Sunday 13 October 2024
Today I’m feeling grateful. Six days on from my TIA and trying to curb the urge to feel sorry for myself (though not always succeeding), I feel the best way to move forward is through gratitude.
So, to go back a few days, last Monday I had a funny turn at work. It started before I got to work to be honest, I felt odd whilst walking my dog Betty first thing in the morning. But I pushed on. After all, I was leading a team meeting in our Manchester office, so I had to be there; of course I did, I convinced myself.
Anyway, fast forward a couple of hours I’m being wheeled out of a busy office and into an ambulance by two paramedics, pausing briefly for me to vomit, then hitched up to an ECG and driven to the MRI. Just the blue lights flashing, no siren, so I’m told. It’s all a bit of a blur to be honest.
So, my first bit of gratitude is for my work colleagues for realising something was seriously wrong and bringing in support, and to my manager on the other end of a phone keeping everyone calm and focused. The friendship and camaraderie especially from my manager and the team lead but also from other members of the team has been exceptional.
Next, I am grateful to the person on the other end of the 999 call and to the NHS staff – the paramedics (who were brilliant, not just efficient but keeping me calm along with the assistance of a work colleague who travelled in the ambulance with me) and to the A&E team at MRI. A few hours later, after a CT scan, another ECG and giving half an armful of blood, and with two of my daughters, who had dropped everything to be by my side, I was released, an Unexplained Syncope Episode was what they said, but with an instruction go and see my GP as soon as possible.
I am grateful to all three of my daughters and their partners for their unconditional love and attention and for dropping everything to help me, allowing me to stay in their lovely homes and for their all-round care and support. I’m also grateful to my other half B, though she couldn’t be by my side straight away she was there giving support and advice at the end of a phone connection several times a day.
Now I have more gratitude to the NHS. First, to Dr FS at my GP Surgery. He was so thorough and not completely satisfied with an ‘unexplained episode’, so he referred me to the TIA Clinic and brought me back in for another ECG. Then later in the week, the staff at the Marjory Warren Unit at Stepping Hill Hospital, where the diagnosis was a 99% certainty that I have had a TIA, prescribing a blood thinner and fitting a heart monitor that I must wear for a few days and follow up visit for an MRI Scan and further treatment. It’s a wake-up call, I’m mortal after all. I need to be watchful and cautious over the next few weeks. I am not to rush back to work, and to take it easier on myself. After all I need to do everything possible to prevent the more serious progression from mini stroke to stroke.
Also, I am grateful to my sisters and my friends outside and inside of work who continue to check in and support my recovery. My oldest friends that I meet up regularly with for walks, general chit chat, banter, coffee, lunches etc have been exceptional with concern, mild piss taking, and advice based on their knowledge and experiences. We were due to meet for a walk next weekend, it will just be for the friendship this time as a 2-to-3-hour walk is probably not advisable right now.
Finally, I am grateful to be blessed with two lovely grandchildren, who brightened my morning today by just being themselves when they called round this morning. I am becoming a big Paw Patrol fan too.
I do have time for more special mentions. To B who I’m really looking forward to seeing later, and to her close friend J, who shared info about her TIA experience and road to recovery. Lastly just a quick mention for the dogs, Betty & Ivy (my daughter R’s dog); they have fussed around me in the way that dogs do and reminded me that I’m not completely helpless – I can still pick up shit.
And if you were not aware of my predicament, it’s just because the opportunity to let you know hasn’t presented itself yet, so I’m sharing this way. I’m grateful for that too.
Normal service will resume as soon as possible.
Ronnie xx
