hi , I had a tia in December and have been lucky in that I am fine , it only lasted a few seconds. I have been told I am low risk of a stroke but in the 3 months since it happened I cannot get past the fear of habit a stroke. I am so anxious and have lost so much weight. I have lost my joy . I can’t sleep for palpitations. I am on aspirin statins and beta blockers. I am so lonely as no one who hasn’t experienced this tell me to just get over it but how do you do That . Thank you
Hi Mabel, Welcome to the forum. A TIA is often referred to as a mini stroke. Most of us on here have had full strokes. However, any form of stroke is frightening and affects one’s emotions for a long time. I was frightened for a long time after my stroke and the fear of another one always lurks. However, you are alive and there must be a reason and a purpose for that. Fear eases with time, so remember that and live your life. I now take each day at a time and enjoy what I can. A TIA is perhaps a wake up call. Look at your diet, change it if necessary and try to ease any stress in your life. I am 75 and my stroke was three years ago. Yes, my life changed overnight, but I am still here. I am partly disabled now, but there is still a lot I can do. I refuse to sit down and wait for the worst to happen. Instead I chase dark thoughts away by keeping myself busy. Life, however long it lasts, is for living. I hope your confidence and happiness return.
TIA, All stroke victims seem to go through the same fear of having another. I believe that the official figures show that less than one in ten actually have a second brush with the Dragon!
With most of us the fear decreases every day that passes without one!
Deigh
Thank you for your reassurance. I will try to think of something else but very hard .
Hi John,
thank you for your reassurance. My worry stems from the fact consultants have told me they can see no reason for tia and so very hard to know what to change . I still walk everyday and take my meds . Think stress is my main problem and always has been will try to stop that. I am 59 and hope to learn from you words life , however long is for living . ThAnk you
Hi Mabel - lovely name ? you have received very good advice from amazing stroke survivors. You are a survivor - it's a bewildering time, and you're bound to feel anxious, but if you can also begin to look forward and find a positive to focus on, it will help you to feel more in control. Maybe try keeping a short daily diary - it may seem very reptitive and unremarkable at first, but you will gradually see improvements and changes, and this will surely motivate and reassure you. Keep posting and reading stories from other stroke survivors, this will be the best support you will receive, there will always be someone here for you, please don't feel lonely, there are others who completely understand your situation.
Take good care xx
Hi, Mabel. I had a TIA in 2014. Commonly called a mini-stroke, which makes it sound more trivial than it can be. I had a lot of fear and anxiety in the early days, but got some terrific support from family, friends and work colleagues.
Here's my story, if it is of any help:
https://ahacklife.style/my-second-chance/
Thank you so much , I will try to move on . Already feel more positive after reading all of lovely people ms comments Thank you
Wow Adrian, so well written. Thank you for your positive story I am trying hard to keep positive myself . I do worry a lot and maybe antidepressants will help but I am learn it’s one day at a time . Thank you
Hi, Having an unexpected stroke can have huge repercusions in your life and style but with the right support from family and friends and hopefully any specialists you may need you should begin to feel youself again. It can take time but just do what you feel is ok for you, don't rush at things take them at your own pace. If people don't understand how you feel then they are not there for you. I am lucky to of had excellent hospital care, a great family support and a good understanding employers at work and i do the things I used to do all but a bit slower, take my meds daily and do not think about another stroke.
Don't give up as things will improve. If you need help go and get it because there are people who can help with issues after a stroke.
Good luck and stay positive.
Sandie.
Hi sandie ,
thank you for your kind words, it’s the anxiety I find hard to cope with , I do have wonderful friends and family but I am driving then mad as so needy. Will try harder to be more positive.
take care .
Hi everyone,
i wondered if I could ask if any one else has suffered with anxiety while on simvastatin only a frien mentioned it to me when I said I was having problems with anxiety and that I was taking it .
Many thanks
Hi Mabel, my husband is not on that medication, but he suffers a certain level of anxiety - he has to force himself to do things, as he says he feels overwhelmed. This was never the case pre-stroke, but I think that stroke causes anxiety and lack of confidence, I've definitely read that a lot when reading posts to this site. It's just another stroke legacy that makes SSs feel lonely and isolated. There will be people on this site who will suggest methods for managing their anxieties so that they lessen the impact on their lives. Take care and keep in touch xx
Thank you . I will try harder to see the positive , just grasping straws really . Take care xx
Hi Mabel,
Try not to be too hard on yourself. I know its easy to say but make sure you get plenty of rest as this will help to make things less stressful for you. Any illness that cannot be physically seen is always a problem to others as its harder for them to understand what you are going through.
The stroke association maybe able to give you some advice. I have found them very helpful in the past.
Sandie
Thank you I will give them a call
Mabel
Hi I wonder if any one else has experienced a tia like mine , I was walking and talking at the time when I felt a odd sensation like a piece is string of weakness run down my right arm and then my right leg . It lasted for the time it took me to do 2 steps just a few seconds. I was still chatting and walking no other symptoms. It would be nice to know if anyone else has felt this . Thank you
Hello,
I can’t answer about a TIA because I had a massive stroke instead: my left arm felt like a high voltage shock had passed through it and that faded. I became very confused and started seeing double because my eyes were pointing in two different directions at the same time.
Were you actually diagnosed as having a TIA? I say that because other things can cause these symptoms: Ataxia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Motor Neurone disease.
If you think you have had a TIA, seek professional medical advice. While TIA’s are transient and resolve within 24 hours, they carry a high risk of a major stroke occurring within 30 days, which cause much more extensive permanent brain damage that can hopefully be avoided, not to mention the risk of dying.
All strokes are a medical emergency: it is still one of the biggest killers in the World, not to mention it being one of the biggest causes of adult disability.
All of that said, make sure you are asking medical professionals these questions.
Hi. , yes went to stroke unit for mri and they said although they couldn’t see anything to treat it as tia . Hopefully I will not have anything more happen but of course it is a big worry and one I can’t get over .
Thank you for your help .
Hello mabel,
I can understand your worry but, on a positive note, if you can reduce or eliminate your Stroke Risk factors, you should hopefully avoid any more incidents like this. These include:
1. Your blood pressure - high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. If it's high, then diet, exercise or medications can all bring it down. Avoid alcohol - recent reports pointed to there being no safe daily intake levels to prevent stroke.
2. Your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, by medication if necessary - high blood sugar or high cholesterol can both contribute to or cause Stroke;
3. Have your heart health checked - atrial fibrilation (a rapid heartbeat), heart valves or the presence of a PFO - both can be checked fairly easily and stroke prevention following diagnosis is relatively straightforward.
4. Maintain a healthy bodyweight.
There are other factors that can cause strokes but these are harder to diagnose: blood clotting disorders or arterial defects, for example. Keeping high blood pressure at bay can reduce the risk of these causing stroke.
I have a blood clotting disorder that caused my massive Stroke, in combination with high blood pressure. Eight years later, I have low blood pressure and have been stroke-free for all eight years, thanks to avoiding alcohol, watching my salt intake and blood-thinning medication. A TIA or stroke does not guarantee that there will be further incidents. i too worried about the risk of another but it has turned out to be a worry that never came true.
Stay safe,
Damian
Damian