After suffering the trauma and terror of a ruptured brain aneurysm, I was left to pick up my fractured life. A ruptured brain aneurysm is one of the most traumatic experiences I ever faced. Surviving this ordeal was so difficult. I learned I had significant strength and resilience.
After undergoing emergency brain surgery and then spending months in recovery, I was left to pick up the pieces. It wasn't easy, but I found hope. In the moments of darkness, I realized there is a light ahead and it was time for me to begin moving forward. I needed to learn to accept my new normal.
Life can change in a matter of seconds. I know this from personal experience. Two years ago, my life completely transformed after experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm. The experience was traumatic, and it left me in a state of fear and terror. However, through this traumatic experience, I found that learning to do things alone helped me find satisfaction and fulfillment.
I found courage, strength and peace within myself. I embraced the aftermath of living though something so intensely overwhelming. I learned how to look on the brighter side of life. It wasn’t easy and it still is hard work. It still takes dedication and passion. I have to remind myself to continue to take charge. This is my newfound reality.
Recovery from a ruptured brain aneurysm is a slow process. I often felt frustrated and felt like I was not making any progress, but it's important to remember that healing takes time. I learned to be patient with myself and that was a difficult lesson, but one that has helped me immensely. By taking things slowly and celebrating small victories, I've been able to make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve learned that creating space for myself is mandatory. I learned to find events that are uplifting, filled with love and appreciation. Happiness and my stories are illustrated by my own personal experiences.
As a survivor of a ruptured brain aneurysm I strive for hope in every challenging situation. I want to share my story and offer some insights on how to find hope after surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Find support groups that work for you.
I was often told to reach out to my support. They would often tell me the key factors in my recovery process was the support of my family and friends. They were there for me every step of the way, offering words of encouragement and helping me in any way they could. Although I appreciated that it was still very hard on me. They didn’t know that I literally didn’t know who I was. My pain wasn’t as much from the physical pain. It was dealing with the loss of my old life and not knowing how to start over.
If you have a local support group, reach out to them. Talking to strangers that understand and often understand how you're feeling is helpful and you are able to lean on them for support. If you don't have a support system locally consider joining one online. Search for them on Facebook and other social media sites. There’s many. I also suggest the support of a therapist.
I feel one of the most important things is having a support system. Having people who believe in you and encourage you is crucial. At times, it can be easy to feel isolated and alone, but having a support system has helped me stay motivated and focused on being happy.
I celebrated small victories.
Recovery after a brain aneurysm can be a long and difficult journey. It’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it's taking a few steps on your own or eating solid food for the first time, each milestone is a step closer to getting better. Take the time to acknowledge these victories and be proud of yourself for overcoming each hurdle. Celebrating does not have to be with others but if that makes you feel good then go for it. I did small things for myself. Things that made me feel good let me be proud of victories.
Take things one day at a time.
It's easy to get overwhelmed when facing a long road. Instead of focusing on the big picture, try to take things one day at a time. Take your time. Set achievable goals for each day and celebrate when you accomplish them. This approach helped me maintain a positive outlook and kept me motivated.
Focus on something you enjoy.
Before the aneurysm, I spent most of my time working, running errands, and taking care of my family. I had little time for hobbies or interests. After I had nothing but time. Way too much time to think. I needed to find something to keep my mind off of loss. I had a lot of downtime, and I decided to use that time to explore new interests. I had a really hard time staying focused. I didn’t rush myself. I took up writing. I started learning to build new websites. I began to look for new things that I found interesting. By immersing myself in these new activities, I was able to find a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Relearning basic tasks.
After the aneurysm ruptured, I was left with very little strength in my limbs. This meant that I had to relearn basic tasks that are often taken for granted, like brushing my teeth or getting dressed. Initially, it was frustrating, and I felt a sense of helplessness. But as I began to gain more confidence in my abilities, I found that accomplishing these tasks on my own gave me a sense of accomplishment and pride. It was a small victory, but it gave me the motivation to keep going.
Focus on self care.
Self-care is an essential aspect of recovery after a brain aneurysm. Taking care of myself physically and mentally helped me maintain a positive outlook. I couldn’t go to a gym or do extreme workouts. I had a hard time staying focused. I did little things that helped me keep track of little exercises I did. That helped me to not focus on my loss as much. Some self-care strategies I consider included getting enough rest, eating regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques. I focused on making my own decisions.
I embraced a new outlook on life.
embraced a new outlook on life.
After surviving a brain aneurysm, I found that my perspective on life had shifted. I had may a newfound appreciation for the little things. I wanted to pursue new passions. It took time but I began to write. The new outlook on life allowed me to explore new ideas. I learned to not rush myself or expect perfection.
Surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm has been a life-changing experience. It’s been challenging to pick up the pieces and move forward. It’s been important to find hope. By reaching out for support, celebrating small victories, taking things one day at a time, focusing on self-care and embracing a new outlook on life, found hope and created a fulfilling life after surviving a brain aneurysm.
 Find happiness in small moments.
Whether it's seeing a beautiful sunset or enjoying a tasty meal, finding joy in the present moment has helped me stay positive and hopeful. When life feels overwhelming, focusing on small moments of joy can make a big difference.
The experience of suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm was undoubtedly traumatic, but it has also been a time of growth and self-discovery. Through the process of learning to do things alone and finding independence, I've been able to find a new sense of happiness and purpose. I hope that my story can serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future. By focusing on small victories, building a support system, and finding joy in the present moment, I’ve found a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in my life.
Remember, you are stronger than you think, and you have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
