The last time I tried to exercise on the Gazelle machine, I could only do 5 mins. Today was the first time in roughly three weeks I have attemped to try it again, and I was pleased with the results. I was able to sustain 20 mins, before feeling like I was going to give out. I honestly don’t know when to stop, so probably pushed a little hard, but I was excited to get back on the machine! Does anyone else feel/hear their pulse in their head? I have not been treated for anything yet, and the top of my head is very tender…very painful. This spot pulsated the entire time I exercised. Very strange!
I’m determined to build the strength back up on my left side…tired of limping when my left side gets tired. Also ready to get this weight off.
I have been given a second chance at life…doing my best to show my appreciation, and to make sure I’m here as long as possible for my 6 year old daughter. 
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and thank you all for being so supportive. I’m so thankful to have found this site.
Crystal
Crystal,
I feel a strong pulse at the back of my head. I just had an angio. and a dural fistula was confirmed. I don’t know if your problem is anything like this. Good luck!
Brittany
I don’t usually get this while I’m exercising, but it has been one of my migraine symptoms. It also seemed like I had it a LOT when I was first diagnosed with the AVM (no rupture). I don’t know if I was just more aware that the AVM was the cause, or if it was just because of the stress of dealing with the doctor’s visits, the diagnosis, state testing at school, prepping my room for subs, final exams, and end of the year paperwork for my special ed. students.
Also, sometimes at night when I’m really still & it is really quiet, I’ll hear my pulse.
Hi Crystal, I get pulsing in my head with exercise, sometimes just from bending down and getting up. I was on the trampoline with my son a couple of weeks ago but it actually hurt my head after it - perhaps I shouldn’t be doing things like that. I hope you get to the bottom of it and perhaps you could let me know what your doc says about it. I would be interested. Take Care and enjoy the week-end. You sound as if you have great strength. Susan
I had the bruit in the ear thing pre craniotomy. Post-cranio, I do feel or hear my heartbeat. It used to keep me awake. Not the same as before surgery, though. And never seems to really go away. I ride a bike, and I feel/hear the heartbeat more when I am really pushing it.
beans
Hi Crystal. You are so determined and have so much to live for that I know you will do well in recovering from your bleed!
Actually its probably what they call a bruit. People with our condition actually have that where you can feel and hear the pulse of the blood flowing through the avm sounding like your pulse. but glad you were able to do well on the machine. Exercise at a good pace is always beneficial.
Thank you everyone! Susan, I have had the same thing happen to me when bending down to pick something up, etc. There is one particular spot in my head that will hurt and then my pulse will start throbbing. I can actually pinpoint the spot on my head where it hurts, like it’s a bruise. It’s odd, because that spot did not show up on the last MRI. My appt is on 9/15…I’m going in with a list of questions and will be sure to let you know what he says. Lesson learned on starting slow with exercise though…20 mins was a bit much, it appears. I ended up with increased symptoms, vertigo, nausea, and my entire left side in extreme pain the next day (yesterday). Feeling better today, but I do recommend starting a new exercise program slowly. Lesson learned, lol. Hope you all have a great weekend!!!
Crystal,
I smiled when I read your post title. Want to know why? Because no only do I hear my pulse when I’m working out, I hear it when I walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, from the car to the trash can, from the living room to the back door 
To me it’s a constant reminder that I’m alive. I can hear the source of what keeps me alive…my heart. I wish you the best and I pray you and your daughter have a wonderful weekend.
Remember to listen to your body and don’t ignore the things it’s telling you.
Very true, Jessica. I love your optimistic and positive attitude…it is greatly needed today. I hope you had a great weekend too!
Before my AVM was removed I used to hear it all the time. I didn’t know it wasn’t normal so I never even asked a doctor about it. Now that the AVM is gone I don’t hear it anymore. Good for you on getting back in to exercising. But yes, take it slow!
I now exactly how you feel!! At first I could hear pulsating in my head. It has been five years since my surgery, I do not hear or feel pulsating anymore. I still have tenderness and aching at my inscesion sight. Also where my shunt is. Especially when it is cold and rainy!
You will get your strength back up! My left side was numb too!
Hey Trish and Lynnseyb…sorry to just now respond. I am behind on responses this week. Trish, I am with you on not knowing it isn’t normal. I thought everyone heard their pulse in their head? lol!! Only since this has happened and being on this site have I been able to realize it wasn’t. There is one ear I hear it in often, and one spot in my head (since July) that I actually feel it and it HURTS! My appt is tomorrow, so I pray that he can answer and help me on all of these lingering symptoms. Exercise has been slow,…everytime I try, I get dizzy or the pain in my head. Sitting here is driving me crazy! Fingers crossed on answers tomorrow. I pray you both are doing great!!!