Life after a "mini-stroke" at 25

lastfrenchfryever

On March 7, 2013, at 1:30 PM I had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. I am twenty-five years old, moderately active, do not smoke and drink on occasion. I had been on the Medifast diet for 2 weeks at the time of my stroke. Doctors are still puzzled as to why someone with nearly zero risk factors (besides weight) would have a stroke so young. I have arterial stenosis (narrowing) in my A1 vertebral entrance. According to the many neurologists I've spoken with, the location is deep in the middle of my brain so stenting via surgery isn't a safe option. All I can do is take the best care of myself and be mindful of any changes in my body.

I never expected to have a stroke - especially not at 25. Life for me is much more important and I can no longer allow cheat days or slip ups. My life depends on me making the right choices and sticking to them. My family and friends have been amazingly supportive and they are helping me as I recover. This is my umpteenth attempt at losing weight and being healthy but this time has to be successful. I want to have a family in the future and live a long, healthy life. I want to officially close the chapter on my life that included binging and overindulging and deep frying. I want to change my life.

TL;DR: Had a 'mini-stroke' at 25 and am now focused on health. Looking for new friends who can join me!

highervibes

I'm 32 and had a massive vertebral artery stroke in October. They told me I might never walk or talk again, but I'm fully recovered. The type fo stroke I had carries a 90% fatality rate and out of the 10% that live, 10% of those walk and talk. I know what you mean about making healthy choices because your life depends on it. You won't catch me eating Pop Tarts or junk food "in moderation" (the biggest cop out if you ask me) I'm going to friend you

JonnaM0916

Goodluck to you both on your journey. So young to have a stroke. That is a huge eye opener that age isn't always a factor.

HeidiCooksSupper

Be happy with every day. My whiny brother-in-law had a heart attack at age 28 and has been planning his imminent death ever since. He's now 61. Miserable fool. He'll probably outlive all of us -- as will YOU!! So, don't take a page out of his book. Live your life with infinite joy and plans for the future.

ChristinaLeeConway

Ya'll are so brave for sharing your stories. You have really opened my eyes. I'm 27 and nearly at 300 lbs. I have tried to lose weight before, and I had some success back in 2008, when I lost 40lbs on my own--the healthy way with diet and exercise. Since that time I have regained the weight and added on to it as well. In November, my father passed away of a massive heart attack. He was only 54, but he was very overweight...standing 6'2" and probably around 350-400 lbs. I know heart disease runs in my family--I already have high blood pressure--so does sleep apnea, and diabetes. I am determined to lose the weight. I am an only child, and all my mom has left. I would hate for anything to happen to me and leave her alone. Also, I plan on getting married next October. I would like to lose 4 dress sizes by my wedding. Best of luck to everyone.

LovingLisa2012

when I was in Kindergarten, i got the chicken pox (normal right) well I had complications, which included a light stroke (don't know the type) but I spent weeks in the hospital, then had to relearn to walk (remember falling down when I tried to stand un-assited after coming home (no one was in the room to help me)

the symptoms, I know I had were : slurred speech, couldn't reach for object and ended up not even being able to sit up on my own
while in the hosp. I was paralyzed on the left side of my body ..

remember I was in kindergarten .. strokes don't discriminate against age

iulia_maddie

I am glad you found MFP. I think you will find it very helpful. Good luck in reaching your goals!:flowerforyou:

ninerbuff

Work at getting fit and the rest will follow in line.

A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

lastfrenchfryever

I'm 32 and had a massive vertebral artery stroke in October. They told me I might never walk or talk again, but I'm fully recovered. The type fo stroke I had carries a 90% fatality rate and out of the 10% that live, 10% of those walk and talk. I know what you mean about making healthy choices because your life depends on it. You won't catch me eating Pop Tarts or junk food "in moderation" (the biggest cop out if you ask me) I'm going to friend you

That is an incredible story! You are amazing for having made so much progress! My friends tell me all the time that they just couldn't stick with my diet (no beef, no pork, no dairy, no alcohol, no caffeine) but I tell them that if I don't stick with it, I could potentially die. I've found that motivation to become healthy gets pretty high after a stroke. There is no "cheating" because there simply can't be.

highervibes

I'm 32 and had a massive vertebral artery stroke in October. They told me I might never walk or talk again, but I'm fully recovered. The type fo stroke I had carries a 90% fatality rate and out of the 10% that live, 10% of those walk and talk. I know what you mean about making healthy choices because your life depends on it. You won't catch me eating Pop Tarts or junk food "in moderation" (the biggest cop out if you ask me) I'm going to friend you

That is an incredible story! You are amazing for having made so much progress! My friends tell me all the time that they just couldn't stick with my diet (no beef, no pork, no dairy, no alcohol, no caffeine) but I tell them that if I don't stick with it, I could potentially die. I've found that motivation to become healthy gets pretty high after a stroke. There is no "cheating" because there simply can't be.

I'm very grateful to be here, that's for sure! Sometimes I wish everyone could have a stroke and live just so they could appreciate what they have! We both have 2nd chances xxx

changejen2013

I was 23 when I had my mini stroke this past New Years Day. I'm 24 now. I have begun eating healthier and working out to control the symptoms as well. Mine came as a shock as well. I don't smoke, I'm not obese, I don't drink, and I don't have a family history of stroke. I have virtually 0% risk also.

I was making dinner on New Years Day 2013 and my eyes blacked out, I was left blind for a few minutes. I also experienced what the physicians call a "drop attack". I had no power of my legs and I completed caved to the ground. It was a crazy experience. I attempted to stand up a couple times but had to wait a few minutes to do so. When I did, I got crazy dizzy and eyes were blacking out again so I sat down at which point I couldn't really communicate my words properly. I felt paralyzed in my own body, it was horrifying.

I returned back to normal after a little while, within the hour. It was crazy and I can't believe it happened to me but it did.
I hope you have the best recovery and that you do well to get healthy also. Good luck!

Junken_Diraffe

I had a stroke four years ago. A full-on, full-body-paralysis-aphasia-incoherent-for-weeks-relearn-to-walk-read-and-function stroke. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say that my husband and mom were told they needed to say their goodbyes. This is the reason I enjoy things in moderation. I'm gonna eat a poptart or pizza if I want it. Life is too short to live in fear all the time. Pizza and poptarts didn't cause my stroke. A headache medication did.

I'm so glad y'all have found some good in your situation. Each person reacts differently to things like this. Me? I'm gonna live life to the fullest, be the best me I can, and enjoy life.

ETA-I was 28.

highervibes

I had a stroke four years ago. A full-on, full-body-paralysis-aphasia-incoherent-for-weeks-relearn-to-walk-read-and-function stroke. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say that my husband and mom were told they needed to say their goodbyes. This is the reason I enjoy things in moderation. I'm gonna eat a poptart or pizza if I want it. Life is too short to live in fear all the time. Pizza and poptarts didn't cause my stroke. A headache medication did.

I'm so glad y'all have found some good in your situation. Each person reacts differently to things like this. Me? I'm gonna live life to the fullest, be the best me I can, and enjoy life.

ETA-I was 28.

I hope you didn't take my pop tart comment personally... I guess what I mean is I hear my friends say "everything in moderation" all the time, as if it's some sort of dietary mecca to be able to have it all. Moderation comes far too frequently for most when I think about what I consider "moderation" to be. My stroke followed a chiropractic neck adjustment and was caused by a tear in my vertebral artery, so I'm lucky in the sense that once it's healed, it's healed. But like you, I had to learn to re-walk and talk but not THINK. I was 'locked in' my body with nothing but my thoughts. From the minute I could take care of myself I promised myself I would. Different strokes for different folks; literally and figuratively lol. Best of luck guys

ajradul

Hi to you highervibes,
I am so sorry to hear about you suffering a stroke. Have you fully recovered now? I am curious because I suffered 2 mini-strokes and underwent several test, MRIs then genetic testing. I was recently diagnosed with a genetic disease that causes mini strokes resulting in the early onset of dimentia. I am 47 years old and terrified of what this means for my future. I too had the attitude for a while that I am going to do what I want and eat what I want for the rest of my life. After going through that, I realized that I have to be proactive and preventative and do what I can today to hopefully be healither in the future, in hopes that it will prolong my life. In addition to diet, I agree that you have to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day for what it is.

Best wishes to you on your journey!

Junken_Diraffe

I had a stroke four years ago. A full-on, full-body-paralysis-aphasia-incoherent-for-weeks-relearn-to-walk-read-and-function stroke. I'm not going to go into all the details, but suffice it to say that my husband and mom were told they needed to say their goodbyes. This is the reason I enjoy things in moderation. I'm gonna eat a poptart or pizza if I want it. Life is too short to live in fear all the time. Pizza and poptarts didn't cause my stroke. A headache medication did.

I'm so glad y'all have found some good in your situaton. Each person reacts differently to things like this. Me? I'm going to live life to the fullest, be the best me I can, and enjoy life.

ETA-I was 28.

I hope you didn't take my pop tart comment personally... I guess what I mean is I hear my friends say "everything in moderation" all the time, as if it's some sort of dietary mecca to be able to have it all. Moderation comes far too frequently for most when I think about what I consider "moderation" to be. My stroke followed a chiropractic neck adjustment and was caused by a tear in my vertebral artery, so I'm lucky in the sense that once it's healed, it's healed. But like you, I had to learn to re-walk and talk but not THINK. I was 'locked in' my body with nothing but my thoughts. From the minute I could take care of myself I promised myself I would. Different strokes for different folks; literally and figuratively lol. Best of luck guys

I don't eat poptarts. I think moderation is key. But it has to truly be just that, moderation. Not an excuse to gorge on crap.

highervibes

I think moderation is key. But it has to truly be just that, moderation. Not an excuse to gorge on crap.

YES. This. That's what I was not so eloquently trying to say

lastfrenchfryever

I was 23 when I had my mini stroke this past New Years Day. I'm 24 now. I have begun eating healthier and working out to control the symptoms as well. Mine came as a shock as well. I don't smoke, I'm not obese, I don't drink, and I don't have a family history of stroke. I have virtually 0% risk also.

All of the physicians I have spoken to (and it has been a lot!) have said that they are finding younger and younger patients with fewer risk factors having TIAs or full-blown strokes. It was a very surreal experience because I honestly thought it was something to do with a new chair I was using as work. Looking back I think I should've been scared but I was just confused. It came on and went away so quickly I almost felt foolish for going to the ER but once I knew what had happened I realized how important it was. I'm glad you're okay!!

lastfrenchfryever

I'm very grateful to be here, that's for sure! Sometimes I wish everyone could have a stroke and live just so they could appreciate what they have! We both have 2nd chances xxx

I have to be careful to avoid "new convert" syndrome when I hear my friends talking about how they want to be healthier but not making serious changes. I have to remember that everyone has to come to the decision to change by themselves and I just got put in the express lane lol

jimliznjada

I am 25; 26 in August. I have a large line of family history of strokes, anuerysms, and heart attacks; most of my dads family have died before the age of 50. My dad died at 37 from a heart attack brought on from Coranary Artery Disease.
I have recently gone off HBP medicine because the hypertension has been stable, however I have high cholesterol, I am a little overweight, I have been off and on birth control pills since I was 15 and I am a smoker; All of this increases chances of a stroke.
Anywhoo - getting to the point... about 2 1/2 months ago I was just sitting watching TV with my daughter, my fiance and his cousin. My left hand went completley numb, and the numbness/tingling started to slowing go up my arm. During this time my left eye got 3 lines of what appeared to look like a snowy TV screen. Once the numbness/tingly feeling came up into the middle of my shoulder and chest (all left side) it quickly went down my leg and up into my next, throat, and face. My tongue was numb on one side and I slurred my words, and I could feel my throat/neck tingling more and more. Long story short, it lasted for only about 15 mminutes, even though it seemed like forever. I was dizzy and had to sit back on the couch. I googled everything and the only options I saw were panick attacks and strokes. Well, I guess in my mind I knew it was a stroke but I didnt want to seem like a baby in front of people and I brushed it off. Well, this has happened again about 3-4 more times with the first and the last (Memorial Day) being the worst. Since this happened in front of family and I had refused to go to the hopsital, I promised them that I would express my concern to my doctor next visit, which was this past friday. She is sending me to a Neurologist because she indeed believes it to be a mini stroke. I am nervous and havent been able to sleep since I woke up Friday (2 mornings ago) to go to the doctors. It is 4:42 am right now and alls I can do is keep researching all of this. I am honestly scared, because the doctors words included... FIX YOURSELF or you are going to DIE of a stroke. I am only 25, how is this possible..... Does anyone know what will happen if it turns out that the MRI's or CAT Scans indeed show signs of any kind of a stroke... Will I need surgery??? I just dont know what to expect!

jimliznjada

I just want to add that I am quitting my bad habit of smoking, and I plan on making new habits for myself such as exercising, cooking homemade meals that are all healthy, and exercising more, more, and more. I need to make these changes in my life. Granted I didnt want to have to make these decisions based on this new information, but I am glad I know now that was going or what could still possibly be going on. I need to change this, and I plan on being the oldest living family member on my dads side... If of course my new habits are enough.

highervibes

I am 25; 26 in August. I have a large line of family history of strokes, anuerysms, and heart attacks; most of my dads family have died before the age of 50. My dad died at 37 from a heart attack brought on from Coranary Artery Disease.
I have recently gone off HBP medicine because the hypertension has been stable, however I have high cholesterol, I am a little overweight, I have been off and on birth control pills since I was 15 and I am a smoker; All of this increases chances of a stroke.
Anywhoo - getting to the point... about 2 1/2 months ago I was just sitting watching TV with my daughter, my fiance and his cousin. My left hand went completley numb, and the numbness/tingling started to slowing go up my arm. During this time my left eye got 3 lines of what appeared to look like a snowy TV screen. Once the numbness/tingly feeling came up into the middle of my shoulder and chest (all left side) it quickly went down my leg and up into my next, throat, and face. My tongue was numb on one side and I slurred my words, and I could feel my throat/neck tingling more and more. Long story short, it lasted for only about 15 mminutes, even though it seemed like forever. I was dizzy and had to sit back on the couch. I googled everything and the only options I saw were panick attacks and strokes. Well, I guess in my mind I knew it was a stroke but I didnt want to seem like a baby in front of people and I brushed it off. Well, this has happened again about 3-4 more times with the first and the last (Memorial Day) being the worst. Since this happened in front of family and I had refused to go to the hopsital, I promised them that I would express my concern to my doctor next visit, which was this past friday. She is sending me to a Neurologist because she indeed believes it to be a mini stroke. I am nervous and havent been able to sleep since I woke up Friday (2 mornings ago) to go to the doctors. It is 4:42 am right now and alls I can do is keep researching all of this. I am honestly scared, because the doctors words included... FIX YOURSELF or you are going to DIE of a stroke. I am only 25, how is this possible..... Does anyone know what will happen if it turns out that the MRI's or CAT Scans indeed show signs of any kind of a stroke... Will I need surgery??? I just dont know what to expect!

You will likely be put on blood thinners (Coumadin or Warfarin) and be monitored. I don't think theres much they can do about blood clots forming other than blocking certain coagulation factors in your blood. Don't be in denial, get yourself (and your family) the best chance of having their mother around for longer!!!

c4coral

I got out of hospital on Thursday after what they are referring to as a shower of TIAs. Due to the vertigo I went to the clinic thinking I had an ear infection. Spent a week in the hospital. I'm on blood thinners now. Both vertebral arterys are dissected. I'm at risk of future TIAs and yet I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So here I am. Hoping to get 2000 steps a day despite my vertigo and be careful what I eat. Savor the box of chocolates my husband got me. Happy I am alive and I don't have too many deficits.