Life after Brain Aneurysm

I work, and also run and swim, with a guy who had a brain aneurysm several years ago.  He just finished his masters in Mechanical Engineering.  He works as a research engineer.  He is crazy but that he was like that before.  Seriously, he does have some aftereffects but he is overcoming them.

Up and walking in six days-- sounds like your sister has a great prognosis.  I would just advise you and other people who are around your sister to know where her doctor's telephone numbers and her medications and treatment are written down.  Get her a medical condition bracelet with the appropriate information.  She might have a seizure and not be able to provide information to the EMT's. 

We will be thinking of your sister.  Best wishes.

TW

Thank you, all the support means so much. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

TW,

Thanks for the advice, it is very helpful and we WILL put it to use.  I am glad to hear about your friend being active.  Bethany was always active and hopes to return to her skiing, rollerblading, skateboarding, and running. 

OMG, My thoughts are with you and your family... Sounds like you all have alot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. She must have caught it just in time! I don't have any experience with this type of affliction, but from the sounds of it, your sister appears to be doing well. My fingers are crossed for a SPEEDY recovery.

xo LW

Thanks Whiz,

Bethany is continuing to make progress.  She had two sessions of PT yesterday.  Lots of walking and other work (Yippee!!).  I have to tell you something about the first day following her surgery.  In the late part of the morning, I went back to her room and I thought "wow" that's a good sign, she put on lipstick (Bethany nearly always has lipstick on).  The nurse walks in next and says, "That popsicle made it look like you have lipstick on!"    We all laughed.

The thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated and are yielding great rewards, so thank you so much!  It was scary, we almost lost her.

Oh yeah, luva luva luva the good vibes.  Thank you Frank....I am going to bring my copy of Chi Running to my dad when I head back to Idaho tonight.  Enjoy Thanksgiving.  Michele

Hi Michele,

I am an Occupational Therapist who used to work in brain injury rehabilitation for many years.  I treated many clients with brain aneurysms during that time.  It sounds like your sister was treated quickly which is a very good thing.  She wasn't in a coma for any period of time, and it didn't sound like she went through a prolonged period of confusion...also good.  Having a brain injury program keep an eye on her progress might be a good idea...usually the team would consist of a physiatrist (physician with rehab background), psychologist, PT, OT, speech pathologist.  Having OT and speech at home would be  beneficial...they would be working on the memory and cognitive changes and helping her to cope with daily life activites that may be affected by this.  She may not notice cognitive difficuties in routine activities such as housework, but they may appear with more complex activites such as work, finances, driving, school.  Fatigue most likely will be difficult to manage for some time...both physical AND cognitive. 

Hope that helps.  PM me if you have any other questions

I wish her a successful recovery!

Jen

Thank you everyone for the valuable information and support!  My sister is doing amazing.  She is in rehab now and keeping busy with all kinds of therapy: occupational, physical, speech, psychological, etc.  She is a survivor and is amazing everyone of us!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  And a big thank you to everyone here at BT in the medical field.  The staff at the hospital and at the rehabilitation center has been great with my sister as well as her friends and family.  I know we could never adequately express our gratitude to the medical staff.   On behalf of those you come under your care - Thank you.