The Bitter-Sweet taste of the brain bleed

A few weeks ago I saw my Neurologist for my blood pressure, but today I saw him for my full check-up. It was a good visit but also a reality check. I saw both my Neurologist and Vascular Neuro-Surg. The Vascular-Neuro-Surg still has no bed-side manner, and does not ever smile, but I trust him fully with my brain. My Neurologist is a lot easier to talk to and is a lot more compassionate. Here is the news. 1. Blood Pressure was 128/72 that is very good for me. 2. My optic nerves are swollen and there is slight spinal fluid in the brain which is typical post brain bleed. This is what has been causing my headaches and extra pressure I have been feeling, but have not shared with anyone up until today. No shunt is required at this time. This is what is causing the high blood pressure they believe. 3. Change of Beta Blocker I now take an extended release beta blocker at night and then 40 to 60 minutes before excercise I have to take 40mg of a beta blocker, which will last for 60 minutes. 4. Neurologist wants me to workout as along as someone is with me and I take my beta blocker. I can do the bike or elipical for 40 to 50 minutes. No weights at the gym I have to continue to do weights with the PT. 5. I will be in Physical Therapy for at least another three months. She will continue to monitor my heart rate, blood pressure, massage my neck, work on balance, and work with me with light weights. 6. My Neurologist and Vascular Neuro-Surg had the talk with me about "brain damage" that the bleed caused. They said that since I had the brain bleed that for sure there was some damage done to my brain and they want the Neuro-Psycholgist to perform cognitive testing. I see her all day July 24th. The day after our anniversary and the day before Zachary's birthday. However, this is good because they will know what gaps they need fill in and what area of the brain they will need to retrain. 7. I can only drink 60 ounces of water a day and no more. They want to control my fluid intake because of the slight extra fluid in my brain. Please pray I pass no kidney stones! 8. I'm on a low sodium diet for fluid reasons. 9. I can still travel to Idaho as long as we stop every hour and take our time. If my head hurts too bad we will turn around and drive home. We will be going through Portland because there are less mountain passes. I also have a load of medication to hopefully prevent me from getting too dizzy and throwing up. Still no flying for me! I also had to promise my Neuro that I would rest a lot in Idaho. How do I feel about all this? I would not wish a brain bleed on my worst enemy, but I feel very thankful to be alive and given the opportunity to watch my children grow. Yes, I spent an extra 20 minutes with my Neurologist crying in his office today. He was a good listener and pointed out all of the gains that I have made since August 31st. I told him I never imagined this recovery taking forever. However, he reminded me that I'm progressing well considering what happened. I'm now taking this all one day at a time, and I have been learning a lot from all of this. How are the classes? The classes are going. I have had a lot of help from Kirk and my best friend Becky in Idaho who is also a teacher. Dr.Piker also wrote for accmodations. The classes are challenging for me, but I'm pulling it off and a lot is coming back to me. I seem to be struggling with my short-term memory so it will be interesting to see what the Neuro -Psy, and the tests reveal.