Ros - Interview 34
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Ros had a headache that lasted several days and was feeling under the weather. She needed to go to the shops to get some food shopping, and whilst she was in the supermarket she found herself feeling disorientated; her left arm was uncontrollable and floppy and her speech was slurred and confused. When she arrived at the checkout she felt faint, and collapsed. The cashier called for an ambulance, however after a short while Ros began to feel better and wanted to go home rather than be taken to hospital. When she saw her GP the following day she was told she had had a minor stroke and was prescribed simvastatin tablets which she began taking immediately and has been taking ever since. Ros had a stroke two years earlier and was prescribed simvastatin and aspirin. However, she was unable to take aspirin, and was worried about the potential side effects of simvastatin so she opted not to take this drug. She now feels that it’s possible that if she had taken the simvastatin at that time she would not have had the mini stroke later on.
Ros who lives alone felt that after her TIA her anxiety about having another stroke got out of proportion and for a time she worried constantly about going out alone
Ros who lives alone felt that after her TIA her anxiety about having another stroke got out of proportion and for a time she worried constantly about going out alone
They were enormous, absolutely, absolutely out of proportion my anxiety of having another stroke. You know, I just used to see it all the time. I used to go out here and think, “I wonder if I’ll get to the Tesco’s without having another stroke.” Or, “Will I get back without having a stroke.” You know, it was enormous. Enormous.
Ros said that not knowing what is happening to you makes it feel very scary
Ros said that not knowing what is happening to you makes it feel very scary
Ros found herself worrying endlessly about the possibility of having another episode and eventually her doctor referred her to see a counsellor to help control her anxiety
Ros found herself worrying endlessly about the possibility of having another episode and eventually her doctor referred her to see a counsellor to help control her anxiety
The next day I was back to myself but very anxious and very concerned that , - that I was going to have another stroke. And that’s what really controlled me for about three or four weeks.
Ros's headache lasted for several days but she put it down to generally feeling unwell and stayed in bed thinking it would pass.
Ros's headache lasted for several days but she put it down to generally feeling unwell and stayed in bed thinking it would pass.
Ros had been prescribed simvastatin following a major stroke, but said she didn't take it because she suffered from bad side effects
Ros had been prescribed simvastatin following a major stroke, but said she didn't take it because she suffered from bad side effects
I was advised to take simvastatins by the consultant and because I’d had a very, a lot of side effects I didn’t take the simstatins. So maybe …
Ros hasn't been called in for regular monitoring but goes to see the GP if she feels she needs to.
Ros hasn't been called in for regular monitoring but goes to see the GP if she feels she needs to.
Ros feels upset that her GP hasn't encouraged her in her attempts to change her lifestyle
Ros feels upset that her GP hasn't encouraged her in her attempts to change her lifestyle
Ros felt she would like more encouragement from other people about how well she had done at losing weight and taking more exercise
Ros felt she would like more encouragement from other people about how well she had done at losing weight and taking more exercise
I changed my whole, whole life, I haven’t got a car any more. So I know if I haven’t got a car, then I have to walk. So, you know, I’ve really tried to help myself.
Ros says make sure you don't bottle things up, talk to someone about how you're feeling
Ros says make sure you don't bottle things up, talk to someone about how you're feeling
A neighbour knocked on Ros's door to see if she could help when she was brought home in an ambulance, and since then has become a good friend
A neighbour knocked on Ros's door to see if she could help when she was brought home in an ambulance, and since then has become a good friend
I would say talk about it if you’ve got a neighbour or a friend or somebody that, you know, is quite happy to come and sit with you.
Ros found it difficult to control her anxiety and was referred to see a counsellor
Ros found it difficult to control her anxiety and was referred to see a counsellor
Ros's advice to people who have had a TIA is to talk to people about it rather than bottle up your feelings, although sometimes it can be difficult because people don't always understand enough about strokes
Ros's advice to people who have had a TIA is to talk to people about it rather than bottle up your feelings, although sometimes it can be difficult because people don't always understand enough about strokes
I would say talk about it if you’ve got a neighbour or a friend or somebody that, you know, is quite happy to come and sit with you.
After her major stroke Ros found it difficult to tolerate the medication she was prescribed so stopped taking it and now she wonders whether carrying on with the medication might have prevented her from having the TIA
After her major stroke Ros found it difficult to tolerate the medication she was prescribed so stopped taking it and now she wonders whether carrying on with the medication might have prevented her from having the TIA
Strangely enough after that major stroke I was in hospital five days and I got over it quickly. But with the mini stroke mentally I didn’t get over it.