I'm 44 years old, and have been having TIAs (I'm also diabetic, epileptic, have fibromyalgia, an autonomic disorder that makes my blood pressure and heart rate go goofy for no reason, a knee replacement, blood clotting disorders, cholesterol problems- though meds are making a huge difference there, was a smoker, had a huge pulmonary emoblism involving my right pulmonary artery and all 3 lobes of my right lung last April, yadda, yadda, yadda).

My MRI a couple of weeks ago showed small vessel disease in the periventricular and subcortical areas- :( and it's not real new (new since the last MRI, but not 'acute' or 'subacute' per the report). Basically, I've had small strokes near the area of my brain stem (not the big 'chunk' of the brain) and it's not in the gray matter yet (good), but this could lead to multi-infarct dementia in the future- or not.

It's very weird to know that at 44, I may begin to decline at some point. I've worked in the medical field (all sorts of jobs), and have seen what happens to dementia patients. My mother also had dementia from brain radiation for a cancerous tumor (adoptive mom); my biological great aunt had multi-infarct dementia, so biologically, I'm prone as well. I have an advanced directive that I need to review.

In some ways I feel a need to keep a journal about this, to see if anything changes. I'm already on 14 prescriptions a day (around 25 pills), including a huge dose of Coumadin (17 mg alternating with 15 mg.....). I also want to be sure I'm not kept vegetating if something 'big' happens, and the TIAs turn out to be strokes that leave deficits. The TIAs involve speech and swallowing. I'm already working on word cards, to be able to communicate if my receptive speech is left intact, which, it probably would be considering where this is all going on.

Just needed to vent. :confused:

This is a good place to vent. We are a pretty understanding bunch. Mostly we are the caregivers of AD victims, but from time to time an Alzheimer's sufferer has also corresponded.

I do feel sorry for your massive health challenges. Isn't it great that there ARE 14 prescription drugs to help keep you going? In earlier decades you may not have made it this long.

Right now there is a lot of research going on into the brain changes that cause Dementia. I think that you have a good chance of being around when the cure is found. So try not to let it get you down too much ... we usually have enough on our plate even if we take it one day at a time. Worryng about the future makes life almost unbearable.

I wish you luck! It's a good idea to have your POAs and medical directives all settled early, so you don't have to worry abut being exploited or neglected later on. But meanwhile, I wish you many many happy and useful years .. you will be in my prayers.

Love,

Martha

Neuro.... vent on!!! As Martha said this is a great place to vent. I am sorry to hear that you have so many medical problems and I do hope your doctor is able to keep them under control. My best advice is be prepared for the future, with the necessary legal document and other things you might want in place, and then live your life without worry about what will be. None of us knows if we will wake up tomorrow. Some just have a better idea what is going wrong. There are new medical advances every day and the next one might just be your answer. So live your life to the fullest......

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.....

Love, Deb

I printed up some copies of Living Wills and Advanced Directives today, to update my old one. Thanks for your support- it's much appreciated. I don't have friends here, and am on disability for the seizures and autonomic disorder- came to help take care of my demented mom (who died very unexpectedly- long story), from my "home" of 17 years in TX.....I miss it so much down there. The boards are my major contact with people. I'm glad they're here with the chance to 'meet' people.

We all seem to be "orphans" of one sort or another. I do hope that you can find some real physical friends through supports groups in the physical area that you live thoug. Much as we all appreciate this board and there are times that no one else understands these friends...you do need a real face once in a while and the comfort of a real arm and a hug.

Don't you wish that we could just magically gather just once? sigh...

Yes !! I've found more understanding people online because of the focused nature of the communications/reasons for 'meeting'. One group I belong to is even doing a secret pal gift exchange (we've all been interacting for years, so nobody seems like a stranger). It's good to have support somewhere. I do see a therapist to help with the overwhelming feelings with my health issues, being off work (identity shot), and generally being horrified at living here, and not back 'home' in TX, where I've been planning to return to, but can't due to health problems. My dad is here, and he's great when I'm in the hospital, watching my dog, checking my apt, etc. But sometimes ya need more than a dad and a therapist ! Friends would be such a luxury :)