A Hiccup in the Road of Life

[MartySews2]

On Jan 20th, I had a light stroke or TIA ... didn't seek immediate medical attention until Jan 25th as I thought the blurred/double vision was from blood pressure or blood sugar or an ear infection. I just didn't pay attention to the warning signs until I got a crushing headache. I went on about my normal activities thinking that maybe my glasses needed adjusting. As a result, I landed in the hospital for several days. Now, I have some memory and speech issues as well as weakness on my right side. Being right handed, this presents a small challenge to me. I am fortunate as I will recover with physical therapy, a change in eating habits, and being more conscientious. During all of this my blood pressure remained in the normal range as did my blood sugar readings. I already take a blood thinner as well as a daily aspirin. My cholesterol levels are normal and is 160 with my triglycerides at 104 and HDL 55 with the LDL being 97. None of the lab work indicated a problem yet I had a stroke/TIA.

The purpose of writing this now is to alert everyone to seek immediate medical attention if you start seeing double or your vision suddenly become blurry or you start having painful headaches when you ordinarily would not. I didn't have any of the classic signs of a stroke or TIA but did have one. This could have had more disastrous. Now, I am prohibited from driving (at least for the next 6 weeks) and am having to give up some of my activities including some sewing time with friends. So please listen to your body, get lots of rest, try not to stress over what you cannot change, and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Blessings,
Marty

[pinecone]

So glad it was minor, Marty. You never know so treat each day as a gift. I know I could eat more healthy and get more exercise.....guess I'll get the exercise tomorrow! 101/2" of snow has fallen so far, thankfully it is slowing down. Take care.

piney

[sewingmom]

Marty, Wish I was there to lend you a hand.
Belinda/Lindy

[sewingrandma]

Marty, do hope you are improving daily and are able to do some sewing. Was glad to hear that your DD was able to take a leave to stay and help out. Just trying to get to therapy is a full time job. Keep doing what you are able to. If you speech is affected-keep talking. That is the one thing that my DMIL said after she recovered from her stroke. Talking constantly helped her the most. She even had a stuffed parrot that would repeat what she said so she could hear how she sounded and could work to correct it. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

[LeapFrog Libby]

Do be Careful Marty, and follow the Doctor's orders. I have known people to come all the way back. They tried harder, As one of my friends said. (of herself) She really did talk a lot to practice after her stroke. We are remembering you and yours in our prayers.

[sewingmom]

Marty, I am so praying for you and for Sarah to know what is best for you!
Belinda

[MartySews2]

Update ... Sarah returned to school last weekend. I had a doctor's appt on Monday with my primary care doctor who did another CT scan and blood work. On Wednesday, I saw the neurologist. According to the tests, I had a stroke of the brain stem area that was mild. I do have some muscle damage to the right side of my face (crooked smile, slurred speech and half closed eyelid). I have exercises to do to strengthen those muscles and to the ones in my right arm and leg. I have been told to cut back on my activities or the next one could be fatal. This was my 6th light stroke but the one with the most damage. I have been on bed rest all of last week and this week. I'm hoping to get back to sewing next week. I think that I will feel better once I can do that again. The hardest thing for me was to decide what to give up. I have decided to give up the presidency of The Memphis Chapter of the American Sewing Guild and to step away from the organization. I'll remain a member of the organization but will no longer take an active part. I've been very active for the past 15 years but it is one of my main stressors. I will remain active in my church but even then, I will cut down on those activities too. It's my new reality ... getting old is not for the faint-hearted.
Marty

[cgmemphis]

Marty,

I'm glad you are better, and will hopefully continue to get stronger with the exercises. I hate that you are going to have to give up some activities, but understand how important it is. You didn't mention Sit & Sew, but you really don't need to be lugging around the machine and supplies either! Hoping I get to see you once a month at the Guild meetings...You are always such an inspiration!

[sewingmom]

Marty, you will make the best of your new reality! Your just that sort of person. I know you will look at your glass half full instead of half empty. Know that you have been an inspiration to many people and we want you to do what is best for you now.
Love (((((hugs)))))
Belinda/Lindy

[MartySews2]

(((HUGS))) ... Yes, I will keep on sewing and serving as best that I can.
Marty