Talking About TIA

No Time for TIA
I never imagined being struck with TIA, certainly not during the busiest and most important month of my life.

I was working at a hospital as a quality nurse specialist, a relatively new role as I had worked as an OR nurse for 41 years previously. I was awaiting news on the acceptance of a patent for a handheld computer device I invented, and was very anxious — waiting to see if years of hard work will pay off is torture for an impatient person like me! Fortunately, it did; I received my patent in early September 2008. However, I wasn't able to fully enjoy the accomplishment because I had my first TIA just a few days later.

I was at work and suddenly I could see only half of my computer screen. I couldn't hold on to things or think clearly — my coworkers noticed my symptoms immediately and took me to the ER, only a brisk 7 minute walk from our office. My symptoms went away within 15 minutes, but my memory was a little fuzzy. The ER doctors said I had a TIA, and being a former OR nurse, I agreed. I was sent home after a night of observation and got back to work on my computer device — I had a lot to do now that I had a patent!

Unfortunately, I had another TIA three days later while I was bidding at an estate auction, and two more after that — all in the span of one month. Stroke runs in my family — my mother had a non-fatal stroke and my aunt died from a massive stroke. So, in spite of my busy schedule, I knew I had to take a step back and make time for my health. I had the proper tests performed and started doing everything I could to understand the risk for a serious stroke after TIA.

I haven't had another episode since, and even though I have a high stress job and I'm busy working to progress my patent, I take a few extra steps to stay healthy. I make sure to take my medication, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. I have healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and I have them checked regularly. Most importantly, I remain positive, which I learned from my mother and role model.

When I turned 60 three years ago, I realized that if I didn't live my life the way I want and make the most of it, it would pass me by in no time. My experience with TIA reinforced this realization. I love to wake up every morning and think about what I'm going to accomplish.

Pam N.
Greenville, N.C.