I've had a TIA/ mini stroke, any changes I should be making?
Discussion
I had some weird episodes on Friday. on 3-4 occasions I had up to an hour where I wasn't taking in things S was saying to me, and I couldn't get words out/ talk. In addition to this I was faint, and often had to prop myself up. Today was the first chance I had to have a telephone doctors appointment, talking through these and other symptoms he believes I've had a mini stroke.
I'm 42, don't smoke (do vape, quit 3 years ago) in a physically active job, walk dogs half an hour a day, active lifestyle, allotments, chickens, ducks etc. I do drink more than official recommendations, on average maybe 60 units a week.
The doc is referring me to a stroke consultant. What may visiting them involve?
We consider this a warning, and I'm not keen on the idea of a full blown stroke! What should I be changing/ doing differently to give me the best chance of no further health problems down this route?
On the doctors advice I am taking 300mg of aspirin a day until I see/ speak with the consultant.
I'm 42, don't smoke (do vape, quit 3 years ago) in a physically active job, walk dogs half an hour a day, active lifestyle, allotments, chickens, ducks etc. I do drink more than official recommendations, on average maybe 60 units a week.
The doc is referring me to a stroke consultant. What may visiting them involve?
We consider this a warning, and I'm not keen on the idea of a full blown stroke! What should I be changing/ doing differently to give me the best chance of no further health problems down this route?
On the doctors advice I am taking 300mg of aspirin a day until I see/ speak with the consultant.
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I’ve just been reading research that shows that Covid-19 is a disease of the blood as much as a respiratory illness and causes the blood to thicken and clot, which can cause strokes.
I would have thought that your doctor would have considered this, but if not surely it’s worth having a coronavirus test to start with...
I would have thought that your doctor would have considered this, but if not surely it’s worth having a coronavirus test to start with...
I had all manner of weird symptoms a year or so back, which have turned out to be nerve related but I was seen by a stroke team at the start. Unless they go further than they did with me, it's absolutely nothing to worry about. They'll ask you questions which may seem weird, and get you to do a number of physical movements (again nothing painful or difficult, I can't remember them but just unusual movements, resisting and/or pushing against the medic).
Whilst I'm not over the moon with my own alcohol consumption (probably 30-ish units a week since we've been on lockdown, it was less before, but I do drink a small amount each day), I'd say 60 units is a bit toppy. You ought to wind that in a bit, and get more exercise I would say.
Hope it turns out well.
Whilst I'm not over the moon with my own alcohol consumption (probably 30-ish units a week since we've been on lockdown, it was less before, but I do drink a small amount each day), I'd say 60 units is a bit toppy. You ought to wind that in a bit, and get more exercise I would say.
Hope it turns out well.
Thanks all for the responses. S said whilst we were locking the birds up half an hour ago that she'd been Googling, and 47% of people who have a TIA have a full on stroke within a week. I'd read that the first 24 hours after are when you're most at risk. A little worried, but trying not to get too consumed by it. What's done is done.
Hope you get over this, but 60 units should at the very least be the top of your list of things to change. Even if you ignore the alcohol which would be a challenge, think if all the excess empty calories, and the effect in your blood pressure.
Speaking of which my GP has always pointed out that it's blood pressure + cholesterol together that increases risk, so do you know what they are?
Speaking of which my GP has always pointed out that it's blood pressure + cholesterol together that increases risk, so do you know what they are?
sociopath said:
Speaking of which my GP has always pointed out that it's blood pressure + cholesterol together that increases risk, so do you know what they are?
Dad has high blood pressure. When I had a test a few years ago mine was fine. I'm seeing him later this week, I'll get him to bring his test device with him. Fermit and Sexy Sarah said:
47% of people who have a TIA have a full on stroke within a week.
My FiL has had three TIAs, and none were followed by a stroke. He's in his early 80s now, these were all 10+ years ago. Echo the blood pressure machine, make sure you get one which is certified as accurate (some of the medical websites have a list) but you'll still only pay c.£20-25. No point using your old man's one once, you need to track daily (and you don't want to nick his off him either by the sounds of things).
Remember not even the TIA has been confirmed yet, it may not have been, so try not to stress too much just yet. Easier said than done when you're waiting to find out, I know.
The_Doc said:
Whilst well meaning, it strikes me that advice on this thread on which medications to take (Aspirin/Clopidigrel/edoxaban) is best left to the doctors.
All the healthy living advice is obviously fine.
Sorry it was me that said Clopidogrel......all I meant was, probably not very well, if he is put on long term low dose Aspirin then I found it to be better....I would be surprised he could obtain it without a Dr prescribing it anyway.All the healthy living advice is obviously fine.
catweasle said:
Sorry it was me that said Clopidogrel......all I meant was, probably not very well, if he is put on long term low dose Aspirin then I found it to be better....I would be surprised he could obtain it without a Dr prescribing it anyway.
There is something else the doctor has prescribed me, which should be on route to the village chemist soon.RE the vaping, is there really any risk with it?
RE the blood pressure, we'll look in to this, will also bring the matter up with the stroke consultant, if they don't.
I had a TIA nearly 4 weeks ago.
Different symptoms to yours,my eyesight went funny, couldn't focus, tingling in my left arm.
Went to A+E,had blood tests,ecg and a CT scan.All they could find was slightly high cholesterol.They want me to have an MRI scan at some point.I was put on blood thinning tablets and cholesterol tablets for 4 weeks.
I'm 57, don't smoke, rarely drink,take exercise and eat a pretty balanced diet although it is/was quite high in meat.
The tablets stop me from sleeping so I'm always tired.
Different symptoms to yours,my eyesight went funny, couldn't focus, tingling in my left arm.
Went to A+E,had blood tests,ecg and a CT scan.All they could find was slightly high cholesterol.They want me to have an MRI scan at some point.I was put on blood thinning tablets and cholesterol tablets for 4 weeks.
I'm 57, don't smoke, rarely drink,take exercise and eat a pretty balanced diet although it is/was quite high in meat.
The tablets stop me from sleeping so I'm always tired.
V8covin said:
The tablets stop me from sleeping so I'm always tired.
That would be a huge concern to me, as I already have serious problems sleeping. That is part of the reason for drinking daily, I don't have any dependency, but without something to take the edge off (some alcohol/ sleeping pills) I will genuinely NOT be able to get to sleep.On a separate note, for years family and S have been telling me they think I have some form of ADHD. I've always dismissed it in my own mind, as I can't abide people who fall back on 'labels', which ADHD seems to be one when wrong sorts are trying to justify bad behaviour.
Researching about my sleep behaviour, landing on a page about ADD/ADHD, the majority of statements made about problem sleep suggest to me I mayy well have ADD.
Back on subject. To the last posters mentioning alcohol, I know this needs restraint applying. I'll get some Becks Blue in, and try to lower my intake by half, as a starting goal.
Was it a TIA or a stroke? I suspect the former, as you can write normally... Mine was a stroke and it took me 3 months to be able to talk or write normally and if I get tired I still have problems talking and writing. I know I got off easily as well.
I would do as others gave stated - drop the drink a bit or preferably a lot. I would also consider dropping the vape as well. I need to lose weight, always need to do that!
I am on 5 tablets a day which I think will be forever - if you get prescribed 2 or more drugs then it is worth getting a prepaid card.
Check you insurance - both life and car. I had to tell my car insurance but as I wasn't stopped for more than a month they didn't change the cost. Life insurance did care - they paid out in full but means I can't get life insurance again.
I would do as others gave stated - drop the drink a bit or preferably a lot. I would also consider dropping the vape as well. I need to lose weight, always need to do that!
I am on 5 tablets a day which I think will be forever - if you get prescribed 2 or more drugs then it is worth getting a prepaid card.
Check you insurance - both life and car. I had to tell my car insurance but as I wasn't stopped for more than a month they didn't change the cost. Life insurance did care - they paid out in full but means I can't get life insurance again.
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