gonkerette Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Hi, Been a while since I have written, Just got home a few days ago, with third stroke. Low heart rate of 48. Extremely tired. Some weakness in the right side. Concerned how to get heart rate up. Will see the dr again on Friday. They are talking about Tee test to look at back of heart but not sure what they are looking for. This is third stroke on right side. I have mixed connective tissue disease. None of strokes are bleeders. I have sticky blood. I was working two hours the morning of stroke, felt fine, then vision blurred and then speech went. Speech and all back, lucky to get TPA as keep medical records on desk and coworkers gave to ambulance emts right away. Please help with any suggestions. would love to hear from everyone!! I am trying to figure this body out :Tantrum: :Tantrum: :Tantrum: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Sorry to hear about the problems you are having; hope the doc has some answers for you on Friday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slmstrokeangel Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 I'm glad you have recovered some. I'll pray for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brain2005 Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Hi! Welcome back after being away. I had a hemorrhagic stroke, so I don't know what answers I could offer. My BP is up again so I need to be careful. Is your heart rate a major concern. You seem like with a 48 rate, you should be real cool ... but then I am not a doctor. I do know that stroke is a completely life-changing ocurrence and that many of us fight this because we want to badly to be normal again. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Good Luck, God Bless WALTER (brain2005) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted April 17, 2007 Author Share Posted April 17, 2007 Hi! Welcome back after being away. I had a hemorrhagic stroke, so I don't know what answers I could offer. My BP is up again so I need to be careful. Is your heart rate a major concern. You seem like with a 48 rate, you should be real cool ... but then I am not a doctor. I do know that stroke is a completely life-changing ocurrence and that many of us fight this because we want to badly to be normal again. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Good Luck, God Bless WALTER (brain2005) My heart rate is 48 and they want it at least in the 60's but I don't know how to get it up? Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted April 17, 2007 Share Posted April 17, 2007 Are you ambulatory? They generally say physical exercise to raise heart rate. What does your doctor suggest? Be sure not to commence physical exercise without the doc's okay. I am not sure of the ins/outs of mixed connective tissue disease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fking Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 I just spoke with my sister who had to raise her blood pressure after her heart condition. She says her doctors instructions were drink a fair amount of water, no juices, move around as much as possible and don't take more blood pressure meds than what he prescribed for a period of time. Keep check about every hour or so the first few days, by then it should be on the rise. So, you'll need a BP instrument nearby, a wrist model if available. From what little knowledge I have, wouldn't your doctors tell you the "best method in your case" since they want it raised to around 60? As you know each person and stroke is different. What works for one body could be very different for another person in my opinion, so beware. BTW, welcome back and let us know how you are doing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanderson Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 hello there and welcome back, sorry to hear about the strokes, i too worked day of my stroke felt fine all day, got to hosp in 40 minutes of onset, asked for tpa, long story have to read my blog. i agree with donna and fred, do what dr says and check your bp often. glad you are doing better but hope dr can find a way to help prevent future strokes. one is enough, thankyou. let alone 3 of them. good luck and god bless. k. anderson aka kimmie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cam1960 Posted April 18, 2007 Share Posted April 18, 2007 Hello! I don't know about slow heart rates, but a TEE looks for holes in your heart chambers. About 20% of the population have one and they can allow clots to travel to your brain. That's what happened to me. Luckily they can close them pretty easily now. An overnight stay in the hospital gave me a lot of peace of mind. Check out the other postings on PFOs. (Patent Foram Ovale) There is a lot of info here. :hug: Carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikisteph Posted April 19, 2007 Share Posted April 19, 2007 Has no one yet mentioned the medication that many of us survivors are on to lower the blood pressure, such as Beta Blockers such as Atenolol which also lower the heart rate Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted April 20, 2007 Author Share Posted April 20, 2007 Just wanted to give you an update. My heartrate is up to 51 :Clap-Hands: I just got back from my followup visit with the doctor after my hospital stay. The MRi shows a possible aneurysm on the left carotid. Does anyone have information about this?? Not sure what this is???????? Need all the information I can get. I go for the MRA next Thursday for further testing of this area of the carotid to see what is happening. I am off of work until I see the neurologist, cardiologist ( I have mitral valve prolapse) and rheumatologist (mixed connective tissue disease) I asked the doctor today if they could put my body in the MRI tube and shoot out a new one. Still have weakness on the right side from the last stroke (the second one). This is my third stroke. Don't want anymore, but need answers. They are desperately trying to get to the root of everything. They do know with the mixed connective tissue disease I have sticky platelets, which I take plavix and coated aspirin daily. HELP!!!!!!! :Tantrum: :Tantrum: :Tantrum: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted April 20, 2007 Share Posted April 20, 2007 Gonkerette, Thank you for the update; glad to hear you are receiving some answers and that your heart rate increased. I did a web search and discovered: http://svs.vascularweb.org/_CONTRIBUTION_P..._Aneurysm_.html Personally, I have no experience with carotid aneurysm. You can also conduct a search (under Commumity Links) for posts regarding carotid aneurysms. There have been numerous posts from survivors and caregivers alike on the subject. :hug: to you. Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted May 6, 2007 Author Share Posted May 6, 2007 Hi, Just wanted to update everyone. Went to get MRA done, mix up and they cancelled the first one as insurance wasn't going to pay for one within a month of MRI, but now it is done. Do not hav results yet. Dr ordered in another neurologist. I saw him on Friday. He is having me do lots of new bloodwork and is having me see Cardiologist Tuesday as they want to go over me and do testing to see if TEE test is going to be what is to be ordered, but that is what new neurologist wants done since one has not been done. I go to my reg dr tomorrow and cardiologist on Tuesday. Still waiting to get answers. I don't feel sick, but still don't feel right. I do remember from other stroke it takes a while to get back in to swing of things again. My right arm is still extremely weak. It was still weak after second stroke and still have lot of heaviness in it from last time. I just am so worried that they are not finding what is causing the strokes as new neurologist stated three in three years in very dangerous. I am praying they get to the bottom of this very soon. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers as your support means the world to me to be able to come here and know that each and everyone not only cares and supports me but have been throught this and know all the frustrations!!! I try to take it as it goes, but it is hard not getting answers when I know something has to be causing all of this. Hope everyone is doing okay and making the best of each day :big_grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted May 6, 2007 Share Posted May 6, 2007 You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you and the docs work towards getting answers and as you work towards feeling better. (((Hugs))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanderson Posted May 6, 2007 Share Posted May 6, 2007 hi gonkerette. i am sorry you are having to go through all of this, i can imagine how worried you must be but hopefully the neurologist will get to the cause of all of this asap. be careful, and try not to worry to much to keep your blood pressure down. i will keep you in my prayers, so that you get some answers real soon. take care and god bless. kanderson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveH Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Hi Gonkerette, My heartrate was also in the high 40's , so my Dr. had me reduce my blood pressure med(metropolol 50mg. *2 a day to 25 mg. *2 a day) and my heartrate is in the 60s now, I didn't change my other blood pressure med. though, lisinopril 30mg. 2* a day. I wonder if something like this would help you. Good Luck! Steve H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted May 29, 2007 Author Share Posted May 29, 2007 Hello everyone, Just to update everyone: I went for a followup with the neurologist after tests and more bloodwork. I have a phospholipid problem which is creating a blood clot problem. I had an echocardiogram which needed to be done again since it was almost a year since my last one. I have a consultation with the cardiologist on June 25th before I get the TEE test to look at the back of the heart to see if there is a whole in the heart or not. They need to rule that in or out. I have worked 5 days now and must say it is good to be able to go back but I am extremely exhausted. I am so glad I am able to work, but the doctors want to see how I make out with all of it. I have the mixed connective tissue disease, Raynauds, hypothyroidism and low heart rate, which has gotten better, but not yet where they want it to be. I am trying to do all that they ask and then some. All of the bloodwork came back except the one with the phospholipids. They are going to do a comparison MRA of the left Carotid in a few months to do a comparison of the one they just did to double ensure there is no change and no aneurysm there at all. It was a very good decision to change neurologists!!! It never hurts to get a second opinion. On a positive note, I was well enough to make the three hour trip to see go to my son's wedding in Pittsburgh PA! :Clap-Hands: :Clap-Hands: Which a month ago was a question as to whether I could withstand the trip. I appreciate everyones support, thoughts and prayers. It means so much to me. This is my refuge!!! I hope all of you are doing well and I will give an update as soon as I have more information to share. You are all in my thoughts and prayers all the time as I know and I know you know what it is like for the stroke patient and the ones who take care of us. In this case, it is my husband, who gives 200 percent. I don't know what I would do without him. He is the best caregiver a wife could ever have. He is a saint!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Glad you were up to attending the wedding. Please keep us posted. I agree, sometimes it is the best decision to make to change docs. You are blessed to habe the support of your hubby....I'm blessed to have the suppport of my teenage daughter. We're both fortunate :big_grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted June 25, 2007 Author Share Posted June 25, 2007 Good evening, I wanted to do an other update for everyone, but first I want to wish every one well as we all are at different levels in our continuing stages of progress. I am scheduled to see the consulting doctor for the TEE test tomorrow who is suppose to finally schedule my TEE test to see if I have the whole in the back of my heart. In the meantime, my regular doctor, who is the most super doctor in the world is leaving the practice she is with and under her contract with the physician, she cannot have any of her patients follow her to her other practice for one year. I will continue to see her nurse practioner, but after that I am going to see her. I also have my specialist who is my new neurologist, my regular heart specialist and my gynecologist. I will let you know what happens. So far my heart rate is now almost 60 on the topamax and is pretty stable at this point. I also wanted to ask other stroke patients two things since I have had three strokes two things have happened: 1) my legs are in constant pain all day long, which I take tramadol 4 times a day 2) I have lost 10 pounds with each of the first two strokes, and the last stroke I went from 150 down to 136, but the weight never comes back plus I am never hungry, but I eat in order to take my medicine I want to know if anyone else is having these problems, my mother had several strokes and the same things happened to her legs and weight as well. Thanks so much for all your support and any assistance with these questions would be greatly appreciated :bouncing_off_wall: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted June 25, 2007 Author Share Posted June 25, 2007 Good evening, Hi everyone :bouncing_off_wall: I hope everyone is doing well. I think about everyone all the time. I always read the stroke message board as I gain so much support and information from everyone. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I go for my TEE test on July 12, 2007. Thanks so much!! :happydance: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanderson Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 gonkerette you will definiteately be in my prayers, i wish you well on your test and try not to worry. as far as your questions, i don't really have any answers, maybe it could be the meds you are taking and it sounds somewhat genetic if your mom had the same issues. my affected leg does hurt me once in awhile, nothing i can't deal with. i hope you get some answers soon. good luck on your test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 Best of luck in the tests - you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted July 14, 2007 Author Share Posted July 14, 2007 Good evening everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. I went for my TEE test yesteday morning. I had to arrive at 8 am and the test started at 9 am. They had me swirl and slowly swallow this thick liquid to numb my mouth and my throat. The next step was to swallow the tube with the camera on the end of the scope. It was quite difficult but I said a prayer and was able to do it without having to be sedated. I concentrated as much as I could on the pictures on the monitor to take away the thoughts of having to constantly fight the gag response that kept occuring. I am glad the test is over as we needed to find out one way or the other if there was a hole in the back of my heart that didn't close as everyone has one but they should close at around age two. Thankfully the hole is closed and the TEE test is over. The only after effects are I have a really sore throat and am extremely tired, which they told me is from my Lupus. I am at home recuperating with much help and hugs from my husband who is also my caretaker. The doctors are just trying to get to the bottom of this as I have had three bad TIA's in three years and are not sure what is causing them, but they are slowly ruling things out and this definitely had to be ruled in our out. If there is a hole, they need to go in and plug it. The next step will be a follow up with my neurologist to see where we go from here. In a lot of cases with Lupus and mixed Connective Tissue Disease they don't always find answers as it attacks any part of the body tissue at any time. I am taking my plavix and all my other meds as directed and trying to keep things under control as much as possible. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughs, concerns, and prayers, as they all mean so much to me!!! Please take care and keep up the support system as it is a super need for everyone involved!!! With Love Gonkerette :happydance: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanderson Posted July 14, 2007 Share Posted July 14, 2007 hi gonkerette, i am glad your test is over as you are as well. hang in there until they find out what is causing your strokes, it must be very aggravating for you, so i will keep you in my prayers to get an answer soon. god bless and be well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonkerette Posted July 16, 2007 Author Share Posted July 16, 2007 Good afternoon, Thank you everyone for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I have had quite a few difficult days of being overly tired and think it is due to my connective tissue disease. Anytime I have anthing out of the ordinary, it seems to kick into high gear and I become extremely tired. Thanks again to all your thoughts, care and prayers as I am a firm believer that they are a great help and that is why I always come here as it is a great source of support for me!! I hope everyone is doing well and I encourage others to come here as often as possible to get the help, encouragement, support and prayers as well as it is has made a huge difference in the recovery process of my three strokes and my mental outlook of everyday living and challenges, as well as it helps my husband who is my caregiver as we go through this journey together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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