An MRI at last! A great New Year present.

[EffieGee]

I have some good news. I've been emailing my neuro for a while to ask for a MRI, bringing to his attention again to ongoing problems and other health complications that have emerged since the stroke in Sept. Also to ask for my case to be transferred to a different hospital for easier access for me (no transport and no reliable support system to get me there). I'd had no reply and that's added to my depression, stress and anxiety. In desperation I phoned his secretary a few days ago, that awful emotional lability crying jag happened towards the end of the call, some of you know what that's like. It served a purpose, the neuro himself rang me, reviewed my case and ongoing symptoms etc. The outcome is that he's agreed to an MRI, I'm being referred to the lead stroke consultant in my hospital of choice, he's reviewing my/family lifelong health problems for connections, new blood tests will include a test for Hughes Syndrome. I am grateful for this break, I really am, but my struggle over this past horrendous 3 months could have been minimised if my concerns had been acted on sooner. I have a 'voice', although not as assertive or powerful as I'd like it to be ..... but what happens to those who don't?

[2stroke]

EffieGee

Welcome ,you're in the company of many stroke survivers

here,and should get good advice from those who have, or are still having the after effects of the brain attacks.

good luck&keep on texting.

[EffieGee]

Just an update, I saw the new neuro today, a very brief conversation, more confused than before really. I'd emailed her a comprehensive medical history note, especially as my family members have recently shown up heart malformations. She said that the previous neuro said I'd had a TIA so that was that, I asked why there were weird after effects given that the nature of a TIA is transient, she said maybe I'd been having more. But that they wouldn't show up on the CAT scan nor on the upcoming MRI in Feb. The 24 hour Holter showed no AF but several spikes that she attributed to anxiety. Was I depressed and was I taking anything for it, yes and no was my reply. She cleared me for driving, couldn't advise on whether I could resume my vitamin and supplements regime and should seek advice from my 'prescriber' (wouldn't countenance anything bought online, even from UK suppliers), bloods taken for Hughes Syndrome tests. A second set of tests in 3 months was not mentioned. If I am shown to have Hughes Syndrome the treatment would remain as clopidogrel as they don't prescribe warfarin etc these days. Unless the blood results and the MRI showed anything abnormal, she would not see me again. Letter to me and GP to follow. Effectively Discharged ! I am uneasy but guess I just have to suck it up. This info might be of use to someone out there. I joined a very active and proactive local stroke group yesterday and I'm rather glad I did, I have a feeling they'll be rather more informative and educational and supportive.

[Wittycjt in reply to EffieGee]

Very proud of you. Now you will just have to await the bloods answer, but if it comes back positive make sure she refers you to an APS specialist, explaining the specialist knows how to provide you with the best, most current treatment for this, Best of Luck, Cindy

[EffieGee in reply to Wittycjt]

Thank you Cindy, I just found you on FB too! Yes, I would ask for referral to an APS specialist. And the long awaited MRI scan is booked for Feb 11th, though the consult. said that TIAs don't show up on MRIs or CAT scans. Really? That's not what I've been seeing! Anyway, time will tell.