I really wanted to start my second post of the New Year with a "Bright and Cheerful " note. But unfortunately this won't be in the cards for me at this time so I will do my best to make it sound
"Bright and Cheerful".
Please indulge me.
A week before Christmas I had a TIA or mini stroke. On Christmas Eve I had another one. I am still very happy to be alive and not a vegetable and I am even more excited about having to take more medications.
A week after my visit to the E.R. on Christmas Eve, which really wasn't that bad, The staff was very friendly and helpful, I had an appointment to go and visit my doctor.
I love doctors visits don't you? Really who doesn't? I was so looking forward to telling my doctor about the mini strokes. After all I almost made it two years since the first stroke. I wasn't worried at all!!
At this time, after an examination, my doctor informed me that I was to have a doppler test of my carotid artery as my left one was forty percent blocked two years ago. But the exciting news was that my cholesterol dropped!! What more can a gal ask for?
So I went to the hospital on the 9th, absolutely filled with excitement about my doppler. After about twenty minutes of having a wonderful neck massage, I was able to sit up and leave. It took me about five minutes to get my bearings after sitting up as I was feeling very dizzy. Isn't feeling dizzy fun?
Having heard my doctor tell me that they would call if anything was wrong, imagine my excitement when my phone rang the very next day with my doctors office number showing up on my phone!!
I'll bet they are calling to tell me what a wonderful patient I am!!
Well not quite. It was my doctors nurse telling me that there was a significant blockage of my left Carotid Artery. Between 80 or 90 percent. And they were nice enough to make an appointment for me at the surgeons office for tomorrow.
Wow, this year is starting out bright and cheery. It only took me a few hours to get over the news. That's not bad. And I only have to wait until late tomorrow afternoon to find out what my options are.
Although visiting the SURGEON sort of gives me a clue.
I have been eating like a rabbit but have stopped riding my bike for now. I'm thinking that it may make my head explode. So I will wait and ask the surgeon about that tomorrow.
Am I freaked out or scared?
Well maybe a little, but I am trying very hard to remain
"Bright and Cheerful"!!!
I will be back soon to let you know what is going to happen next.
19 comments:
Tough times. I guess the silver lining is that it was a TIA that let you find this out and not a full blown stroke. Still, you've been thru a lot lately, and it's not exactly the kind of news that someone wants to hear. All the best to getting this sorted.
Oh DI - I am so scared with and for you as you face this health challenge. I am such a scaredy-cat myself so I am projecting here but still, also - I do know several folks who have that artery cleared and it was a quick procedure - I will be praying hard for you and holding you close in light and love my friend.
Love to you
Gail
peace....
Omg, Di!! Good thing I decided to come say hi today!! Keep your spirit up!
I will come visit often to get news...
Loads of love,
Lena
I can just imagine how excited you were to get that news! You have done a fabulous job putting such a bright and cheerful spin on such potentially negative news.
Now, I'm hoping you will let us flood you with words of our concern, prayers, and assurances of our (long-distance) friendship.
You're a fighter, I do believe it! Don't quit. Well, maybe quit riding your bike for awhile until you get the bright and cheerful advice from the surgeon.
Bummer.
Wow, that wasn't happy news! But, I'm sure it was good that it was found early enough to do something about it. All the best for your doc visit! Let us know!
Huge hugs,
Lois
you know that everyone out here in blogland is praying for you and hoping for the BEST turnout! YEAH those TIA's are scary. I thought I was the one having the stroke when Bob had his stroke!, but the doppler...piece of cake...you really need to just go in with gang busters and get those ole arteries cleaned out! You have stopped smoking right? Di???? tell me you quit and didn't start up again????? BTDT that's a tough one my friend...
I have NO idea why my work blog says it is not me....but it is me LINDA! from St. George...! aRGH how do I figure this one out?
log in log out sign in sign out be at work and on the work blog and then everything is attached to my personal address!!!!!i don't even have a personal life any more! did it work this time? I am still praying that everything is going well, hang in there girlfriend!
Di - Thank you for the positive spin, but I don't blame you for feeling worried and frustrated. I'm going to keep you in my thoughts and hope something minor will fix the problem. Meanwhile, I agree - don't exercise or work hard (like you normally do). I sure hope at least your knees are feeling great. Let us know what happens.
Only sweet Di can take a message as serious as this and make it into something cheerfu. You are indeed priceless. It was good to talk with you, my friend....and I'll be back in touch soon. In the meantime, know that I am thinking of you, praying for you, and look forward to hearing of your progress.
Love you,
jackie
Wishing you the best. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling right now.
Hoping Jake is there with you Di, while your're trying to be "Bright and Cheerful"...if not, I'm sure he will be soon. I will be thinking positive thoughts tomorrow, take care!
Storming the heavens in prayer with you and for you.
Andrea
OMG Di! I'm so glad that you are ok. Hopefully the New Year starts looking better for you. That is some scary stuff there. Lifting you in prayer my friend.
Oh Dear Di! Do keep us informed. I cannot believe all you are going through right now. I thought I had problems... well, suffice it to say I might have a new outlook considering your issues!
Hugz & prayers, my Friend, hugz & prayers!
Di, I hate reading this. Please post and let us know what the doctor told you is best to do.
All bad words are running through my head, I won't write any curse words here though.
I always remember a friend of mine saying to me when anything bad happened (from stubbing my toe to losing a loved one) ~ she'd say, "Curse! Go ahead, curse, it will make you feel better!"
I don't think all the curses in the world will make me feel better now though.
I'm praying for you, Lady.
Love you, E
PS ~ I love how you shine through this post.
Oh Di I had a shiver go down my back reading this. You just don't need or deserve more health issues right now. You are always trying to make others feel better and you are so kind (I smile and feel close to you everytime I use your bookmark)I wish there was something I could do to help. I am sending big hugs and many prayers for a speedy recovery.....:-)Hugs
My goodness Di- You certainly have had enough. This is so unfair - but I do love the "bright and cheerful" attitude. I'm winging prayers your way and sending virtual hugs to keep you safe. Hope the knees are feeling better and that this is just a bump in the road for you. Love ya girl!
Hang in there Di!
So good to hear from you friend. Bright and cheerful is good, but it's okay it step back and take a look at the big picture. As long as you don't fall into an abyss.
Stay close - stay positive... Stay in touch.
xoxoxo Sue
Post a Comment