I had a TIA a year ago on September 1st. Although I was 72 I didn’t consider myself old in that sense. I take regular exercise- walking, working out at the gym, vegetarian. I was the last person- or so i thought to have a TIA. Though it was a shock I was determined to get back to my usual healthy routine. This was not going to define me- in my own mind I was still young in spirit. And I succeeded as I have no side effects- to all extent and purposes I’m as good as I was before the TIA. I understand that everyone’s experience of a stroke is different- whether it be good or not. The point I’d like to make is that we all make progress at our own pace. It doesn’t have to limit you.
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There is no relation between stroke and age or state of health. If you read the experiences here you will find lots of us who had strokes at a young age.
You can reduce your risk level by a healthy lifestyle and staying fit, but you cannot reduce it to zero.
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Thanks Marc,
Yours is an important story. I too have been very lucky - not a TIA but a minor stroke. Im 5 weeks in but only a numb patch on my cheek which seems to be getting better. So far so good.
Like you I kept fit - last October I completed the Mt Everest base camp trek (17500 ft). Walk every day etc. Regularly up Snowdon. Didnt drink never smoked.
So the stroke was out of the blue. And extremely shocking . The psychological effect on me after has been severe but it seems I am getting past that now.
As has been pointed out all ages and various degrees of severity. I believe I have been extremely lucky. It’s another new phase of life coming up probably won’t be doing the solo mountain walks and flying solo again remains to be seen, but there will be other things. I take nothing for granted.
Thanks for your story Malc, & to everyone who has helped me get out there again👍
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Thanks Baldrick
I guess we’ve both been lucky- though you’re probably much fitter than myself. it’s not the point though- it’s about keeping fit. I wouldn’t say the psychological effect onmyself hs been severe- more a sesnse of bewilderment. Thinking- why me when i’ve tried to keep sctive and healthy. But like yourself i relish each day, knowing that time may be short, but it shouldn’t stop us from living life to the full. Next year I’ve booked myself on an escorted trip to Tibet. Ever since I was in school it’s one place which has had a mystical appeal. Now is the time to realise that dream, but more of an affirmation that a mini- stroke hasn’t stopped me from continuing with life. Once again, thank you for your response.
Malcolm.
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Thanks for posting that, stories like yours have helped me a lot since my own TIA. I’m on a similar journey, 8 months on with no lasting effects and hopeful that it will stay that way. Like you I’m determined that the TIA won’t define me but it has certainly changed me, even if only through a better understanding of what a serious health event can do to someone. I like to think that I have more empathy and make better choices these days.
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Hi Harimanjaro
Thank you for your response. It has changed how I view serious health issues- though thankfully I did not suffer any lasting issues. The only issue I’ve had has been some difficulty in one finger, but with daily physio exercises this has almost resolved itself.
On a lighter not since the TIA I’ve lost the taste for chocolate due to the texture. No bad thing in itself, But as you say We’d all like to think we make better choices- even if it means foregoing chocolate!
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@malc33 thank you for sharing your progress. It is good to hear you are doing well after your TIA. I think most of us are baffled about why us when we were living relatively healthily- I know I was.
You have the right attitude though and it is great hear of your planned adventures. I would love to hear how you get on in Tibet.
I should imagine it will be amazing.
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Malc thats great to know u r off to Tibet. Fantastic adventure. Ive just been sorting travel insurance for a family holiday next year amazingly (but maybe not surprisingly) more expensive now. It may be better after a year i don’t know.
For what it’s worth, I ended up with Admiral as the cover was as good as others (all clear etc) but I got a discount because car & house already insured with them.
Again, apologies if u r already ahead of the game but I needed special insurance for Everest (Nepal side) last year to include cover for high altitude trekking and possible helicopter evacuation (which one of the group did need!). If needed i can give you the details of this.
Anyway u r no doubt aware and have all this sussed already. Have a great trip mate & keep posting/ in touch if u can?
Cheers:+1:
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Hi Baldrick
Thanks for the advice. I’ve taken out insurance with Holiday Extras- not cheap, but then I’m over 70. Still, better to be covered in case of any unforseen events. Just recently had my annual review with my Gp- which came back ok. It’s good to know that I can enjoy walking and gym workouts. I take 2 days each month , staying over for walking trips. Always good to get out of the city and enjoy the countryside. I’ll keep in touch. Enjoy your evening.
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