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nuxvomica

(13,688 posts)

18. It sounds like my TIA story

Tue Oct 7, 2025, 09:42 AM

Tuesday

I came in from work one day and noticed the lights dimming for a few seconds, which my coworkers didn't see. Went to my ophthalmologist who saw a little bulge in the vessel that feeds my right optic nerve, so he sent me to a retinal specialist. The specialist determined I had had a TIA and sent me straight to the ER, where they wanted to keep me overnight, which I refused because I felt fine. My PCP prescribed a blood thinner and ordered ultrasounds. While getting the ultrasound, I'm chatting with the tech about migraines, which I've had since childhood. The tech's sister was just starting to get migraines so I was filling her in on what I knew about them, specifically that for me they usually follow a period of stress that is suddenly relieved and the headaches are usually preceded by one of various prodromes like flashing lights or tunnel vision. She let on that my ultrasounds were clear after I told her how worried I was. Then I said I would probably get a migraine the next day because she relieved my worry. Sure enough I got a migraine the next day, preceded by the lights dimming for a few seconds. So it appeared I had a new migraine prodrome to add to my collection. Because of the test results and my story, my PCP said I could stop the blood thinner, for which I am thankful because I've suffered two concussions in the years since.

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appalachiablue Wednesdays erronis

65 replies

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A medical story for the forum: [View all] PCIntern Tuesday OP

I applaud your resolve and common sense. no_hypocrisy Tuesday #1

a good lesson Skittles Tuesday #2

excellent advice.... markie Tuesday #3

I had something similar LittleGirl Tuesday #55

good luck with your surgery markie Tuesday #56

One surgeon said I need a new shoulder LittleGirl Tuesday #60

Good for you! mgardener Tuesday #4

Underscores the value of a second opinion (and where possible, a close friend, colleague or hlthe2b Tuesday #5

You know, it's funny... PCIntern Tuesday #8

And a lot of times just being able to ask questions. I've found a bit of research ahead of time helps. erronis Tuesday #20

Sure. As long as it is clear you aren't using "untrained so-called medical influencers" or "Dr. Google's worst sources" hlthe2b Tuesday #22

So, you didn't have to call your local funeral home...... Butterflylady Tuesday #6

Very good story. Thanks for sharing. Easterncedar Tuesday #7

The importance of THREE MissKat Tuesday #9

Terrific advice. PCIntern Tuesday #10

Glad your intuition was on target! Fla Dem Tuesday #11

Reading your experience with the electrophysiologist makes me thank my lucky stars TexLaProgressive Tuesday #12

I agree totally. OldBaldy1701E Tuesday #13

Interesting. I have been pushed to see an electrophysiologist - much more frequently recently. erronis Tuesday #14

Have you been on anticoagulants all this time? PCIntern Tuesday #15

Yup - first coumadin and now eliquis. You mention the Watchman - erronis Tuesday #21

I just BeerBarrelPolka Tuesday #46

Good for you! And I really hope it solves those issues. erronis Tuesday #49

Thank you BeerBarrelPolka Tuesday #52

erron popsdenver Tuesday #35

Your points are well understood. As almost anything in this society, money/profit will rot it out. erronis Tuesday #50

Thank you so much for telling us your story, Ilsa Tuesday #16

They all own stock in the company that makes the pacemaker. milestogo Tuesday #17

It sounds like my TIA story nuxvomica Tuesday #18

Have you considered otchmoson Tuesday #19

Can't get involved with that stuff, PCIntern Tuesday #30

I understand otchmoson Tuesday #36

My brother had a health scare and was stunned watching the vultures gather malaise Tuesday #23

Surgeons want to cut. Cardiologists who specialize in pacemakers MineralMan Tuesday #24

As the saying goes, NewLarry Tuesday #47

The first specialist sounds like the guy who told me I had to get both my knees replaced immediately,. That was 5 sinkingfeeling Tuesday #25

Thanks. An experience worth sharing and applying to similar situations. joanbarnes Tuesday #26

MD and AMA poozwah Tuesday #27

You really have to be your own doctor these days. I'm still pissed off about my experience a week ago Vinca Tuesday #28

Question everything. It's what I do too as a family advocate. live love laugh Tuesday #29

"You betcha" PCIntern Tuesday #31

What do you think of the Korean cholesterol study? womanofthehills Tuesday #33

I haven't read that study - Ms. Toad Tuesday #41

The Magnesium Miracle supports the findings that cholesterol isn't "bad" live love laugh Wednesday #64

They pulled this same shit with my Dad gay texan Tuesday #32

Similar story here, for goodnes sakes... Dancingdem Tuesday #34

My belief now is that most doctors are mediocre at best. LuckyLib Tuesday #37

I didn't save my source for this, and it's been a long time soldierant Wednesday #65

My biggest regret in life is the one time I didn't stand up to a doctor. pnwmom Tuesday #38

Oohh my gosh Chicagogrl1 Tuesday #39

I was 31 when I first refused medical intervention. Ms. Toad Tuesday #40

I've refused medical intervention. hunter Tuesday #44

So far - my refusals have always been for the better. Ms. Toad Tuesday #45

Just now, I declined the opportunity to wear a heart monitor. John1956PA Tuesday #42

I believe the hospital pressures these docs PCIntern Tuesday #51

I wore a heart monitor for a week and it was way more interesting than a few missed beats. hunter Tuesday #43

And "non-profit" hospitals are anything but. erronis Tuesday #54

They're drumming up business, minimizing liability, and pathologizing you. bucolic_frolic Tuesday #48

Always a good idea to be your own best advocate. hamsterjill Tuesday #53

Kickin' with enthusiasm Faux pas Tuesday #57

Thanks for sharing. yellow dahlia Tuesday #58

BIG kick and recommendation, might I add to get labs done on a regular basis and to 'watch the trend' ... cliffside Tuesday #59

Thanks for sharing, would you please link to this post in the health group? There is useful information in your post ... cliffside Tuesday #61

They are taking kickbacks from the medical device company iemanja Tuesday #62

You handled it expertly! pacalo Wednesday #63