TIA Aka Mini Stroke And My Cdl.

Yesterday while driving I apparently suffered a mini stroke. I'm being referred to a neurologist and cardiologist and not allowed to drive until they sign off. But internet research is saying I may be required to be off for a year. Trying not to panic.

Sorry to hear that. Count your blessings that you were able to maintain control of your truck. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

In the past my wife had a "spell". For 25 minutes she could not talk. She was at home and sat in a chair when this happened. The Drs ran the tests and could not find a cause. It never happened again. Of course at the time she was very anxious. I wish you the best.

It could have also been an anxiety attack. An anxiety attack can have heart attack or stroke type symptoms that last about 20-30 minutes and then go away like nothing ever happened. I've spoken with numerous people that have had an anxiety attack and they called the paramedics because they thought they were having a heart attack. I had one once and I probably would have done the same if I hadn't been in the presence of someone who had had one before and knew what it was.

A close friend of mine was having terrible stomach pains and on the way to the hospital she had an anxiety attack and she thought she was having a stroke. She lost feeling in the left side of her face, she was slurring her words, and her hands were cramping like into 'claws' you could say. The stomach pains were a gallbladder issue but the rest was just an anxiety attack they told her at the hospital.

My Dad suffered from TIA's. They will usually thin your blood and do some anti clotting, he had maybe 20 of them in his elder years. I hope they can diagnose and help you. Dad would slur his words and have trouble speaking, but then he would let out a string of cuss words just fine LOL. You know when its happening and its a very scary thing. I hope it is all OK for you.

Phil

National Stroke Association - TIA

Genuine TIA's are no laughing matter - but the fact is (as Brett alluded to), the symptoms can mimic many other things.

I ran to the OR for a heart (panic) attack a few years ago - caused by a change in BP meds (tried something less expensive). Started feeling weird, started freaking out - all of a sudden "my god, I think I'm having a heart attack". 23 hour observation later - EKG, Echo-Cardiagram, etc. - clean bill of health, and back on my regular meds.

DO get it checked out Ahmalia - verify whether or not they think you have an issue, get your medical clearance and get back out there.

Added to my (ever-growing) prayer list.

Rick

Well, my primary doctor is referring me to a cardiologist and a neurologist for confirmation. I tried to get in touch with Swift's HR dept yesterday to find out what their guidelines might be and if there is any kind of options where I can still get paid something, but couldn't get through. According to everything I'm reading online, odds are I'm off work for a minimum of 3 months, possibly a year, and potentially will never get my CDL back. While I have other job skills, I will not find anything that pays me what I make as a driver. And I do not get paid for my time off.

What happened was I was just driving down the highway, about 5 miles from my pick up, and all of a sudden I got really light-headed and a vertigo feeling, and then my left side went numb, starting with my face but progressing all the way down my arm and leg. I guess I'm very lucky I didn't pass out and wreck. When I got to my pick up point I started making phone calls to my dispatcher , my doctor, etc. Apparently I should have immediately called 911 and went to the hospital. Swift sent a driver over to cover my load, and I rode the 90 minutes back to Topeka with him, and after he dropped the load off, he dropped me off at my house. Went to see the doctor the next day. The numbness wore off after about an hour, and I felt fine after that. Still feel fine, but I understand that a TIA is a warning signal, and a full stroke could be next.

I don't know if they will roto-rooter my arteries, or put me on meds, or what. And I don't know if I can be cleared to go back to driving. I'm trying really hard not to panic, since I don't really have any information yet anyway, aside from I can't go back to work until the doctor's say so, and I have no money coming in in the meantime. I have a little bit in savings, can maybe squeak by 3 months on that, but anything longer and I'm screwed.

And just because I'm venting anyway, my boyfriend of 2 years up and moved out on me March 1st, with no warning. So its already tough because I went from a two income household to a one income household. And then 2 weeks later my best friend passed away, sudden heart attack. Well, they say bad things happen in three's, so I guess that's my three. I hope so anyway, cuz I'm at my limit. Close the problem buffet, my plate is full.

Ahmalia, you should be eligible for SSI / Disability. You need to sign up right away. You basically have to wait two weeks but it should be retroactive to when you signed up. It's basically 2/3 of your income tax free up to whatever the maximum is these days.

Good luck, JJ

Thanks, Jim, I'll look into that on Monday.

Well, my primary doctor is referring me to a cardiologist and a neurologist for confirmation. I tried to get in touch with Swift's HR dept yesterday to find out what their guidelines might be and if there is any kind of options where I can still get paid something, but couldn't get through. According to everything I'm reading online, odds are I'm off work for a minimum of 3 months, possibly a year, and potentially will never get my CDL back. While I have other job skills, I will not find anything that pays me what I make as a driver. And I do not get paid for my time off.

What happened was I was just driving down the highway, about 5 miles from my pick up, and all of a sudden I got really light-headed and a vertigo feeling, and then my left side went numb, starting with my face but progressing all the way down my arm and leg. I guess I'm very lucky I didn't pass out and wreck. When I got to my pick up point I started making phone calls to my dispatcher , my doctor, etc. Apparently I should have immediately called 911 and went to the hospital. Swift sent a driver over to cover my load, and I rode the 90 minutes back to Topeka with him, and after he dropped the load off, he dropped me off at my house. Went to see the doctor the next day. The numbness wore off after about an hour, and I felt fine after that. Still feel fine, but I understand that a TIA is a warning signal, and a full stroke could be next.

I don't know if they will roto-rooter my arteries, or put me on meds, or what. And I don't know if I can be cleared to go back to driving. I'm trying really hard not to panic, since I don't really have any information yet anyway, aside from I can't go back to work until the doctor's say so, and I have no money coming in in the meantime. I have a little bit in savings, can maybe squeak by 3 months on that, but anything longer and I'm screwed.

And just because I'm venting anyway, my boyfriend of 2 years up and moved out on me March 1st, with no warning. So its already tough because I went from a two income household to a one income household. And then 2 weeks later my best friend passed away, sudden heart attack. Well, they say bad things happen in three's, so I guess that's my three. I hope so anyway, cuz I'm at my limit. Close the problem buffet, my plate is full.

I'm sorry I don't have anything helpful to add to this thread, but I really hope things get better for you and the doctors are able to diagnose the problem so you can get on with your life. Limbo is a tough place to be, so just try to hang in there. Good luck