Apologies, long post, brevity is not my strong suit. Some of you may remember my husband (80) is waiting for a double or triple bypass and replacement aortic valve. He is also waiting for an assessment of his cognitive impairment.He was admitted twice on the week commencing 24th Nov and sent home the next day, the second time after his pre med, no ICU beds. ( I drove back to pick him up as it was daylight).
I have huge memory gaps which are gradually coming back, thanks to my diary and family. On 30th Nov evening, apparently I collapsed unresponsive in bed and my husband rang 999. They wanted him to get me on the floor but he explained his own frailty and bounced on my chest in bed.
I came to in hospital having been blue lighted, had head CT and carotid USS, of which all I was unaware. Apparently I was a pain in A&E,proclaiming I had not had a TIA, it was an "episode". Sunday I only remember odd flashes but was sending messages on my phone which made sense!! I woke up more properly on stroke high dependency bay Monday morning 2nd and "as you seem very sensible" went home Mon afternoon after successfully making a cup of tea and negotiating stairs. ( Needed bed more likely). All of us have picked up a nasty virus, cough cold exhaustion which is muddying the water. My memory is shot but I have phone notes and notebooks to help.
My daughter with whom I have a lot in common, got her support just right and left us to find our feet on Friday ( though neither of us could. remember which day she went, but I worked it out).
Having been without flecainide all day Sunday 1st and Mon am till lunch time, unsurprisingly,I had my first long episode of AF since 2013 on Tues evening. We did go to urgent care but they said A&E 25 miles away. I converted spontaneously while waiting but daughter and staff keen for me to be seen. 7 hours later got home so quite good.
Since then the days have flown. Things are a huge effort and husband is more muddled but we're ok, daughter back Thursday for 2 nights (400 mile round trip). Son 30 miles away, more like his father but wife a senior carer so more on my wavelength. Poor dog in kennels for now, he's a tetchy 14 year old.
Waiting for MRI brain 21st as CT inconclusive but no bleed seen.
I requested GP phone call yesterday, a new young man son of GP who has just retired. He has persuaded me to go on statins which I didn't cope with before about 10 years ago. (I'd been taking plant sterols for a few months recently). He offered me one I hadn't tried rotuvastatin .I did make him laugh though. He said would I be willing to have cholesterol checked at 3 and 9 months although the research that it improved outcomes was sketchy.I said if it meant he got a government reward that was fine. He snorted and said there was an element of that!!
Well guys, it's clearer in my head now. Would like answers but don't suppose I'll ever get a definitive diagnosis, unless brain MRI helps.
From those of you who've had TIAs any tips? I'm handing off responsibilities for now. (Drop in vol, and two committees) . I've increased my cleaner and emailed a District nurse pal as to whether I should self refer to Social Services to at least be in the system prior to husband's op ....eek.
Apologies again for length. Very fuzzy headed after any period of concentration. Have not been out yet except to dust bin!!
Health Service in Goa - India
My room was the central train station.
GP vs Specialist ; the lost art of medicine
New to A fib
