Had a TIA was in the ER all day

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Dejaboo
Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Just got home about 30 minutes ago.

Woke up this morning & was reading the forum.  When I felt my Lip on the right go numb- then normal.  It kept doing that every 5 minutes.   And the side of My face felt different too.

after about 30 minutes of that Numb- not numb feeling I Decided I better not take any chances so off we headed to the ER.  Got there about 9 & they started monitoring me pretty much right away.  I think I saw the Dr 3 hrs later.  He wanted an MRI done- So had that done about an hour later.  Waited for those results & saw the Dr Again.  No Sign of a full Stroke. So just a TIA- mini stroke.  MRI looked good.  But he says its good I already have an Appt to see my Cardio on Monday.   He recommended a Shot of I forget- some blood thinner that started with an  L ...My Period is very heavy & going on 11 days...So I wasnt real keen on that-And he kind of agreed.   My Hemaglobin was lower then 2 months ago.  I suggested going back to 325mg aspirin (instead of the 81) I am on & he thought that sounded good- to hold me until Monday...He thinks having my heart surgery on Tuesday would be good!   Ugh.

I am supposed to go on vacation 3 weeks from today!

I hope my Cardio has some good ideas on Monday Frown

Pam

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  • Isabella4
    Isabella4 Member Posts: 2,166
    edited November 2008

    OMG.... your problems just go from strength to strength.

    Here's wishing that things resolve soon.

    I had a TIA about 25 years ago, at least thats what I was told, do doctors ever really know ? I wasn't numb, just conked out 2/3 times in a week. I think they just latched onto the fact my father had a history of TIA's...They never did 1 test on me, just kept me in for about 24hrs. Told me to come back if it happened again !!

    Isabella.

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008

    Oh Pam! You must have been scared! I'm glad you'll be seeing your cardio on  Monday - and are you really scheduled for your heart surgery on Tuesday? I didn't know it was coming up so fast - thank goodness, with these problems - faster is better!

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  • badboob67
    badboob67 Member Posts: 2,780
    edited November 2008

    Pam,

    I am so glad you didn't ignore your symptoms! I hope things straighten out and your trip goes off without a hitch. I'll be thinking of you!

    ((((HUGS)))
    Diane

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited November 2008
     
    So very sorry you had this unexpected event, Pam. Please take care, and know I'll be pulling for you.
     
    Tender 
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2008

    Pam:  I'm sorry you had to go through all of this.  So scary.  Now what is this about heart surgery on Tuesday?  I just want to wrap my arms around you today.

    Nicki

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  • sam52
    sam52 Member Posts: 950
    edited November 2008

    I also had a TIA about 20 years ago; I actually lost consciousness for a second (dropped my car keys that were in my hand and only knew about that when someone picked them up for me).My right hand felt tingly and the right side of my mouth/lips were numb for a few hours.....like after a dental local anaesthetic.

    At the hospital I was basically just monitored and told to take a low-dose aspirin.I did this for a few years but then just didn't anymore.The GP who came to see me the next day queried the dx and said it could have been 'migrainous neuralgia'.So we will never really know for sure.

    Take care,

    Sam

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Thanks you guys- Isabella, Kathy, Diane, Tender, Nicki & Sam. I guess I wasn't very scared- I probably should have been.   I 'played with the Heart monitor as I waited'  I would  relaxing & watch my Heart rate go down & then not relaxing & seeing it at what it was most of the time I was in there.  I wanted to see how low I could get my pulse when I took my Deep breaths (for my Anxiety- LOL) What I really wanted to do was mild exercises while there - so I would be short of breath & see what My Oxygen level went to.  But I didnt- LOL.  I know pretty Immature- but I was sitting there for 6 hrs.  LOL.  And I have a thing with #s- so it was entertaining.

    Kathy- I dont have surgery scheduled yet- for any day.  The ER Dr just said hed like to see me have surgery Tuesday...But that's because he knew I have a Vacation planned in 3 weeks. The ER Nurse I had said my Cardio is very good. (she used to work in Cardiology) So that was nice to hear.  Love your New Avatar!

    I too had a TIA 9+ years ago & went on to live a normal life until my heart condition was DX in May.  Since I have a PFO & an Atrial Septal Aneursym- A TIA is a little more worry some as those Conditions make one higher risk for stroke.   hence needing the surgery to have them repaired.

    I actually went out last night (hey Maybe the old me is coming back!) Had plans to hear a friend & her band sing at a Bar...Didn't have anything to drink.  And didn't stay real long.  But was good to relax. Pam

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  • nosurrender
    nosurrender Member Posts: 2,019
    edited November 2008

    That is really scary... I am glad you got help ASAP. I have a friend who suffers from TIAs and she is being managed medically and doing quite well now.

    I hope things get better soon!

    Hugs,

    g

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2008

    Pam:  Despite everything you are going through, you made me laugh playing with the heart monitor and stuff!  Hugs to you.

    Nicki

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  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited November 2008

    Oh boy.  As if there isn't enough to worry about.  I hope this was an isolated incident for you. 

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2008

    Oh, Pam!   The drug with the L is lovenox, by the way.  It seems to control clot formation without messing up your hemaglobin & overall red blood cell count.  Good grief.........enough is too much!

    Kathi

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Tina & Kathi  & Also for the name of the drug.

    Nicki- Im glad you thought it was fun.  My Dh kept rolling his eyes at me.  LOL

    Pam

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  • WellWater
    WellWater Member Posts: 6,546
    edited November 2008

    Pam:  I'm so glad you skirted this one.  I'd have been sitting next to you playing with the heart monitor also....my dh declared me nuts a long time ago!

    Good luck at the cardio - I just did an extensive round of testing and an "all-clear" report is a little like winning the lottery.

    Trina

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Trina- Glad your tests all came out good!  Im sure my family thinks Im nuts too.

     Update:

    I just got back from the Cardio Appt.

    Went better then I thought.  Some of you know I didnt care for him the 1st  & only time I met him.  I liked him much better today.

    He said I can take my trip.  To stay on the 325 mg aspirin- not the 81.

    I have to have a few Tests before Surgery a TEE & he wants me to have a Exercise Stress Cardiopulmonary too.  He said I can fit them in after my Trip.

    He said he thinks we can Schedule my Surgery for the last week in Dec- I had the 29th already picked out in my head.  I didnt really want it right before xmas...Just waiting for the Scheduler to call

    He said I can take Ticlid after my Surgery instead of Plavix which gave me Severe SE.  After reading about Ticlid just now- Ugh- I didnt like what I read.  I am supposed to take that with 81 mg aspirin for 3-6 months after my surgery.

    He said I can try it when I get home from vacation to see if I get any SE from it.

    And I will have to wait 6 months before I can have my 2nd Exchange surgery- Which really bums me out.  But I knew hed say that- I had heard so many people tell me it wont be that long of a wait I was hoping hed agree.  So I will have to look like crap for a total of 9 months with this terrible implant thing on my chest (read my other posts if you havent heard me complain)

     So pretty good news.  That Ticlid Med. really scares me  though.

    Pam

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  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited November 2008

    Pam, I'm sorry to hear you further worried and annoyed. RANT!!!

    We will try to entertain you for six months!! We want to keep you tickled while you are on Ticlid!!!

    Good luck!

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Awe- Thanks Daffodil- You are off to a great start of entertaining me.  I enjoyed your post.Sealed

    Pam

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008

    I'm happy you like the doctor better this time around Pam - and yet I'm sorry you have to go through these worries about your heart. At least you can take your trip! That's great news! You and I can wait together then to get our foobs fixed.........well my one foob anyway.......my PS wants to wait until I finish the Herceptin (April), then I have to wait to get my hernia/gallbladder/TAH surgery in July (keeping my fingers crossed about the TAH - I go for my intravaginal sonogram in a few minutes to see if the fibroid or endometrium grew). It's exhausting having to worry about other surgery while we have to deal with BC - but we'll get through it together. And the day when my foob looks more like a real boob then I'll call it a breast - and perhaps even be brave enough to post some of my own photos - you're an inspiration to me Pam - thanks so much for always sharing your feelings!

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Kathy- Im really glad I like him too.   And the ER Nurse said he was very good- She used to work in Cardiology- So that makes me feel much more at ease.

    Yeah- I will call mine Breasts when they look more real.  Until then I cant even call them a foob- They are just things.  LOL

     it will be much easier to wait with someone.  How did your Sono Go?

    Really they need to agree to this surgery!  I agree with all of your thinking on it.

    Pam

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Ugh- I just scheduled my heart surgery.  Dec 29th.  Had the choice of New Years Eve also :(

    I have 5 Drs Appts between Nov 18th & My Surgery on the  Dec.29th...In between those Appts I get to fit in My Birthday, Thanksgiving, A Vacation & Xmas.

    One of the Appts  is a Exercise Stress test- Do you think I really need it?

    I sure am stressed now.  Wasnt an hour ago before I set all those Appts.

    Pam

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Heres an Update : (

    I had my TEE test this morning (Transesophagal Echo)  It was way worse then everyone had told me- even those that had had it.

    My sedation was minimal. I was Wide Awake.  And the probe down my throat was very painful- Most said it didnt hurt at all.  I think maybe I wasnt numbed enough- because the numb effect usually lasts 2 hrs after...I already wasnt numb 5 minutes after the end of the test.

    Also my Hole in my heart is in a different place then thought & there is a small chance I will need open heart surgery.  I am just freaking out & totally Bummed.

    My Cardio- Must be very good- because Both Nurses said if anyone can fix this with a Catheter procedure he can.  (Like how a Stent is placed)

    I need to set up an Appt to discuss my test Results (a Different Dr did the test)...Although he called him with the results & thats when he told me he thinks he can still fix it.

    I feel like I am always unlucky & I dont want to wake up after surgery with a Huge incision on my chest & more pain.

    :(

    Pam

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2008

    Oh, Pam!   Good grief, I don't know what to say.  This is all just too much.  Why does all this crap keep happening to you?   The TEE sounds like a nightmare.  When will you know about heart surgery?  Oh, gawd, you must absolutely be beside yourself.  I hope you are getting lots of love & support at home.  You know you have lots of both here.   Kathi

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2008

    Pam, I can't believe that you are going through all this.  And as one thing piles on top of the other - how frustrating and stressful!  Not that you need more stress....

    What amazes me is your attitude.  I can't even imagine how you are feeling and yet you seem to be handling it so well.  That's probably because you have a too much experience dealing with these types of things!

    I wish I could do something to help but the best I can do is let you know that I'm thinking about you and sending you lots of cyber ((((HUGS!!)))).

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Thanks Kathi & Beesie!

    Kathi I will find out more when I set up my Appt with my Cardio to discuss if he thinks he can repair it w/o open heart surgery.  There is always a small chance that he will try to repair it & have to switch in the OR to open heart- at least I have read that that happens.   Also even if he says he can repair in transcatherter- it is not always successful normally & with this - im sure I have less chance of success- that is one of my questions for him

    Beesie I wish I felt as good as I sound to you : )

    I had a dream last night that they went to cut my sternum & they didnt know how to cut through my Uniboob salines. : (

    I can see my Muscles & Pockets going to Sh*t

    My Aunt had Open Heart surgery when she was younger.  I saw her scar - It was huge : (

    Womens scars are usually 7-10" long.

    I wont think about it (If I can) until I at least talk to my cardio.

    Pam

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited November 2008

    Update:

    I finally heard back from my Cardios nurse.  He feels confident that he can fix my PFO & ASA with the Cathetor Procedure- So-No Open Heart Surgery!

    Now he just has to do it successfully :o...As I have talked to several people whos PFOs were not successfully closed.

    But something has to go right for me- So I will say it will be closed!  LOL

    Heres to Dec 29th

    Pam

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008

    Pam I'm so happy that he said you won't need open heart surgery! What a nightmare to have to worry about! And your life sounds so busy before this surgery - maybe that's good, it'll make the time pass faster so you won't get too nervous waiting. I'm sending you a PM.

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited November 2008

    Oh, Pam, let's all think positive thoughts for a good result!  You deserve it!  I hope you have a restful & happy Thanksgiving.

    Kathi

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  • Mahomet_mom
    Mahomet_mom Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2008

    I had a TIA on October 2nd while in Chicago at a conference.  My left leg couldn't support me.  After about ten minutes I was okay.  The next day I called my doctor's nurse and she insisted I go to the ER.  I did and was eventually admitted to the stroke floor at Northwestern.  Lots of imaging etc they kept me a few days.  No permanent damage.  I had known about blockages in my carotids and suspected I'd had a mini-stroke but frankly couldn't deal with another medical problem. 

    I will see a local neurologist in late December for follow-up.  In the mean time, I am off all AIs etc.  I'd developed allergic reactions to them and because Tamoxifen is known to create blood clots I can't take it either.   No heart problems found.  I am taking Aggrenox for the TIA.

    Hang in there.  More scary stuff.  I am thinking that I am getting rid of all the bad news in one calendar year and things will be better in 2009.  Wish the same for you.

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited December 2008

    Hi Mohomet_mom- I am just seeing your post now.

    Im glad to hear you dont have any heart problems.  And that your TIA left no permaneant damage!   That is all great news.

    Id like to get all my stuff done in 2008 & move on in 2009.  But I have to have my bodched up reconstructed Uniboob fixed 6 months or more after my heart surgery.

    So it will be 2010 before I get to move forward.

    Pam

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited December 2008

    I am not doing good at all.

    I am a Crabby, Very Depressed & Angry!  Cry

    I am so sick of having pain in my chest & sides. Sick of seeing myself everyday.  When one hurts- the thought of your deformity does not ever leave your mind.  So mad at my PS.  And so Mad I have to wait another 6+ months before I can even hope for Improvements.

    I finally heard back (again) from my cardios Nurse with Answers to my Questions about my Surgery.

    As I stated above during my TEE test:

    ~~~

    'I had my TEE test this morning (Transesophagal Echo)  It was way worse then everyone had told me- even those that had had it.

    My sedation was minimal. I was Wide Awake.  And the probe down my throat was very painful- Most said it didnt hurt at all.  I think maybe I wasnt numbed enough- because the numb effect usually lasts 2 hrs after...I already wasnt numb 5 minutes after the end of the test.'

    ~~~

    The nurse said they use the same Sedation for the PFO closure!   She said to make sure I mention to them that the TEE test sedation was not enough.   What if they still do not sedate me enough?

    Im pretty much freaking out now.  I thought the answers would help me relax some.  But this isnt.   I assumed something else & stronger would be used.

    Pam

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2008

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pam}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

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