I am 34 and had a hemmorahagic stroke 2 weeks ago.

[Lilyhoney]

I am fine at the moment.

I just started a new dream job which I love and pays well. We have been getting all of our debt under control and planned to be debt-free by september.

My husband never takes time off work, so sunday nite when he said he did'nt want to go to work tomorrow and I said stay home, he agreed. So monday afternoon we were going to do our taxes. We also just hired a cleaning crew to come and clean our house. So I was, well, cleaning up for them when all of a sudden I got a headache that was very unusual and painful. Then the nausea started. We had eaten bacon and eggs about an hour earlier and I had thought maybe the bacon was bad and I was getting food poisoning. I have had food poisoning from bad bacon a long time ago. Before the nausea started, I took an Aleve and layed down with an ice pack on my throbbing head. After about 20 minutes the nausea started and I went to the toilet and coughed but nothing came up, so I crawled to the sofa where my husband was sitting and told him that something was really wrong, take me to the emergency room. He looked perplexed but we got rite into the car, yes I was in my pajamas. In the ride to the ER I was still using the ice pack on my head and noticed my lip and eye were feeling funny, that was when I said "Drive faster!!" We got to the ER and I went in and said I think I am having a stroke. The admitting nurse took me seriously but was trying to convince me it was a stress migraine. But she did order a CT scan just to be sure. I was taken to a bed and given something for the pain. Shortly after that, I was taken for the scan. Shortly after that the DR. came and said I had a bleed out into my brain about the size of a dime and was being admitted to the ICU. If it were'nt for the drugs they gave me, I would have been alot more scared than I was.I was so lucky my husband was home because if he was'nt I probably would have just looked for that one vikadin that I just knew was somewhere.
We also had our dog with us, well because she goes everywhere with us. So I mentioned that I wanted my dog with me and orders were issued to let my dog in. My SIL took her home later. They were very good about letting my husband sleep in the chair next to my bed over nite. The next day I was given a private room and the the dog could come back as long as the hospital had a copy of her vaccine records and that she was washed. So at some point my husband went home to wash the dog and get her records. No problem having her there over nite. Let me tell you how perplexed my mom was when my husband was talking to her on the phone while on his way home to wash the dog. After alot of tests and stuff I went home on the 3rd day. I recieved excellent care. I am still going for scans to check on the bleed.
My employer was great about giving me as much time as I needed to be 100%. She herself is disabled. I am so ready to go back to work and hopefully I can go back next week.
The doctors think i had a vascular malformation. Weakness in a vessle that burst. Nothing caused it. Nothing could have prevented it and there is nothing to do to prevent it from happening again. Scarry.
I have obtained a DVD of all the digital imaging they did and this technology is unbelievable. I can't wait to make an art project out of the images.
I don't seem to have anything wrong with me but, the bleed has to have damaged something, I just have'nt found out what that is yet.
The upside after having a stroke is that my general sense of anger at the world has diminished and my sex drive went up, and conversations seem to be more meaningful.
Thanks for listening to my story and may you never have a stroke, especially if you do not have insurance. If I did not have insurance, I wonder if the treatment I received would have been different? May you all be well.

Lilyhoney

[Maddy McCall]

1. So glad that you are ok, Lily...

I am glad that your dog got to visit you at the hospital. What a sensible thing for the staff to allow. I wish all hospitals were so good with patients' requests.

Here's to quick and complete recuperation. :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

14. Maddy, thanks for your well wishes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_service_dog

[GCP]

2. I'm glad everything turned out OK

I'm also very glad you went straight to the ER and got evaluated - good work!

[Lilyhoney]

15. I just knew something was wrong.

How many people out there just don't listen to what their bodies tell them?

[Shell Beau]

3. Oh my! That sounds terrifying! I am glad you listened to your gut and

went to the ER! I really hope all stays well! :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

16. Me too Shell, me too. nt

[Arugula Latte]

4. Yikes! That is so scary. Glad you are better.

None of us knows when something like this will hit us out of the blue.

Sounds like you are enjoying some good effects from it, as well. :D

[Lilyhoney]

17. It was scarry.

The only negative effect has been a sore back from the elevated sex drive. Not kidding, it really hurts.

[Doubtful Optimist]

5. Wow. How scary that must have been.

And it's amazing that the hospital let your dog into the room.

This a small hospital, I take it?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Welcome to DU!

Enjoy yourself here.....

It is the best website on the internet......

:hi:

[Doubtful Optimist]

10. Thanks!!

[Lilyhoney]

12. It was a large and excellent hospital.

I had said that Lily(my dog) was my assistance dog. After saying that there is not much to say. She is my psychiatric assistance dog. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_service_dog

[Doubtful Optimist]

13. That's cool.

I didn't realize that they had such a classification for service animals.

[Lilyhoney]

19. Welcome to DU

I got my dog when I was depressed. She helped me out of it. I have trained her well and she is so precious to me. I don't go anywhere without her.

[tandot]

6. What a story. Good luck to you and speedy recovery.

I've never thought that they'd allow a patient's dog into a hospital room.

:hi:

[Lilyhoney]

20. Thank you for your well wishes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_service_dog

[tandot]

57. Thanks for the link. Psychiatric service dogs...what a great thing

I read a study that petting your dog actually lowers your blood pressure. I feel always warm and fuzzy with my little Leo on my lap. It especially warms my heart when I see my fiance giving little kisses to Leo (chihuahua-pug mix) when he thinks nobody is watching.

All the best to you. I hope you stay incident free :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. My dear Lilyhoney!

What an incredible story!

AVM's can be fatal.....you were lucky!

I am so happy to hear that you're OK.....

I think that your sex drive and anger levels have changed since you now really understand how precious your life is...

:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

11. I am only now realizing how close to death I really was.

I came home and did my research homework and found out the gravity of the situation. To me, I just had a really bad headache. But now I do see how very fortunate I am.

So my husband brought me a laptop while I was in the ICU and I got on DU. But I have'nt been here much lately and the format had changed. So between the drugs and the stroke, I could not navigate the DU so I just closed the laptop and forgot it.

Our landlord also had done some tree trimming over those few days, so when I came home it looked different. The lighting was different in my house and on the deck and out the windows. It was weird.


My thanks to nurses and caregivers everywhere.

Lilyhoney

[AwakeAtLast]

9. So glad you are O.K.!

Please take it easy and rest up. Isn't it amazing what doctors can do with strokes today?

Hope you are back to 100% soon! :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

21. Every wish of wellness helps me. Thanks for yours. nt

[PeaceNikki]

18. I'm so glad that you're OK.

I am personally terrified of this same thing... I am 35, a smoker and on birth control. I know the risks and I have a prescription for a new smoking cessation drug. I set a quit date of May 28. Your story has solidified my somewhat shaky decision. Thank you for that; wishing you health and happiness!

[Lilyhoney]

23. Hopefully this will be enough for me to quit for good as well.

I hope you kick the habit. Peace Nikki.

Lilyhoney

[graywarrior]

22. I love you.

[Lilyhoney]

24. I love you too Graywarrior!!! Lilyhoney

[Katina]

25. glad you are on the mend, stop using Aleve

if you have a vascular problem that could rupture, using Aleve (naproxens) or Advil (ibuprofens) or asprin thins the blood and could make bleeding worse, causing more damage. Make sure you have Tylenol (acetemenophin) for emergencies like this.
Too many people don't realize that they could be further jeopardizing themselves.
Good luck & stay healthy.

[Lilyhoney]

30. They gave me tylenol in the hospital so that is what I

was taking when I got home. Thanks for the heads up though. I did talk to DR yesterday and he told me to take advil for my backache. Which I am on today.

The backache is almost gone so I guess I won't take anymore advil.

Lilyhoney

[Bucky]

26. Damn, what a story. I'm so glad you're okay, now.

Oh, and congratulations to you and your husband on the increased sex drive. But really, you didn't have to wait for a stroke, you know.

[Lilyhoney]

32. Thanks Bucky. Lilyhoney

[flamingyouth]

27. I'm so glad you're okay.

Your story is amazing - thanks so much for sharing it with us. And continue to take care. You be well too. :grouphug:

[Lilyhoney]

33. Thanks Flamingyouth. You be well too. Lilyhoney

[seemunkee]

28. That is scary

I'm so glad you are doing better. Having insurance and an understanding boss make things like this so much easier to deal with. I wish it were that way for everyone.
Take care
:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

35. I just talked to my work

well, the woman that I work with, not work for. And I am a little disappointed in our conversation. I got the feeling that she does'nt want me to come back. I will be talking to my boss later and I hope that makes me feel better. I have only worked there for a month and a half. At this very moment I am having concerns about my position. The woman I work with has her daughter covering for me and I think that may have something to do with it. The boss is the boss and I will go with what she says. I will try not to worry about it until then.

Our insurance pays 80%. So 20% of a huge bill is still going to be alot to pay. So much for being debt-free by september.

Thanks for the huggs.

Lilyhoney

[seemunkee]

38. The debt will be paid off eventually

the important thing is that you are still here.

[Lilyhoney]

40. Yes it will eventually be paid.

It is important I am still here and I am well.

Lilyhoney:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

29. Wow Lily, that is scary!

I am so glad you survived it.

:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

36. Huggs to you too Kitchenwitch. Lilyhoney

[GenDem]

31. That is one helluva ride you've been on

I'm so glad that your OK. How very frightening. I like that you have some positives with your sex drive and the enlightenment. My FIL, who was a bastard, turned nice after his stroke. The brain certainly is an amazing place. I love that you are going to be creative with your scans -- that is too cool. The dog story is awesome. I'm so glad that your canine friend could be with you!

My son has a friend, who at 24, had stroke like symptoms. He, too, went to the emergency room. After being diagnosed by a Neurologist -- they found he had an aneurysm in his head with a blood clot inside it. A little piece of it broke off and caused the stroke symptoms. It was a godsend that he had that warning, because the aneurysm would have burst and probably killed him. They did Vascular surgery and repaired it and he is doing fine.

Bless you, and continue to get well!:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

37. It was a hella ride. Good thing I had my seatbelt on.

I am glad your sons friend is well. I'm also glad the FIL turned nice too.

I am so happy they did not have to do surgery on me. Thanks for the huggs and well wishes.

Lilyhoney

[EFerrari]

34. Lily, I had something -- TIA probably -- when I was thirty.

It happened right in front of my two kids and we were going over their biology homework, of all things. All of a sudden, I wasn't speaking any known language and in sentences.

But, I didn't lose anything and so far so good.

I was really scared for weeks that it would happen again but it never did.

Be well,

:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

39. You give me hope.

I am a little concerned that this will happen again immediately. But that is fading as I fill my time. I can't wait to go back to work.

I am so happy you are well. It must have been scarry for you and your children. Good thing they were there. I am glad you have no deficits.

Be Well

Lilyhoney

[EFerrari]

43. It will be okay. My dear, dear mother in law also had something

happen. She lost her speech. We just were with her for a while, taking turns living with her, working with her therapists and she got everything back. She creamed me at Hearts just like nothing happened. :)

It's seems to be a little about how alert one is to the situation. You sound great. And I know it was trying for our dear Lady -- those months that she had to regain her speech. But when she did, lol, were we happy.

Much love to you

Beth

[Lilyhoney]

45. Thank goodness for the ability to overcome lifes obstacles.

Your mother in law is fortunate to have had support. I have spent time thinking about what if no one was there for me. It made me think about all the people out there that really just don't have a single soul to count on. Makes me sad.

Much love to you too Beth

Lilyhoney

[Taverner]

41. So Glad all is well...

Holy Shit is all I can say...take care!

[Lilyhoney]

42. Thanks for your well wishes.

I am taking care. You be well.

Lilyhoney

[Maineiac]

44. Me too, back in '99

Mine was an aneurysm rupture at the juncture of the posterior internal carotid and the right communicating arteries. I was given a 10% chance to survive. I awoke from the surgery left side paralyzed, but have recovered well. If you'd like to become email friends, share experiences, support each other, let me know and I'll PM you my email address. The most helpful part of my recovery was hooking up with a woman who was another aneurysm survivor and we have been best friends for over 7 years now. Either way, best of luck in your recovery.

Steve

[Lilyhoney]

46. Steve,

Thanks for your well wishes. I am sorry you had to go thru something much more difficult than I. You seem to have recovered well.

I am not much of an email person, but I sincerely thank you for the invitation, your reaching out to me like that truly means alot. I 'd still like to be friends though. I will look around for you when I am here lurking.

Lilyhoney

[militaryspouse]

48. wow scary, glad you're better, but

i have a couple questions. Being so young is this a fluke, or does things like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol raise the risks? I've always been fascinated by medicine so please don't take offense to my question. Thanks for your reply.

[Lilyhoney]

51. I am glad you ask.

The above conditions all raise the risk of stroke.

But for me, it was a fluke. A blood vessel had a weak wall and bled out. That simple. Could be genetic, or congenital or neither.

Medicine is fascinating. The more you know about what you are, the more you can do for yourself.

Thanks for your interest. Be a seeker.

http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Main

Lilyhoney

[Maineiac]

56. AVM's and aneurysms

are typically something your born with. Both are unstable structures and weaken oven time. Most rupture victims are in their mid 40's as I was as it usually takes about 40 years for the structures to weaken to the point of rupturing. High blood pressure and a poor life style do accelerate the weakening but most ruptures are just a matter of it was time for it to happen. They are both called "the silent killers" as (like myself) most do not realize they have one until it either becomes symptomatic or ruptures as mine did. When mine ruptured, I was on a business trip in a hotel by myself. Fortunately, my travel partner recognized something was seriously wrong and called 911 otherwise, the cleaning staff probably would have found me in the morning. Anyway, that's all water under the bridge. It just wasn't my time. I beat the odds and here I am. All I can say is to cherish those things around you that are close to your heart because you never know.

[blondeatlast]

47. I had a similar but more minor stroke last year.

I'm thriving now and my post-stroke experience mirrors yours--life is truly grand.

Take care, friend. I love to hear success stories.

[Lilyhoney]

50. I am glad you are here today to read my story.

Life is grand. I loved hearing your success story as well. You be well!

Lilyhoney

[1gobluedem]

49. Very glad you are okay

And that your husband was home to rush you to the hospital. And how cool that they let your dog in with you; that must have been very calming.

[Lilyhoney]

53. It was a synchronicity of sorts that he was home.

It would have been difficult without my Lily by my side.

Thanks for your good feelings.

Lilyhoney

[Redstone]

52. Good God! Am I ever happy to hear that you're OK.

That must have been terrifying. Stay well, OK?

Redston

[Lilyhoney]

54. Redstone

My God is good to me. She blessed me with the support to make it thru this event intact.

Good to hear from you Redstone. I have'nt been at DU much in the past several months. But I knew that people like you would still be here to support me. I am glad to see you chimed in.

I plan on staying well. You be well too, ok.

Lilyhoney

[hiaasenrocks]

55. Best wishes. n/t

[Lilyhoney]

70. Thank you for your well wishes. Hugs to you. Lilyhoney nt

[CharmCity]

58. Same thing happened to me when I was 31.

Reading your post gave me deja vu.

My bleed was not small; it occured in the part of the brain that processes language -- I couldn't read, make sense of words, properly communicate my thoughts -- it's called aphasia. Felt like a tornado when through my mental file room and ripped every word in my brain into tiny pieces. This was a very bad thing. I was earning my living as a writer and was ready to leave my employer to become a freelancer. The night before I "got sick," I'd just signed my first client for $30,000. My boyfriend, who I truly loved, had just dumped me, which was devastating at the time.

I had my stroke eleven years ago. It took about a year, but I got back on my feet and rebuilt my skills -- some came back, almost in chunks. Others I had to work on. My confidence was shot. I was still pretty heartbroken. But I moved forward. I did all the things I planned to do. And I felt that sense of loving life for a very long time.

So -- welcome to a very unique group!

[Lilyhoney]

63. Wow.

Your story is amazing. I am so proud of all your hard work. Not only to recover your language skills and such but to overcome the heartache of the lost love and your career. Thank you so much for sharing. I will keep you in mind as I face my challenges in life.

Always go forward.

Be well,

Lilyhoney

[riderinthestorm]

59. I am so glad you are well!!

I had a friend who had an aneurysm break in her brain when she was 37. She had a severe headache and was on the phone with her mother to ask what to do about it when she suddenly became incoherent while speaking to her mother. She then dropped the phone as she collapsed. Her mother raced for her cell phone, dialed 911 for her daughter and then listened as the EMT's broke down the door and got to her.

It took a year in rehab but she made it through with just some slight paralysis on her right side. And her SO? Of course he dumped her within 3 days of the surgery to repair the aneurysm. Like you, she had excellent insurance that covered everything.

Bottom line: do NOT dismiss sudden severe headaches! They mean something unless you are a chronic migraine sufferer.

[Lilyhoney]

65. Thank you for sharing.

I am glad to hear your friend came thru in time. There are several stories on this thread where others have gone thru so much more than I did, now I just feel like I am whining.

Be well

Lilyhoney

[bigwillq]

60. Wow. I am glad you are ok.

:hug:

Did you have any symptoms prior before the actual day you had the stroke?

[Lilyhoney]

66. No warning at all.

Just the unbearable headache and nausea.

Thanks for the huggs.

Huggs back at ya

Lilyhoney

[qanda]

61. So glad you are okay

It's so wonderful that your husband chose that day to stay at home. Sounds like he saved your life.

[Lilyhoney]

67. It was a whole team of people that saved me.

Me - for listening to my body
My husband - for taking me seriously and acting quickly (and for being there)
The admitting nurse- who took charge and ordered the CT without waiting for someone else to do it.
The many nurses- who made me comfortable and seemed to really care.
The Doctors - Who treated my case with interest
My dog-for loving me
All of you here at DU- for my post stroke mental health


May Good Bless All Of You!

Lilyhoney

[qanda]

80. You are right

I guess it just wasn't your time to go because everything lined up perfectly to keep you here. But if it were my husband, I would never hear the end of how he saved me... LOL (Of course I'm just kidding)

[u4ic]

62. Thank you for sharing your story, Lilyhoney

I think you have educated many who thought perhaps strokes were reserved for the elderly. It certainly can happen at a younger age.

I am glad you are doing well, and looking forward to going back to work. That is definitely a positive sign. :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

68. Funny that you mention age because

all the nurses in the ICU had stated I was an unusual patient for them because I was so young, coherent and seemingly doing rather well.

Huggs back at ya :hug:

Lilyhoney

[Whoa_Nelly]

64. Lilyhoney!

Am glad you are here to share your story! Am glad your husband was with you!

Will be keeping you in my thoughts! :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

69. Thanks for the hugs, rite back at ya. Lilyhoney nt

[SPKrazy]

71. Wow Lilhoney

that is scary. From the writing I can see that you must have had very localized damage to tissue. Very scary though and glad that you are doing okay. and increased sex drive and lowered anger, that's not bad! :hug:

[Lilyhoney]

72. Thanks for the hugs.

The damage was done in the intermedial right anterior lobe. So from what I can tell that should cover my spatial reasoning area. But I am not really sure what is being affected.

I do not endorse having a stroke to improve sex life or outlook on life.

Lilyhoney

[SPKrazy]

74. no, but if it's gonna cause damage, then that is damage

that is at least tolerable :P

I know, there is no good stroke, and sorry you had one at such a young age too

:hug:

[alarimer]

73. A friend of mine had a stroke at about 34 or so

He apparently had a blood clot that caused it, although they had misdiagnosed his pain as something else. But I guess he is doing okay now. I haven't been in touch because we broke up for reasons unrelated to his health.

Glad to hear you are doing okay.

[Lilyhoney]

79. Maybe you will give your old friend a call to see for yourself

how he is today.

I was talking to my mom the other day and she said an old friend was asking about me. So I called him up to see how he was doing. He happened to have a stroke about 8 months ago. This was someone I have'nt really seen in over 10 years. It was good to just say we were ok.


Be well

Lilyhoney

[mykpart]

75. This happened to my aunt in 1961.

She was 36 at the time. She recovered and lived another 40 years. She didn't even quit smoking. Glad you're better.

[Lilyhoney]

77. Glad you know a little of your family health history.

The doctors asked me lots of questions related to my relatives health. Unfortunately I do not have alot to go on.

Thanks for sharing your positive story with me/us.

Be well

Lilyhoney

[Shine]

76. Wow, that's quite a story and a huge wakeup call, too.

I liked the part about how your conversations have gotten more meaningful. (The increased sex drive part was good, too, but you know what I mean!)

Our lives are so ephemeral and it's good to be aware of how precious and fragile each moment is. We have so much to be grateful for, in every moment, every day. Life is a gift.

I wish you continued healing and best wishes for abundant health.

:hug:

[Lilyhoney]

78. Shine, thank you so much for your well wishes.

I have had real conversations with my brother and sister. We have'nt talked much over the past few years. I could actually say I was sorry for things.We agreed the future can be different from the past.

Best wishes to you Shine

Be well

Lilyhoney