Aneurysms Support Group

I did not go on disability but feared I would have to after having brain surgery. My aneurysms were found before rupture as well. I went through a lot of depression and have been on sleep meds just to sleep every night for the past 4 years since surgery. I know brain surgery takes its toll on people, I'm not going to say you might not have to go on disability, however I ask that you don't just give in to it. You have already won the biggest battle against death. you are a survivor. Do all you can to make your life better. talk to us who have gone through it and get support. We are here for you.

i have 3 unruptured cerebral aneurysms and had one stent surgery in march and is having the next june 2nd. I know what u mean about feeling tired all the time. I find myself having difficulties waking up and getting up in the mornings. I also just dont feel myself anymore. If u need anything u can always talk to me!!

At my age it was automatic. We have a pension plan by government and I was put on the disability part of it for the next 5 years. I also went through a depressed stage and cried all the time but after a bit it stopped. Mostly when I was tired this happened. Body was fine but head was tired. Would put my head down on a pillow and close eyes for 15 or 20 minutes and things were better. When this continued for 1 year, the brain doc checked it out. Found another annie but got this one before it ruptured and coiled it too. It has been 2 more years now and I do not get head tired or down too much anymore. No more crying either. Try to tell myself what I would be doing different if this had not happened and usually the answer is nothing. I take no medication, no smoking and no drinking. Pretty dull right but living is more important to me. Take care and ask for help if you need it. Carol

I know I have won the big battle Im still alive. Its just hard to get up everyday and feel so bad. I have always had pretty good health and now its just hard getting through the day. Depression has starting taking a toll on me. I have always been pretty active and now I just want to stay in bed with the covers over my head.You give me alot of hope that things will get better after time. Thanks for your encourgement because I have some really bad days and its nice to talk to someone who understands.

Hang in there! I'm 53 and had surgery to clip my aneurysms 6 weeks ago. in my recent posts I mention that I started having anxiety and depression issues as well. My neurosurgeon says that happens pretty much to everyone who has a life threatening event like we've had.
So, have a good cry to get the stress out.
Continue to reach out for support here.
Be nice to yourself.
And believe that things will get better.

It's working for me! Wishing you the best! Linda

I totally know what you're feeling and going thru! I had an aneurysm rupture in June 2008 and was in TMC's ICU for 27 days. I was out like a light on June 23, had surgery June 25, and didn't wake up til July 3 (my new birthdate haha!) After this type of event, it does change a person and you will not feel like yourself anymore, it's something to work at on a daily basis, it's been 3 years coming up in June 2011 and I'm just happy to be alive, period! I find that I feel more for other people and the things they do. I try to do things, but my energy levels and moods sometimes are n't great, but like everyone here says, "Be good to yourself, and tell others that you love them and appreciate them too" I do that on a daily basis also. Get enough sleep, that's important, and you'll probably need anxiety meds, I do and they help, plus prescribed sleeping pills to help you sleep when you can't seem to. I have those also, but rarely use them, the meds for anxiety, almost on a daily basis. It's a very scary thing to go thru, I know.
Hopefully you'll feel ok soon enough, but take care of yourself though ok?
Ellie D'

P.S. About disability, I tried 2 times so far and been denied both times. Go figure, guess I have to be wheeled into court on a gurney with an IV and maybe I might get disability!
E.D.'

I want to thank everyone for sharing there stories. It helps so much. I am still having some really bad days and just lay around alot because I have no energy. I am hoping things will get better soon. THANKS AGAIN.

Hi again Kelly,
It's been much longer than 2 months since my surgery & I still get tired very easily & I have headaches every day. And I've tried Everything & nothing works. I dealt with depression a lot at 1st & went to counseling for several mths. The depression is much much better than it was, I still have my moments where I just fall apart & don't even really know what or why. Nothing is the same as it was, but 1 thing that is huge difference...I know I have Survived! And so are you! Don't ever forget you survived, you're still here & things might not ever be the same but they Will get better!
Because of the headaches & fatigue that is why I went on disability. It has been a blessing to say the least. If I were you I would certainly consider it. Even if for a while.

You are still recovering from major surgery!! It's been six months for me and I'm still tired. Taking care of myself and getting plenty of sleep is a priority for me. I too have the tears and DO cry for no reason. This is sometimes related to the surgery. This too shall pass! I have some deficits that I've learned to cope with. It's scary, but you're alive and able to write in this forum. Take one day at a time. : )