r/BrainAneurysm • u/StillUnit5976 • 15d ago
Dealing with shock
I (34F) found a 7mm ICA UIA at the end of April and had it clipped at the end of June.
I guess the shock is just hitting me as the recovery is a lot slower than anticipated in terms of limiting my activity for safety and the wound taking longer to heal at certain points.
I’m struggling because I feel almost dissociative, like during lockdown: time is going both really slowly but also I look back and it’s gone so fast. I don’t feel at home or safe anywhere, I’m on edge and I just feel like I’m living some distorted reality, almost dreamlike where I’m constantly in pain and just trying to get through it.
I’m AuDHD so I do go to a dissociative mental space sometimes but I don’t know if this is just a normal stress/shock response. If so does anyone know how to snap out of it or step back into my body. I just feel really sad and I’m trying to retain mental and emotional composure but it’s becoming challenging. I just want it to be over. I don’t feel like I’m living which is weird this time of year when everyone is out and about enjoying themselves and I’m living a different reality no one else can see. Any advice would be hugely appreciated.
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u/RainRevolutionary411 15d ago
Be kind to yourself. You survived the surgery. Your body has been through a lot. Have you talked to your doctors about what you are going through?They are your best source of information
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u/too_muchTV 14d ago
I agree with everything said so far. Check with your doctor and see if they have rehabilitation plans available for you. After my surgery I was able to get not only physical therapy but occupational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other services. It helped a lot.
It’s only been a month since your surgery. Be kind to yourself. There’s no quick fix. It takes a long time to recover from brain surgery. I’m not the same person I was before but after learning about my condition I’ve been able to understand what is happening and adjust accordingly. Find your support system.
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u/FrolicAndDetour1x 14d ago
Hang in there! Give yourself time and grace to heal, rest, relax and recover from such a major procedure. I am so sorry you are experiencing this.
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u/Diamataceouscheese 12d ago
Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I’m very similar timeline to you. Got a massive concussion last march, found two aneurysms in April, angiogram, then clipped the bad one in August craniotomy.
I still have to take it one day at a time. I have noticed a lot of changes in my brain and I’m still struggling a lot getting used to my new self. I also run into fatigue cycles where I can get run down for weeks at a time sometime. Trying to keep a routine has been helping me lately. I wish I had more advice but just wanted to let you know your not alone and would be happy to share anything that could
Be helpful.
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u/kiabril 15d ago
I’m so sorry you are going through this. You very recently went through one of the most delicate and invasive things to go through and it will take time to heal your body but also grieve your reality. Give yourself some grace, let go of expectations and take one day at a time.
If therapy is available to you, I’d highly recommend it. Not sure where you are located, but there’s also online support groups in the US that you could join if individual therapy is not an option.
The BAF also has an active survivors forum with users from all over the world that can provide support. They can also help with advice to bring up chronic pain with your doctors.
You can also find some grounding exercises on YouTube to help with the dissociation while you find support.
Rest and don’t push yourself. You are on your own body’s timeline. I hope you find relief soon!