After not hearing from my doctor, I decided to just drop by. I had my episode on December 28th, went to my Neurologist on January 18th, and the next week on the 25th I got an echocardiogram. I hate waiting for results.
So what really happened to me on the 28th? I had a TIA (transient ischemic attack). It is not the same thing as a mini stroke. A stroke no matter what size leaves proof of a stroke on an MRI, which was clear for me. A TIA resolves by itself. They mimic each other because the side effects are the same. So thankfully it wasn't a stroke.
Now, why did I have a TIA? I found out today I have a small hole in my heart. The doctor said about 20% of people have holes in their hearts that they never know about. I wasn't too surprised since my family has heart problems, it is a birth defect. When you have a TIA, you have a loss of blood flow to an area of the brain. Which in my case was caused by a blood clot which traveled to my brain from my heart causing the loss of blood flow.
Where to go from here? Well I have to schedule an appointment to get a TEE (Transesophageal echocardiogram). Which means they have to put a probe down my throat to get a view at how big or small the hole in my heart is. If the hole is small, they just leave it alone. But if it's big they have to go in and fix it.
At least I have some answers to why it happened to me. Hopefully the hole will be small. I'll keep you all updated when I know more information!
5 comments:
I bet it's so nice having an answer, the unknown is always the hardest. Still how scary, the thought of a hole in your heart just sounds traumatizing, hope your appointment goes well and they find the hole is small.
Thinking of you cute friend!
Scary, Melissa! It's always good to get the truth though - something secure about knowing. Good luck at your appointment!
Wow that is crazy. Life huh, it is always something to worry about for ourself or someone we love. Heart stuff can be so frightening. We have Carson's echo coming up in a few weeks and I always get so nervous before. Lots of prayers and thoughts coming your way as you search for answers.
Oh and lots of love too!!!
So happy we all know now what is going on.....we were all so worried about you! Will stop worrying as soon as you get the end results.....love you so much!
Oh my goodness Melissa! So glad you are okay and hope that everything goes well for you!
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