica aneurysm last November after collapsing in the shower. I had a second bleed and developed hydrocephalus. They did an emergency coiling and a week later installed my shunt. In May I found out that the coils had compacted and my doctor recommended a clipping due to my age, 35 and relative good health. Seven hours into the surgery they determined that they could not clip the aneurysm as it is embedded in my brain stem. After the operation I developed a pseudomeningocele (spinal fluid leak), and aseptic meningitis. The doctor did another surgery to attempt to repair the leak and put me on steroids for 2 more weeks, had already been on them for almost 4 weeks. Two weeks later I was back in the hospital, this time I had developed a staff infection and pneumonia. I was in the hospital another 2 weeks and had 2 more surgeries. The first to remove my shunt as well as perform a fascia graft to fix the csf leak, the second to install another shunt.
Lucky for me the graft surgery performed beautifully and no more csf leak. I spent 2 months throwing up and having awful headaches. Now I am doing much better. I am worried that I won't be able to go back to working though. I was working at Wal Mart until I collapsed and have medical leave until November. But I just don't know if I can do it. I do not have any major deficits, just some minor vision problems, peripheral double vision. Also my neck is not working correctly from the surgery, they removed 1/2 of my 1st vertabrae and a big chunk of my occipital ridge. Also I have a lot of pain in my leg from the fascia graft, I can't stand for long periods.
My sister keeps telling me that I should file for disability, but I don't know if any of this qualifies as a disability. My doctor hasn't told me that I am disabled. I have to have another coiling in January. But the doctor said that other than that, which isn't as he calls it an emergency I should be fine. Can any of you give me any advice or wisdom about SSI. My husband and I are struggling with only his income, but I don't know what I will be able to do. I have a hard time right now doing a load of laundry. Although I do feel lucky to be alive and able to do laundry.
Any thoughts or advise will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your stories, they help me so much to not feel so alone in this!