I always thought a stroke would be extremely painful. Not necessarily.
As you know I had a stroke about three years ago. It was minor and only affected my left side. Can I tell you about the beginnings of it?
In the morning I usually sit on the edge of my bed and watch TV for a while. I live with my son and we do not like the same programs. We watch different televisions to avoid conflict. I can also take my time getting dressed.
One morning I felt a spot of my tongue go to sleep. It was the size of a pin head. It was an interesting experience. I wondered then forgot about it.
When I finally decided to go to the living room I felt fine. Suddenly my left side did not want to cooperate with my movements. No pain. It just would not allow me to move normally.
I looked at my son and said, "I think I just had a small stroke."
He immediately wanted to take me to the doctor. I felt fine so I said no. He tried every so often to convince me to go. I always declined.
Finally it was time for bed. I was on my way to my room. There was something on the floor. I went to pick it up and fell flat on my face.
I could not get myself up. My son tried to help. After trying for about 45 minutes I finally agreed to call the ambulance.
At the hospital they ran tests. I had indeed had a stroke and they admitted me.
The doctor told me that if I had gone to them when it happened they could have helped more. Apparently the earlier it is treated the more the doctors can do.
Now I need no sympathy. It was a small stroke. I still deal with some effects but am able to care for myself. I am fortunate,
I just want to remind you to take care of your blood pressure. If you have a problem see your doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry.
This is a good post for people to read! Very often people will wait but as you say, it is better to be safe than sorry!
ReplyDeleteI did not know any better so I let it go thinking I would improve with time. Not smart.
DeleteYour lesson is always our lesson.
ReplyDeleteIt is not a costly one. Luckily.
Take care.
Thank you. I will.
DeleteI'm glad it wasn't worse!
ReplyDeleteSo am I. I was extremely fortunate.
DeleteDear Emma your story reminds of my own ways of declining when I would get severe stomach pains. I would take self medication and timely recovery would seem that all is well and it kept happening for two decades and more and my ulcer turned into something really bothering.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you decided to go to the doctor eventually and improved before it’s too late
As I am happy that you are better.
DeleteYou and Mrs. Rhymeswithplague are cut out of the same cloth (by which I mean stubborn to a fault (kidding, but only sort of). Hers is exacerbated by the fact that she is a registered nurse, so she never wants to go to the doctor, an emergency room, call an ambulance, and such like. She has scared me poopless (a technical term) on more than one occasion. The odd thing is that she will comply if one of her sons says the same thing I am suggesting.
ReplyDeleteI am very glad that the overall effects of your unfortunate experience have been minor and that you are a regular blogger. Long may you wave.
Thank you. I think people who are used to seeing to others' needs tend to be reluctant to ask for help with anything.
Delete