Transient Ischemic Attack (“Mini-stroke”)
First
of April, 2021 at 2.45am I woke for a bathroom run. A lump in the throat? Tried coughing but there wasn’t anything there
… strange … never had that before. I
lifted up from the pillow then slurred a strange sound and immediately thought it
was a stroke. Went to the bathroom and afterwards tried to turn the tap on but
my hand wouldn’t coordinate with it. It seemed surreal in the light of the blue
night-light. I put the ceiling light on, looked in the mirror and saw a strange
smile looking back. Yes, I’ve had a stroke.
Woke
John and told him. He moved faster than I’ve seen him move for a long time.
He was going to call an ambulance. I said to wait until “I have a shower
and wash my hair” … because I don’t know how long I’ll be in hospital … was
going to do that in the morning anyway, so by the time the Paramedics arrived,
I was all clean, dressed, and waiting. They did what they had to do,
then off to Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Fortunately on the way,
slurring and drooping cleared up.
Doctors
and nurses in Emergency were eager to do what they needed to do. A cannula for
the dye when scan-time came. After about five attempts with an apology
after each one and five “that’s okays”, they found a cooperative vein but left
a huge bruise by the time I left the hospital.
Into
the Scanner to cook … there was no brain bleed, and arteries/veins clear.
It turned out to be a TIA … Transient ischemic attack (“mini-stroke”). A
serious condition.
Hospital
stay was only around 6.1/2 hours – home by lunch time. I’m one of the “lucky”
ones thus far, but have to do my part to avoid another attack. The Stroke
Team want cholesterol under 2. No problem!
Perhaps
make yourself aware of this medical condition because it’s a big problem in
Australia, and if you have the misfortune to develop any symptoms of Tia or
Stroke, don’t delay urgent medical assistance. Seeking early help may prevent a
debilitating outcome.
