Hi all, first post here. I had a stroke just over 3 weeks ago. Whilst I was in hospital, the nurses took a lot of blood samples from me. I’d say 5, possibly six vials taken. When I asked what it was there were going to test for (I asked the Doctor) he said it was to check on the bloods to find a cause, e.g. - and I quote “to check for the right minerals”.
I’m just intrigued what these tests all might be, as I’ve can’t seem to find anything conclusive online. Does anybody know? i remember some of the vials having blue, red and yellow tops. I’m very keen to understand what they were doing. I’m awaiting a date for my follow up session in which said results will be discussed. Many thanks.
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Not assuming your gender that was just the first site I found with a fairly comprehensive list. Might be one or two differences around gender, age and past medical history but that is a decent list of basic blood tests.
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Hello and welcome @jase_stevens
Although I am sorry you have had reason to join us
Since you’re so early in your post-stroke journey you may find the welcome post click the blue text SWP to be useful for all the questions you haven’t yet thought of.
I suspect your doctor was just giving you a slightly fob off answer in respect of details and just giving you a overview answer.
Generally if they can’t see a reason hit would be more likely that you had an ischaemic than hemorrhagic stroke. With ischaemic common causes are blood pressure, arterial fibrillation, a hole in the heart (carried by about 25% of the population!!), after that there will be investigations relating to courtyard arteries sticky blood genetic predispositions abnormally small blood vessels and the never increasing set of possibles & maybes - at the end of which is “dunno, err, just one of those things we guess”.
The minerals a well-be to check your iron level magnesium and all the other trace elements of which there is a monthly shopping list length range of possibilities
You’re likely have been put on meds such as antiplatelet anti-cholesterol and blood pressure and then because they are a bit nasty you’ll get a stomach protector and because they’re a bit nasty you’ll get further blood tests to check that your liver and kidneys aren’t getting overstressed then your dosages might be adjusted or your meds changed plus you’ll have to work out whether they give you side effects and then whether to brazen through it for a while to see if they subside.
In fact there’s an enormous number of uncertainties so any desire to search for certainty is likely to add frustration!
Caio
Simon
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Hi there. You have no idea what caused your stroke? If I knew your age / height / weight / fitness level / alcohol per week / smoking / blood pressure ? what were you doing before your stroke? any emotional trauma of late ? excitement before stroke ?
Then maybe I’d know a little more.
Good luck, Roland
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Hi @jase_stevens welcome to the community. Sorry to hear you’ve had a stroke.
They’ll be doing blood tests for all sorts probably including things like potassium, magnesium, calcium, B12, iron, Vit D etc. They’ll also test blood clotting levels - to check gor something like sticky blood, i would imagine the usual kidney, liver, red / white blood cell count etc. When I was in they did some of, what they dall, young bloods but not sure what they were.
Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for your follow up appointment & you’ll get all your results then.
Best wishes
Ann
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Thank you! I appreciate the list, I did find another here: What Caused My Stroke? Doctors Will Use These Blood Tests to Find Out (everydayhealth.com)
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Great reply, thank you Simon. As I said, I am waiting for the 6 week follow up but very much intrigued. I’ve been reading everything I can find on the matter!
Regards
Jason
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Thank you for your reply, much appreciated. Just playing the waiting game now for that follow up appointment!
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Hi Roland
Well, in answer, 5’10 - overweight (!), very stressed (job, autistic son, caring for elderly family). Casual drinker, no drugs, no smoking. Issues with high BP which I am on medication for. I also did some quite heavy lifting the night before in the garden (the ischemic stroke happened in my sleep).
However, slightly bizarrely, I must have been asked if I was a smoker at least 20 times and even my discharge notes said I was a smoker, so I hope they haven’t spent time running down a rabbit hole on that one.
That’s a quick run down I guess!
Regards
Jason
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Hi Jason,
Read you loud and clear. If I may offer some serious advice, you need to focus on yourself. I think the stress was / is your main concern. Sleep is paramount. Settling the neuro-inflammation (fatigue is probably still there after 3 weeks). Looking after your gut is next. Nutrition & exercise. There’s a lot you can do to improve your life and you can ask here for advice. I find meditation, exercise, Qigong and good lifestyle a huge benefit. Let your instincts guide you
good luck, Roland
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