Another chronic disease for me?...Oh Gwad...I just want to cry.

[Cherub198889]

I'm left gobsmacked again... Shocked shitless....While at work, I tripped backwards over a case of wine and was able to break my fall with my head against a wall. No hands to protect my head...jeez.... Anyways a coworker found me and called 911. I was rushed to the ER and the doctor gave me a CT scan. The results of the CT was no brain hemorrhage (just a "goose egg & whiplash") but the CT apparently found

"...probably periventricular white matter low attenuation it's most consistent with chronic small vessel ischemia. "

Sooo...back to neurology....Gwaaad...I'm still waiting for my rheumatologist appointment....

[helixhelix]

But you're not old enough for this sort of thing! That is so totally unfair. Try not to let it freak you out as won't do your blood pressure any good, and remember that many oldsters live with it for many, many years with no symptoms.

[Cherub198889 in reply to helixhelix]

The ER doctor double checked the name on the scan as he too thought I was too young for a stroke. Apparently it happened within the last few years.

I've spent Friday & Saturday crying. Today I stopped the tears and pulled up my socks. All day I can't stop thinking, "Wow, I survived a stroke....and I never knew I had one" I'm gobsmacked.

The Patterson Pavilion is supposed to phone me within 7 days to see a neurologist. I really would love some answers.

Yes, elderly people di live with it for many years with no symptoms, Thank you so much for mentioning that. For some reason knowing this helps me to relax.

Sue

[helixhelix in reply to Cherub198889]

Did the doc say you definately had had a stroke, or just that these changes mean that you are at greater risk of having one? Don't know much about this, but it seems that there is a huge variation in degree of severity. And given that you are skipping about on boats it sounds like you are in a good condition?

Hope you get appt with a great neurologist v soon.

[Cherub198889 in reply to helixhelix]

The doctor seemed generally surprised that I didn't know that I had previously had a stroke. The scaring is on my right lentiform nucleus with extensions going into my corona radiata. I'm reading these words from my copy of the Medical Imaging Report. I hadn't heard of these parts of the brain before, but I can sure tell you I've been doing alot of Googling.

It's strange that my health & energy has greatly improved since the dental extraction in 2017. I've been living life to the fullest ....and building a large debt load too ....What a blow it was to discover I had a stroke a few years back.

Deep down, I hope this was caused because of the major infection I had. If a dental infection caused my heart problems (now under control with meds) then it sounds reasonable to me it could have caused the stroke? I surely do hope so.

It is early Monday morning now & the Patterson Pav will open in a couple of hours. I hope I get a call today. I have alot of questions to ask the neurologist.

.

[helixhelix in reply to Cherub198889]

Oh I do hope so too.... but forewarned is forearmed so now you know you can take steps to make sure you stay in the best health possible. So lots more stress free days, with gentle exercise on your boat....maybe have to swap to low alcohol beer and low salt chips, but I've got used to them.

(i've just learnt some new words too...wonderful thing Latin)

[Cherub198889 in reply to helixhelix]

Yes, I've had a sneak peak of my future and I need to make some healthier choices to stay in the best health possible.

In 2017 I was able to stop the RA meds and I started drinking wine again. Not just the occasional glass, but the occasional bottle.

So, I've been going over my diet. I eat a lot of different raw vegetables, but I don't eat fruit unless it's baked in a pie loaded with ice cream. So I need to make a positive change.

Anyways, I know I need to start eating fresh fruit soooo.....this may sound funny, or even odd to you....but...I ate a banana today!! It's been over 35 years! Still hate the taste, but love the health benefits. One step at a time I guess.

[helixhelix in reply to Cherub198889]

You're nuts! If you don't like bananas then just don't eat them! You can get the same stuff from fresh oranges, and dried apricots , prunes and figs for example... Start with things you like or you'll be back on bad food.

My OH doesn't like bananas but we had one left over the other day that was over-ripe. So I "hid" it in a chocolate mousse - which he promptly spat out! A grown man...

[Cherub198889 in reply to helixhelix]

Hahaha! I totally understand your OH to tell you the truth, I put the banana in a blue berry smoothie lol crazy eh?

[Fruitandnutcase]

You poor soul *just* a goose egg and whiplash! I hope all goes well with the neurologist and you’re ok. At least it sounds like you are being very well looked after. That sort of thing really shakes you up.

[Cherub198889 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes, it really has shaken me up. Maybe in someways it was a blessing that I fell? Maybe seeing a neurologist now before anything else worse happens is a good thing.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Cherub198889]

Sure it will but it’s a tough way to get to see the neurologist. Hope things go well, you might find you are ridiculously tired - I fell off a bus a couple of weeks ago and landed on my knees the pavement and I was SO tired for about a week, same thing happened years ago when I fell off my bike in the middle of a road France - I slept for days afterwards - I wasn’t concussed though - just shocked. So, rest and take care of yourself.

[Cherub198889 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes a tough way to see a neurologist. I wouldn't recommend it though lol . I'm glad to hear you're ok after your falls.

[pd118]

swimming once a week has strengthened me nicely

[Cherub198889 in reply to pd118]

Swimming is an excellent idea. Thank you

[Connie1566]

I’m so sorry! This is extremely stressful, beyond being extremely painful for you. I hope you get answers very soon and more importantly a treatment protocol. In the meantime, in preparation of your apts, keep a diary of symptoms and concerns and do try to find a way to remain as calm as possible ... so difficult but so important. Good luck!!!

[Cherub198889 in reply to Connie1566]

Thanks for the advice Connie.

[Soreknees2016]

Thats just pants!! Hope the medics swiftly get to the bottom of it and get you on the right treatment.

[Gigi71]

Goodness Sue, beyond words. Good job you are a strong lady. Take extra care and all the best with the neurologist. Keep In Touch x

[Cherub198889 in reply to Gigi71]

Just when I was adjusting & accepting my "new normal" life...wham!! Shocking to think I had a stoke within the last few years & didn't even know it. Strange isn't it?

[Gigi71]

Sue you must be in shock with this news, we recently have had within the family two members who have had sudden unrelated illnesses and due to tests they have found other more serious illness, that have been treated successfully. I wish for you the same. Xx

[Cherub198889]

Oh that's such good news for your family members. I'm starting to think of my fall at work as a blessing in away. I mean seeing a neurologist to prevent another one can only be a positive thing.