On Thursday morning I was taken to have my MRI, which I mistakenly called a PET scan yesterday, about 7.30am and was told that the results would be available mid morning.
Helen came in about 9.30am. She had caught the bus back to Tewantin and then driven my car back to the hostel so that she could drive me home it things went OK. I showered and shaved and put on my normal clothes in anticipation of a discharge. We hung around until after lunch during which time an Occupational Therapist assessed my ability to live back home which was apparently OK.
About 2.30pm the Resident dropped in to tell me that I had had a stroke affecting the left hand side of the brain. Fortunately it wasn't severe. I would experience a slight effect on my RHS but physiotherapy and exercise would compensate. I had a very minor speech impediment which I am not too sure wasn't there before but I will have it checked. I was still mildly confused and had to search for the correct word at times. Most things would clear up in time.
The main thing that being a Type 2 Diabetic, having a quite severe bout of A-Fibrillation and then a significant stroke I was now considered a high risk for subsequent stokes and I might not be so lucky next time. To minimise the chance of future strokes I would be placed on a care program supervised by my GP with support from the Nambour Stroke Unit. Basically I would on Warfarin with blood checks twice a week until my INR is stabilised and then fortnightly. My normal Diabetic Care plan would be extended to cover Stroke minimisation. My permanent medications would include Warfarin, Lipitor or similar to lower cholesterol, Metoprolol to cope with my AF and Cardizem or similar to treat high blood pressure. I would also take Celebrex to cope with problems arising from my broken leg and hip.
The good thing is that I was advised to get back to cycling, walking the dog and other exercise as soon as possible. I was not to get too tired at first but build up steadily. I should be fit enough for my cycling tour around SA in October.
Unfortunately I cant drive for a few week until things settle down.
We finally got away from the hospital at about 4.30pm after my medications were dispensed.
Now on to the recovery phase.
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