My Aunt Denise survived a brain aneurysm. She regained what appeared to be full function and was able to retake her driver's license within aprx. a year of the event.

As far as I know the only complication she had was that she had to have a shunt put in to drain fluid off of her brain and because she lived alone she moved into a semi-independent living situation where there would be people on staff in the event of a problem.

She was in a coma for several weeks after the initial aneurysm and also suffered seizures throughout that time. Her kids did not think that she would make it through but she sure did.

I can't recall exactly how long she lived for afterwards but I think it was over 15 years years. And when she did eventually pass it was from unrelated issues.

I myself could certainly not notice any significant loss of brain function while speaking with her and she must have made a darn good recovery in order to have been able to regain her driver's license so I thought I would share her amazing recovery with you.

I'm sure that it's tough to find general information as it must be a very individual process for everyone. I sincerely hope that your husband makes as great a recovery as what my Aunty Denise did. Best of luck

yes, time to take care of yourself Norma, it really is hard to stay low sodium when eating out, sometimes its hard to find food that isn't fried too. a good restaurant will do what they can to make things the way you want but fast food is so bad for your body, lots of salt and fat, very little in veggies, other than lettuce and tomatoes.
is that the "you can call me Ray" joke? took me awhile. a returning sense of humor is a great sign.
prop them tootsies up every chance you get, swollen ankles are no fun.

Norma it is so nice to hear from you!!! I can't tell you anything about belly aneurysms sorry!!! I just wanted to tell you that I am glad you are ok and that Jim is doing so well!!! I pray that he will make a full recovery.....please take care of you!!!

Hugs!!!!

Barb

Hey Norma,
Wow, trying to remember something that happened in the early 1970's. My grandfather lived in Maine and lucky that a specialist was on hand to do the surgery. They found that his aorta was congenitally malformed and in the wrong place, aside from the aneurysm. I don't remember any mention of him having to do anything after he left the hospital - he was there a couple of weeks, I believe. He was about 71 and not in good health - heavy smoker, bad heart, had had a perforated ulcer 15 years earlier. He was frail for the rest of his life, had to give up his boat, popped nitro pills. I think my grandma kept him alive with all the vitamins she made him take. He died of a heart attack about six years after the surgery, but, remember, that was over 30 years ago and treatments today are much better.
Put your feet up today!!
Lisa

Thanks everyone, I'am just home from the REHAB!! I am still amazed that they have him there, but apparently they knew what they were talking about because he is doing so great and we are all soooo happy! I have a picture of him that I would like to upload on DS for everyone to see, but of course I can't do it, but will when Tammy and Terri come home this weekend for father's day. It's almost unheard of for anyone to make such an amazing recovery in such a short lenght of time, especially with an aneurysm that was 12cm and that he was cut from stem to stern. 75 staples in his belly, the nurse and I counted them today, not that it mattered, it's just that he looked like a railroad track. I say a short length of time but in reality I have no clue how long he has been in the hospital, literally, no clue and a good thing that I have all my bills automatically withdrawn from my checking account, otherwise we would be in serious trouble as my mind is not working at all like it should.

Lisa, a little background about Jim. the surgeon told us that he has "brace yourselves and I have no clue how to spell this word" Arterial slceroious. It is an inherited disease and the surgeon said that he could literally see tons of plaque on Jim's arteries, every where. Both the boys and his brother have to be screened for it and the apt's have already been made. Eating bad food, only makes it worse and lack of exercise, basically not taking care of yourself, which he didn't. So there you have it, he didn't smoke but he might as well have with all the damage that was already there to begin with. He was a lucky man that has been given a second chance in life and we are all so grateful, I'am sure you know exactly what I'am saying.

so enough of this about Jim, it 's time to move on again and get back to PKD, the help that we can give is enormous, so lets do it guys. Remember how much I always will love each and every one of you! I am wondering how Ruth is doing, is there an update on her, I've totally lost precious time and need to know how she is doing. And what about Polykid, has anyone helped her yet?

lots of love,
Norma...

Thanks so much Norma, I have been looking every day for more news of you and Jim..... I know this will be quite an ordeal getting him rehabbed and back home. I am very proud of you for your patience and courage through all of this. You ROCK! But yes, please do take care of yourself.

Big hugs!

Love
Heather

Norma, its "arteriosclerosis" You were pretty close (I remember how to spell it because in Anatomy class in coding class we were told to spell it).

So glad that Jim is in Rehab. Sounds like he has a strong will to live. Thats a very good thing for you and your family. May his long road of recovery be a good one.

Love, Jen XXOO