Last week at this time I was at a very scary point in my life. I didn’t realize until I thought back about it, but I had been having troubles all day. There is a setting on my microwave for Frozen Entree and I remember now that I just couldn’t find it. I had problems figuring out how to access my remote website that I do nearly daily. But it was when my left hand went numb and I had some numbness on my lower face that I realized – something was wrong.
I don’t know why – but I called my son at work and asked him if I should call the ambulance. He said – of course – and to get off the phone and do it.
Within about ten minutes the paramedics were in my living room and checking me out. Then it was off to the hospital to get me checked out. I have to say that the guys who were here were wonderful and made me feel safe and that they were going to take care of me. My son did call during this time and I told him I was on the way to the hospital. I asked one of the paramedics to take my purse with us. He said it really wasn’t his style, but he’d carry it out for me. lol
At the hospital I had the typical EKG, a chest x-ray, some blood work done, and then saw someone from the Heart Hospital. She was with the Stroke team. By this time my son had arrived after going to my place and letting Bootsy out of the bedroom where I had put him when online with 911. I didn’t want him being scared and spooked by the EMTs. Dave took Bootsy to his place then came to the hospital.
They decided to give me a CAT Scan and after they got those results they told me they were going to admit me for further observation.
During the next two days I had quite a few tests including an MRI and an MRA where they give you a contrast dye to help see what’s going on in your brain. It turns out I had several small strokes. My doctor explained that I had a blood clot that was roaming around my brain and small parts of it broke off, did some damage, and then disappeared. I was further tested to see if I had any other blood clots and thankfully they couldn’t find any. I even swallowed a camera! They do that since they can get a better look at the heart with it. Luckily you are given something to make you groggy enough that you don’t really know what’s going on.
There are still some tests that my Neurologist has sent out to California that we are waiting on – like a DNA that will show markers for blood clots – or something like that. She also told me that aspirin is my friend, and I’m taking one daily now.
So, in the end, I had several strokes. But, as I said, I’m very thankful because I have no signs of damage – other than being a bit more tired than usual. But I have no problems with my speech or movement and have no restrictions put on me other than to go at my own pace.
I really do believe that I have been given a Miracle. Things could have been so much worse for me. I thank God for the wonderful people who helped me. The staff at our hospital is just incredible and deserve all the high praise and awards they have received.
As my doctor said, he likes to put a positive spin on things like this – and I agree with him. It’s time to continue my weight loss (15# so far) and work on getting my blood pressure down and my glucose readings to where we want them. I know I can do that – I’ve done it before.
23rd Psalm
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
