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[Nefersmum]

I managed to get myself sent home from work today.   Apparently I went chalk white and was had slurred speech.   This could not have lasted for more than a couple of minutes by my reckoning but I carted myself to the doctors - actually managed to get an appointment this morning!   

He is of the opinion that I had a TIA, a Transient Ischemic Attack, a mini stroke in normalspeak.   I did try explaining to him that I thought I was in the midst of the menopause but he wasn't interested in this as a possible explanation.   I've got to have loads of tests and see a specialist.   I'm absolutely terrified.  I'm also hugely frustrated that I am unable to drive as I've only just had my licence restored to me after an accident in December as a result of my falling asleep at the wheel. 

A friend of ours told me that someone she knew had had similar issues when she was going through it and I wondered if anyone else had had such experiences when going through the menopause.  Is it possible that the menopause could be responsible for this situation?   

[Taz2]

What a scary thing to happen Nefersmum. I'm not sure that this is down to menopause exactly although menopause can cause a rise in cholesterol levels which can then lead to TIA's or even full strokes.

It is good that this has been picked up now and not just brushed under the carpet, so to speak, as just you being of a certain age. If the tests show that you have indeed had a TIA then you will be put on the appropriate medication early on which will help you and prevent things worsening. This may be helpful in terms of why it has happened http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/menopause/stroke.html

Let us know how you get on!

Taz x

[Nefersmum]

Thank you for your advice  Taz2.   I'm still more than a bit embarrassed that I made a fool of myself at work and it's come as a bit of a shock to me but hopefully, as you say, having seen the Doctor  early on it might prevent it  turning into something else.

[dazned]

Very concerning for you but think it's definitely best to err on the side of caution in this case and not put it down to menopause issues and its good that the Dr wants to get this episode checked out. Hope you get this stored out soon.

[Kathleen]

Hello Nefersmum.

I think your Doctor is right to take this seriously but as we know hormones are powerful things.
When I was young and in the first few years of my periods I was often sent home from work because I had turned white and felt faint. This usually happened on day two of the bleed and was accompanied by diarrhoea. Once at home I would loosen my clothing, climb into bed and sleep.  When I awoke I would feel completely fine.

I wish you well and hope the tests give you the all clear.

Take care.

K.

[Joyce]

Hi there Nefersmum. My neighbour had similar a few weeks back. They called for ambulance & by time it arrived the episode had passed. Tests were done, not a stroke but actually a form of migraine. Daughter who works in stroke unit, says this is quite common & can be stress related.

It is good that it is being checked out.

[Ju Ju]

It is good that this was taken seriously by your colleagues and your doctor. I remember insisting with others sending a colleague to the doctors as she arrived at work white as chalk and one side of her face drooping. She thought we were making a fuss. She was send to hospital and tests showed she had had a mild stroke. Following treatment she was fine.

[CLKD]

Whilst you feel embarrassed I am sure that your Colleagues are relieved that they were able to help!  Feet up, take it easy for a few days.  This of course, could have been why you 'fell asleep at the wheel'!

What support do you have for fetching shopping, going to work etc.?

[GypsyRoseLee]

Hi Kathleen

My poor DD has the same as you. The day her period is due she is as white as a sheet, has diarrhoea, and cannot get get warm (despite fleecy PJs, dressing gown and thick, down duvet). She aches all over and is suddenly so exhausted she can barely speak.

The only cure is to go to bed and sleep it off for a few hours, then she's right as rain again. She's not even in her teens yet 

Privately I'm so worried that she is going to suffer terribly with her hormones, and with PMS and PND like I did   

[honeybun]

One of my neighbours had the same.....she had a tiny stroke.

Life changes, and fifteen years later and she is good.
She said it was her wake up call to change her lifestyle.

It's good that you are being thoroughly investigated and a big medal for your workmates.....they did exactly the right things.

GRL....my daughter was the same and missed a lot of school. When she was 14 she went on the pill and life has been much better....she is nearly 21 now. Your daughter is a bit young yet, one thing that did help my daughter was physical excercise .....and lots of it.


Honeybun
X

[GypsyRoseLee]

Thank you Honeybun. It's horrible watching them struggle. She missed about 4-5 days of school last year because if it which isn't great.

But she genuinely looks so washed out and white faced and physically shivering with cold (on a hot day in August). She is quite sporty already.

She's too young for the Pill, but wonder if something like Geminax could help her?

[honeybun]

Could she be anaemic GRL.



Honeyb
x

[GypsyRoseLee]

Don't think so honeybun? She's very healthy the rest of the month.

But how could you tell?

[honeybun]

Maybe ask your GP, my daughter had to take iron supplements but she had a blood test. It did help a bit.


Honeyb
x

[Limpy]

Missed this thread.

Nefersmum - Your doctor is doing exactly the right thing.
If it was a TIA the earlier it's identified and treated the better.
Hopefully it will stop things getting worse. 
I wouldn't have thought this instance was a menopause thing, but even if it were, the TIA element would need to be addressed anyway.

Better safe than sorry