A 'TIA' and then?

[ParsnipLover]

At about 9.30pm on Thursday, I was winding down after the children went to bed and half watching an episode of Casualty on BBC I-player when I had a Transient Ischaemic Attack ('TIA') or 'mini stroke'.

I could not move my right arm which felt floppy and when I tried to call my wife I found myself unable to speak at first and then my attempt at speech was slurred and almost unrecognisable.

I'd guess it only lasted 30 seconds to a minute and I felt entirely well almost immediately. In fact - and unwisely, I appreciate - I watched the last ten minutes of Casualty and had my first good night's sleep all week rather than calling 999 and heading for A & E.

The next morning I saw my GP who was great: clear, well-informed and helpful. I am now on aspirin and statins and, having been assessed as low-risk for recurrence, waiting for assessment at a TIA clinic within the week.

I would be interested in the experience of others who have had a TIA, particularly those who are in their forties or younger and low-risk in lifestyle terms. I am also interested in your experience of the practical implications - did you choose to tell friends or colleagues at work? How do you manage the risk of recurrence? What is your experience of the 'pathway' of care through the NHS bureaucracy?

[Steve49]

Hi.

I had my Stroke in 1998 at the age of 32 on the 1st day off a family holiday in Spain.

My Stroke was a bleed & it was caused by an (Brain - AVM)

The AVM was a tangle off blood vessels that should have dissapeard when I was born.

Very much like a "Ticking Time Boom"

My "Pathway" threw the NHS has/is still a "Nightmare"

Following Brain Surgery in 1999/2000 I was given the alcear.

So off I went as you do !!!

I started work ( different job ) ironicaly in the " NHS" I returned to driving as well. Everything was "Back to Normal issh"

But in 2004/5 I started getting problems down my rightside. The Stroke in 1998 had taken out my leftside.

Instantly I new what was happening so back I went to my neurologist & we found that the AVM had returned. Apparently this is "Very Rare" "Great"

I had (SRS) Radiation Surgery in 2005 which went horribly wrong leaving me with "Chronic Pain"

The NHS sent me to Portsmouth for 3mnts having

After 3yrs we found out the surgery hadn't worked as well as the AVM was still present !!!

My "Little Devil"

So I had more Brain Surgery in 2009. Since then my health has deteriated leading me to take early retirement.

Over the past few years I have been referred to most off the hospitals in Birmingham for my Chronic Pain.

I have also been refered to a hospital (2) for some (DBS) Deep Brain Stimulation for my Chroinic Pain as we have had no joy with medications.

But the NHS turned down my funding for the treatment twice. The consultants there seemed quite optimistic about me as well.

I'm currently at an NHS Hospital in Liverpool now for Deep Brain Stimulation. But again the NHS won't Fund Me (Twice)

So I'm in a right predicament now!!

"Hey Ho"

Steve.

[ParsnipLover in reply to Steve49]

Thanks for replying Steve - sorry to hear things have not been great for you.

Are you based in Birmingham?

Shivaji

[Steve49 in reply to ParsnipLover]

Hi. thank you very much for your email - you have to keep going regardless. And keep a smile on your face !!!

Yes just outside Birmingham,

Steve.

[SteveHartnett in reply to ParsnipLover]

Hi, Yes I just live on the outskirts off Birmingham where it's a lot quitter.

Steve.

[Steve49 in reply to ParsnipLover]

Hi. No probs, yes just outside Birmingham. Which is great as the QE is only down the Rosas.

Steve.