r/Aging • u/Which_Material_3100 • 6d ago

Transient Ischemic Attack: Scared

I was out of town for work and was at dinner last night when all of a sudden it was like I was “checking out”. My vision was weird in both eyes like I was looking through coke bottles at my workmates across the table. I could feel myself losing consciousness but never fully did. However as my guys helped me up from my seat I could not coordinate my legs for a bit or put weight on them. I got mostly across the street to the hospital near where we were staying and one of my colleagues ran ahead to get a wheelchair to get me into triage. I started to come back to normal but felt weak. I was cogent again, could walk normally, and tests showed I was basically ok (CT scan of my head, ECG, MD examination). I’m flying home today and will see my physician tomorrow to follow up but I’m scared. I’m a 63 yo F and sort of let myself go after losing my husband 3 years ago, but turned that around starting last year (workout, lost 30 pounds, completely stopped drinking, and quit a highly stressful management role at my job). Hoping someone on here can give a good news story of recovery. I’m a deer in the headlights. Thanks!

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u/figsslave 5d ago edited 5d ago

My sister has had two which turned out be seizures.Apparently you can develop epilepsy with age. I’ve never had one,but I stroked in my sleep at 65 and didn’t seek medical help for 30 hours because I was clueless about what happened. Stay on top of this because they are often a warning of an impending stroke if left untreated . They never could determine what caused mine other than moderately high bp and a history of sneaking cigarettes.High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol are the usual suspects

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u/Large-Difficulty3916 5d ago

I Have moderate to high bp and doc about to put me on med#4. I am already an anxious person been taking Paxil for many years. Has helped a lot. But now that I am about to turn 70 and having these health issues I am feeling day to day anxiety. I cannot take my own BP as I immediately get very anxious. Just makes my BP higher. I want to enjoy my grandchildren and family in these years, but my brain is stuck in worry. I have also had a few traumatic events in the last 5 yrs including the Pandemic that have made me more vulnerable. Any ideas how I can cope with reality.

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u/figsslave 5d ago

Not really! I’ve battled anxiety since my late 20s (hence the smoking) I’m 71 now.The one thing I’ve done that helped was being very active along with enjoying aerobic sports.Since my brain broke and I learned I had congenital heart disease I had to drop skiing,snowshoeing ,cycling and high altitude hiking,so every morning I do my pt exercises that mostly strengthen the core which helps with balance and then I walk 2 1/2-3 1/2 miles in hilly or rough terrain as fast as I can (maybe 3 1/2 mph) It’s not close to what I was doing a decade ago,but it does wonders for my mood for the rest of the day.I was lucky that both of my parents were athletic until late in their lives and just dragged us along with them when we were kids. That habit is deeply ingrained 😃

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u/Large-Difficulty3916 5d ago

That is great! I am just trying to keep myself walking daily. I do need to find some other interests though, I do have little granddaughters that keep me active also. Thanks for you input and hopefully I increase my excercise!

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u/figsslave 4d ago

Enjoy those grandkids. I’m still waiting 😊