I had what the hospital think is a mild stroke last Thursday. I have been given aspirin and statins and now waiting for appointment at hospital for MRI and to see stroke team. How long have people had to wait for this appointment? Does a mild stroke always show on MRI?
Hi Helenlouise - I hate the term 'mild' stroke which hospitals sometimes use. To me there are mini strokes (TIA's) and full strokes. Every stroke is devastating not just for the patient but their families too. Work places and family/friends automatically assume a 'mild stroke' is something you will recover from like a cold when in fact, it isn't. My stroke showed up on a CT scan but an MRI gives you much more detail and knowledge about different areas of the brain that could have been affected by it. For example, I only had a CT scan in hospital when I had my blood clot stroke and was in the stroke ward for a week before being sent home. That was 3 yrs ago this August. Last year, I had a full head scan MRI which covers everything going on in your brain and I was told by the neurologist when she showed me the scan that I have a sub-cranial cyst which didn't show up on the CT scan but on investigation, it turned out I have probably had it since birth (I'm 68!) Apparently it's just sitting there and not doing any harm so nothing to worry about.
Waiting times vary depending on where you live but I only had to wait 3 weeks to see the neurologist and the scan followed quite quickly after that but that was before coronavirus days. Main thing is you are on the right medication to help prevent another one and the MRI will give you the answers as to why it happened in the first place.
If you are claustraphobic (Sp?) which I am, ask if you can use the eye shades. It does help if you can't see what's going on around you. I found reciting school times tables passed the time away too! Hope that helps.
Dear Helen,
I also dont like the term "mild stroke". A full stroke leaves an infarct (medicspeak for a dead bit of brain) and it will show on an MRi. provided the scan covers the right areas, which is not guaranteed. Needle and haystack comes to mind.
I would love to think that you wont show up on the MRi and that you have had a TIA. My reason for saying this is that recovery from a TIA is faster and total.
With the Corona virus, things really are upside down in the NHS.
I have had a major op this week. And what is noticeable is that, when I needed the treatment in April, nothing was available. But now, things are beginnig to trickle forward. Please do not panic. Read the stroke association leaflets, take the preventative tablets, and enjoy the May weather.
Colin
Hi HelenLouise - not much to add to Colin & Brenda's comments - just to say that my husband's stroke was described as "mild", and it took me a long time to realise that this means something very different in medical speak! As Colin & Brenda have said, a full stroke has considerable impact, and you need to be prepared if this is the case. Be prepared to take a lot of rest and to be patient with yourself whilst your brain sorts itself out!
Keep visiting this site and you will get oodles of support, encouragement and stories to help you in your recovery.
I know there is a lot going on in the NHS at the moment, but you need attention PROMPTLY, and you or your family need to be rather 'pushy' in order to make things happen. I hate to have to say that, but I wish I had been more assertive in August 2017, and achieved better help for my husband, but it wasn't until I found this site, that I had realised how patchy the support is for stroke survivors. You need the best outcome for you, regardless of what is happening in the world!!
All good wishes, and let us know how you get on. Take very good care xxxx
I was taken to hospital three weeks ago - same thing - frightened to death and blood pressure through the roof...ct scan showed all clear ...discharged next day - two weeks ago had MRI (awful - like being in a white coffin with the devil dancing on the lid for half an hour) still waiting results ....very weak right side and slow speech x
I had a stroke at home a week ago 3rd March..After a 2 hour dog walk I sat down to watch the Budget and suddenly had a gripping pain in my upper left arm and numbness in my face neck moving to my left side. I fell left.into my living room wall. After calling 111 who said.call my Dr my husband drove me to the hospital. Triaged in 10 nins by a nurse my BP was 242 over 119 . Within mins I was off for a CT.scan and less than hour on a stroke ward linked to a machine. Three days of mri scan another.ct scan blood tests.etc I was told I had a central brain mid to acute stroke...I am home now with a host of pills awaiting a call from nhs physiotherapist. I am still in shock.
Best of luck Positive 133...I have found a few silver linings with mine..I now have a super healthy lifestyle..and am feeling all the better/productive/self rightous for it..
Thank you for messaging! My plan is same..new healthier diet, exercise and look after myself. Take care ?x
Hi Positive133-- It is a tremendous shock. As the days go by you will adjust and over time you will relax as you realize you are on the road to healing. The brain heals, just like a cut or broken bone. It rewires itself over time and repairs. With physical and occupational therapy, the brain relearns. Don't be discouraged. It is hard work, but you'll get there. When I had my stroke 2 1/2 years ago they told me when I left the hospital the first thing I had to do was make appmts. right away with my GP, a cardiologist, and a neurologist, which I did. The cardiologist found out the cause of my stroke was afib, so I am now on medication to prevent it happening again. It's very important to find the cause to prevent it happening again and to put your mind at rest. I was totally paralyzed on my left side, but now to look at me you wouldn't know I had had a stroke. I walk a mile a day and play the ukelele. Everyone is different and everyone's stroke experience is different. But we all have a few things in common. We improve over time. And we are not alone. You'll be in my prayers tonight. God bless you. Love, Jeanne
Just had a TIA on Monday, 999, straight up the hospital, stroke specialist all over me, fab team! In the donut for a scan.
Luckily no bleeds or clots seen, but I have a follow up appointment in couple of weeks to check everything.
luckily I've made a reasonably full recovery already. Only had the sensation in my arm and face, so am thankful.
Doc gave me some sobering words about my diet, lifestyle and life! If it wasn't for fact I'd been on the exercise offensive since Jan it could have been a lot worse.
im thankful my body has given me a second chance, and I owe a life of gratitude to the Ambulance crew, A&E staff and the Stroke Specialist at Maidstone Hospital for making me smile and laugh despite the fact I was scared and nervous with me not knowing what was happening.
Sometimes it's just a caring member of staff that makes the difference.
My mission now is to make sure everyone I know does a basic First Responce First Aid Course or at least knows the FAST test and how to deal with a heart attack and shock.