I am new to this forum, although the Stroke Association has been in my life since last year when my Mum had a stroke. She is doing much better now, although life definitely feels like it has changed in so many ways since then… which can be hard to think about and gets me down at times.
I have a family history of high blood pressure / certain type of headache and I have high cholesterol. Since my parent’s stroke and even before this, I didn’t really worry about my own health or acknowledge that I am more at risk of a stroke than the average person due to having a diagnosed condition of high BP, family history of stroke and now recently high cholesterol showing in my blood test taken in January.
Recently I had an episode of symptoms which led me to the TIA specialist clinic. Nothing was found on the MRI. The Dr has said that due to my high risk factors he would like to put me on Chlopigrel (hopefully I have spelt this right) and also take statins for my cholesterol now. They will do further tests to have a check of everything and the Dr has confirmed he can neither confirm or deny a TIA - it doesn’t always show in a scan either. The doctor basically said he could send me away and advise it was a migraine that I had… for me to then go on and have a stroke or he could take the precautionary measures as we just do not know for sure what happened and keep me as safe as humanly possible.
My parent had a suspected TIA many years, maybe 10 years prior to their actual stroke and the symptoms of that were similar to my episode. They couldn’t ever confirm it.
It could be that my parent’s earlier episode was a migraine and could well have been that mine was too… no idea.
I now feel quite scared about this as following nothing showing on the MRI, I really expected to be discharged and to come off the meds, I didn’t think it would be taken further. I’m happy that it is and they are ‘making me safe’ but I can’t help but feel worried.
I’m in my late twenties and honestly just feel really scared and upset at the moment I really wish that strokes didn’t exist. I also feel concerned about how my partner may see me as a big health risk and feel a bit guilty about that. I’m praying and hoping that I’ll be ok in the future as I am taking all precautionairy measures and looking after myself. I suppose our health is just life and anything can change at any given moment.
I’m not sure what I really expect from my post, but I suppose maybe support would be appreciated or some thoughts on it.
I would say - Don’t worry - that will ruin your life as much as a stroke would.
You are taking all the precautions you can Hopefully you are also taking exercise and watching your weight and diet.
Stroke can affect family as much as the stroke survivor. I was the other way round. I had a stroke at 32 and my mum was devastated. Look after your mum.
Just practice some Qigong to keep your worries at bay! What blood pressure readings do you typically get? and what about the readings of your parents? You might be doing just fine, but it’s always good to look after yourself with optimal diet and exercise. If you are active in this area (and I seriously recommend Qigong for well being) you can be sure you are doing all you can to have a long and healthy life. If not, then you will worry now and more in the future. I also have BP that runs high in the family (and low in the other half). I think you are on the right path with this post, but bp meds will only get you so far, the rest is up to good lifestyle habits, like go to bed early for your circadian rhythms; I suggest 10:45 or earlier.
@Eternalsunshine Hi & welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of your mums stroke & also your possible TIA. Given that your TIA can’t be ruled in or out it seems sensible that you are on the meds whilst they do further investigations. There are no guarantees in life & many things can come our way so we have to try & live as worry free a life as possible. Having a TIA doesn’t always mean you will go on to have a stroke or further TIAs & now you are on the meds the risk is being lowered still.
As with all of us live as healthy a life as you can, don’t smoke, little alcohol, exercise, good diet, keep BP under control etc. That’s as much as you can do to reduce your risk.
I’m sure your partner won’t feel any different about you. If they love you they take you warts & all.
Hi @Eternalsunshine , lovely user name! I don’t have much to offer in way of advice but please don’t let this fear dictate your life. You’re young and I hate to think of you wasting your life worrying. Continue to live your life and keep safe by taking those meds.
Hi @Eternalsunshine and welcome
TIA’s, strokes, they’re enough to scare the nappy of anyone! Especially so when you’re caring for your mother who’s had one.
It’s also possible that your mother’s stroke is what brought yours on. It’s a shock to the system when loved ones go through what is a life threatening experience. That has to have raised your blood pressure with the anxiety and stress of it all.
And then to have your own experience. I had 2 TIA’s Christmas day over 3 years ago now, and I cried all night that first night in hospital. Although nothing showed up on CT or MRI scans, there was no denying what I’d had and I’m still recovering. Though compared to many on here, no where near as bad, and now life is reasonably normal by comparison. And so can yours be!
I’m glad you came on here because this will be good counsel for you. It will help you take care of the psychological effect its having on you and therefore may help you relax more into it and lower your blood pressure. Talking about it and seeking out advice from fellow stroke survivors will help you relax, get you thinking more rationally and feel less alone
You will be feeling a little overwhelmed emotionally at the moment, they have a tendency to that in times of crisis. But it’s not only due to fact you’ve had a TIA but also. and that has the adrenaline rushing through your body, but also the medications play a part as well as the neural effect to it.
In the coming weeks and months, this should settle down. But certainly if you find it getting worse then do speak with your GP about it. You can also talk to the Stroke Association on their helpline 0303 3033 100.
The good thing is you are young!
You will recover faster from this and you are now on all the right medications so no more at risk of a stroke than anyone else out there really So try to relax, get plenty of rest and let your brain recover
I’d read that Magnesium is good for relieving migraines so I tried it for the permanent headache I had after my stroke and it worked a treat getting rid of it. I’d had it like a skull cap on top of my head for over 2yrs when I read about this. So now if I feel the threat of it returning I take Magnesium for a couple weeks to and that seems to keep it at bay. Just thought that was a little tip you could try for your migraines
I really wish that strokes didn’t exist. I also feel concerned about how my partner may see me as a big health risk and feel a bit guilty about that. I’m praying and hoping that I’ll be ok in the future as I am taking all precautionairy measures and looking after myself. I suppose our health is just life and anything can change at any given moment.
So try to relax, get plenty of rest and let your brain recover 