Stroked...

[Paul in NZ]

I've alluded to and discussed a few times the various medical misfortunes I've endured in recent years... But theres a potentially amazing new development and I'm in search of data...

By way of background to this. I'm a 54 yrs old type 1 diabetic so every trip to the doctors is tinged with them expecting me to pop me bloody cloggs at any point (or at least thats what it feels like)... Truth is the stats are horrible but thats why I try and stay as fit as I can - my own observations over a lifetime of insulin is that the stats are scewed by freaking idiots who plain give up the fight and fat themselves to death. I mean visiting someone gettin dialysis and they are 20+ kg over weight and eating a bucket of KFC to make themselves feel better? If nothing else you dont get much sympathy or help from the nurses when you do that shit.

Anyway - As reported, a few years back I had a tumour removed from a testicle (now that was something to find at 3am I can tell ya, instant focus). Operation was fine but the post op infection came as close to killing me as anything ever has. It has taken soooo long to bounce back and I moaned so much they finally diagnosed coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) ffs. I mean I've probably had that since I was 12...aaarrgghhh! Christ I was a mess towards the end and was so fatigued I'd just collapse. Waking up on the slipway with a kayak on your chest isnt funny and still going for a fish after, despite having to crawl down to the water shows hows screwed up my decision making process was... Once I was nearly cleaned up by a car I should definately have know was there as a result of a very poor decision and limited perifial vision (stayed off the bike for a while)

Now - coming to the point (finally) :!:

As I'm getting stronger again I have still noticed that when I'm really tired, everything goes a bit 'wonky' some times... Its very odd - case in point, coming back in through the surf at Otaki the other weekend (kayak fishing) I can out on the last wee wave because the paddle through the bigger ones and the last backwash off the beach did me in. (should have had a rest out the back). To be fair it was a bloody tough paddle back at some pace AND I didnt loose me fish either....

So I mention it to the doc who goes 'hmmmm' and sends me off for tests (translation, please go visit these specialists, they have appropriate cover for patients dropping dead in their surguries, we dont).

Good news - heart guy reckons I'm as fit as a buck rat (fit or stress test on treadmill)

Odd news - the head guy thinks I had a stroke when I was sick.... A stroke ffs? Apparently there are silent strokes, often undiagnosed and the brain is very good at compensating for them untill fatigue sets in.

Now until I get an MRI scan this is all supposition but it does fit the odd symptoms and Vicki tells me its what the ER guy said at the time (like I was listening ffs - I was busy chasing rabbits and taking tea with the mad hatter) but where does that leave me regarding kayaking and the bikes? What I'm doing is pushing a little harder at the gym to increase fitness and cardio ability (and thinking about buying an easier hull to paddle - oh wait, no thats just because I'm jealous of Vickis new boat) but for goodness sake - a fugging stroke? That just happens to old buggers dont it and..... oh.....

Gah!

Yeah yeah - doc says maybe a sign something else is brewing but I'm not so sure. Anyone got any tips or suggestions ???? Anyone been through this??

[scumdog]

Ah Paul, people like you are great - you make me feel I'm a picture of health!

[mashman]

Don't shoot me, i'm not trying to be a cunt and piss on your parade... but just because you're as fit as a fit thing, doesn't mean that those, ahem, non-mental aged organs, aren't feeling a little tired from some wear and tear

[FJRider]

Ah Paul, people like you are great - you make me feel I'm a picture of health!

pssst ... you need a new frame ..

[Drew]

Ah Paul, people like you are great - you make me feel I'm a picture of health!

Go crash a police car you!

[Edbear]

Any time we feel a bit hard done by, we only have to look around!

Paul I really don't know what to say, you battle stuff none of us would wish on anybody. I don't know what the answer is as I have no experience with strokes except my Mother-in-law died from a massive one at 84...

[Ocean1]

Free avice is...

However, it's worth knowing the more common precursors, and nowadays they reckon most strokes are predictable. Specific types of vision disturbances and / or headaches are common. If you're in the target group any "feeling a bit wobbly" should be checked out.

C/P:

A TIA (or transient ischemic attack) is often a precursor to a full stroke. A TIA occurs when blood clogs an artery and temporarily deprives the brain of oxygen. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as stroke symptoms, only temporary. These may include sudden one sided weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, trouble with balance, dizziness and sudden severe headache.

Strokes or TIAs are more common in men than in women. However, more women than men will die after suffering a stroke. Unlike a TIA, a stroke leaves lasting injury to the brain, and may require therapy to regain as much function as possible.

After the age of 55, the risk of having a stroke or TIA doubles each decade. African Americans are also more likely to suffer a stroke, and have a higher mortality rate from stroke than Caucasians.

Poor diet and nutrition raise the risk factors of stroke or TIA. High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and diets high in saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, putting you at greater risk for either of these.

Abusing substances such as alcohol or drugs, can increase your chance of having a stroke or TIA. Consume no more than two drinks a day (for men) and one drink a day (for women). Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines put users in a higher risk category for stroke.

See if you can find some more recent publications, they've made huge advances in prediction and treatment in the last few years.

[Paul in NZ]

Free avice is...
.

Yup - done and done BUT getting action is the kicker. I'll see what i can do to speed things up...

As for the rest of you cheeky buggers - yup, stuff wears out for sure but like a set of tyres, at least I'm wearing them out and not letting things crack n perish in the shed!

Its very odd - oh well, off to the gym as its the hugely unpopular 'legs' night. I've only been managing 300kg on the squat machine so I reckon I'll bump that up tonight, may as well while I can eh? 320 Definately do able but 340? Hmmm....

Anyway - anyone got any more info????

[Crasherfromwayback]

. I've only been managing 300kg on the squat machine so I reckon I'll bump that up tonight, may as well while I can eh? 320 Definately do able but 340? Hmmm....

Anyway - anyone got any more info????

Yep. Don't try and do too much weight or you'll blow your sphincter out.

[mashman]

As for the rest of you cheeky buggers - yup, stuff wears out for sure but like a set of tyres, at least I'm wearing them out and not letting things crack n perish in the shed!

touche ya bassa ... Do you feel any different?

[Grumph]

In my limited experience - family history and friends who have survived - fitness as such is not a guarantee of avoidance of a stroke.
Hereditary tendencies seem to be playing a bigger part now as they get on top of the dietary factors - and there ain't much you can do about that...
I've got a cardiac history which means I'm on medication, a side effect of which is a lessened risk of strokes. Your cardiac specialist sees no need for medication so one avenue I'd recommend is to start taking low dose asprin - talk to your GP as you'll probably qualify for a subsidised supply.

[Kickaha]

Well Paul if you don't fall over dead in the next week or two I should be calling in, guess I better while there's still time

[Paul in NZ]

Yep. Don't try and do too much weight or you'll blow your sphincter out.

370 was getting into that realm.... zoing....one things for sure - it certainly takes your mind off anything else.... Total focus required.

[Paul in NZ]

touche ya bassa ... Do you feel any different?

Most of the time, not really. Its been a slow climb back after the gluten thing anyway which was masking a lot of things. When I get really tired then its another matter. You know like after a long day on the bike, instead of getting just weary it gets a bit odd and potentially dangerous... Definately loose my Mojo. In fact, even my good days are not quite where I have been balance wise...

Odd....

[Crasherfromwayback]

I bet mate!