Aa
Totally Confused
I posted a question over the "strokes" exchange, but maybe it belongs here instead. I have suddenly started having very strange episodes. The worst one was at work, I felt a warm sensation flow through my right side, then I couldn't hold a pencil or type, my vision blurred, I was on the phone with a client and all I could manage was to press the hold button with my left hand, as the right wouldn't do what I told it,just flopped around when I tried to move it, when I tried to stand up to get help my right leg would not hold me, the only way I could stay upright was to grab the cubicle wall with my left hand, finally someone noticed my distress, an ambulance was called and ER Dr said it was a TIA. All test, cat scan, ultra sound of Carotid arteries, doppler of heart, ekg, were normal. He said if I had another one that last 10 min or more to go to one of the larger hospitals for more exhaustive care, gave me Agrenox and sent me home. 3 days later I had another one. It was not as dramatic, lasted only about 2 min, so I called my husband to come get me and he took me to my Dr who scolded me for not going to ER immediatly and changed my med to plavix, and scheduled an MRI, and called neurologist to make sure I had an appointment-- it took 3 wks to get in for MRI and 4 to get into Neurologist, no more scary episodes just a series of horrible headaches. MRI was normal. Neurologist said he didn't think I had a tia, that I was in no danger of stroke, took me off plavix told me to take an aspirin and ignore any future episodes!
OK. I asked what else it could be, he shrugged his shoulders and said "Some things we never know." Any ideas out there? Would a second consult do me any good or would this Dr #2 just read all my wonderful test results and tell me the same thing?
OK. I asked what else it could be, he shrugged his shoulders and said "Some things we never know." Any ideas out there? Would a second consult do me any good or would this Dr #2 just read all my wonderful test results and tell me the same thing?
Hello,
Nice to meet you.
I really have only been diagnosed with migraine recently, I did try to talk to the afore mentioned neurologist about them, he really never let me talk, just asked a few questions, made a few notes and never gave me any info. The only thing I know for sure is that the MRI is normal.
As far as an aura--well I'm not sure what that means, I do know when one is coming on, my vision changes a bit, I become acutely aware of odors (some family members say I have scent hallucinations because nobody else smells anything) I become very light sensitive, I even need eye protection under the floresent lights in my office. The headache is crushing and usually lasts 3 days or so.
Really this has been going on for years, I actually am kind of used to it, I have learned to cope with it, the headaches only came up becase I was being treated for something else and mentioned to my DR that headache was different from my usual one, so my Dr asked questions about my usual one and determined I had been having migraines all that time. I had thought it was probably my FMS. Oh well it's like Rosanna Rosannadonna's Father used to say:
It's always something...
Nice to meet you.
I really have only been diagnosed with migraine recently, I did try to talk to the afore mentioned neurologist about them, he really never let me talk, just asked a few questions, made a few notes and never gave me any info. The only thing I know for sure is that the MRI is normal.
As far as an aura--well I'm not sure what that means, I do know when one is coming on, my vision changes a bit, I become acutely aware of odors (some family members say I have scent hallucinations because nobody else smells anything) I become very light sensitive, I even need eye protection under the floresent lights in my office. The headache is crushing and usually lasts 3 days or so.
Really this has been going on for years, I actually am kind of used to it, I have learned to cope with it, the headaches only came up becase I was being treated for something else and mentioned to my DR that headache was different from my usual one, so my Dr asked questions about my usual one and determined I had been having migraines all that time. I had thought it was probably my FMS. Oh well it's like Rosanna Rosannadonna's Father used to say:
It's always something...
Hi,
I am so sorry your experiencing these scary and frustrating episodes......
I saw that you have a history of migraines
What type were you diagnosed with?Do you experience migraine aura?
I was diagnosed with Migraine Varients specifically Hemiplegic and Acephalgic....
The Hemiplegic mimic stroke and are absolutly brutal.They actually cause motor weakness and facial drooping.The first time it happened the docs thought I had TIA's.The Acepalgic are Aura only with no actualy headache.....But I also get regular migraines aswell....But not very often....
I have 15 spot/lesions in my brain that look like the damage done by TIA.Migraines cause the same sort of damage in the brain...because of the types of migraines I have my risk of stroke is much higher ...Theres no history of migraines or stroke in my family.
Take a minute and look up the Migraine Varients...There are many docs that are not familure with migraines (especially the varients) at all...There are a few of us on here who have the Varient diagnosis...
I agree with Sam about having more testing done...You should also have a Lumbar Puncture aswell and possibly Evoked Potentiels....
Please keep us posted...
Theresa......
I am so sorry your experiencing these scary and frustrating episodes......
I saw that you have a history of migraines
What type were you diagnosed with?Do you experience migraine aura?
I was diagnosed with Migraine Varients specifically Hemiplegic and Acephalgic....
The Hemiplegic mimic stroke and are absolutly brutal.They actually cause motor weakness and facial drooping.The first time it happened the docs thought I had TIA's.The Acepalgic are Aura only with no actualy headache.....But I also get regular migraines aswell....But not very often....
I have 15 spot/lesions in my brain that look like the damage done by TIA.Migraines cause the same sort of damage in the brain...because of the types of migraines I have my risk of stroke is much higher ...Theres no history of migraines or stroke in my family.
Take a minute and look up the Migraine Varients...There are many docs that are not familure with migraines (especially the varients) at all...There are a few of us on here who have the Varient diagnosis...
I agree with Sam about having more testing done...You should also have a Lumbar Puncture aswell and possibly Evoked Potentiels....
Please keep us posted...
Theresa......
Hi again,
Yes I am taking the aspirin, really don't know anything about the Omega Oils, I do use flax seed and flax seed oil in my smoothies.
Diet plan is really just high in lean protein (fish, eggs, low fat dairy, whey, chicken etc) and complex carbs (lintils, beans, whole grains) LOTS of salad, and 2 servings of low carb fruit like melon, plums, berries.
On work days I have a fruit smoothie for breakfast and some times for lunch--I borrowed the smoothie recipe from the "Fat Flush" diet and I really like them. I can make them ahead of time and then freeze. But I don't buy the incredibly over priced protein powder they sell. For dinner, I am so wiped at the end of the day a nice chef salad is easy and taste great.
On weekends, I splurge on an egg and 1 slice of ww toast--have my salad for lunch, and then really just sm portions of what ever we have for dinner. I have found a sm snack at bedtime is best for my blood glucose, so ususally some sunflower seeds or a few apple slices w/cheese. I'm full :-)
I'm sorry you have had a major one. I really hope things are looking up for you. Thanks alot for your concern and imput.
Fernblossum
Yes I am taking the aspirin, really don't know anything about the Omega Oils, I do use flax seed and flax seed oil in my smoothies.
Diet plan is really just high in lean protein (fish, eggs, low fat dairy, whey, chicken etc) and complex carbs (lintils, beans, whole grains) LOTS of salad, and 2 servings of low carb fruit like melon, plums, berries.
On work days I have a fruit smoothie for breakfast and some times for lunch--I borrowed the smoothie recipe from the "Fat Flush" diet and I really like them. I can make them ahead of time and then freeze. But I don't buy the incredibly over priced protein powder they sell. For dinner, I am so wiped at the end of the day a nice chef salad is easy and taste great.
On weekends, I splurge on an egg and 1 slice of ww toast--have my salad for lunch, and then really just sm portions of what ever we have for dinner. I have found a sm snack at bedtime is best for my blood glucose, so ususally some sunflower seeds or a few apple slices w/cheese. I'm full :-)
I'm sorry you have had a major one. I really hope things are looking up for you. Thanks alot for your concern and imput.
Fernblossum
Hi fernblossum
Well, you know, I have no special qualifications...except that I've suffered something like this, whilst the docs shrugged their shoulders and went 'Tch! could be anything. Neurological stuff is a mystery!'. The last, major, one took me out.
I just wish I'd got second and third opinions when it first started happening. I actually did have one of these type of things whilst driving. It was not pleasant.
Yes, I'd certainly feel easier if you spoke with your GP and get her to refer you to a proper neurologist.
Ask for an MRA or MRV of your brain and neck - this looks at ALL the blood flow in your brain (not just a carotid ultrasound). Also EEG and blood tests to look for various conditions that make for 'sticky' blood. I'd go for a cervical spine MRI too.
Whatever, you're worth it! Obviously it's not a good idea to get all anxious, but you definitely mustn't ignore these events. Please do listen to your body - it's wiser than the doctors.
BTW,are you taking that aspirin and Omega 3, 6,9 oils?
Hey! Well done on the weight loss. That's quite an achievement. What's your diet plan?
bestest wishes
sammxx
Well, you know, I have no special qualifications...except that I've suffered something like this, whilst the docs shrugged their shoulders and went 'Tch! could be anything. Neurological stuff is a mystery!'. The last, major, one took me out.
I just wish I'd got second and third opinions when it first started happening. I actually did have one of these type of things whilst driving. It was not pleasant.
Yes, I'd certainly feel easier if you spoke with your GP and get her to refer you to a proper neurologist.
Ask for an MRA or MRV of your brain and neck - this looks at ALL the blood flow in your brain (not just a carotid ultrasound). Also EEG and blood tests to look for various conditions that make for 'sticky' blood. I'd go for a cervical spine MRI too.
Whatever, you're worth it! Obviously it's not a good idea to get all anxious, but you definitely mustn't ignore these events. Please do listen to your body - it's wiser than the doctors.
BTW,are you taking that aspirin and Omega 3, 6,9 oils?
Hey! Well done on the weight loss. That's quite an achievement. What's your diet plan?
bestest wishes
sammxx
Thanks for your response.
I did fill out the medical background they ask for, yes strokes do run in my family, my Mom had one when she was my age that left her partially blind although she did eventually recover most of her vision. Her father died of stroke. I do have diabetes, but that is a recent development and seems fairly well controlled.I have a history of migraine, don't smoke and blood pressure has always been very good.
As far as life style, I work in a busy customer care call center, I have for 10 years now. So definately sedintary, although I do walk some every day, I am sure I don't get enough exercise. I guess in a way I can be grateful for all this as a wake up call, I have been rethinking my lifestyle and making some changes, including more exercise and a better diet. I have actually lost 15 lbs this last month so whoo hoo!
My main concern about these "events" is what if one happens while I am driving? or going down the stairs? or holding one of my grand babies? I had a small one this morning that just gave a "crazy arm" still I wouldn't have wanted to be driving when that happened.
I guess I will call my Dr on Monday and see what her take on the matter is--maybe she can recommend a different Neurologist.
Thanks again for your response, I guess I knew I needed a 2nd opinon, but it's good to get some validation.
I did fill out the medical background they ask for, yes strokes do run in my family, my Mom had one when she was my age that left her partially blind although she did eventually recover most of her vision. Her father died of stroke. I do have diabetes, but that is a recent development and seems fairly well controlled.I have a history of migraine, don't smoke and blood pressure has always been very good.
As far as life style, I work in a busy customer care call center, I have for 10 years now. So definately sedintary, although I do walk some every day, I am sure I don't get enough exercise. I guess in a way I can be grateful for all this as a wake up call, I have been rethinking my lifestyle and making some changes, including more exercise and a better diet. I have actually lost 15 lbs this last month so whoo hoo!
My main concern about these "events" is what if one happens while I am driving? or going down the stairs? or holding one of my grand babies? I had a small one this morning that just gave a "crazy arm" still I wouldn't have wanted to be driving when that happened.
I guess I will call my Dr on Monday and see what her take on the matter is--maybe she can recommend a different Neurologist.
Thanks again for your response, I guess I knew I needed a 2nd opinon, but it's good to get some validation.
Hello and a warm welcome, fernblossum
These episodes must have been quite scary. Ok, for starters, this 'Somethings we never know' business is very dangerous.
In my opinion, it's nonsense in the circumstances. Please don't misunderstand me - I don't know about your personal condition and am not qualified to diagnose. Nor do I want to worry you.
BUT...for one thing, your age puts you in the risk category for stroke. You may have other predisposing factors also (e.g. family history, weight, smoking, high blood pressure, blood disorders, history of migraine, sedentary lifestyle, peri-menopause, and so on)
For another thing, it's entirely the wrong and irresponsible message for any neurologist to be putting out. No doubt hundreds of people know by now that you've had this abysmal response....and if the same happens to them they could think twice about seeking urgent medical help - as you'll possibly think twice in future.
It doesn't matter what all the scans and test showed or didn't show: most of these are pretty specific and event-dependent anyway. The fact is that you are experiencing TIA type episodes that are new to you. If this IS TIA then that puts you in an advanced category for stroke (but note, it does not follow that you actually will suffer stroke - don't want to worry you!)
Please get a second neurologist opinion as soon as you can. Even a third opinion. This sort of episode warrants more than shoulder shrugging and 'we'll never know'!
Do keep us updated, won't you?
take good care....
sammxx
These episodes must have been quite scary. Ok, for starters, this 'Somethings we never know' business is very dangerous.
In my opinion, it's nonsense in the circumstances. Please don't misunderstand me - I don't know about your personal condition and am not qualified to diagnose. Nor do I want to worry you.
BUT...for one thing, your age puts you in the risk category for stroke. You may have other predisposing factors also (e.g. family history, weight, smoking, high blood pressure, blood disorders, history of migraine, sedentary lifestyle, peri-menopause, and so on)
For another thing, it's entirely the wrong and irresponsible message for any neurologist to be putting out. No doubt hundreds of people know by now that you've had this abysmal response....and if the same happens to them they could think twice about seeking urgent medical help - as you'll possibly think twice in future.
It doesn't matter what all the scans and test showed or didn't show: most of these are pretty specific and event-dependent anyway. The fact is that you are experiencing TIA type episodes that are new to you. If this IS TIA then that puts you in an advanced category for stroke (but note, it does not follow that you actually will suffer stroke - don't want to worry you!)
Please get a second neurologist opinion as soon as you can. Even a third opinion. This sort of episode warrants more than shoulder shrugging and 'we'll never know'!
Do keep us updated, won't you?
take good care....
sammxx
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