Stroke, PFO Repair, Headaches, Stress

Hi @ebkramer, and welcome to Connect. Your symptoms are certainly something that you can seek a second opinion for at Mayo Clinic. Experts at the Mayo Clinic can help you navigate your healthcare journey, answer your questions and guide you through the treatment plan. When you call at any of our 3 campuses, you will be offered an appointment within 48 hours http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 Be sure to mention the Cerebrovascular access program.

I'm sorry to hear that ongoing health issues have had the collateral damage of the breakdown in your marriage and loss of self-esteem. I'm very glad that you found Connect and that we might be able to provide at least some virtual support. Who can you rely on for support? Do you live alone? How often are you experiencing TIAs?

Yes. Thank you for your reply. Gathering the information is daunting although I have most of it. Prior to my heart surgery I got opions from the Cleveland Clinic and the Texas Heart Institute and they were very easy to work with. I am ‘ok’ - less stress now - I was an attorney and real estate delevoper (which were both) very stressful in thenselves.

I received a call back and it wasn’t too helpful because I am not sure exactly what is going on with myself after all of this. I have plenty of doctors here, but no ‘whole’ person approach and was basically told that there were no appointments available at any clinic. I have excellent insurance, funds to pay overages and am willing to travel to any clinic. I loathe to say it but it was a very didsapointing experience and I will look somewhere else for opinions. ☹️

Hello @ebkramer and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am so sorry to hear of the myriad of health problems you have experienced. Health problems can certainly be stressful.

What have your current doctors said about the continuation of your symptoms? Do they offer you any suggestions for the TIA symptoms or the pain you describe as similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis?

We look forward to supporting and encouraging you in your health journey, please continue to share with us as you feel comfortable.

Teresa

It's ok. Mostly it's just part of what I have to live with. I can accept that, but it's not an easy situation. When you have it all - wife, kids, lifestyle, health - and then you lose that - and not really sure why - it gets very frustrating. Sure, I can do a lot of what I did before - not everything - I avoid stress, can't do new projects, am divorced, etc. - but it's like living on the outside looking in. But I know so many others have it worse and I am thankful. Thank you for your reply.

Hello @ebkramer

You are correct when you say it is not an easy situation to live with. The losses you have experienced are quite high on the hierarchy of stressors. The sense of "living on the outside looking in" is a common feeling for those of us who have experienced multiple losses over a short period time. While the heart issue is a separate physical issue, you might look into doing some grief work with a counselor and/or grief support group. Grief is part of losses, not just the loss by death.

If I may ask, what type of support system do you in place? Do you have family members, friends or church/professional groups that can draw you into their circle and offer you personal support during this time?

Continue to post and let Mayo Connect be that support group for you now.

Teresa

Yes. Thank you very much. I have no lack of support. I was looking for medical answers and that is why I sought out this organization. It was suggested by several in my support group of both friends and professionals.

I understand, @ebkramer

I hope that you do find the answers and the medical help that you need to be more comfortable with your health problems. It is very unsettling to not have the answers that you need and to not feel well as a result. Many of us, include myself, have been there.

I wish you well and please keep posting and let us know how you are progressing.

Teresa