Talking About TIA

My Experience with TIA – What I Did Not Know Could Have Hurt Me

My wife Barbara and I check in with each other regularly when we are apart, and one afternoon in October 2007 her regular call not only made my day, it may have saved my life. Barbara was in North Carolina visiting our daughter and I was home in Delaware when she called. I wanted to tell her what I had been working on in my workshop but for some reason, I couldn't get the right words out.

I knew what I wanted to say, but I just couldn't say it and couldn't control the words coming out of my mouth. Barbara was very concerned, but I didn't want her to worry so I tried to laugh about the confusion I was feeling. She was so very worried that she called my son-in-law and asked him to check on me. They talked together about what was happening to me and she had him take me to the hospital. We got to the emergency room and the doctor diagnosed me with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — I had no idea what this was, but being a retired nurse, Barbara did.

If it weren't for her insistence, my TIA would have gone undiagnosed and untreated. I learned that getting treatment at the hospital quickly was very important. I also learned that having a TIA increases the risk for experiencing a stroke, so I make sure to stay active and take my medication. Barbara keeps me on a diet low in fat and salt, which helps too. I'm grateful Barbara knew the symptoms of TIA and helps keep me healthy now. I think everyone should know TIA symptoms so they can help someone who has one, like Barbara and my son-in-law helped me.

Al M.
Newark, Delaware