Annie, need your expert knowledge

[GoPokes82sMom]

Okay, the neurologist confirmed that I did have a TIA (mini-stroke). My question is what do you know about MRAs? He is scheduling me for that, not an MRI. Any info in everyday English would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[AnniePokely]

MRA (with or without a catheter) is basically a MRI to look at the arteries. That's the easy way to put it. They will give you a IV, and inject a dye. You go in to a machine that looks similiar to a MRI machine. The dye might make you feel really warm, but you shouldn't get sick from it. Each time my mom has one, she says she feels a warm sensation.

They are probably looking for atherosclerosis (sp) in the carotid arteries, aneaurisysms, etc. This test will tell them if you need a stent, and if you do, it will tell the surgeons the placement of the stent.



Honestly, people who have smoked for many years see this test commonly. Smoking has caused every single thing wrong with my mom. The Stroke, the carotid artery blockage, one carotid being closed, high blood pressure, aneaurisysms, etc. All of it. Every specialist we have seen has told us that. It didn't sink in until one of the top surgeons in the world (Coselli) told me in houston.

[GoPokes82sMom]

I have been told that even my 5 cigarettes a day are 5 too many. Looks like I will quit now.

Thanks for the info. I have had an MRI, but had never heard of an MRA. He was using words I didn't quite understand, and by the time I got home to tell Keith, I had already forgotten what all he said.

[AnniePokely]

Yes Dortha, 5 are too many. Stop now.. Do it for your husband, your children, and for your grandchildren (present or future). If you don't, you won't live to see them. Period. And if you do manage to live through all the mess it will cause, they'll spend the rest of their lives having to take care of you. It's just that simple. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it's just the way it is. If anyone knows about all of this, i'm the one. Dont do this to your family Dortha.


I hope they don't find damage in your arteries, but if they do, (and they quite possibly will-hence the TIA) they can place a stent, and you'll be right back to normal. The stent procedure isn't bad either, but none of this is a walk in the park, for you, or for your family. Been through it 5 times now. But, you can't smoke, and you HAVE to change your lifestyle. Eating habits, exercise, etc.

You had a TIA. You were lucky. This time.




*And i don't mean to sound harsh. I don't want another family going through the things we go through on a daily basis. I've sat through more medical procedures than most people will go through in their entire lives*


If you have more questions, feel free to pm me, and i'll answer them.

[GoPokes82sMom]

No, I didn't think you were being harsh at all. I understand what you are saying and appreciate it. Thank you again.

[AnniePokely]

Dortha,

Chantix. Have your doctor prescribe it. It works. No, it REALLY works. Miracle drug. You'll quit smoking.

[Roman Craig]

Just realize that it is saving your life. You had a TIA so there is something, they will find in and fix it. The thing to do is learn from it and prevent it from happening again.

[GoPokes82sMom]

Just realize that it is saving your life. You had a TIA so there is something, they will find in and fix it. The thing to do is learn from it and prevent it from happening again.


That is all so true. At least now I know what the symptoms are and can get to the ER without calling my doctor asking what I should do.

[OU/OSUDividedFan]

Annie, I just wanted to say thanks for the info. In case yall don't remember, Dortha is my Mom. I can with almost all certainty, say that my Mom will quit smoking. She just isn't going to risk it, I don't think.

With all we went through when my Grandma(my Mom's Mom) died a little over a year ago, I know my Mom doesn't want that to happen to her. She already eats pretty healthy for the most part, so that is a start. Now she also knows what to look for so that is another start.

But, Annie, I wanted to say thanks to you. I spent time looking up TIA earlier but didn't have time to look up the MRA. You just saved me the time. Thanks a bunch. And you feel free to keep on my Mom about doing what she needs to do. :rolleyes: sorry Mom, but I love you and so many people do.

Shari

[GoPokes82sMom]

They have the MRI and MRA scheduled for 8 in the morning and said it would take about 70 - 90 minutes to complete. I didn't realize they would be doing both. I guess I'll take my new two CD Garth Brooks set for this to listen to while I am in that small tunnel.

[SeaOfOrange]

Hang in there Dortha. I quit smoking. It's a lot easier when you're told by your doctor that you'll be on oxygen in 2 years. At least it was for me. My decision became much more easy to make.

I quit smoking 3 or 4 times prior to this time. Just like Jakeman's wife says, "It's easy to quit. I've done it a dozen times", or something to that effect.

You know what made it easier for me?

After I decided that I "NEEDED" to quit, not "wanting" to quit when Vickie (OSUMimi) went to Houston. It's been so easy since. Don't get me wrong, I still crave and hell, I still dream about smoking. But, when you tell yourself that you "mean it this time" it makes it really hard to cheat. You tell yourself that you can't have just one, or you cut back to 5 a day. It's admirable that you got it down to 5, now do it with 0. I know you can, and WILL do it. You love your family and the friends and family that love you know that you can do it.

I believe you can and will do it. For you!

[AnniePokely]

Yep, i remember when Jeremy said he quit for my mom. I'm not sure anyone has ever said anything so nice to me in my life. It sure meant alot.

You CAN do it Dortha. Throw those damn things away, and take it a day at a time. Do it not only for you, but for Matthews kids that will be coming along some day, and for those other grandkids you already have. Do it for your husband, who seems to care deeply for you. Do it for your daughter. Mainly, do it for you. You deserve to live a long healthy life, not a life filled with illness. And it will be, trust me.

I don't wish my mother's health on anyone. I don't wish what i have been through the last ten years on anyone. I know this much...my son won't be doing it with me.

:)


Thanks Shari. I'd like to say that i don't mean to preach, but i wouldn't mean it. I've lived through hell the last ten years, and cigarettes helped pave the way there. If i can save one person from going through it, then i've done something right.

[OU/OSUDividedFan]

You said that they do the MRA to look for clots and such. Then they can go in and stent it. If they don't see a clot or blockage anymore, then what happens? Since Mom's stroke was a mini stroke, will the blockage still be there? Will they still be able to see it or does it resolve and break up? I know, lots of questions. I'm sorry for all of them. Just trying to get my head around all of this and see what could come next and what the various scenarios are.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Shari

[AnniePokely]

You said that they do the MRA to look for clots and such. Then they can go in and stent it. If they don't see a clot or blockage anymore, then what happens? Since Mom's stroke was a mini stroke, will the blockage still be there? Will they still be able to see it or does it resolve and break up? I know, lots of questions. I'm sorry for all of them. Just trying to get my head around all of this and see what could come next and what the various scenarios are.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Shari

The blockage will still be there. It didn't go away. The narrowing of the artery is still there. It will be very visable. Five percent blockage is visible. By the time my mom had her stroke, at the age of 50, her carotid artery was 96% blocked. Nothing they could do but allow it to close off for good. It was blocked, but it was blocked in the circle of willis in the brain. No surgeon anywhere in the country would touch it. It doesn't happen often like that. She didn't get the "warning" of a big stroke. A TMI is nothing but a warning. It is warning of a larger stroke. I think It's great that they are going in now to do this to your mom! It isn't bad news at all! It will quite possibly save her life. There's evidence that in the first 90 days after a mini-stroke, up to about 10% will have a major stroke, and in fact half those people will have their major stroke with 48 hours. So she's doing the right thing.

She needs to be taking a aspirin a day. Everyday, unless they need her to stop for a procedure. I'm very surprised she wasn't told that. *edit* tell her to call and ask the doctor. They may want to not have her on it until after the procedure. But afterwards, she should be on it daily.


How's your blood pressure and cholesterol Dortha?

[Inky29]

As someone that has had 5 strokes I'll answer any questions you might have. I've had so many tests run on me there are some Ive actually forgotten.

The MRA will be fine. Now the test where they pumped stuff up in to my brain through my crotch and only gave a valum to relax me was a real fun time. Never had such a close shave by a strange woman before...good time.

Oh and my neurologist always told me there is no such thing as a mini stroke, they are all strokes. If my first doctor would have treated my TIA more agressively I might actually not be partially blind today.

[AnniePokely]

You mean a angiogram.. (in through the groin area) They aren't doing that. If they do decide to stent, hopefully, that's how they'll do it.

[JimBob]

Dortha, not trying to "gang up", but I lost my Dad to lung cancer when I was 15; heavy smoker. All my mother's late life health problems were a result of her smoking for 60ish years. A good friend of hers had a stroke (fortunately light one) a few months ago, and is now back to "light" smoking, even thought Dr. told her otherwise. I know it ain't easy, but just quit.

[OU/OSUDividedFan]

Annie, the ER(I think) did put my Mom on baby aspirin. I remember my Mom saying that. So that's a good thing there. Thanks for all the information. I think in the back of my mind, I was hoping the blockage would just go away since it was a small stroke. Guess I was just wishful dreaming. LOL I don't know how long it takes to get the results back from the MRA, but she should be having the MRI and MRA done about now. Hopefully we will know something soon.

Thanks to all for the information and stories. It really helps to hear from people who have been through this stuff in one way or another.

Shari

[GoPokes82sMom]

Well, it will take a while to dry the tears with all the caring and support I am reading here. It will be Monday before the results will be back to my doctor, so I'll know then what direction will be taken. I talked to my Daddy a little while ago to tell him what is going on with me. I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure. His reply to me was "I suspected that when you were here after Christmas". Guess that is why he asked me then when my last physical was. I am taking one baby aspirin per day as prescribed. The next step after the results are back is a stress test and a shot into two somethings in the back of my brain above my neck. He's doing that because of the severe pain and loss of vision I had when he push hard on those two places at the same time.

Yes, I AM quiting smoking by using a disk that will cause my brain to produce the endorphins in my brain like nicotine does. He said this was developed my neurologists and totally stops the craving within a week and with no side effects. At present, he is keeping me on my anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs since they will help in keeping my heart beat regular and blood pressure down. My heart rate at the ER was fast and eratic (sp?), and my BP was up and down. Have to do daily readings. Today it was 148/90.

I know there is more, but sometimes here lately my brain loses my train of thought.

Thank you everyone.

edit: Annie, having a complete blood work up tomorrow, Friday. I'll know more then. Gonna have to talk my hubby into buying my own BP devise.

[Verb]

Thanks for the report, Dortha. Sounds like you're doing all the right things.

[GoPokes82sMom]

Thanks for the report, Dortha. Sounds like you're doing all the right things.

Doing my best. How's this for thinning blood? He asked me if I have any trouble with alcohol, and I told him I very seldom drink anymore since my husband doesn't drink. I asked him why, and he said I should consider drinking a small glass of wine 1 - 3 times a week. The bad thing is that I have to cut WAY BACK on my coffee...no more than 3 cups a day, but preferably none.

[osutuba]

Dortha, I hope you are successful in stopping smoking. My dad had his first heart attack when I was 10. He stopped cold turkey after that, but the damage was done and he died 10 years later. It was the most painful experience of my life, especially as we were getting so close those last few months before he passed.

You know Erin and I think of you like another mom and I couldn't stand losing any of the mothers (aMom, First Mother, you, or even my mother-in-law) at this point in my life. You and your entire family are in our prayers. And, I promise, we'll make the 6-7 hour drive up there in the near future to see you, Keith, and the clan.

[GoPokes82sMom]

Dortha, I hope you are successful in stopping smoking. My dad had his first heart attack when I was 10. He stopped cold turkey after that, but the damage was done and he died 10 years later. It was the most painful experience of my life, especially as we were getting so close those last few months before he passed.

You know Erin and I think of you like another mom and I couldn't stand losing any of the mothers (aMom, First Mother, you, or even my mother-in-law) at this point in my life. You and your entire family are in our prayers. And, I promise, we'll make the 6-7 hour drive up there in the near future to see you, Keith, and the clan.

Thanks, Russell. I will be successful quiting smoking, and I really don't think the coffee cut down will be too bad either. I know I will have more trouble giving up chocolate than the other two. :eek:

You just let us know when you guys want to come up for a visit. I haven't seen my #2 adopted grandson yet!!! :D

I went in for them to draw three tubes of blood for my blood work up this morning. I haven't had my cholesterol checked in over I don't know how many years.

Keith bought me a BP thing last night, and my reading this morning was 125/86 with a pulse of 83, so I am guessing that is better than yesterday's 148/90.

I'll update when I get all my test results back.

[Roman Craig]

Do you know what the proper readings should be??

[GoPokes82sMom]

Do you know what the proper readings should be??

My BP readings used to always be around 110/76. According to the neurologist I am Stage 1 Hypertension. He said I should be less than 120/80.

My followup appointment for all these tests the last two days is Tuesday afternoon, so I guess I'll get a better idea then.

[Roman Craig]

Remember the important one is the diastolic (or bottom) reading. Keep it below 80. The systolic (top) fluctuates with different levels of activity.

[GoPokes82sMom]

Remember the important one is the diastolic (or bottom) reading. Keep it below 80. The systolic (top) fluctuates with different levels of activity.

Yeah, today was the first day in a while that it has been below 90. I think this is the first time I have been this scared.

[Roman Craig]

Relax, you will be fine. You caught it before any real harm was done, and they will fix it. That is the purpose of what you are doing now. From here on it is prevention. Get regular checkups, watch your blood pressure, take your meds and listen to your doctor!!!!

[GoPokes82sMom]

Copy that, Roman.

[Roman Craig]

:):):):)just doing my job:):):)

[GoPokes82sMom]

Okay, here are the results. The MRI showed a very small "scarring" in the temporal lobe. He said if they hadn't specifically been looking for evidence of a TIA, they never would have seen it. The MRA showed that I have no damage to the arteries in my brain or neck. Great news!!!

Here's what happened to me on Monday. I take my blood pressure every morning when I wake up as directed. We have no clue why my readings were like this:

7:30 am
161/92 P 82

10:30 am
161/96 P 84

12:20 pm
164/99 P 73

12:45 pm
177/102 P 83

2:15 pm
159/93 P 73

2:34 pm
150/95 P 70

My doctor called in an RX for Cozaar to start immediately.

5:08 pm
150/86 P 91

8 pm
135/89 P 90

11:30 pm (just before going to bed)
161/89 P 85

I was always under the impression that the bottom number is what counts, but my doctor set me straight on that. He says the top number is just as important as the bottom number.

Well, that is all I can remember at this point.

I promised my family and my doctor that when I finish this last pack of cigs I am working on that I am NOT buying anymore.

Thank you guys for all the prayers and suggestions.

[osujane]

I hope your bp med works excellently. Take care of yourself. You're in my thoughts and prayers. http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/JaneAnn55/Small%20pics/hanginthere.gif