It started with a visit to the doctor’s office. I don’t visit the doctor’s often – they make me unconformable. This visit will be no different. 253/109. That was my blood pressure. It was the highest he had ever seen. The doctor ran an EKG, sent me for labs (it was Kaiser), and sent me to the hospital. He was very worried about me. This set off a whirlwind of activities that affected my life completely.
MRIs are not fun.
I went to the hospital with my elevated blood pressure and settled in for an extended stay. My wife asked if my stuttering had anything to do with my blood pressure. An MRI revealed I had strokes, some of which were some time ago, some which were more recent. This rocked my world because, other than the stuttering, I had no idea. Stuttering was due to stress from the pandemic, wasn’t it?
More work revealed a cardiac problem.
My doctors conducted several other tests and identified several other problems including a cardiac problem. I had blockages in my arteries that required a stent (or 3). My doctors went through the procedures to place the stent and I was home in 2 days, with a regimen of 6 pills – 1 for cholesterol, 1 for cardiac purposes, and baby aspirin for good measure. I also had a heart monitor for 2 weeks.
Recovery is slow.
I’m in recovery. I take the 6 medications regularly. My biggest concern is my budget. I am receiving unemployment, but that won’t list forever. We qualify for disability insurance, but only for a few months. Some of the medications cause me to be “loopy” (aka light sensitivity). My body will slowly become accustomed to the medications, but I’m not sure when.
Strokes can ruin your life.
What they say about strokes are true. My brain does not work completely. My work has been spotty at best. I’ve tried to get some work done, but it has been tough at best.
Check your blood pressure. Whether using a home monitor, visiting the doctor’s office, or visiting a drug store, check your blood pressure. Knowing your blood pressure may well be the thing that you need to avoid strokes in the first place.
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Jeff Reynolds is principal Reynolds Consulting LLC.