Had a Minor Stroke!

[mr__ed]

I'm in generally good health but I had a scare last Sunday morning. I was preparing breakfast when I suddenly started dropping things (spilled some tea). Then I found I couldn't operate the microwave properly and when attempting to speak a sentence it came out a little garbled. After about a minute the symptoms subsided. I recognized I was having a stroke and immediately took a baby aspirin. I felt fine the rest of the day.

The next day I drove to the hospital emergency room (I know, I should have done that the day before! Don't copy me)). An electrocardiogram revealed I had an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). I was admitted that same day. I was released this morning, having spent 2 1/2 days there (I even got a private room at no extra cost).

In the meantime they performed many tests on me: MRI, PET scan, echocardiogram, blood tests and a test to determine percentage of clogging of the carotid arteries. That MRI was particularly scary. Like being in a coffin for about 15 minutes. I had all I could do not to panic.

The upshot is that all the tests turned out negative and there was no damage done by the mini-stroke. I've been prescribed a blood thinner plus a statin drug (LDL cholesterol was a little high).

I'm glad I "dodged the bullet" but I don't look forward to taking these drugs. I haven't taken prescription drugs in the past for any length of time and don't like the side effects these particular drugs can cause. I'm not a "pill popper" but it looks like I'll have to acquiesce and take these for a while.

So, that's my story. I hope any medical emergencies you may have in the future will be relatively minor like mine was....and be aware of symptoms that necessitate quick action on your part!

[emzee]

Good to hear Mr. Ed I wish you continued health!!

[loulou57]

I am happy to hear you are on the mend.

I am in agreement with you when you say to go and get checked at the slightest symptom. I had a small stroke a few years back. A week before I had a severe headache, went to hosp screaming, crying in pain and due to other illness I have a very high pain tollerance. They gave me med and sent me home.... forward a week.... I got up and my tongue felt funny, in the way and no taste. I went to brush my teeth and couldn't spit. One eye would not close and the other would not open. I drooled out coffee when I tried to drink it. Hubby was away. The lady next door said something is wrong with you. I said, because of other illnesses, don't worry it will pass. 4 days later, hubby came home, I was no better, one side of face drooping and the other froze. The hospital could not transfer me to another hosp that specialised in strokes due to the SARS. outbreak. I spent 2 weeks in hosp. lost 23 lbs.
... Diagnosis...small stroke and bells palsy at the same time. That was why one side of my face was frozen and the other drooping.

...Please....any odd symptom have it checked.

[down_home]

Glad you're doing better.
SIL, in Arizona waited until he finished work and I think a daay or so later to go to the Doctor.
Everyone thinks he had a minor stroke but went too long and didn't show on MRI or they couldn't read it. Resulted in Horners Syndrome, however it is spelled. Appears after several months to be getting better.
I had heard of such things before but that makes the point. Don't wait to get attention. Men are like that sometimes.

[mr__ed]

Went to heart doctor today and A-Fib is gone. Heartbeat is back to normal. Blood pressure still remains very good. It was still recommended I stay on the Warfin (I was hoping for better news). Anyhow, with the A-Fib gone (at least for now) I should be thankful. 🙂

On edit: I've been taken off of the statin drug (Zocor) due to possible interaction with the Calcium Channel Blocker.

[mr__ed]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
Mr ed I can only hope your doctor can get the dosage right on your meds.

I also had the same problems as I have said in a previous post. To control my BP and A Fib.

The Beta Blockers did to me what you describe, dizziness and legs going out on you, Falling down is a big fear. That can kill ya.

Next up on my odyssey thru the drugs were the channel blockers which had some of the same effects but less pronounced.

After talking with my PA and doctor we came upon Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, also a BP med such as Losartan.

This has worked out well for me, with none of the other side affects.

There is a lot of stuff out there to treat this stuff, you just have to keep up the pressure on the Docs to get one that will work for you.

I am also on Warfarin, we decided that the side effects were safer than the other anticoagulants at that time. Cheaper too. I can live with the testing and diet, it isn't all that bad.

As a side note, you said that your blood work was good. Did they test for TSH? It is a thyroid thing and if it is out of whack just a bit it can make you tired and stuff. I had none of the symptoms of a thyroid problem. Mine was a bit elevated and the gave me a VERY small dose and I can't believe how much better I feel. Who knew?
I hope this may help you and get this all figured out and get back on your Game. Good Luck

Thyroid tests turned out normal. Thanks for the heads up..

[IAMICHABOD]

Mr ed I can only hope your doctor can get the dosage right on your meds.

I also had the same problems as I have said in a previous post. To control my BP and A Fib.

The Beta Blockers did to me what you describe, dizziness and legs going out on you, Falling down is a big fear. That can kill ya.

Next up on my odyssey thru the drugs were the channel blockers which had some of the same effects but less pronounced.

After talking with my PA and doctor we came upon Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, also a BP med such as Losartan.

This has worked out well for me, with none of the other side affects.

There is a lot of stuff out there to treat this stuff, you just have to keep up the pressure on the Docs to get one that will work for you.

I am also on Warfarin, we decided that the side effects were safer than the other anticoagulants at that time. Cheaper too. I can live with the testing and diet, it isn't all that bad.

As a side note, you said that your blood work was good. Did they test for TSH? It is a thyroid thing and if it is out of whack just a bit it can make you tired and stuff. I had none of the symptoms of a thyroid problem. Mine was a bit elevated and the gave me a VERY small dose and I can't believe how much better I feel. Who knew?

I hope this may help you and get this all figured out and get back on your Game. Good Luck

[Scottiemom]

Having just had a stroke, I don't think you should be choosing to not use a drug your doctor prescribed. Not sure when your followup appointment is, but I would call the doctor's office and let them know you would like to be prescribed a generic med that offers similar protection.

Getting blood work on the road is no problem. DH was on warfarin for over 10 years and he got prescriptions for the protime test when he went into the doctor. When he needed bloodwork, we looked up the nearest LabCorp, went in, handed them a prescription and they would fax the results to his doctor.

He no longer is on that med, but it worked well. And now, they have home testing machines, much like blood sugar monitors that you can do yourself. Our doctor at first did not like them because of a problem, but they later figured that out and he said they now work well.

Dale

[BarbaraOK]

mr. ed wrote:
I forgot to mention it but my atrial fibrillation disappeared the first night I was in the hospital and has been normal since (of course, that doesn't mean it can't return).

I realize I wasn't prescribed medication for my a-fib. I suppose there's a reason but I have a follow-up appointment with a cardiologist and will find out more at that time.

BTW, I was shocked to learn that the anticoagulant the doctor prescribed (Xarelto) costs almost $300 for a 30 day supply :E! The statin (Simvastatin) was far cheaper at $10 through Walmart/Humana. I declined the anticoagulant until I can ask the doctor for a cheaper alternative. I'll use baby aspirin in the meantime (better than nothing).

Reason Xarelto was prescribed: regular visits to a doctor for a blood test isn't necessary. I know there are other meds (i.e., Warafin) that cost less but since I travel often it may be difficult to get tested regularly.

I also noticed that the statin is manufactured in the Czech Republic. Maybe that's better than "Made in China"?

Reading the long list of possible side effects is scary indeed! You kinda wonder if you would be better off without the drug....

Why weren't you prescribed Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) - it's generic now. My husband has been on it since his stroke, no blood tests needed, works well, etc. Ask your physician why clopidogrel wasn't tried first - - it has a proven track record for stroke/bypass patients and is well tolerated. Our internist (5 bypasses) also takes it on a routine basis. Maybe the drug detail person was by with the 'latest' and greatest, but they always cost a lot and all of the possible problems aren't known until it has been in WIDE use for several years.

Barb

[mr__ed]

Modracer wrote:
I had two TIA's 2 years ago. It turned out after MRI, Echo Cardio, CTA scan, that my Right Carotid although only 65 percent blocked, pieces of plaque were flaking of and causing the mini strokes. Had the roto-rotor on my right carotid (endarterectomy)Endarterectomy no further problems. Then I had A-Fib problems, did the Holter Monitor and ended up on Amiodarone to regulate rate and Xarelto to thin blood. So far no more problems after a year.

Walmart pharmcy wanted $300/mo. for the Xarelto( 30 tablets) (the Humana drug discount card didn't apply well to this medication). I did the Holt monitor thing, too and was prescribed a Calcium Channel Blocker. So far A-Fib ppears to be held in check. My pulse is normal most times now. I was having balance problems recently, possibly attributable to the Calcium Channel Blocker med. Afew days ago I kept falling to the floor for no apparent reson. Legs just gave way and down I went. My neighbors called 911 after I was able to get their attention. The EMT's used a portable electrocardiogram machine and found my pulse was normal, along with good blood pressure readings.
I have a doctor appointmnt Tues morning. Perhaps they can adjust the dosage of this medication if it is in fact causing a problem. There is a notice on the bottle that it may cause dizziness. I can't say I was really dizzy before falling to the floor. It was just a sudden loss of equilibrium.

[rwj146]

I would bet it's the digoxin, I had a few 'faint' feelings when I took digoxin(woozy, if that's a word)but it was the most effective in my opinion. My afib issues intensified when the docs started trying different drugs and the cardio-version shocks.

Best wishes. Bob J.

[IAMICHABOD]

The ones that were used to combat the A Fib were the ones that did that to me. Some worse than others, mostly dizzy or Vertigo, loss of balance. The Beta Blockers were the worse. They are known for that.

Talk it over with your doctor and tell him about it before experimenting, there are a lot of drugs for A Fib and as one that went thru a lot of them, I can tell you I was not satisfied until I got to one that was effective and didn't make me feel Drugged up.

Good luck with it. I know it can be daunting and discouraging at times, and I hope you find one that works, I did and it was very nice to get back to normal.

[mr__ed]

Modracer wrote:
When I turned 65 my company insurance ended and I went on medicare. I had been taking Lipitor 20mg. way too much copay. Dr changed me to generic Pravastatin (the brand name is Pravachol) 40mg. much cheaper. No side effects so far.

The generic for the statin Zocor costs me under $10 for 30 days supply through Humana (Wal-Mart). The other two drugs (digoxin & warfarin) were only $2 each.

One of these drugs is making me feel "funny" in the mornings. Kinda dizzy at times. I'm experimenting to locate which one is the culprit.

[Modracer]

When I turned 65 my company insurance ended and I went on medicare. I had been taking Lipitor 20mg. way too much copay. Dr changed me to generic Pravastatin (the brand name is Pravachol) 40mg. much cheaper. No side effects so far.

[mr__ed]

frmAloha wrote:
All statins are not the same. Two different statin drugs caused me to have muscle pain and soreness, so I'm on a third statin now that seems to be OK for me. What works for one may not work for another. Just listen to your body.

We were discussing blood thinners here but I'm also interested in info on statins. I'm using Zocor 40 mg tablets. I've been cutting them in half until I feel safe taking the whole thing (just started about a week ago). I've done some reading on red yeast rice. That's supposed to work like a statin but with less side effects. I asked my doctor about it and she said if I could get a good brand (some of them don't have enough active ingredient) that could be a possibility. At least she had no negative statement about it.

The Digoxin which I just started taking seems to be working on my A-Fib. I hope it keeps up so that maybe I can dump the warfarin and go back to aspirin. Everything else in my blood work looks excellent with the exception of LDL cholesterol. And my blood pressure is perfect, averaging about 120/80. I guess I should be thankful. Things could be worse. 🙂