me again....

[Tammy N]

I was wondering if any of you after having a ruptured anuerysm or a clipping had problems with driving and if so for how long:confused: It has almost been a year for me and I still find it hard because when in open places everything still looks a little confusing:( Also my bedroom is upstairs and I have a real problem sleeping up there so I sleep in the den that is downstairs:confused:I don't mean to post so many questions but I am trying so hard to get past this and don't know if what I am feeling is normal.Sometimes I feel I need some alone time and my husband thinks I am just ignoring him but I can't help it.I still have days when I just want to be by myself:( Thank you all for being here:)

[sarahin]

Hi Tammy,
I had an annie clipped on March 15th. I'm having trouble with fatigue. Found that when I go some place and get myself tired out my driving stinks. I almost turned left into traffic on a green light (not a turn light) and I've learned my lesson. Sleep on my couch now. I never did before. Hear sounds when I lay down that are better with my head propped up on the arm of the couch. I have to admit that the idea of sleeping in my bedroom doesn't appeal to me. Don't know why. Any one with a psych degree out there?
Sarah

[Tammy N]

I understand what you mean about sleeping in the bedroom not sounding appealing:( I don't know if it's because it's upstairs or what so I just stay downstairs.I haven't even tried driving yet but plan to start slowly:) Thanks for your response,this sight has helped me understand so much more:)

[ChrisC]

I didn't drive for 2 weeks after my coiling (done 2 weeks after my clipping attempt). Just did very short distances until I was confident. It's sometimes very overwhelming with traffic and the wacko drivers out there tho!

Sleeping is a whole other ball of wax - it's often disturbed, restless, etc. Whatever works best for you. I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with all of us on various issues.......... :)

[mamakat]

Hi Tammy,

I too, was petrified of driving. I lost the vision in my left eye and was uncertain about it all. Thank goodness for my husband, 'cause he made me get in the car and drive. Only short distances, to my daughters house about 4 miles away. It helped me get my confidence back and it was on back roads that weren't very busy. Also, I slept on the couch for about 6 months. I don't know why I just felt safer there. I do remember being up at all hours because of the insomnia, which I think is normal. I didn't fight it, I just turned the TV on until I felt sleepy again. I think it's normal to have sleep pattern disruption awhile after the surgery.

It's been 2 years since the first coiling and 1 year for the second, (on the same annie). Hang in there it gets better. Hope this helps and you all are in my prayers, Kat

[Lyn]

I wasn't allowed to drive for three months after my clipping. I guess that is the rule here in Australia.

Even now, three years later, I still do some silly things - like miscalculate distance from the kerb etc. It isn't that I am not careful, I just seem to have a warped perception when I am really tired. I hate traffic, and busy roads because I still get overwhelmed with noise and movement.

I really believe that when you are in the healing process, you become kind of introverted because it takes longer to process the information around you.

Sorry you are facing all these problems, for what it is worth, it will get better with more time.

Cheers

[Orangegirl]

Tammy--
Two years ago I had a clipping and couldn't drive for about 12 weeks so I was petrified when my mom threw me the keys and said I was driving a mile up the road. I know for at least the first year I felt really wierd when I drove especially when I had my son in the car. When I first came home from the hospital I had a hard time going into the bedroom (all of our rooms are on one floor) because that is where I was when the paramedics came to take me to the emergency room. I think being in the bedroom brought back memories of that horrible night so I started sleeping on the sofa. I made sure that I went into the room everyday for a few minutes each day and eventually starting taking naps there, it took a while but I started sleeping in there at night Please ask your husband to be patient because I believe the love that you get truly makes you heal quicker. I know that I suffered from some mild depression for 8 months after and then was having problems with anxiety around the first year anniversary -- all of which are normal for someone who had their head cut open. I didn't know these things until a psychiatrist that I work with made me go and see my family physician and explain what was going on. I fought it but I took a very, very mild antidepressant for several months and everything seemed to fall back into place. Remember, we've been through some real "trauma" not just physically but mentally too. I suggest you talk to a counselor or maybe join a support group. I've found the best therapy for me is to help others who are going through what I did. It will get better. I'll keep you (and your husband) in my prayers.
Sandy