Hi all,
I dread writing this as I’m truly praying this didn’t happen. I’m aware that we all run a higher risk of cardiovascular events b/c of Lupus, but who has had this come about? I’m afraid that I may have had a “mini stroke”. Cardiovascular problems run in my family, so that plus the Lupus increased risk is well ... freaking me out. I have calls into doctors but am petrified of going to an ER. They are just aweful here in LA.
Advice anyone?
Hi Katidid 😊
Do live in Los Angeles? I’m in Michigan.
What makes you think you’ve had a mini stroke? Describe symptoms?
I’m familiar with them as my mom has suffered many during my caregiving for her.
EJ 😊🤗💗😘🙏😇🕊
Yes, Los Angeles.
Severe focal headache (I always have headaches but this was concentrated in one area and just wouldn’t let up no matter what I took, even my migraine protocol)
Woke up feeling like a huge weight was on me and severely depressed - out of nowhere - not like my usual fatigue or low mood
Left arm numb
Walked around and everything was surreal
Word finding problems, much more so than brain fog. It felt like I didn’t really know how to speak
Two days after in bed. Remnant headache, past few days feel like a dream.
Oh - today noticed a significant tremor in my left arm/hand. I do NOT not have ever had any form of tremor. This is what actually tipped me off. My grandmother had a TIA and her hand developed an odd tremor.
Have you ever researched symptoms with the Mayo Clinic site?
mayoclinic.com
Sorry can’t do links yet.
You can research TIA symptoms and see how many match.
Is there an urgent care facility nearby that you could visit instead??
Definitely have this checked out sweetie. Try not to stress out with this as the stress can exacerbate your problems. I know this is hard to do when you’re frightened.
Have you got someone close to you that can drive you to urgent care??
Take care and best wishes.
I just said a special prayer for you dear.
Let me know how you’re doing and if you were seen and the outcome please.
Love and hugs dear.
EJ 🤗💗🙏😇🕊
Hi Katidid, I have had several ischemic strokes. I have Lupus SLE. You need to have a CAT SCAN and an MRI. They physicians at the hospital need to rule out any bleeding in the brain etc. Please go immediately! Time is of the essence. You cannot NOT go. Please. I have been through strokes and I know how it works and what does not work. If you are having a TIA (mini-strokes) or a stroke, you will need on a blood thinner which I have been and have had no problems with the blood thinner. I am on warfarin.
Thanks for responding. Right after I wrote the post common sense got the better of me and I got a ride to the hospital. I spoke with the general doctor and he is waiting on neuro. I am pleasantly surprised tho that he was very up to speed on Lupus and our risk for stroke and other cardiac events. Think I am in good hands and if this is TIA then hopefully we’ll get on top of it wuivjliy.
Update: here cozied up in the ER waiting on admit to the hospital. They’re nice and have done lots of tests and imaging. Since I waited a couple days they’re trying to figure out mega brain inflammation vs small stroke. Thanks everyone I’ll keep you posted. ❤️
Hope you are ok
Thinking of you katydid, glad you're in good hands and willing a good outcome xxx
I’m late to see this but so very glad you went to ER! I too am in the US and understand what you are saying about LA er, it can be hit or miss. Wonderful that you got the good treatment you deserved.
You did the right thing, followed your instincts. I have had from the age of mid 30’s, several TIAs and two strokes. Now on warfarin and doing great.
Seems besides lupus it is caused from not only the antiphosphalipid but cerebral vasculitis. So yes, you are now in good hands to find out why!
Good luck!
SO glad you went to the hospital!!! Those are symptoms we must not ignore,
I did for a while and they were strokes!!
Am putting in an update on mine right now ,above!!
All the best xx
What were your symptoms? I know you dread going to the emergency room, but getting fast treatment for a stroke is critical. They can do so much. My friend’s brother just had a stroke in St. Louis. He was given clot dissolving medication right away. His only symptom after a week is a slightly numb hand. Do you have anti-phospholipid antibodies? Emergency rooms are awful, I know. But with possible stroke or heart attack, patients are seen right away. You will get good care. Please do not wait to contact your doctor. K
Katidid — Sorry, I did not see others had responded. I think I was just so concerned about you that I replied too soon. I am so glad you went to the emergency room. I hope I was correct that they saw you right away. These neurological things are hard to sort out. But I know you will get good care. Hoping for the best. Please keep in touch. XK
Hi, katidid!
I have a friend who has had multiple TIA’s. Her doctors want her to go to the ER as soon as symptoms start. There are drugs* they can give her that will actually break up any blood clots in her brain to prevent her from having damage to her brain & long lasting effects from any stroke that may follow the TIA.
At least in my friend’s case, there is tremendous good that can result from going to the ER immediately after stroke symptoms start. After multiple TIA’s, she has no long lasting symptoms.
Can you take a friend to the ER with you? Just having someone there who will stay with you is a great comfort. Also a friend can help you remember to ask the doctors important questions and help you remember what they say.
I hope you will ask your doctor what you should do if you have another episode like the one you had.
Wishing you good health!
Lorelei
*The “clot-busting” drug is TPA, tissue plasminogen activator.
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